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I was intrigued by 2013's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle and went through the trouble to import the Japanese version when I found out my NA PS3 could play it. While the game was cool... gameplay-wise and performance-wise, the prequel left many things to be desired. All-Star Battle R fixes many issues and offers a much more playable and visually stunning experience. The gameplay is unquestionably "JoJo" and represents what's best about the aesthetic and spectacle of epic and violent battles that the series is known for, and the good news is: the new mechanics and combo system have been significantly improved and feel more similar to a modern Street Fighter game.

While not as fast, deep, or technical as the top 2D and 3D fighters... ASB R is most definitely a unique and beautiful anime fighting game that's actually worth checking out. If you're an animation appreciator, there's plenty to enjoy about every single character's unique (and sometimes hilarious) animations. I love how each character has two distinct sidestep animations, completely unique to them. It's little things like that which help each character stand out, not to mention discovering each character's epic "Stand" hidden abilities. (See what I did there? Thank you.)

If you love exploring big character rosters, this game will keep you busy for a long time. This game is practically a history lesson of the entire JoJo series... and with All-Star Battle R's upgraded visuals and gameplay improvements, it's arguably the best JoJo fighting game to date, even surpassing Capcom's epic installment from the 90s. All-Star Battle R hosts the return of many classic characters from the fan-favorite Part 3 (Stardust Cruasers) as well as many new playable characters across the entire series who never got a spot in a fighting game, until now.
 
It's a JoJo game and you know what that means... Hundreds upon hundreds of references and throwbacks to the original manga, equating to lots of humor and fan service for both casual and diehard JoJo fans. The huge roster, improved gameplay, expanded options, and gorgeous 3D environments make this game worth checking out and/or worth owning. As a lover of 3D fighting games, performing a cool perfect sidestep and punishing for the win is quite enjoyable (reminds me just a bit of TEKKEN). 

The English subtitles and menu options alone make this a far more enjoyable experience than the original Japanese import from 2013. The gallery and 3D model viewer is still cool, with many unlockables including a plethora of alternate costumes and colors for all characters. The crazy camera angles are enhanced thanks to the smooth 60fps gameplay and improved resolution. The stages and background elements, especially the moody coloring of each environments, make a defining visual statement. I wish more fighting game backgrounds looked as good as they do in this game. Also, this game has no business looking as good as it does on Steam Deck! On that note, ASB R makes for a really easy and fun portable fighting game. In closing, I'd say it's one of the most fun and visually appealing anime fighting games I've played in quite a while.
~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen