 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Jumper: Griffin's Story
- Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2
- Price: $39.99+
- Genre: Fighting
Common Sense Media says
Gamers should "jump" away from this bad brawler.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
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.
What's it about?
Based on the Jumper movie, 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 introduces 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.
Is it any good?
Even with its 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.
What families can talk about
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?
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| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Fighting |
| Developer: | Brash Entertainment |
| Release date: | February 14, 2008 |
| Price: | $39.99+ |
| ESRB rating: | T for Mild Language, Violence |
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