If 2023 has taught us anything, it's that heroism can take many forms... even the kind that involves stealing experimental jetpacks from top-secret laboratories. Welcome to Jetpack Joyride, where you fly, dodge and collect like there's no tomorrow, all while being guided by Barry Steakfries - the most charming (and strangely hungry) man with a jetpack you will ever meet. Buckle up for this fun-fueled adventure that's been surprisingly graphic on the PS4 since 2016.
In Jetpack Joyride, your mission is as simple as explaining to your grandma how to use an iPhone - you just tap. Seriously, one touch is all it takes! Barry will blast off like he's trying to escape dinner at a family gathering and the jetpack propels him into a world full of coins and hazards. The objective? Go the distance, collect those shiny coins, avoid unfortunate encounters with zappers, missiles, and laser beams (Oh My!). Each time you hit something, Barry has a dramatic, cartoonish fall before that sad realization of 'Yes, I did just die over a laser beam'. As you zoom through the lab, you'll encounter coin-collecting Spin Tokens that can be exchanged for delightful surprises in the end-of-run slot machine. It's kind of like the lottery except without the guilt of blowing your savings. Along the way, feel free to ride some cool vehicles like Mr. Cuddles, the dragon-shaped flying device, or pilot the insane "Bad As Hog" motorcycle. Trust me, it's a wild ride, perfect for living out your childhood fantasy of cruising on a magical item that probably doesn't meet safety regulations. Missions peppered throughout the gameplay add another layer where you can perform tricks that range from 'high-fiving scientists' to 'avoiding coins.' It's these bizarre but fun objectives that keep you coming back for those 'just one more try' moments. You can also deck out Barry in numerous outfits, which is great because who wouldn't want to wear a snazzy hat while dodging death traps?
What do you get when you combine vibrant colors, smooth animations, and whimsical designs with an eccentric feel? Jetpack Joyride's charm! The graphics are nothing but a visual delight - bright, fun, and cartoonish. It consistently looks fantastic on the PS4, giving you that slightly nostalgic touch due to its mobile origins that somehow feel utterly fresh on a big screen. It's like taking a childhood cartoon and setting it to 4K resolution while leaving in the goofy spirit. The animations are dynamic enough to keep your interest while not so intense that they leave you exhausted. Each explosion, fall, and zapping moment pops like confetti on an experience that's meant to be light-hearted.
To sum it all up, Jetpack Joyride is an endearing and hilariously fun endless runner that will inject you with a dose of joy while simultaneously inviting you to dodge death left and right. Every game time becomes an opportunity for advancement, and truth be told, whether you just want to kill time or seriously aim for high scores, it checks all the boxes'... and then some! While it may not revolutionize the genre, it's a delightful escapade filled with enough gameplay variety to keep you entertained. Perfect for quick play sessions between your binge-watching marathons. So strap on those jetpacks and go steal some coins from those unsuspecting scientists - jetpackin' just became the new cardio. 8.5/10 - a solid flight to remember!