Jet Force Gemini

 Nintendo 64
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 96
  3. Negative: 3 out of 96
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  1. lokionicleE.
    May 25, 2007
    10
    Jet force gemini is a real game that uses cleverness with weapons and everything, the music is the best i've heard, and i actually turn the volume ALL the way up on my stereo, and the hardest part is the freakin' villagers, MAN!
  2. IIIJuno
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    A satisfying game, a truly well done 3rd person shooter. although game standards have gone up for graphics in recent years it shouldn't dampen your game play experience too much this remains in my top picks.
  3. Goldgeist
    Feb 8, 2013
    10
    Sin duda fue un grandioso juego, ah envejecido muy bien, lo recomierdo. Incluso es mucho mejor que muchos juegos de la actual generación.

    Buen control, excelentes jefes, muchos escenarios, multiplayer local muy bueno, EXCELENTES graficas
  4. dinosauryoshi
    Jul 1, 2014
    8
    I really enjoyed this game and all the characters in it. However it wasn't without it's flaws, namely collecting all the tribals felt like a real chore, the multiplayer wasn't much fun (except for co-op) and the controls felt far from perfect. besides all this however it's was a very engaging game and I think an underrated part of the N64 library.
  5. GamecubeLover
    Aug 6, 2016
    10
    This game...this game is an underrated gem..heh get it cause the name has gemini...well onto the review. I love the gameplay, graphics, story, and replay value.
  6. fyrstbiola
    Jun 5, 2020
    10
    This game blew my mind when i was a 9 year old kid! I had never experienced anything like it! Very underated imo.
  7. TOCHO1993
    Nov 11, 2020
    10
    Este juego está muy infravalorado. Hay muchísimas cosas que me encantan de este juego, desde la banda sonora, las mecánicas, el viajar por diversos planetas, la variedad de armas, la dificultad, todo eso para mi lo hace muy entretenido y siento que merece más reconocimiento. Sin duda uno de los mejores juegos de la N64.
  8. ThomL
    Mar 18, 2009
    5
    I felt I had to vote, lest someone is fooled into believeing this game is a classice based on a lot of nines and tens. I agree, it is a very good game, however, it is severely let down by the "tribal" rescue component. This sort of tedious "collection" based game play should never have been implemented. It basically ruins a great game. I knew a lot of people who owned this game, real I felt I had to vote, lest someone is fooled into believeing this game is a classice based on a lot of nines and tens. I agree, it is a very good game, however, it is severely let down by the "tribal" rescue component. This sort of tedious "collection" based game play should never have been implemented. It basically ruins a great game. I knew a lot of people who owned this game, real geeks too, and only one of them finished. In his words: "I did it, but no game should be this boring. Ever."… Expand
  9. SoulD.
    Jul 8, 2006
    10
    This is a great game and MUCH fun! I hope a remake for Nintendo is coming. I love the music and graphics and goofy story line.
  10. Mr.Chicken
    Sep 4, 2004
    9
    JFG is a blast once you get use to the controls.
  11. ZackO.
    Dec 4, 2003
    9
    Great game but too freakin long.
  12. Alex
    Feb 23, 2004
    10
    Fun, Fun, FUN!!!
  13. Gro-Ab-Shalk
    Oct 6, 2005
    10
    Great run-and-gun shooter, smooth action, clean graphics, great fun, great multi-player whether shootout or co-op.
  14. n64nes
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    Best game ever made in the universe!!!!
  15. [Anonymous]
    Apr 3, 2007
    10
    This game is surely a gem, I just bought it recently for only $7! I was surprised. :) Though, I played it before I just picked it up, a good 4 years ago (probably more), actually. It was just as awesome as I had remembered it. Really, well, in one word this game is: FUN.
  16. JAdyluvBlackluv
    Aug 29, 2004
    10
    I really like this game .... it's a great shootin' one.
  17. Shaun
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    Let me explain something... see, there's this little mentality in the reviewing world where you can't differ too much from other people's opinions due to marketing reasons, upper-level pressure, etc... Basically, what I mean is that the proffesional reviews of this game mean nothing. Since it is a game from Rare they have tried to pick out every little thing possible Let me explain something... see, there's this little mentality in the reviewing world where you can't differ too much from other people's opinions due to marketing reasons, upper-level pressure, etc... Basically, what I mean is that the proffesional reviews of this game mean nothing. Since it is a game from Rare they have tried to pick out every little thing possible because Rare is held to very high standards (unfairly in some cases, such as here). If this was a game from any other developer, its reviews would have been considerably better. With that being said, this game is an amazing fast paced little fireball of a fun thing. One of the biggest pluses that I think it gets bashed for is the difficulty. Unless you're a wimpy, whiney little newbie gamer who can't handle tough stuff, you should revel in the fact that this game is pretty difficult. At times, it's repetitive trying to capture all the tribals and certain other goals, but nothing so overwhelming that you will have to stop playing. It's so fun, the levels are so creative, the creatures are cool, and the splattering of alien guts is so well done, that this is in some ways a classic, and at worst a very very good game with some flaws. Long, hard, and fun... that's the way we like 'em :)… Expand
  18. G_Mackzy
    Nov 20, 2011
    8
    Classic game, if you own a Nintendo 64 still and are keen to kick back old school be sure to hit this up. Controls are a little iffy however if your playing on PC with an emulator.
  19. VentXekart
    Jan 24, 2011
    10
    My brother let me borrow this game and I loved it! This game has as much potential as Zelda: Ocarina Of Time and Goldeneye did in that period. I'm also surprised there isn't a sequel to it yet.
  20. TipsyMcBee
    Dec 26, 2011
    7
    Jet Force Gemini may not be the most memorable Rareware game on the N64, but it is one gem of a title with a really unique concept and completely different gameplay than what Rare does in most of their games. This at least shows that Rare weren't afraid to pull out a new IP to work on and release it to the public. I really like the exploration and playing as three different characters asJet Force Gemini may not be the most memorable Rareware game on the N64, but it is one gem of a title with a really unique concept and completely different gameplay than what Rare does in most of their games. This at least shows that Rare weren't afraid to pull out a new IP to work on and release it to the public. I really like the exploration and playing as three different characters as you progress further to the game, where each character had their own missions to accomplish in identical or different destinations. The music is also fantastic too which immediately dives you right into the experience. Though I like the originality of the game, I find the iffy controls difficult to maneuver at times whether you are aiming at your enemies. Aiming with those controls becomes something you need to practice a lot with if you want to defeat the tough bosses. Jet Force Gemini maybe a great 3rd person action adventure title to play through, though I would not consider it to be the best Rare game I had ever played.… Expand
  21. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    A masterpiece and one of the best games of all time. I love this game. A very underrated and underappreciated gem. The controls are amazing and its still odd that not a lot of other games have used its control scheme or gameplay style. This game is like Starship Troopers. So much fun!
  22. Siegfried_Noir
    Jun 23, 2012
    8
    "The Tribal quest... O God Why!" Now that that´s aside, one has to wonder why Is Jet Force Gemini not seen with better eyes. Huge areas, an impressive array of weaponry, intense smart shooting, and possibly the best soundtrack on the n64, the game is mad fun! Sure, there is details here and there with the graphics, a little bit of slowdown and some weird effects on the cutscenes, but"The Tribal quest... O God Why!" Now that that´s aside, one has to wonder why Is Jet Force Gemini not seen with better eyes. Huge areas, an impressive array of weaponry, intense smart shooting, and possibly the best soundtrack on the n64, the game is mad fun! Sure, there is details here and there with the graphics, a little bit of slowdown and some weird effects on the cutscenes, but it´s not enough to detriment the gameplay. If anything, the game feels sometimes like a rushed effort, but it is not buggy, nor ill planed. There is a HUGE cast of enemies, lots of tasks and the boss battles are thigh! There is even racing minigames inside the game!!! (I also want a sequel, curses!) Just... don´t bother with the multiplayer, pop in Golden Eye instead for multiplayer goodness!… Expand
