Jumanji: The Video Game is, unfortunately, yet another mindless tie-in game that is mostly repetitive with dull dialogue and uninspired gameplay.

Too many video games that tie into movies are phoned in by the developers and unfortunately that's the case with Jumanji: The Video Game. This video game takes inspiration from the characters and events from Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, but lacks everything that made that film entertaining. In Jumanji: The Video Game, players must choose one of the four main characters from the movie to play: Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Professor Sheldon "Shelly" Oberon, Franklin "Mouse" Finbar or Ruby Roundhouse. This is about the only area where the game works: the character design is decent enough to make each recognizable.

Each character has one unique ability, which will come in handy when traversing levels and facing enemies. As the tutorial explains, gameplay involves collecting four pieces of an artifact to open a door that leads to an obelisk that uses the power of the artifacts to charge up and open another door. The player's goal is to navigate through each level with the other characters (either AI-controlled or via co-op) while fighting off enemies to collect the artifacts. And it is about as easy as it sounds. Although enemies often attack, defeating them is as simple as firing a weapon at them or by using special skills. Once players reach the obelisk, though, things get more complicated, because more enemies attack while the obelisk is charging. And with the obelisk requiring the characters holding the artifact pieces close to it to charge, this provides what is essentially the only challenge of the game. The main character can hand off artifact pieces to other players, too, which is generally helpful.

Related: Watch The Final Trailer For Jumanji: The Next Level

Unfortunately, this is essentially the entire game. There are about five levels per area, and there are only four areas. Realistically, a player could tackle this game in a matter of hours. It might take slightly longer at a higher difficulty setting, but even then, the game is extremely repetitive and boring. The only thing that changes with areas is the setting: one might put the characters in a jungle, and another takes them to a mountainous region. Completing an area takes the player back to the intro screen to choose to replay that area or try another. There are no cutscenes at the end of areas, nor are their bosses to tackle or story elements to push any sort of worthwhile narrative.

Jumanji The Video Game Screenshot

What's even more disappointing than the shallow gameplay, dated visuals, bad AI and mechanics is that Jumanji: The Video Game lacks the personality and humor of the movies. Although characters do have some dialogue, it's mostly repetitive catchphrases that get annoying over time. Also, don't expect this tie-in game to use the voices of the characters in the movie. The game's voice actors are okay, but they don't have much to work with here. The music and sound effects don't lend much to the title either: both are just there.

What's most frustrating about Jumanji: The Video Game is that the developers had the opportunity to take the fun premise of the movie and turn it into an equally entertaining game. Ultimately, though, they didn't give the Jumanji game the attention it deserved, and instead, turned out a title that isn't worth its $40 price tag.

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Jumanji: The Video Game is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Screen Rant was provided a PS4 code for the purposes of this review.