For a first look the game’s pretty decent. The graphics and sound seem to be coming together nicely and it’s obvious they have a lot of tweaking to still do on the gameplay and the levels (for example incorporating some type of pick ups and or points/time per level). From some indicators in the game it looks like you’ll collect cash as some special challenges talk about the readers not wanting to see something and so if you manage it you’ll get a cash bonus.

The writing is decent as well but at times the dialogs just make you want to groan which does fit in a couple of the genres but sometimes seems too over the top.

The controls could also use some further tweaking. There’s one button for jumping and sliding but it seems to randomly determine what it is you will do when you push it. Also, you can’t move and shoot while hanging from something. Sure it’s logical since you’re holding on with one hand, but it makes certain areas almost impossible because you also only have one track to follow while doing so. There’s a very on-rails feel to the game which makes sense since it’s a side-scroller, but it could certainly use some further variation in the gameplay and dynamics.

There’s twelve levels which should be ample gameplay time but right now I’m not exactly sure how cool the game is going to be. Sure, the art is great and it’s a central focus of the title, but if the gameplay is sort of lacking then it’s going to be a failure. I think Twisted Pixel needs to go back and look at what made Splosion Man so popular and try to incorporate more of that into Comic Jumper. The game and the fans will certainly be better off. I’m not saying they should remake Splosion Man in this title, just make it more...fun.

The screenshots represent all four art styles.