Jetboard Joust-Next Generation Retro Review (Steam)

by Jim Smale · October 26, 2020

Jetboard Joust

Fast & fluid arcade-style SHMUP meets hardcore modern roguelike! Take flight on a lethal, pimped-up jetboard, darting through the skies and blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of extreme weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. An arcade classic for the next generation!

Pros:

Beautiful pixel art graphics.
146mb download size.
Steam achievements.
Controller support.
A modern take on the classic game Defender.
Two control schemes-old school and new fangled.
Can rebind controls.
Online leaderboards.
Own in-game achievements.
Instructions-how to play text and images.
Five save slots.
Collect coins and diamonds to use in between rounds to upgrade/ buy weapons or use cash as a way to continue after a game over.
Treasure room-unlocks after you clear the level of enemies and triggers a randomized fight, beat it to get a key, and descend into the treasure room for rewards.
Every run is randomized.
Death-drop everything and game over but you can have your dropped cash show up next run.
Activate warp gated to travel levels faster.
Roguelike gameplay.
Minimap shows at the top of the screen.
A lot of cool pixellated flashes and bangs.
On-screen notifications and icons to help find loot and people.
Difficult.
Gameplay-aliens will attempt to grab people and take them to the top of the screen that turns them into huge aliens, you need to stop them.
Addictive.
Very easy to get into.
Combo counter.
Route-every level you beat will pop up a map whereby you choose your next destination.
Bullet hell elements.
Weapons will deteriorate over time and disappear.
Find pickups for ammo, shield replenish, and health.
Clear easy to read Hud.
Really good soundtrack.
Fast frantic shooter.
Feels really polished and solid.
Satisfying combat.
Boost-makes you invincible for a short time and can kill enemies by passing through them.