Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East (PS5) | REVIEW | A Bomb Collecting Puzzle Platformer

EastAsiaSoft's "Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East" is a scored based superhero focused experience where time is of the essence. In it you play as one of the two select characters as you fly your way in 2.5D platform filled arenas where bombs tick away with the time. The idea is to quickly collect all the bombs, and complete the level before any explode. Up against you are alien adversaries that shoot projectiles, and ping about making the collecting job all the more difficult. That, and the new modifier system will make each stage in each worldly themed location all the more challenging. 

Complete with scanlines, and screen shake toggles this indie sequel ups the ante with a new modifier system as well as new score and time based puzzle platforming challenges set in Eastern locales of historical importance. As the superhero it is effectively your job to diffuse the situation. You need to quickly collect all the bombs before any explode, and before they take out any historical monuments. 

This seemingly impossible feat is done using your attached jetpack which allows for upwards flying, slowed descent, and directional change/flight. That and the ability to crouch will be your go to options for completing the tasks at hand. While you have the tools to manage the missions you will need to mind the resident enemies which will take a way one life upon hit. Ultimately using power-up items to aid with the enemy problem. That and the end stage modifiers tied to bomb activity, timing, and player performance will need to be minded for their requirements and the bonuses they bring if you are successful in your playthrough. Scoring high within the game can effectively win you top spot on the game's leaderboards.

Apart for the core gameplay loop involving a total of 61 stages there exists a practice mode for those 61 stages, and a Flight License challenge mode where pinpoint accuracy is a must. In the core mode of play gameplay is loosely monitored, and all that really matters is completing the collect-a-thon as quickly as possible without losing all your lives. By contrast the Flight License challenges are governed by a stricter timer, and a star rating system based on performance. In Flight Licenses you will need to follow the forecasted bomb collecting path perfectly and as quickly as humanly possible to achieve top ranking. You can also set the state of the bombs prior to starting to create further challenge therein.

The game also features a Trophies section detailing the actual PSN trophies you can earn all the way up to the platinum. This will add additional replay value to the game's already high replay value.

The Presentation ...

Visually, "Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East" looks like an upscaled PSOne era video game with a 2.5D polygonal presentation. It does feature the option for scanlines to add a bit of retro nostalgia to the mix. The stages therein each vary by design offering an increasing platform, and platformless series of stage based challenges across many different locations that harbor ancient monuments. 

The Verdict ...

Gameplay in "Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East" is a simple yet challenging affair. It's not overly complicated, but with the modifiers that effect the bombs, the countdown timer, and the player character it can end a perfect run. I think the added roguelike modifiers, the power-ups, the bomb collecting objective, and the scoring system make for a proper puzzle platformer. It is indie by design, but what it does it does well enough.