Jazz: Trump's Journey - Review

'JAZZ: Trump's Journey'

Android/IOS: Free (Full - $4USD)
PC MAC Steam PSN Vita
Developer: Bulkypix

Jazz: Trump's journey is a well composed playable history lesson based on the birth of jazz music. Set in the early 20's this sidescroller showcases arguably some of the tightest platformer controls I have used on a touchscreen device. They are precise, un-cumbersome and not a single time did I accidentally click up or down instead of left or right. This is because the 'up and down' controls only ever appear when you are climbing a ladder or when moving in those directions is actually possible.

Trump's setting is mystical with graphics to boot and controls like you were born playing.

It isn't long before you are thoroughly immersed in early 20th century charm complete with brick backdrops, window shutters and classy bowler hats. The intended theme is very well thought out and doesn't fail to capture attention. The sassy swing of jazz keeps you tapping your heel as you progress the story. You play as Trump, dressed in a slick tuxedo and red bow tie ripped straight out of the 20's. He wants to pull together a band and so far all he has is a trumpet player. Progressing through the stages you will find different types of musicians who will join your band, although they serve no mechanical purpose to the game, they are a nice touch that really drives you through to the end.

Charming visuals accompany the theme and breath air into a genre that's becoming stale on touch devices.

As you jump around solving puzzles by grabbing crates to reach higher places and bumping switches, you need to make good use of your time-altering trumpet. With the trumpet you can pause moving objects and use them to get across deep gaps or freeze time to navigate tricky obstacles. In each level there are 80 musical notes to collect which guide you through to the exit. There are also 10 hidden snapshots to find and collect, they are hidden away under ledges and inside secret indents in the walls. Not only do some of these collectibles test your platforming confidence they also provide real satisfaction if you manage to get 100% by the exit door.

The level design is top shelf and never just lets you simply pass-go and collect your reward. Several times even early stages I had to stop and think. Even though it was only for a moment the fact that the design of the stages was unpredictable so early is rare these days. It seems there are a whole slew of puzzle-platformer downloadable games coming out now, it can be tough to strike gold. It is unfortunate that so many of them are merely generic shovel-ware with the same characters and cookie-cutter level layouts as one another; Trump's Journey works.

Swing across gaps and jump up walls as you gather musicians for your 1920's Jazz band.

The graphical flare that this title has is some of the most original on the downloadable marketplace. Although a lot of black is used, it is used effectively. Walls are left black and contrast effectively against the paint-brush backgrounds and musical themed objects. The suit 'n' tie trumpet playing narrator pops up between stages and continues telling the tale; this accompanied by the silent-era film flicker around the screen enforces the sense you are re-living a story. The hub world is set up like an old musical theater having you spawn into the backstage area, from here doors lead to the different levels in the game, reminiscent of braid stage selection.

Although some sections of the game are difficult, checkpoints are very regular so you won't really ever be shot in the foot for taking risks. Lives are unlimited and there are no game overs, however if you paused time and arranged a crate then missed a jump, upon dying the screen is reset. Not the most painful penalty but slightly inconvenient nonetheless. Thankfully though once you grab a collectible its yours forever, you don't need to go back. Most enemies are destroyed by super-mario style head hopping which is especially destructive if you pause time, some enemies are unaffected by your trumpet and require more thought.

Jazz: Trump's Journey is riddled with engaging level design with time-pausing puzzles and brain bending originality.

Overall JAZZ Trump's Journey really is an experience, not only does the overall theme breathe life but the controls, the swish soundtrack and the graphical charm all work in harmony. What you end up with is a tightly wound clockwork of moments all bringing an enjoyable game to the stage. Great for long plays as the gameplay is compelling and non-repetitive. Also highly suitable for casual gamers to chip a little into at the bus stop; the levels are plagued with checkpoints so there's little excuse to give up and avoid that just-one-more-bite temptation.

'8/10'

- Alexander Bruce

JAZZ: Trump's Journey trailer: