Jungle Rumble: Freedom, Happiness and Bananas

 PlayStation Vita
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 4 out of 9
  1. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Feb 14, 2015
    45
    Jungle Rumble is a classic example of a game that’s best left to a smartphone.
  2. PSNStores
    Feb 18, 2015
    40
    Alas, what you see is what you get. For this reason, Jungle Rumble is incapable of grabbing the attention of anyone looking for more than an iPhone/iPad game on Vita.
  3. TheSixthAxis
    Feb 16, 2015
    40
    The story takes a weird turn in the third act which made it seem less like LocoRoco and more like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, making the game a somewhat strange and interesting experience despite the incredibly frustrating levels and annoying control issues.
  5. The Vita Lounge
    Feb 24, 2015
    38
    Jungle Rumble: Freedom, Happiness and Bananas sounds good on paper but the execution is flawed and that's a shame. It could have been something special using the Vita's great touchscreen but instead falls flat on its face.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PS Vita Game of 2015
44
#44 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. Psvitalife
    Mar 5, 2015
    8
    PSVL Review #31
    Get ready to "Rumble" on Ps Vita!
    "Jungle Rumble" is a rhythm-based puzzle game released in February 2015, by Boston indy    PSVL Review #31
    Get ready to "Rumble" on Ps Vita!

    "Jungle Rumble" is a rhythm-based puzzle game released in February 2015, by Boston indy studio Disco Pixel. Founded by Trevor Stricker, a veteran of AAA titles such as the NBA 2k series.
    You play as the "great spirit" of the Mofongo tribe of monkeys, assisting them against a rival clan of Red Monkey who keep stealing their bananas. Your job is to use the rhythm of the music to guide the monkeys along the map to coconuts which they may use as weapons againt their red enemies. But it's soon discovered that there is bigger "monkey business" at hand than rival primate factions, such as humans with bulldozers tearing up their rain forest.
    The first obvious thing that you may, or rather WILL notice, about this games which make it unique is the screen orientation: there have been games in the past that offer you the OPTION of playing the game using "vertical" screen orientation, but this is the first game that I recall, which requires you to play the game holding your Vita in the vertical position. It feels wierd at first and it takes some getting used to,similar to a console controller, most handheld gamers are used to having a "wide" device between their hands (and the Security that comes with). but once you start playing the game and you really get into it (which you will), you won't even notice the difference.
    The art style just screams made in the US. It reminds me very much of some Nickelodeon cartoon a kid would like. The entire design of the game is simple and easy to look at. Colors are sharp, and everything is "not too much, not too little"
    Controls are as simple as controls can possibly get. You simply move to the rhythm and tap the screen to tell your monkey minions where to go. In the beginning of the game there's a short tutorial showing you how many times to tap the screen to get your monkey to move, as well as how many taps to target enemies and throw coconuts.
    The music is practically the life of the entire game, without the smooth jungle tunes, there would be no "Rumble". The rhythmic beats act as your guide throughout the game, helping you along with your progress through the story, just follow the rhythm, and you are golden (your score will be as well).
    Possible moves will be hilighted on screen so you will never be lost as to your next move, but remember, your score is largely based on time, so use strategy, good timing, and think smart. This is one of those titles you will truly get good at once you finally, "become one" with the experience.
    Gameplay: 8
    Bucks worth: 8
    Effects: 7
    Content: 7
    Good: Cute cartoon style graphics, simple story, easy control scene
    Bad: my bananas are missing...
    Verdict: this is one of the best rhythm based games I've played in the past year, and anybody who collects this genre of game should pick it up from the PSN now.    … Full Review »
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