Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this is a fighting game featuring hand-to-hand combat. The violence isn't that graphic because there is no blood and bodies disappear after falling to the ground. Parents should also know players will be treated to ten different "drop zone" cinematic sequences that quickly teleport Griffin and the enemy to another spot on earth -- and Griffin leaves the baddie in a comprising situation before zapping back to the present location. For example, the short video clip may show the enemy left in the middle of a frozen tundra, falling from a cliff, or about to be crushed in a garbage dump's car compacter. The dire end is not shown, just implied. While curse words can be heard, they aren't spoken very often.
Families can talk about video games based on movies. Are they just well-timed merchandising opportunities? Or can these games stand on their own merits? Can you think of any examples of movie-based games done right, and if so, what made them work? Why do you think game companies release games with glitches?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Marc Saltzman
Based on the Twentieth Century Fox sci-fi flick released the same week, JUMPER: GRIFFIN'S STORY is a boring brawler that feels like a shameless marketing tool for the film. The game stars Griffin, a secondary character in the movie played by Jamie Bell (who also lends his voice to this game), rather than the lead protagonist, David, played by Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode II and Star Wars: Episode III). As told by an introductory animated sequence, Griffin is a Jumper -- someone with a genetic anomaly that enables them to teleport anywhere on the planet -- who vows revenge on Paladins, a secret organization at war with Jumpers, and directly responsible for the murder of Griffin's parents.
Played from a third-person perspective, this linear fighting game has you, as Griffin, exchange blows with Paladins, which unlocks the next part of the level to repeat the process. The game aims to be unique by introducing Griffin's jumping ability while fighting, which means you can quickly teleport to different sides of the enemy in a flash by pressing one of the main A, B, X and Y buttons on the controller (for the Xbox 360 version). In order to maximize damage, you're supposed to attack from the enemy's most vulnerable side based on the color shown under them (example: green is better than red). Despite some tougher "boss" fighters, though, you can get by with simple "button mashing" by pressing random buttons quickly and executing combos.
Even with this teleportation spin, the game is a derivative fighter that looks as bad as it plays. Not only are the graphics below par compared to today's video games, but technical glitches mean half of Griffin's body will get stuck in a wall or the camera will be temporarily positioned behind the wall Griffin is fighting near, so you can't see who you're brawling against. Because of its simplistic gameplay, unattractive graphics and technical glitches, Jumper: Griffin's Story should be overlooked at your local game store – even for fans of the film.
For better teen fighting games, turn to Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution or Heavenly Sword.
Rate It!
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ViolenceIt's a hand-to-hand fighting game with some weapons, but there is no blood. Griffin can also teleport to another location and leave an enemy there to perish. |
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LanguageA few times you can hear words such as "hell" and "damn," usually in the story sequence. |
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Social BehaviorIt's a game about fighting. |
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CommercialismIt's based on the feature film, Jumper, but there is no visible advertising in the game. |
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