Jump Force is a fighting game that brings together dozens of characters from popular Weekly Shonen Jump manga series into team-based battles set in a merged real world and Jump world.
Gameplay
Players create a custom avatar who joins the Jump Force alliance to combat an invasion by creatures called Venoms. Battles take place in 3D arenas where each side fields a team of three fighters. The player controls one character at a time while the other two serve as support and can be swapped in during combat. Movement occurs freely across the arena, with basic attacks, combos, and special moves executed through straightforward controls that emphasize spectacle over complex inputs. Special attacks trigger short cinematic sequences, and the match concludes when one team's health is fully depleted. The large roster draws from series such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece, allowing varied team compositions that influence play style through different move sets and abilities.
Game Modes
The core experience centers on a story mode that follows the created avatar's involvement in the conflict across multiple missions and narrative segments. Additional options include versus battles against the CPU and local multiplayer matches. On the Nintendo Switch version, a dedicated 3v3 local network mode supports up to six players in the same location for split-screen or networked play without requiring an internet connection. Missions and challenges provide opportunities to upgrade the avatar and unlock customization options through repeated play.
Characters and Roster
The game features a broad selection of fighters drawn directly from Shonen Jump properties, with more than fifty characters available across the base game and added content. Each fighter retains signature abilities and ultimate attacks recognizable from their source material. The avatar system lets players customize appearance and equip abilities earned in gameplay, expanding team-building options beyond the fixed roster. Factions within the story divide the Jump Force into groups led by prominent characters, though these divisions mainly serve narrative purposes rather than altering core combat mechanics.
Current State on Nintendo Switch
The Deluxe Edition arrived on Switch in 2020 and includes additional characters from the first character pass. The port supports local play but shows noticeable technical limitations compared with other platforms, particularly in handheld mode where resolution and frame rate suffer. Online features that once allowed ranked matches and events are no longer active following the game's discontinuation of support. All content remains playable in offline modes, including the full story and local battles.
Is It Worth Playing?
Jump Force suits players who enjoy accessible team-based fighting games and want to pit favorite Shonen Jump characters against one another in casual sessions. The straightforward controls and flashy specials make it approachable for newcomers or groups seeking quick local matches on Switch. Single-player content focuses on repetitive mission structures and a straightforward story that may feel limited after initial playthroughs. Technical performance varies by mode, with docked play providing the most stable experience. Those seeking ongoing updates or competitive online scenes will find the game in a finished but unsupported state. For fans of the included series who prioritize roster variety and local multiplayer over polished presentation or deep single-player campaigns, the Switch version offers straightforward entertainment in short bursts.