Release Date: February 7, 2014
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Price: $15
Developer: Necrophone Games (
@Beetlenaut), published by Adult Swim Games
Homepage:
necrophonegames.com/jazzpunk (for DRM-free version + Steam key)
STEAM page
GOG Offer for $11,99 (Steam will have the same launch week discount)
What the foxtrot is this?
Why, a new comedy adventure for your videographic terminal!
Yes, but what kind of comedy?
The devs cite movies like Naked Gun, Airplane and Hot Shots as sources of inspiration. Anyway, it's pretty dumb. You'll know if it's for you.
VHS footage
Jazzpunks are GO
Teaser 1 (wtf)
Teaser 2
Giantbomb Quick Look
PAX 2013 Demo
Reviews:
PC Gamer - 92 said:
That Jazzpunk so frequently caused me to laugh is a sign that it's a great comedy. That, days later, I'm still desperately fighting the urge to blurt out its best moments is a sign that it's a remarkable, unique and lasting one too.
(Full Review)
Edge - 9 said:
Gaming, however, is a far broader church, and it’s some achievement that Necrophone’s game spans so many locations, styles, genres and eras with barely a single gag failing to hit the mark. Games are so rarely funny by design, but Jazzpunk is much more than a funny videogame. It’s a comedy, and one that wouldn’t be possible – or anywhere near as powerful – in any other medium.
(Full Review)
Polygon - 8 said:
The experience of Jazzpunk is funny in a way few games are — probably because Jazzpunk, unlike most of its contemporaries, doesn't force its player to hear, see or get every joke. Many are subtle, most can be missed altogether. There's no death in the game, and no punishment for playing incorrectly, so jokes are never repeated, diminishing with each delivery.
(Full Review)
The Escapist - 4/5 said:
Jazzpunk overall is kind of a mixed bag - but it's a good bag. The kind of things you find in the bag are good things. There aren't any bad things in the bag, but not everything in the bag is great. You'll have fun playing the game, I can guarantee that, but what the game can't guarantee is that you'll be immersed and engaged. The fantastically stylistic world, the humor, and the goofy story, though, ultimately triumph over the somewhat shallow story and slow gameplay.
(Full Review)
Rev3Games - 4/5 said:
My biggest complaint is how abruptly it ends. I suppose that's a testament to just how compelling it is, so if that's the biggest complaint I have, then I'd say the game's mission is accomplished. [...] So there it is, Jazzpunk, one of the weirdest and funniest games I've had the pleasure of playing.
(Full Review)
Destructoid - 7 said:
As cute as some of these jokes may be, Jazzpunk also dabbles in the macabre and sexual arena, with activities like microwaving live pigeons, or close encounters with robot sex workers. Sometimes it's a bit too much coming at you rapid fire, but there's a cohesive sense of style to Jazzpunk, including some hints of noir, juxtaposed to cool neon effects and unique animations.
(Full Review)
IGN - 7 said:
But the wonder of Jazzpunk is that it did make me laugh, and laugh often. Developers Luis Hernandez and Jess Brouse are right: that's something that happens all too rarely in an industry where comic relief usually comes from the mouths of fantasy dwarves, or worse, glitches in games like Skyrim and Battlefield 4. Why so serious, Jazzpunk asks us, and it's another piece of proof that we don't really have a satisfying answer.
(Full Review)
Closing Comment:
I've been looking forward to this game for a while now. We don't see many games attempting to do comedy, and this seems hilarious, smart, stylish, dumb and a whole lot of other things, with a great soundtrack to boot. It reminds me of the fever-dreamish games by Blendo with its no-questions-asked attitude. The Quick Look had me laughing throughout, and even if it's supposed to be a bit on the shorter side (not a problem for me, personally), the density of jokes will make up for that, I'm sure. Exploring pays off big time in this game. Can't wait for tomorrow.
