Difference in Opinion

Johnny and the crew show up in force for another spawn of the Jackass empire. It seems like it would only be a matter of time before there was a game that allowed for gamers to step into the roll of their favorite pranksters and wreak havoc. A nice blend of the stunts and antics from the Jackass show and a gameplay style that can be found in early editions of the Tony Hawk series, this game offers some unique and nostalgic enjoyment.

I suppose I am as much a Jackass fan as the next person. I have seen both movies, watched some of the show, and like most people, can’t turn away from most of the torture that they put themselves through. This game offers 35 single player stunts, some of which you will remember from the show, others which could only be imagined in a virtual environment. You will find yourself racing with pogo sticks across roofs one second, and navigating down alligator infested sewers the next. The originality of the stunts is rather impressive, and adds much more to the game.

After loading up the first stunt, and seeing the format and the pace of the game, I got nostalgic high. Various objectives are listed for you to achieve. You could do the stunt over and over trying for certain one and leaving the others along. It reminded me of Tony Hawk 1-3, all of which I was a big fan. I loved playing the first stunt and trying to roll down a hill within a certain time, replaying it trying to rack up a lot of injuries, then again trying to hit objects on my way down. Perhaps I am too objective based, but I like to have a list of things I need to achieve, then devote time to each until I get them accomplished. I don’t see that in enough games anymore.

There are some other features in the game that expand its enjoyability. You can save replays of stunts, throw them together into your own Jackass episode, then place it online for others to download and rate. That seems very progressive for a PSP and PS2 game. By completing goals, you can unlock episodes and behind the scenes videos of the Jackass cast for you to watch. Whenever you get tired of simulated pain, those videos can bring you back to earth.

I was happy to play another objective based game, and I think it did the Jackass franchise justice. With a reasonable price tag ($30 for PS2, PSP or DS version), I think this game offers a lot of bang-for-the-buck. Have some friends over, throw it in your PS2 or PS3 and take turns mauling your bodies up to pass objectives.

Final Score
Gameplay: 7 out of 10
Graphics: 5 out of 10