This is one of the games that truly stood out, as Zaboru completely overhauled the overall experience compared to the version from his previous life—Jackie Chan Stuntmaster.
While the core gameplay remains similar, still packed with full-on action, the way the game plays has changed significantly. The first and most noticeable improvement is that Zaboru added a wide variety of new moves to Jackie Chan's repertoire. These moves aren't just handed to the player—they must be unlocked using in-game currency, which players earn by collecting Dragon Head Coins scattered throughout each level and awarded at the end of stages. This new layer of progression makes the combat more dynamic and gives players a greater sense of growth and reward as they continue their journey.
The story takes a bold new direction. Jackie Chan returns to his hometown, only to discover that the once peaceful city has fallen into chaos. Not just any chaos—it's now overrun by ruthless criminal gangs, and these aren't your ordinary thugs. These villains wield bizarre and dangerous powers, turning the city into a war zone.
First, there's the Volcanoes Gang, a fiery group whose members have developed the terrifying ability to spit fire and manipulate molten lava. Their presence has scorched entire blocks of the city, turning safe streets into blazing battlegrounds. Then there's the Mantis Gang, a mysterious crew who somehow summon bladed weapons directly from their hands, moving with insect-like speed and precision that make them incredibly deadly in close combat. Finally, there's the enigmatic group known as The Future. They operate like a shadow corporation, backed by a network of powerful billionaires who secretly control parts of the city's infrastructure. Their goons are well-equipped, highly trained, and seemingly everywhere.
Witnessing the devastation and injustice these factions have caused, Jackie Chan makes a decision—he won't stand by and watch his home be consumed by darkness. He vows to liberate his city, to bring hope back to its people, and to dismantle the gangs one by one. What begins as a return home quickly transforms into a mission of resistance and redemption. Jackie isn't just fighting for peace—he's fighting for the soul of his city.
Along the way, Jackie Chan is approached by a mysterious figure claiming to be an expert in ancient martial arts and mystical energy. This enigmatic individual introduces himself as Zhao-Bao, a representative of the secretive Z-Way organization. Zhao-Bao is dressed in a flowing black Hanfu adorned with a silver 'Z' emblazoned on his chest, and he wears a black mask with a glowing 'Z' symbol etched into his forehead. His long white beard and wise demeanor give off the presence of a seasoned cultivation master, and it becomes clear to the players that this is none other than Zabo-man in this game.
Zhao-Bao doesn't just offer words of guidance—he presents Jackie with a powerful artifact: the Tiger Talisman. At first glance, it seems like a simple charm, but the moment Jackie takes it, The Talisman absorbs into his body and makes his attacks become noticeably more powerful, his strikes sharper and more aggressive. Zhao-Bao explains that this is only the beginning—the Tiger Talisman holds far greater potential, but Jackie must unlock it through effort and experience.
Zhao-Bao reveals that there are a total of twelve mystical Talismans scattered across the world, each imbued with unique abilities. They are remnants of an ancient power, lost through time and waiting to be awakened. Some are hidden in ruins, guarded by traps, while others are protected by rival warriors who understand their value.
The gameplay feels incredibly responsive and rewarding, thanks in large part to a thoughtfully designed control scheme that makes every action feel impactful. The basic controls are as follows: Square executes a normal attack, Triangle unleashes a heavy attack, Circle performs a roll dodge, and X is used for jumping. For more advanced maneuvers, R1 combined with Circle, X, Square, or Triangle activates different Talisman abilities, adding variety and tactical depth to combat. R2 initiates sprinting, L1 enables blocking, and L2 activates the ultimate Talisman power.
But where the game truly sets itself apart is in its deep combat system, which doesn't solely rely on Talismans. There are also many special moves that can be executed using traditional fighting game-style input commands. For instance, if players want to perform a flying roundhouse kick, they must input left, down, right on the directional pad and then press Triangle. When executed correctly, Jackie performs the move with a cinematic flair, delivering a high-damage spinning kick. These types of inputs are dramatically raise the skill ceiling of the game.
Players who master these manual combos and combine them with Talisman abilities can develop incredibly fluid and advanced fighting styles. The game encourages experimentation and rewards those willing to put in the time to learn each move. Combined with precise timing and smart enemy AI, this makes combat scenarios both thrilling and challenging. The inclusion of combo chains, counter-attacks, and aerial juggles ensures that no two fights ever feel the same. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore action game fan, the system offers something satisfying at every level of play.
The gameplay is heavily built around the integration of these mystical Talismans, and the first one—The Tiger Talisman—sets the tone for the depth and variety that follows. Once acquired, players are able to upgrade their character's capabilities and unlock a series of unique and powerful abilities. One of the first unlockable powers is "Tiger Claw," a ferocious strike where Jackie channels a beast-like aura, his hands surrounded by spectral claws as he delivers crushing blows. Another standout skill is "Beast Instinct," which grants players a heightened sense of danger. This ability provides visual indicators when enemies are about to attack, allowing for quicker reactions and tighter counter-play, enhancing both immersion and strategy.
