- Jump King is out now on Android and iOS, bringing hardcore platforming action
- Take on levels of a progressively more difficult tower, with simple controls but complex challenges
- A lavishly pixelated fantasy world hides an irreverent tone
If you’ve been checking in on the site frequently (and why wouldn’t you?) you may have noticed the most recent review by Will Quick, who took a look at hardcore puzzling platformer Jump King. If this intriguing release had you gripped, you’ll be excited to know that it’s now in soft launch for both iOS and Android!
The setup for Jump King is as old as time itself (or video games at least). As you play the titular Jump King ascending an enormous tower with the promise of a “smoking hot babe” at the top. Not exactly Shakespeare but then Jump King isn’t exactly setting out to be a titan of interactive storytelling; instead, it’s all about the challenge, and boy is it challenging.
What it does have is a hardcore difficulty curve and simple but challenging controls. Move left and right then jump, simple right? Well, the complex and often treacherous levels you’ll have to navigate will put even the most hardcore platformer player to the test! With complex layouts and leaps of faith, your patience will be tested but perseverance is always rewarded when you hit that next jump.
Might as well jump
While Will did have his issues with the mobile port of Jump King (notably how it chooses to monetise) there’s still plenty to love here. If you’re a big fan of hardcore platformers like Super Meat Boy, enjoy some nice crunchy pixel art and a surprisingly visually appealing fantasy world then Jump King might be for you.
But if you’re looking for something a little more serious, and a little darker, but just as challenging you can also take a look at Blasphemous. This 2D hack ‘n slash eschews platforming in favour of Dark Souls-inspired Metroidvania combat, with challenging bosses and a thoroughly grim fantasy world to explore.
