Jump Super Stars is an exhilarating crossover fighting game for the Nintendo DS that brings together beloved characters from Weekly Shonen Jump, one of Japan’s most popular manga magazines. Developed by Ganbarion and published by Nintendo, the game was released exclusively in Japan on August 8, 2005, alongside a special red edition of the Nintendo DS. Its sequel, Jump Ultimate Stars, launched on November 23, 2006, further enhancing the gameplay experience.
Overview of Jump Super Stars
Jump Super Stars is a two-dimensional fighting game that features a vast roster of characters from various Shonen Jump manga series. With its unique battle mechanics and extensive character selection, it offers an experience similar to the Super Smash Bros. franchise but with a manga-inspired twist.
| ROM | Jump Super Stars |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Console | Nintendo |
| System | Nintendo DS |
| Series | Jump |
Gameplay Mechanics
The game is set in a 2D fighting arena where players battle using different characters, each possessing unique moves and abilities. It boasts a total of 160 characters, with 34 being fully playable. Among the most notable characters are Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Trunks, and more from the Dragon Ball series.
Jump Super Stars features approximately 75 different missions that test players’ skills in various battle scenarios. The multiplayer mode allows up to four players to engage in chaotic, fast-paced fights, making it an exciting experience for fans of competitive gaming.
Koma System: The Core of the Game
A defining feature of Jump Super Stars is its unique “Koma” system. The term “Koma,” meaning “panel” in Japanese, refers to the character tiles used in battle. These koma are displayed on the Nintendo DS’s bottom screen and can be arranged into decks. The Koma system consists of three types:
- Fighting Koma: These are the main playable characters used in battle. They occupy four to seven squares in the deck and can be switched during fights.
- Support Koma: These occupy two or three squares and provide temporary assistance in battle, such as attacks, defensive maneuvers, or healing.
- Help Koma: These are single-square characters that grant passive buffs or advantages to the player.
Players can create up to ten customized decks, each containing at least one Fighting, one Support, and one Help Koma. The strategic placement of koma is crucial, as characters with synergy provide buffs and enhance abilities.
Features of Jump Super Stars
1. Manga-Style Combat
The game offers a fast-paced combat system inspired by classic Shonen Jump anime and manga. Players can switch between characters mid-battle using the touchscreen, similar to tag-team mechanics in games like Marvel vs. Capcom.
2. Diverse Character Roster
Jump Super Stars features characters from various popular Shonen Jump series, including:
- Dragon Ball (Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, etc.)
- Naruto (Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi)
- One Piece (Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Nami)
- Bleach (Ichigo, Rukia, Renji)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! (Yugi, Kaiba)
3. Dynamic Fighting Mechanics
The game uses a health-based knockout (KO) system rather than a percentage-based system like Super Smash Bros. Players have access to weak, strong, and special attacks, which can be combined with directional inputs to execute unique moves.
Additionally, a special move called Dream Combo allows players to chain attacks across multiple characters, adding a layer of depth to the combat.
4. Single-Player and Multiplayer Modes
The single-player mode consists of diverse battles and mission objectives, such as defeating enemies within a time limit or using specific moves. Players must complete various tasks to unlock new characters and koma panels.
Multiplayer mode supports up to four players, either locally or via wireless connection, offering exciting battles among friends.
Why Was Jump Super Stars Never Released Internationally?
Despite its popularity, Jump Super Stars remained a Japan-exclusive title due to complex licensing issues. The game features characters from numerous manga series, each owned by different companies. Licensing these franchises for international release would have required extensive negotiations, making it impractical.
Some North American retailers, such as Best Buy and Fry’s Electronics, briefly carried imported copies, but no official English version was ever released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jump Super Stars available in English?
No, an official English version of Jump Super Stars was never released. However, fan translations exist, allowing players to experience the game with English text.
Which anime series are featured in Jump Super Stars?
The game includes characters from over 27 different manga series, including Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, and more.
Why was Jump Force discontinued?
Jump Force, another Shonen Jump crossover game, was removed from digital stores in 2022. While Bandai Namco did not specify a reason, it likely stemmed from licensing issues and declining player interest due to server problems.
Conclusion
Jump Super Stars remains a beloved classic among fans of fighting games and manga. Its innovative Koma system, engaging combat, and extensive character roster make it a unique experience for Nintendo DS players. Though it never received an official international release, it continues to be cherished by fans worldwide. If you’re a fan of Shonen Jump and love action-packed fighting games, Jump Super Stars is definitely worth playing!