[Update: Greenlit] Stuck In Greenlight Limbo: ‘Shin Samurai Jazz’

This time the spotlight will be shining on Shin Samurai Jazz, a tale of groovy combat, crazy platforming, physics-defying action and… jazz. Let’s see if we can’t help it escape the cold emptiness of Greenlight limbo, eh?

Shin Samurai Jazz is a platform-adventure game. It combines the likes of film noir and samurai cinema, presenting them with 8-bit graphics, an electro-jazz soundtrack, and a comic/manga-like style creating a unique atmosphere.

Having actually played this one, which is rare for Greenlight titles, let me tell ya: Shin Samurai Jazz is a tough-as-nails platformer. The enemies, while not always the brightest bunch, can be quite relentless, and the precision required to navigate certain areas almost made me throw my controller across the room. And yet I didn’t, because the game was still fun! Well, except for those times when I got bounced (or ‘air juggled’) between two enemies; could probably have been avoided, had I been more skillful. Oh and the story? Virtually non-existent. That coupled with its low-fi visuals (early 8-bit era, one might say) makes it clear that the developer prioritized gameplay above all else. Although from what I got to experience, they made the right call. Slice ‘n dice!

So riddle me this, dear reader: why is Shin Samurai Jazz still struggling to get through Greenlight? It’s been out for a while (since December 2013), so availability certainly can’t be the reason. Might I recommend visiting its Greenlight page and handing over a ‘yes’, if you like what you see? Remember, your vote matters!

Shin Samurai Jazz is available for Windows from Desura and IndieGameStand priced at $3 and without DRM.