  23. zeta204
    Aug 16, 2012
    8
    Could Rare do any wrong on the N64? They were killing it with their releases. Jet Force Gemini is a very unique game, with a decent plot to boot. The controls may be a little hard to get used to, but once you do, this game is a source of infinite fun.
  24. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  25. Kinghenry8
    Feb 28, 2016
    9
    When I beat jet force Gemini in the summer of 2015 it was my crowning victory . It felt like all my life had led to that point. The game is fantastic in my opinion you will play games like Uncharted, Last of us or Gears of War and they all have a similar feel to it. BUT Jet Force Gemini is a unique game it is a third person shooter space exploration odyssey. The only minor thing I dislikeWhen I beat jet force Gemini in the summer of 2015 it was my crowning victory . It felt like all my life had led to that point. The game is fantastic in my opinion you will play games like Uncharted, Last of us or Gears of War and they all have a similar feel to it. BUT Jet Force Gemini is a unique game it is a third person shooter space exploration odyssey. The only minor thing I dislike is the tribal collection, games during this era had a lot of collection like jack and daxter had the precursor collecting. Anyway if you want a unique game that will revitalize you interest in gaming play Jet Force Gemini you will not regret it. But it is not for the faint of heart as it will require you to read walk-through. Nonetheless it is a very rewarding game. I could not beat it during my childhood but once I reached adulthood I beat it in a snap! The most fun I had with this game is going to other worlds and seeing the different planets. The game has a variety of colors ranging from dark moody and dull to bright and colorful environments. The music in this game is also very good. The reason is because the music matches the environment. If you are in a creepy spooky place the music will sound dark and spooky. However if you are in a place that is cheery and bright the music will reinvigorate you and bring you up to speed. The game is not too difficult in my opinion the bosses just require that you keep preserving and eventually you will beat it. I would not say that this game is as hard as demons souls or dark souls. It is a bit easier than that but do not let your guard down as the enemies are no pushovers. In the end the game does a lot of things right but as I mentioned before the tribal collection can be a bit repetitive. I always felt that the tribal exploration was always one of the biggest weakness of jet force Gemini but now I realize it is probably one of its strongest. For example, once you are looking for tribals you will actually look at the map more closely and admire the architecture and landscapes of the games. I think one of the main problems with gaming now is that modern gaming does not let you explore or absorb your environment it keeps rushing you to the next level. But Jet Force Gemini encourages you to explore and digest you environment. After over 15 years I am proud to say that I joined the proud hero's who have beat Jet Force Gemini.… Expand
  26. thealexmott
    Mar 27, 2017
    6
    I really wanted to love this game. It's a perfect example of a love-it-or-hate-it title. There was simply nothing about the gameplay that I ended up enjoying. Watch some gameplay videos for a while and figure out if it appeals to you!
  27. BionyxAlliance
    Jun 19, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jet Force Gemini is an intergalactic science-fiction action adventure game released by RareWare back in 1999 for the N64. The game received great reviews back in the day, but how does all stack up today? I have to say that the story line is fairly generic. You play as a team of three members from the Jet Force squadron: Juno, Vela, and Lupus. You find out that there is an evil robot named Mizar (My-Zar) who is trying to take over space. Obviously you have to stop him. Your ship is invaded by his soldier drones. Vela and Lupus evacuate via emergency space pods, and Juno (the main character you play as from the start) are left alone to fight the drones. After defeating the drones, you evacuate as well to the planet GoldWood, and this is where game play starts.

