Mediasoft has released more information on the upcoming 2015 edition of its hit badminton game series, Jump Smash. Asia’s best realistic badminton mobile game will include manga-style characters, complete with neon-colored hairstyles, for use by players.
The cartoon-y new characters were first revealed in December 2014 at Comic Fiesta in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, together with user interface upgrades and more refined graphics and images. There will also be doubles matches and character customization – options unavailable in earlier games. A limited edition Li-Ning Jump Smash 2015 comic and art book will also be published.
The manga-style characters are certainly an unprecedented move as Jump Smash has been a game best known for its realism. Mediasoft explains that it wants to create a different take on traditional badminton games and add to the entertainment value of the existing game.
“That does not mean that we are abandoning our realistic version of the game. We are just wanting to explore a different market whilst still maintaining the existing one,” a Mediasoft representative explained via email.
Sports manga and anime have always been popular with fans of Japanese pop culture, some recent trending ones being Kuroko no Basket (basketball) and Free! (swimming). Plotlines typically play up camaraderie between the characters and while this sort of story has typically been aimed at a male audience, it has its share of female fans. Mediasoft will definitely be reaching out to a specific audience of young, mobile game-savvy users by including manga-style characters.
The Malaysia-based company signed a five-year deal with Li-Ning sports brand last year, which is why it will be releasing Jump Smash 2015 under the branding: Li-Ning Jump Smash 2015. The game’s expected release is in March 2015.
See: Forget NBA 2K and FIFA. Jump Smash is the next big sports video game franchise out of Asia
The manga sketch photo was removed January 20, 2015 and replaced on January 21 with the right image.
Editing by Paul Bischoff
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