FreeJack
Free Jack Freejack is a free to play video game based on free running. Free running is a variation of parkour which is basically an activity that involves you to efficiently maneuver yourself around many obstacles around a city. It heavily requires you to run, jump climb walls and other obstacles in the fastest yet proficiently way possible.
Freejack is one of the only few video games that I know of that it based on free running. The only other game I know of based on free running was a game simply called Free Running released for the PS2 back in 2007. Freejack takes free running into a whole new level with much better graphics and allows for many people to race alongside each other much like in a kart racing video game.
Freejack is not a browserbased video game as you need to download and install the 850MB worth of game data first before you can even start playing. Make sure you check the games minimum requirements first before you start the download. The last thing you want to happen is to wait for the game to download and find out your computer is unable to play it!
Once you have download Freejack, you are ready to choose and customize the character you want to play as. There are four characters you can choose from and they are Jin, Nadia, Good Speed and Tina. Each character has specific strengths that help them win races more efficiently. The strengths include speed, agility, strength and technique. You can also choose to somewhat alter the appearance of the characters too. This includes the color of their skin, hair clothing and even their face. Once all that is done, youre now ready start the tutorial.
The tutorial is one of the most helpful I have ever encountered. Although there is not much to remember in terms of the controls, there is a helpful video that shows you how to pull off some of the more tricky maneuvers that are featured in the game. Freejack is not a realistic representation of free running, but it adds a lot of elements that makes the game more fun.
The main thing you need to know is that you have to hold the up arrow key to run. Running forward is the main thing you will be doing in this game so make sure to have your finger down on this key at all times. The space bar allows you to jump. Other techniques allow you to grind rails like a skater and even walk on walls.
Instead of developing a game that just makes you jump over hurdles and climb over walls, there are features included here that you may have seen from many other video games from different genres. It is best to say that this game has more in common with 3D Sonic the Hedgehog games and kart-racing games more than anything else.
In the games VS mode, up to 8 people can race each other in a chaotic battle that gamers may have already experienced while playing games such as CTR: Crash Team Racing and Mario Kart. This is because there are numerous power ups and items you can collect on the way to either hinder your opponents or aid you in the race. Some of the power ups are humorous to say the least. They include a penguin that can freeze opponents, a trash can you can chuck, and even a shield that blocks you from opponents from attacking you.
You can choose to race against opponents without the items too. In my opinion, the game is less fun playing this way, although veterans of the game might like this mode better as it is more skilful playing this way. The item style of racing depends on luck judging from my own experience playing the game.
Apart from the games VS mode, there is also a time trial mode where you can race against the clock to try and get the fastest time possible. Most of the times I encountered on each level were too fast for me to beat. Nevertheless, this mode is actually a good way to familiarize yourself with each level before you decide to race with other people playing this game.
In terms of level choices, there are a ton of greatly designed levels here on offer. Overall, there are ten levels that are available in the game that are set in many different and varied locations. This includes a busy airport terminal, a sewer, an athletics track and even racing on the Great Wall of China.
The 2D cel-shaded graphics look beautiful in this game. The brightly colored character models and levels look phenomenal. It feels more like you are playing an interactive cartoon more than you are playing a video game. If you have played Jet Set Radio before, you will know the kind of artistic style that Freejack offers. Quite frankly, this game one of the best graphics I have ever seen in a free to play video game in many months. Aside from the racing aspect in Freejack, you can also buy new items or even characters you wish to be. Bear in mind, in order to play as another character, you will have to pay for them. Still, there are a lot of special characters for you to unlock which is nice. You can even alter the appearance of your own home. Interior design makeover also cost money so spend your in game currency wisely.
Another great thing about Freejack is that it has great sound and a decent soundtrack too. Each level in the game has its own theme song so you wont be hearing the same old piece of music over and over again. Freejacks production values are very high and it is one of the few free to play video games I wont mind paying for if it was out in retail or digital stores.
Freejack is one of the most original and enjoyable games Ive played all year long. Its even better than many full priced retail games Ive played. I am surprised a game of this high quality is a free to play title. Not that Im complaining, it is just that the game could have easily been on the PSN or XBLA instead. Freejacks incredible graphics and unique gameplay is what won me over in the end. If you are computer is able to run this game, I highly suggest you try and download this game right now. I guarantee that you wont be disappointed.
