Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jump Superstars delivers fast-paced 2D fighting action built around a simple yet deep core: knock your opponent out of the arena or complete mission-specific objectives under time pressure. Standard one-on-one bouts feel punchy and responsive, with each character boasting unique special moves inspired by their manga and anime origins. From Goku’s Kamehameha to Naruto’s Shadow Clone jutsu, every attack reflects the source material and provides instant fan-service satisfaction.

Controls are intuitive—use the D-pad to move, face buttons to jump, block, and execute three different attack strengths. What really sets the game apart is its “koma deck” system on the DS’s lower touchscreen. Players assemble a comic-page layout of battle, help, and support panels. Tapping these panels mid-fight unleashes additional effects such as support characters appearing, health boosts, or specialized attacks that can turn the tide of battle.

The mission mode adds surprising variety beyond standard knock-out fights. Some missions task you with performing 20 timed kicks on a training dummy, while others require juggling secondary tasks—like protecting an ally or collecting scattered items—amidst combat. These unique challenges break up the arcade-style bouts and encourage experimentation with different character-deck combinations.

Jump Superstars also shines in local multiplayer. The four-player single-cartridge mode allows up to four DS systems to connect, albeit with limited characters and decks for the guests. When each player brings their own cartridge, you unlock your personal roster and customized koma setups, making multiplayer sessions more strategic and personalized. Whether you’re battling friends casually or diving into deck-building duels, the wireless functionality keeps matches smooth and engaging.

Graphics

On the upper screen, Jump Superstars flaunts crisp 2D sprites that faithfully capture each character’s signature look. Animations are fluid, with special moves accompanied by flashy effects—energy trails, impact shocks, and expressive facial reactions—giving each attack real weight and personality. Despite the DS’s hardware limits, character art remains vibrant and detailed.

Stage backgrounds draw from iconic locations across multiple series—from the desert wastelands of “Dragon Ball” to the rooftops of “Naruto.” Though largely static, subtle animations like drifting clouds or flickering lights keep arenas from feeling lifeless. The color palettes are bold and varied, ensuring each fight stands out visually.

The touchscreen interface doubles as an interactive manga page, complete with speech bubbles and panel borders. This design choice enhances immersion, making you feel like you’re directing your own crossover comic. Menu icons and deck-building screens continue the anime motif, striking a balance between style and functionality without cluttering the action.

Story

Jump Superstars doesn’t follow a traditional narrative campaign; instead, it emphasizes episodic showdowns framed as manga panels. Each mission begins with a brief text setup—rescue a teammate, defeat foes under special conditions, or survive waves of enemies—providing just enough context to motivate the challenge without bogging down the pace.

Between matches, characters exchange banter in speech bubbles, offering quick quips and rival taunts. While these short interactions won’t satisfy players seeking a deep storyline, they do a fine job of reinforcing each character’s personality and their relationships within the Jump multiverse. Fans will enjoy seeing Luffy tease Ichigo, or Light Yagami clash ideologically with Gon Freecss.

Ultimately, the “story” of Jump Superstars is the dream matchups it creates. There’s a genuine thrill in pitting Sailor Moon against Kenshin Himura or team-ups like Vegeta and Hit from Dragon Ball facing off against the Soul Reapers of Bleach. Without a linear plot, the game invites you to craft your own crossover adventures, making each battle feel fresh and unpredictable.

Overall Experience

Jump Superstars is a love letter to Shonen Jump fans and a surprisingly robust fighting game for the Nintendo DS. Its accessible controls let newcomers jump in quickly, while the strategic depth of character-specific moves and the koma deck system will keep competitive players hooked. The varied mission challenges add more flavor than a typical arcade fighter, ensuring you’re never stuck in repetitive one-on-one bouts.

Graphically, the game maximizes the DS’s dual screens, using the upper display for crisp combat and the lower for dynamic, manga-inspired deck management. Occasional frame dips appear when multiple effects and support summons fill the screen, but they’re never severe enough to derail the action. The sound design, featuring punchy effects and character voice clips, further reinforces the anime atmosphere.

Local multiplayer brings out the game’s full potential. Even with a single cartridge, you can host four-player brawls—an impressive feat on handheld hardware. Multi-cart sessions, however, unlock each player’s custom roster and decks, elevating the competitive stakes. Whether you’re a casual fan wanting to see your favorite heroes clash or a fighting-game enthusiast seeking depth in your portable library, Jump Superstars delivers an engaging, high-replay experience.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10