J-Stars Victory vs Plus

Ever since the earliest anime creations such as the 1963 introduction of Astro Boy, there has been a loyal fan base for this form of media, with Japan being at the epicentre of all things anime. While shows such as Dragonball, Naruto, One Piece and other beloved mainstream anime franchises dominate the forefront of our minds when we talk about this form of media, the fact is that there are thousands of very well made and modestly popular anime titles that don’t get cast in the spotlight. Within J-Stars Victory vs Plus, a PSP Vita version of the full console title, you get a chance to see behind the curtain and play as some of animes hidden gems in a game that offers a really tight handheld brawling experience.

This title plays rather like the Dragonball-Z Budokai games, somewhat like the 2D retro fighters like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Tekken. Although players will probably find most similarities between this game and cross over fighting game Jump Force with its diverse list of anime characters from various franchises aiming to replicate the success of this AAA title.

Loosely Tied Together

The story within this title is bare-bones to say the least. Due to the overlapping IPs that you’ll find in this title, it seems that the writers had a real challenge on their hands making these characters have enough beef with each other to want a full-on fight to the death. They manage to achieve it well enough to merit a campaign mode and you’ll find yourself more curious about how the writer managed to piece a story together at all. What we are saying is that although it shouldn’t work, it does.

The story isn’t the key feature of this game however, it’s the combat. On that front we have to say that the developers nail it. The characters on offer have very diverse move sets, combos and special attacks that all seem relevant to the character they belong to. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing a beloved character get given a bog-standard and generic move set but to this game’s credit, this never seems to occur.

Room To Breathe

The environments on offer also really suit the combat that the game is trying to deliver as well. These areas of combat are expansive, allowing for large scale battles with multiple team members. Picture Tekken Tag Team Tournament but instead of tagging fighters in, it’s a no holds barred free for all. It works fantastically and considering the limitations that a handheld system can provide, it’s handled fantastically.

One weird aspect of this one that goes against a lot of titles in the genre is the ebb and flow of battle. While most anime fighting games will see a non-stop barrage of attacks being thrown from either side, this game encourages you to pick your moments wisely. Attack too much and your opponent gains the momentum but attack too little and your opponent can build up enough of their special bar to hit you with an ultimate attack. It’s a fine line that the player must learn to walk and although it’s not in keeping with the other games in the genre, that’s not to say it isn’t a good approach.

The only downside when comparing this game to its console predecessor is that the visual quality has taken a beating. To translate this game to the PSP Vita’s hardware it’s clear that sacrifices had to be made and we can only assume that presentation took the biggest hit. It’s not the most horrible looking game in the world by any stretch and the characters are still very much recognisable. However, it’s something that returning players will immediately notice.

Throwaway Fun on The Go

Is this the deepest fighting game out there? Not at all. Is it the best fighting game produced for handheld consoles? Not even close but if you ask us if it’s fun then we have to concede, it has its moments. For a title that you can take on the go, there are plenty of content and fun battles to keep you interested for a while. In the end, you’ll probably forget this one not long after finishing it but that’s not to say it isn’t worth your time.

Pros

• Plenty of content to explore
• Spacious environments for team battles
• A large roster of notable characters

Cons

• The PSP Vita hardware doesn’t offer the same visual splendour of the console version
• The story mode narrative is mindless
• Battles can be quite slow paced

J-Stars Victory vs Plus is a crossover fighting game that features popular Weekly Shōnen Jump manga series characters such as Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and many more. Developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, J-Stars Victory vs Plus was released to celebrate Weekly Shōnen Jump's 45th anniversary. The game was initially released in Japan in 2014 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita and was later re-released for western territories as J-Stars Victory VS+ for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the game and see if it lives up to its hype.

Gameplay

J-Stars Victory vs Plus is a fast-paced fighting game that is easy to pick up and play. The game's mechanics are simple, with players controlling a single character and battling against an opponent in a 2D arena. The game features a wide variety of characters, each with their unique set of moves and special attacks.

One of the game's most notable features is the ability to switch between characters during battle. This allows players to strategically plan their attacks and utilize different characters' abilities to their advantage. In addition, the game features a tag team mode that allows players to team up with a friend and take on other teams.

The game's controls are smooth and responsive, with each character feeling unique and distinct. The game also features a leveling system that allows players to upgrade their characters' abilities and stats, adding a layer of depth to the game's mechanics.

Storyline

J-Stars Victory vs Plus does not have a traditional story mode but instead features a campaign mode that consists of battles against various opponents. The game's campaign mode is split into four arcs, each with their unique set of battles and challenges.

The lack of a traditional story mode may disappoint some players, but the game makes up for it with its entertaining battles and diverse cast of characters.

Comparison to Similar Games:

J-Stars Victory vs Plus is a crossover fighting game that can be compared to other games in the genre, such as Super Smash Bros. and Marvel Vs. Capcom. Like Super Smash Bros., J-Stars Victory vs Plus features a large roster of characters from different franchises, each with their unique set of moves and abilities. However, J-Stars Victory vs Plus has a more limited stage selection compared to Super Smash Bros.

Review: 7.5/10

J-Stars Victory vs Plus is a fun and entertaining crossover fighting game that features a wide variety of characters from popular Weekly Shōnen Jump manga series. The game's smooth and responsive controls, tag team mode, and entertaining battles make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. However, the game's limited stage selection and lack of traditional story mode may turn off some players.

Pros:

• Wide variety of characters from popular manga series
• Smooth and responsive controls
• Tag team mode adds an extra layer of strategy to battles
• Fun and entertaining battles

Cons:

• Limited stage selection
• Lack of traditional story mode
• Campaign mode can feel repetitive at times