Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jackie Chan Stuntmaster plunges players directly into the action from the very first level. Controlling Jackie Chan feels fluid and responsive, thanks to the variety of punches, kicks, and acrobatic maneuvers at your disposal. Whether you’re vaulting over obstacles, scaling walls, or engaging in combo attacks, the control scheme remains tight and intuitive, offering newcomers and veteran brawlers alike a satisfying depth of combat.

The game’s fifteen levels are spread across five distinct areas, each brimming with themed hazards and combat challenges. From cluttered back alleys to ornate rooftops, every zone introduces new enemy types and environmental traps that require you to adapt your tactics. The constant introduction of new goon variants—some armed with melee weapons, others with projectiles—keeps encounters fresh and encourages creative use of Jackie’s full move set.

Jackie’s signature stunts, including wall-running, cartwheel kicks, and Drunken Master Kung Fu techniques, are not mere visual flourishes but integral tools for overcoming foes. Successfully chaining together these moves is immensely rewarding, and the motion-captured authenticity makes each strike and dodge feel truly cinematic. Scattered objects such as chairs, brooms, and poles add a layer of improvisation to combat, allowing you to deliver movie-like finishers in the midst of a brawl.

Graphics

For its original PlayStation era release, Jackie Chan Stuntmaster pushes the hardware to deliver crisp character models and vibrant environments. Jackie himself is richly animated, with fluid motions that reflect the real-life kung fu master’s style. Facial expressions are simplistic by modern standards but remain expressive enough to convey the game’s lighthearted tone.

The level design shines with detailed backgrounds and dynamic elements. Broken crates, swinging lanterns, and destructible scenery not only look great but also serve gameplay purposes—falling debris can block paths or temporarily stun enemies. The five themed areas each sport a unique palette, from the muted grays of industrial yards to the warm reds and golds of ancient temples.

Special effects, such as sparks flying when metal collides and dust clouds from powerful kicks, heighten the immersion. While the frame rate occasionally dips during large-scale fights, it seldom hampers the overall experience. The visuals manage to deliver a small-screen blockbuster feeling, evoking the energy of Jackie Chan’s on-screen stunts.

Story

The narrative premise is straightforward yet effective: Jackie’s beloved grandfather has been kidnapped, and the only way to secure his release is to deliver a mysterious package to an undisclosed location. This simple setup provides a constant sense of urgency, driving you through each level with purpose rather than as a series of disconnected fights.

Though the plot is not deep, it’s peppered with light humor and cinematic moments that fans of Jackie Chan movies will appreciate. Short in-engine cutscenes bookend key levels, offering glimpses of Jackie’s unwavering determination and the occasional comedic mishap. These story beats keep momentum high without overstaying their welcome.

Environmental storytelling also plays a part: graffiti on walls, overheard NPC chatter, and cluttered backdrops hint at the kidnappers’ motives and the world Jackie must traverse. While it doesn’t rival narrative-driven blockbusters, the story in Jackie Chan Stuntmaster is enough to contextualize your fight scenes and give each victory a satisfying payoff.

Overall Experience

Jackie Chan Stuntmaster delivers a punchy, arcade-style beat ’em up experience that remains engaging from start to finish. Its manageable length ensures there’s rarely a dull moment, and the five distinct areas provide enough visual and mechanical variety to prevent repetition. Fans of action games and martial arts cinema will find much to love in its blend of fast-paced combat and comedic flair.

Replay value is bolstered by the search for secret items and hidden pathways in each level. Pulling off flawless runs or discovering alternate routes through stages adds an extra challenge for completionists. The health pick-ups—ranging from milk bottles to Chinese take-out—are cleverly integrated and encourage exploration, ensuring you keep on your toes rather than blasting through every encounter.

Ultimately, Jackie Chan Stuntmaster stands as a testament to its eponymous star’s charisma and martial arts prowess. It may not sport a sprawling storyline or photo-realistic graphics, but its authentic kung fu gameplay, dynamic level design, and playful homage to classic Jackie Chan stunts make it a compelling pick-up for anyone seeking engaging action on a retro console.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10