Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure offers a robust 2D fighting experience that stays faithful to the over-the-top spirit of Hirohiko Araki’s manga. Players can choose from 18 unique characters, each boasting distinct movesets inspired by their Stands or personal fighting style. From Jotaro’s powerful Star Platinum punches to Avdol’s strategic use of Magician’s Red, the roster encourages experimentation and mastery of individual abilities.

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The combat system blends traditional six-button fighting game mechanics with character-specific quirks, such as Stand-based attacks that can track opponents or deliver multi-hit combos. Special moves are executed with precise inputs, rewarding disciplined play, while more accessible “auto-Stand” commands allow newcomers to perform flashy attacks without memorizing complex commands. This balance makes Arcade Mode both welcoming to newcomers and challenging for hardcore fans.

Super Story Mode introduces an adventure-style twist on the typical fighting-game ladder, letting you fight as Jotaro Kujo and his allies across a series of narrative-driven battles. Each encounter is punctuated by brief interstitial scenes, voiced in Japanese with English subtitles, immersing players in the bizarre world of JoJo’s. The mode cleverly weaves setpiece fights—like the iconic Iggy versus Oingo duo—into the overarching quest against Dio Brando, adding variety beyond standard one-on-one bouts.

Despite its age, the game boasts tight controls and a responsive feel that holds up in local multiplayer. Button mapping is intuitive, and the ability to adjust difficulty levels in Arcade Mode caters to different skill levels. Whether you’re chasing perfect combos in training mode or duking it out with a friend on the couch, the core gameplay loop remains deeply satisfying.

Graphics

Graphically, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure captures the bold, stylized artwork of the manga with vibrant sprite work and fluid animations. Each character sprite is meticulously detailed, from Joseph Joestar’s flamboyant scarf to Dio’s menacing grin, ensuring that fans of the source material will instantly recognize their favorite fighters. Stands appear as separate entities on-screen, giving battles an extra layer of visual dynamism.

The game’s backgrounds reflect the diverse locales of the story, from the misty streets of London to the eerie corridors of Dio’s mansion. Parallax scrolling and layered stage elements add depth to the 2D plane, creating a more immersive battleground. Environmental details—like flickering lamps or rustling trees—lend each stage its own atmosphere without distracting from the on-screen action.

Character animations are fluid, with each Stand-based attack accompanied by vibrant effects. Explosive impact frames and contrasting color palettes highlight special moves, ensuring they stand out during fast-paced exchanges. Even on the Dreamcast port—though missing Super Story Mode and a few fighters—the game maintains its visual fidelity, though load times are slightly longer compared to the arcade original.

While modern fighters boast 3D models and dynamic camera shifts, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure remains a showcase for the enduring appeal of sprite-based artistry. The game’s art direction feels like a living comic book, with bold outlines and expressive poses that mirror the punchy aesthetic of the source manga.

Story

The Super Story Mode serves as the game’s narrative backbone, distilling the third arc of the manga—Stardust Crusaders—into a concise, fight-driven adventure. You follow Jotaro Kujo’s quest to travel from Japan to Egypt in order to confront the immortal vampire Dio Brando, with each chapter punctuated by key battles against members of Dio’s Stand-using entourage.

Cutscenes between fights are presented in comic-book style panels, complete with punchy dialogue boxes and occasional full-screen illustrations. Although not as expansive as modern story-driven fighters, this approach effectively conveys the escalating stakes and colorful personalities of the Joestar group. The banter between characters, such as Polnareff’s flamboyant quips and Avdol’s calm wisdom, captures the camaraderie that defines the source material.

Fans of the anime and manga will appreciate the inclusion of critical plot beats—like the reveal of Dio’s world-altering powers and the emotional toll of losing allies along the way. Newcomers, however, may find the pacing brisk, as the game focuses primarily on setpiece fights rather than deep narrative exploration. Nonetheless, the story mode provides sufficient context to understand each villain’s motivations and the importance of defeating Dio to save the world.

Overall Experience

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure stands out as a uniquely flavored fighting game that combines Capcom’s arcade expertise with the eccentric charm of Araki’s universe. Its combination of tight mechanics, stylized graphics, and faithful storytelling make it a must-play for fans of classic 2D fighters and JoJo enthusiasts alike. The game’s emphasis on Stands brings fresh gameplay dynamics that still feel innovative decades later.

Local multiplayer sessions can quickly turn into marathon bouts of laughter and friendly rivalry, as players discover the most outrageous combos or stage hazards. The game’s nostalgia factor is high—complete with a rocking soundtrack that recalls ’90s arcade halls—yet it remains competitive enough to hold up in casual fighting-game circles. For those seeking a deeper solo adventure, Super Story Mode packs enough memorable moments to justify multiple playthroughs.

While lacking online matchmaking—understandable given its era—the title’s enduring community and arcade legacy ensure that players can find resources, combo guides, and fan-made tournaments to keep the experience fresh. The Dreamcast port offers an alternative for collectors, though the arcade original remains the definitive version due to its full roster and complete story mode.

In summary, Capcom’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure delivers an engaging package of intense battles, striking visuals, and the unmistakable flair of its manga roots. It’s a compelling pick for anyone intrigued by the fusion of Stand-powered combat and classic fighting-game design, ensuring that every match feels like a page taken directly from the manga’s most bizarre and thrilling moments.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10