But what truly elevates the Tiger Talisman is its dual-aspect power system rooted in the concept of Yin and Yang. The Talisman holds both a White Tiger and Black Tiger aura, each unlocking a separate form with distinct playstyles which also its ultimate move by pressing L2. When players activate the Yin Form, Jackie is enveloped in a bright, cloud-like White Tiger aura. His agility increases dramatically, with faster movement, quicker attack speed, and more precise dodging. The entire combat style becomes fluid and evasive—perfect for players who favor speed and control. However, this comes at a cost: Jackie's raw damage output is reduced, requiring a more tactical approach to taking down enemies.
Conversely, activating the Yang Form unleashes the dark and intimidating Black Tiger aura. Jackie's form becomes heavier and more grounded, his strikes slower but far more powerful. In this state, Jackie sacrifices speed for overwhelming offense, capable of dealing massive damage with fewer hits. The visual effects even shift to reflect the change—his aura pulses with shadowy energy, and his movements carry a weight that makes each attack feel devastating.
This duality encourages players to switch forms depending on the situation, adding a deep layer of strategy to the gameplay. Whether facing fast, nimble foes or heavy-hitting brutes, mastering the Yin-Yang mechanics becomes essential for progression and survival.
There are a total of three Talismans that players can acquire throughout the game, each offering unique abilities and dramatically altering Jackie Chan's playstyle. The second Talisman players unlock is the Horse Talisman. This Talisman grants the ability to heal Jackie mid-battle, making it an essential tool for survival during extended fights and boss encounters. However, this healing ability comes at a cost—it consumes a portion of Jackie's Chi energy, meaning players must balance its use carefully to avoid running out of power in critical moments. The Horse Talisman also introduces a new combat style inspired by galloping momentum. In this form, Jackie becomes an unstoppable force, rushing forward with charging strikes that feel like a stampede. While this style delivers a flurry of strong, forward-focused blows, it's limited in flexibility, often only allowing effective attacks in straight lines, making positioning and timing crucial.
The third Talisman is the Rooster Talisman, and it completely transforms Jackie's mobility and vertical combat. With this Talisman, Jackie gains the power to leap incredibly high and glide gracefully through the air. It turns the battlefield into a three-dimensional playground, letting players reach platforms, escape enemy attacks from above, or dive down with aerial assaults. The Rooster's fighting style focuses heavily on airborne techniques. Jackie incorporates a series of jump kicks, aerial combos, and mid-air counters that allow for unpredictable, stylish attacks. Combining this with other Talismans enables creative strategies, such as launching into the air with the Rooster Talisman and then switching to the Tiger Talisman mid-air for a devastating finishing move.
Each Talisman not only adds new skills and abilities, but also redefines how players approach combat, exploration, and movement. This system of Talisman-specific fighting styles gives the game depth and variety, ensuring that each encounter feels fresh and rewarding as players experiment and adapt to their favorite combinations.
The bosses are a major highlight of this game, providing not just intense challenges but also memorable characters and story moments. Aside from the three primary gang leaders—RAZAM, the ruthless and explosive leader of the Volcanoes; Wei Chung, the fearsome patriarch of the Mantis Gang with blinding speed and lethal precision; and Richies, the slick and cunning mastermind behind The Future—the game introduces a towering threat in the form of a super boss: Zhao Long.
Zhao Long is no ordinary villain. He is the legendary and feared master of the infamous Black Dragon Triad, a criminal organization that has operated in the shadows for decades. His presence in the game elevates the stakes dramatically. Unlike the other bosses, Zhao Long possesses a mythical edge—he holds the powerful Dragon Talisman, which grants him terrifying abilities. With it, he can manipulate and control fire at will, launch fireballs, summon fiery walls, and even breathe streams of flame like a mythical beast. The talisman also enhances his physical capabilities, giving him superhuman strength that allows him to break through walls, lift vehicles, and deliver devastating melee attacks that can crush players if they're not careful.
Zhao Long is not just a powerful antagonist; he serves as the final boss in the game, a culmination of everything the player has learned and mastered. His ultimate goal is nothing short of world-shattering—he aims to gather all 12 Talismans, awakening their full potential and achieving ultimate dominance. At the point of confrontation, Jackie Chan has managed to collect three Talismans, including the Tiger, Rooster, and Horse Talismans, each giving him unique advantages. However, Zhao Long's mastery of the Dragon Talisman makes him a nearly unstoppable force.
Adding to the gravity of their showdown, Zhao Long reveals that among all the mystical artifacts, the Dragon and Tiger Talismans are considered the most powerful, each representing primal forces of strength and energy. According to Zhao Long, when these two Talismans are brought together, they unlock a synergy unlike any other—a fusion of offense and spirit that holds the key to ancient power. His intention is to claim both and become invincible.
During the climactic boss fight, Jackie Chan unlocks the ultimate form of the Tiger Talisman known as the "Yin-Yang Tiger." This transformation bathes Jackie in a spectacular aura—half shimmering white and half shadowy black—symbolizing the perfect balance between light and dark energy. In this state, not only does Jackie gain a significant power boost, but the abilities granted by the Rooster and Horse Talismans are also dramatically enhanced. His mobility becomes nearly untouchable, and his healing ability regenerates faster, allowing players to enter a state of empowered combat that feels truly cinematic and over-the-top.
