Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash

Developed by Byking and Gemdrops and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash is now available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox X|S and PC. CBR was provided with a copy of this game by the publisher for review purposes. This review is based on the Xbox Series S version of the game.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash is an enjoyable 3D fighter that runs near flawlessly on the Steam Deck.

Unless you’re a diehard Jujutsu Kaisen fan, you won’t be satisfied paying full price for Cursed Clash, so for many, this might be one to revisit when it appears on sale down the line.

The customization is a positive, as there are different costumes and color schemes to use for each character. From goofy Jujutsu Stroll alternate looks to canon designs, you can at least look however you wish when playing. The Ultimate Edition even includes a little minigame called Jujutsu RBI, based on R.B.I. Baseball and the baseball section of the Kyoto Exchange Event story. It’s a fun idea that pays homage to a delightful part of the series, making for a dandy little bonus.

As it stands currently, Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash is a game that is fun and ugly but has so much potential even beyond its gameplay. The game presentation in other areas outside of gameplay and the poor story mode holds it back from being potentially one of the best to come out for anime games recently. Unless you're a die hard JJK fan, wait for a steep discount to pick this one up.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash is very much a missed opportunity to capitalise on a popular franchise. It’s a brawler that fails to get the most important thing right – making its combat dynamic and interesting – and also makes a litany of other errors along the way. And so, while some die-hard fans may eke some enjoyment out of it, we can’t really recommend it at all.

As arguably the biggest anime and manga franchise on the planet right now, all publisher Bandai Namco had to do was put together a serviceable adaptation of Gege Aktusami’s modern-day sensation and reap the rewards. Regrettably, the dismal Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash is the worst kind of tie-in: a vapid cash grab clearly developed on a shoe-string budget with few redeeming features for existing fans or fascinated newcomers alike.

Lacking both depth and balance, Cursed Clash is ultimately a transparent attempt at trying to sell something solely based on its association with a popular IP.

Many 3D arena fighting games based on anime properties have underwhelmed players with gameplay mechanics that feel clunky and unsatisfying. JJKCC's combat attempts to set itself apart from other 3D fighters with a couple of unique mechanics. Cursed energy builds up as players land low-damage normal attacks until stronger cursed attacks can be performed. Also, the two vs. two matches encourage players to set up effective strategies with the game's diverse cast and their unique playstyles. However, the results are an uneven distribution of satisfying setups with clunky, unbalanced, and frustrati...

Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash is a failed cash-in on an incredibly popular manga and anime franchise, that doesn't seem to understand what makes that franchise so popular to begin with.

Master the Jujutsu of your favorite Sorcerers and Cursed Spirits! Bring a friend and dive into the world of JUJUTSU KAISEN in this action-packed, 2-on-2 fighting game! Reviewed on PS5.