Jettomero Will Stomp His Way Into Your Heart

Jettomero isn’t a bad guy, he’s just misunderstood. Sure, he may level entire cities, raze forests to the ground, and send the denizens of the poor planets he visits hurtling into the cosmos as he fumbles through his day, but he really does want to do what’s right. Make no mistake about it, there’s a big heart beating in the clumsy red titan’s chest, even though he does to leave things a bit of a mess whenever he drops by to say hello.

In Jettomero: Hero of the Universe, players take control of gaming’s clumsiest protagonist as he bumbles about a procedurally generated universe on a mission to save humanity from destruction. While your journey begins on a desolate planet in the far reaches of the galaxy, you’ll soar through the vast expanse of space, crashing through dozens of planets to restock your precious supply of fuel crystals, fend off entire armies, and even battle the occasional monster that stands in your way.

While the premise may sound like pure chaos, the end result is quite the opposite. Jettomero: Hero of the Universe stands as one of the most meditative games I’ve played in years. Many of the planets you visit are bristling with tanks, rocket pads, and turrets that are none too happy to see your giant shadow looming over their cities. However, their puny firepower simply bounces off of Jettomero’s invincible, sausage-shaped frame. With nothing to fear,  you’re free to ignore the onslaught and explore each world at your leisure as you soak up the lush soundscapes provided by Gabriel Koenig’s infectious, downtempo sci-fi soundtrack.

Saving Humanity In Style

Watching Jettomero apologize profusely as he flattens cities never gets old.

If customization is your thing, you’re going to love Jettomero: Hero of the Universe. As you explore each planet, you’ll come across beacons which, when stomped, will net you scores of cosmetic upgrades for your head, body, arms, and feet. Sure, he may look like a generic bucket of bolts at the game’s outset. However, before long you’ll be stomping on tanks and swatting UFO’s out of the sky in style. If you’ve ever wanted to save the human race while sporting a tutu, high heels, and a jaunty handlebar mustache, you’re in luck! And if you’ve been itching to live out your dreams of fighting forest fires or chasing storms way while donning a mean pair of pigtails, a scarlet cape, and scissor feet, you’ve come to the right place.

Don’t waste your time trying to make sense of this madness. Embrace it. Jettomero is a game that revels in its absurdity. And if you’re like me, then you probably will too.

If you’re looking for a challenge, you’re not going to find one here. Even when trading lasers with the occasional kaiju-style monster, Jettomero: Hero of the Universe never really tries to test your skills. It’s as mindless of an experience you could ask for from start to finish. And frankly, the game’s all the better for it. Developer Ghost Time Games have delivered a cathartic and satisfying journey that forgoes conventions in favor of crafting something wholly unique and irresistible.

An Imperfect Role Model

Jettomero: Hero of the Universe largely succeeds in doing what it aims to do. But, much like the game’s titular titan, it does manage to stumble here and there. The major issue is there simply isn’t a whole lot see an do. Sure, you’ll explore dozens of planets over the course of the game, but each solar system feels the same. And even the boss fights, which should be a highlight of the game, are all handled using the same QTE mechanic, and are completed with just one attack. That being said,  easy to imagine many will be put off by the game’s repetitive nature.

If you don’t mind these issues,  Jettomero: Hero of the Universe is a real treat. Developer Ghost Time Games have succeeded in crafting a truly unique experience that’s overflowing with charm. From its vibrant, comic book-inspired aesthetics to its surreal soundtrack, it sure looks and sounds great too. If you’re looking for a game that’s great to just fire up and lose yourself in, Jettomero: Hero of the Universe is well worth your time, so long as you don’t mind its glaring lack of variety. One thing’s for sure: there’s nothing else like it!

Final Verdict: 3.5/5

Available on: Xbox One (reviewed), PC ; Publisher:  Ghost Time Games ; Developer: Ghost Time Games ; Players: 1 ; Released: September 15, 2017 ; ESRB: E for Everyone; MSRP: $12.99

Full disclosure: This review is based on an Xbox One  review copy of  Jettomero: Hero of the Universe given to HeyPoorPlayer by the publisher.