Interabang Entertainment is back with another Kevin Smith beat ’em up following the success of 2021’s Jay and Silent Bob: Mall Brawl. While the previous game was an homage and throwback to 8-bit brawlers, Chronic Blunt Punch features hand-drawn art and much more depth to enjoy. Fans of the View Askewniverse will find a lot to like here, even if its difficulty curve will definitely test players.
The basics will be familiar to fans of brawlers, as both Jay and Silent Bob can unleash light attacks you can combo and heavy attacks that you can also charge. However, there are a number of different combinations, a skillful block and dodge, plus super and assist attacks that add a lot of depth to the combat. If you’re playing solo, you can also tag between the two characters, which allows you to mitigate damage between the two characters, as health pick-ups are relatively sparse, and it’s generally difficult to revive a character during combat.
Some levels draw from films a bit more than others, as the opening has you going through the Quick Stop from Clerks, but there are a few more generic levels that aren’t as filled with jokes in the background. However, there are many references to films and background details that will make Kevin Smith fans laugh. A lot of familiar faces show up in the game as assists, though some are hidden and will have to be found; they can really help turn the tide of a tough battle if employed correctly.
Chronic Blunt Punch is bigger and better than Mall Brawl in almost every way. One thing that is similar between the two is the difficulty, as the new Jay and Silent Bob game can get quite difficult if playing solo. It’s easy to get ganged up upon, so you really have to focus on crowd management, and I’d recommend playing with a friend if possible. Teamwork can make it much more feasible, although you’ll still have to stay on your toes during the tougher boss fights, as a few of the attacks can be quite tricky to dodge.
Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch Review: Final Verdict
Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch is a true love letter to the works of Kevin Smith. Die-hard fans of the View Askewniverse will get the most out of the game, especially if they have an equally devoted buddy to play co-op with, as there are some really great deep cuts to be found. Its difficulty and initial stiffness, which lead to a learning curve, will turn some players off, but those who take the time to master its in-depth brawling will be treated to some fun boss fights and gorgeous art.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PS5 copy for our Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch review. Reviewed on version 1.000.002.