    Controls are definitely not easy to get used to at the start. The control scheme is:

    Move: Joystick
    Strafe left/right: Left/right C buttons
    Jump: C Up
    Crouch: C Down.
    R Trigger: Manual Aim
    Z Trigger: Shoot
    A/B: Switch Gun
    Depad: Programmable Shortcuts to switch to guns.

    It's a very unusual control scheme, but when as you play, you will realize just how intuitive it is. You can also even move while in manual aiming by using the C buttons to move your character in the corresponding direction while still shooting with the Z trigger. However, in manual mode you lose the ability to jump and crouch.

    Jet Force Gemini's soundtrack is among some of the best on the system. Composed entirely by Robin Beanland, many of the tracks capture the sound of a real orchestra very closely. It can sound mysterious and eerie, and it can also sound intense and upbeat. It really is a treat to listen to.

    The graphics are great for the time, especially considering that they were working with Nintendo 64 hardware which was already starting to look outdated compared to the Dreamcast. However, the framerate definitely takes a toll. It almost never consistently runs at 30fps, always averaging 20fps or even lower if there is a lot of action happening on screen. It doesn't usually effect your ability to aim accurately or anything like that. but it is something to note.

    Defeating enemies in this game usually isn't very hard unless there is a large swarm of them. There is a generous auto aim feature that really helps out so that you don't have to be in manual aiming all the time or being exactly lined up with an enemy. Boss battles are usually few and far between, but when you do encounter one, it is an epic battle to defeat the monster with all of your guns, all of your ammo, and all of your skill. The first two bosses are easy enough, but when you are battling your first boss with Lupus on planet Eschebone, it's pretty tough, especially if you haven't obtained the "Tri-Rocket Launcher" yet.

    The biggest complaint about this game is the point about halfway through where you find out that you have to rescue every single tribal in order to fully beat the game. In every level there is a certain amount of tribals that you have to rescue. They are a bear-like species. So when you find out that Mizar has launched an asteroid towards Earth, you obviously need to stop it. The only problem is that your ship isn't fast enough to catch up with it, but the tribals have a ship that is fast enough, but there are several pieces missing. And of course, the only way that you can get one of them, is by rescuing ever tribal in the game. This can be very tedious and frustrating, especially on your first playthrough, but most of the tribals are just out in the open and aren't super hard to find. It's just something that people find annoying, and I did too when I started.

    In the end, you defeat Mizar, and everything is back to normal and you are awarded medals for your brave deeds and saving the world. All in all, this game is a treat to play through. This is personally my favorite videogame of all time. The atmosphere this game has is irreplaceable to me. If you want to experience this great game today, you can always pick up an N64 system with the game, or you can play it on Rare Replay for Xbox One.    … Expand
  28. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    A very underrated game at the time and yet for me it is among the top 10 of Nintendo 64. A third person shooter with the best graphics of this generation and most importantly, it is fun to say enough.
  29. Yarun64
    Jun 17, 2021
    10
    Jet Force Gemini is synonym of PERFECTION. For its time its visual graphics and OST were so amazing, the story is really interesting, the gameplay is very enjoyable. This videogame DESERVES a remasterization. I wish someday to see a remake about it, I'd totally buy it with no hesitation.
  30. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 9, 2023
    6
    Arcade adventure from Rare that's very nearly wrecked by clumsy controls and wayward camera angles that can get very frustrating as aiming is unnecessarily difficult. It's colourful and varied enough to maintain the interest and its got a nice cinematic soundtrack, but it all seems very clumsy by today's standards. Much loved at the time but the years have not been kind.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best N64 Game of 1999
7
#7 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1999
6
#6 Most Shared N64 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Nintendorks
    90
    An epic game with thrilling shoot-em-up action ensconced in a delectable graphic and sound palette. Jet Force Gemini is another Rare masterpiece through and through.
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  2. Electric Playground
    100
    While the game may not boast the gilded depth and scope of Zelda or the originative spark of Mario, Jet Force Gemini has stolen its way into my heart and become my favorite game on the Nintendo 64.
    Read full review
  3. Nintendojo
    98
    The gameplay in JFG is reminiscant of a girl that is nice most of the time, but sometimes she can be a real bitch. I believe this game is only second to Zelda64, but it is so close I sometimes waiver on which I think is better.
    Read full review
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