The final battle itself takes place in an extraordinary setting—the skies above the city—where the game's tone completely shifts. Combat becomes airborne, transforming the gameplay into an aerial spectacle that mirrors the high-octane, physics-defying battles from Dragon Ball Z game, in Zaboru's previous life. Jackie and Zhao Long soar through the clouds, trading blows mid-air, hurling energy attacks, and dodging at blinding speeds. The music intensifies, the visuals explode with color, and every moment feels like the climax of a legendary martial arts film.
In the end, Jackie emerges victorious, having tapped into the true essence of balance and inner strength. But just as it seems the conflict has ended, Zhao Long, battered and defeated, escapes into the shadows. He refuses to relinquish the Dragon Talisman, knowing it's far too powerful to lose. Before disappearing, he vows to hunt down the remaining Talismans across the world. His goal is clear: to return one day stronger than ever and reclaim the Tiger Talisman for himself.
From a distant rooftop, Zhao-Bao silently observed the intense clash in the skies. His expression calm and knowing, he gave a slow, approving nod as the battle concluded. With a soft voice filled with both wisdom and pride, he muttered, "Grow well, Jackie Chan. When you're ready, I will give you more." He let out a deep, amused chuckle—"Hohohohoh"—before a sudden bolt of golden lightning cracked down upon the spot where he stood. In the blink of an eye, Zhao-Bao vanished without a trace, leaving only the fading echo of his laughter in the wind.
This ending not only leaves room for future conflict but also sets the stage for potential sequels and deeper exploration into the mythology of the Talismans.
The game is incredibly fun, packed with a wide variety of cutscenes and gameplay styles that keep things fresh and engaging from start to finish. One standout moment includes a thrilling sequence where Jackie Chan uses the Horse Talisman's healing and momentum powers to chase Richies, the cunning leader of The Future. Richies, equipped with a sleek and powerful robotic suit, dashes through a futuristic cityscape. The game then dynamically shifts into a high-speed chase segment, transforming the gameplay into a reflex-based runner filled with obstacles, fast-paced action, and cinematic close calls that get your heart racing.
Another impressive gameplay section is during Jackie's intense showdown with Razam, leader of the Volcanoes Gang. To navigate this fiery confrontation, Jackie activates the Rooster Talisman to glide through collapsing structures and dodge streams of molten fire. This entire stage becomes a soaring ballet of aerial movement and split-second evasion as fireballs rain from the skies and molten pillars erupt from the ground. The camera work during this sequence adds even more excitement, making it feel like you're in the middle of a blockbuster action film.
Beyond these standout moments, the core gameplay remains exceptionally polished. The combat flows beautifully, with responsive controls and varied enemy types that demand different strategies. The environments are crafted with care, each stage offering a unique atmosphere—from neon-lit futuristic cityscapes to ancient ruins hiding mystical secrets. It all ties together with excellent pacing and an overall presentation that keeps players immersed and eager for the next challenge.
Many of the stages are filled with hidden secrets and cleverly concealed paths that players can unlock if they pay close attention to the environment. These secrets often reward players generously—with rare in-game currency, special items, and collectibles like the coveted Red Dragon Mask. These rewards not only add to the progression but also give players a reason to revisit stages and explore them more thoroughly. It creates a loop of discovery that feels rewarding and encourages exploration.
Jackie Chan remains true to himself in this game. His signature charm and humor are fully intact, with Jackie cracking jokes during cutscenes and even mid-fight, keeping the tone lighthearted and fun despite the high-stakes action. The game is also packed with cinematic flair—each chapter features visually impressive storytelling moments and choreographed sequences that feel straight out of a classic martial arts film. These moments bring Jackie's personality to life and elevate the overall experience, making the game feel not just like an action title, but a full-blown Jackie Chan adventure.
Fans also picked up on a surprising detail: in several stages of the game, posters of "MoonWalker" in which Michael Jackson wears his white Suit and has a blue aura around him can be seen plastered in the background. This was a major clue for long-time ZAGE followers, as it directly references another ZAGE title in ZEPS 2 The MoonWalker,. The implication that both games might exist within the same shared universe caused a wave of excitement among players.
The ZAGE Forums exploded with discussion. Threads filled up overnight with fans speculating about what this connection could mean. Many were thrilled by the idea that Jackie Chan and Michael Jackson might exist in the same fictional world within the ZAGE multiverse. The quality of the Jackie Chan game alone had already made waves, with players calling it one of the best beat-'em-ups in recent memory, but this possible crossover took hype to another level. Some fans even theorized that ZAGE was building toward a shared celebrity universe, where different global icons would headline their own unique titles—and eventually interact in crossover events.
The idea of ZAGE assembling a roster of iconic celebrities from around the world and building games around them sparked wild theories.Then the discussion got wild as it talked about Would Bruce Lee appear next? Could there be a Madonna , Elvis or more? The possibilities seemed endless, making fans excited and theorized further!.
And so that's all ZAGE release in April, another strong release.
To be continue
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