Jumanji: The Curse Returns

Recreational puzzle game inspired by the popular film series started in 1995 with the movie starring Robin Williams. JUMANJI: The Curse Returns was created by Marmalade Game Studio Ltd, experienced in creating such simple family games.

Plot

The story featured in the game serves as a background for the gameplay on the Jumanji board. A sinister jungle has escaped from the magical board game, growing with time and gradually occupying successive parts of the city. As a player/players we have to stop it by reaching the end of the route and closing Jumanji.

Mechanics

The gameplay of JUMANJI is divided into two phases: moving our pawn along the board route and clashes with opponents taking place on separate stages. The number of places, which our pawn will overcome, is determined by throwing a virtual dice. Passing over some fields we can be stopped by jungle creepers, holding the character in place until we get rid of them. Our companions (other players or AI) can help us, so teamwork is very important during the game.

During the game we collect various items to deal with enemies. If we find ourselves on the field that takes us to the screen of fight with opponents, such as crocodiles or piranhas, we defeat them using found bricks, boards or ropes. Each round has a time limit, after which the game ends. To support ourselves in duels, we can use special skills and enhancers. If we choose them well and use in the right moment, we can win the fight with just one move. The battles take place in special locations, among which there are many places known from the movies, such as Shoe Company or Sir Sav-A-Lot. Some of the places also contain puzzles, requiring to overcome certain obstacles in a specific way.

All the time we have to watch out for the threat of extremely nasty monkeys, sabotaging and slowing down our expedition, and the hunter Van Pelt, relentless in his pursuit of the target (which can be anyone in the game).

Game modes

JUMANJI: The Curse Returns can be played solo or in online co-op mode with up to four players. If we decide to play alone, the game will automatically create 3 other characters and control them.

Technical aspects

The game offers very nice, plastic graphics kept in a slightly fairy-tale style. It is also rich in colourful lighting and particle effects.