JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven asks a simple question: can a fighting game based on a sprawling anime and manga series actually work? The answer, in short, is yes — but with serious limits. This PS3 and PS4 release takes the Stand battles from the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime and puts them into a full-fledged fighting game, and it mostly succeeds at delivering the show’s energy. It also falls short in ways that keep it from being essential for anyone outside the fandom.
Trailer, via Bandai Namco Entertainment.
The Stand System Explained
The core of Eyes of Heaven is its Stand system. Players call out a Stand during a combo, and the attack plays out in slow-motion with dramatic animation. It’s a clever way to make each character feel unique, and it draws directly from the anime’s most iconic moments. The slow-motion sequences are where the game shines brightest. They capture the show’s over-the-top style perfectly.
But the system isn’t perfect. Calling out a Stand requires careful timing, and the game punishes players who don’t get it right. Newcomers will find themselves losing combos because they missed the window to activate their Stand. It’s a steep learning curve, and it’s one of the biggest hurdles new players face.
Character Variety and Balance
The roster pulls from multiple parts of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure canon, spanning different generations of characters. That variety is a strength. Players who grew up with the anime can pick their favorite era and still find a familiar cast waiting for them.
Balance is another matter. Some characters feel far stronger than others, and the game doesn’t hide that. Certain fighters can dominate matches almost entirely through sheer power, while others struggle to land a single hit. This imbalance is noticeable across the entire roster, and it’s a persistent problem that keeps the game from feeling fair.
Story Mode and Presentation
The story mode tells the tale of Dio Brando’s rise to power, drawing on the early arcs of the series. It’s a faithful adaptation of the show, complete with voice acting and cutscenes that recreate key scenes. For fans of the anime, this is a major draw. The mode is long and dense, packed with content that rewards completionists.
Presentation matters here too. The game looks sharp on both PS3 and PS4, with detailed character models and smooth animations. The music carries the show’s bombastic energy, and the sound design adds to the overall atmosphere. It’s a polished package that respects the source material.
Technical Problems on PS3
The PS3 version shows its age. Load times are long, and the frame rate dips during busy matches. These issues aren’t minor — they can break immersion during extended play sessions. The game runs better on PS4, but even there the frame rate isn’t always stable.
The technical problems aren’t confined to one platform. Both versions share the same issues, just to different degrees. The PS3 version is the more problematic of the two, but neither version is flawless.
Multiplayer and Online Play
Online multiplayer is where Eyes of Heaven stumbles hardest. The online connection is inconsistent, and matches frequently suffer from input lag. Playing against friends online is frustrating, and it’s one of the reasons the game hasn’t aged well. Local multiplayer holds up better, but it’s limited to split-screen play on PS3 and PS4.
The online issues are a real problem for a fighting game. Fighting games rely on fast reactions, and any delay can turn a match into a frustrating experience. This is the kind of flaw that sticks with players long after they stop playing.
What Works Well
Despite its flaws, Eyes of Heaven gets a few things right. The Stand system is a genuine innovation, and it gives the game a distinct identity that separates it from other fighting titles. The story mode is a highlight, offering a comprehensive look at the early arcs of the series. And the presentation is strong, with excellent voice acting and attention to detail.
Here’s what stands out:
- The Stand system, which captures the show’s energy
- The story mode, which faithfully adapts the early arcs
- The detailed character models and animations
- The bombastic soundtrack that matches the show’s tone
These strengths are real, and they’re enough to justify picking up the game for longtime fans. But they’re not enough to overcome the game’s significant weaknesses.
Where It Falls Short
The balance issues are the biggest problem. Some characters are nearly unplayable, while others are practically unstoppable. That imbalance makes the game less fun for everyone involved. It also means the game is best enjoyed as a solo experience, since online multiplayer is unreliable and local multiplayer is limited.
The technical problems on PS3 are another drag. Long load times and frame rate drops make extended play sessions feel sluggish. The game is better on PS4, but even there the frame rate isn’t always stable. These issues are fixable, but they haven’t been addressed in any update.
The online multiplayer is the final nail in the coffin. Input lag makes matches nearly impossible to enjoy, and the game doesn’t offer any solutions. It’s a frustrating experience that keeps people away from the game.
The Verdict
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven is a mixed bag. It’s a competent fighting game with a great premise and solid presentation, but it’s held back by balance issues, technical problems, and a broken online multiplayer. Fans of the show will likely enjoy it, but newcomers might find the barriers to entry too high.
The game is worth a look for its Stand system alone, but the rough edges keep it from greatness. It’s a game that captures the spirit of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, but it struggles to deliver on the execution.
