Editing Jumping Flash!

{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{featured article}}{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = Jumping_Flash_art.png
| caption = Promotional artwork used in European and Asian territories.
| alt = A cartoon rabbit character on a yellow background with text "PlayStation" and "Jumping Flash!"
| developer = Exact<br>Ultra{{efn|[[Sony Computer Entertainment Japan]] assisted on development.}}
| publisher = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| director = Koji Tada
| producer = {{Unbulleted list|Tetsuji Yamamoto|Junichiro Ueno|Yukihito Morikawa}}
| composer = [[Takeo Miratsu]]
| designer = {{Unbulleted list|Toshimitsu Odaira|Hiroyuki Saegusa|Shuji Nomaguchi}}
| programmer = {{Unbulleted list|Hiroshi Yamamoto|Kazuki Toyota|Takashi Katano}}
| artist = Kazuma Shirasaki
| writer = {{Unbulleted list|Shuji Nomaguchi|Kazuya Sakamoto}}
| engine = 
| platforms = [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| released = {{Video game release|JP|April 28, 1995|PAL|September 29, 1995|NA|November 2, 1995}}
| genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| title = Jumping Flash!
}}

{{Nihongo foot|'''''Jumping Flash!'''''|ジャンピングフラッシュ!|Janpingu Furasshu!|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes}} is a 1995 [[platform game|platform]] [[video game]] developed by Exact and Ultra and published by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. It was originally released on April 28, 1995 in Japan, September 29, 1995 in [[PAL territories]] as well as November 2, 1995 in North America.

Presented in a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]], the game follows a robotic rabbit named "Robbit" as he searches for missing jet pods scattered by the game's [[astrophysicist]] antagonist character Baron Aloha. Robbit must explore each section of Crater Planet to retrieve all of the jet pods, stop Aloha and save the world from being destroyed. The game was designed as a [[technology demonstration|technology demonstrator]] for the PlayStation console and was revealed in early 1994 under the provisional title of "Spring Man". ''Jumping Flash!'' utilizes much of the [[game engine]] used in ''[[Geograph Seal]]'', an earlier game by Exact for the [[X68000]] home computer.

''Jumping Flash!'' has been described as an ancestor of, as well as an early showcase for, [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]] in [[Video game console|console gaming]]. It was generally well received by critics, who praised its graphics and unique 3D platforming gameplay, but it was eventually overshadowed by later 3D platformers of the [[History of video game consoles (fifth generation)|fifth console generation]]. ''Jumping Flash!'' spawned two sequels: ''[[Jumping Flash! 2]]'' and ''[[Robbit Mon Dieu]]''. It received positive reviews at the time of release, and made an appearance in ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]''{{'}}s "Top 100 Games of All Time" just one year after. The game was described as the third-most underrated video game of all time by Matt Casamassina of [[IGN]] in 2007. It holds the [[Guinness World Record]] as the "first platform video game in true 3D".

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Jumping Flash gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|A still image from the first level. The interface displays the radar, time remaining, health and inventory.|alt=A screenshot from a video game.]]

''Jumping Flash!'' is presented in a [[First person (video games)|first-person]] perspective. The player assumes the role of Robbit, a robotic rabbit, and can freely move Robbit in three-dimensional space and can rotate the [[virtual camera system|camera]] in any direction. The top part of the screen shows the remaining time, the player's score, and a character named Kumagoro—Robbit's sidekick [[artificial intelligence]] who offers the player warnings and hints.{{sfn|Exact|1995|p=5}} The top left corner of the screen shows the collected [[power-up]]s; the top right corner contains the radar showing the locations of objects including enemies, power-ups, jet pods and enemy projectiles. The bottom shows a health meter on the sides and the number of remaining lives in the centre. The player starts the game with three lives; a new life is granted once one million points are earned.{{sfn|Exact|1995|p=8}}

The core of the gameplay is focused on the player's ability to make Robbit jump.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solving the 3D platforming problem in Jumping Flash|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117190711/http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/solving-the-3d-platforming-problem-in-jumping-flash/|archive-date=17 November 2015|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/solving-the-3d-platforming-problem-in-jumping-flash/ |date=5 December 2012 |work=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=5 November 2015 |first=Richard |last=Mitchell}}</ref> Robbit can jump up to three times in mid-air, which allows him to reach extreme heights.<ref name="Joystiq">{{cite web|title=Retro Review: Jumping Flash! (PS1)|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/psone-review-jumping-flash/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093340/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/10/psone-review-jumping-flash/|archive-date=2 April 2015 |last=Yoon|first= Andrew|work=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=28 May 2014|date=10 January 2007}}</ref> Unlike other platform games that continue to face horizontally when the player jumps, in ''Jumping Flash!'' the camera tilts downwards when a double-jump<ref name="Joystiq" /> or triple-jump is performed to allow the player to see Robbit's shadow and easily plan a landing spot.<ref name="1UP">{{cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=21 March 2006 |title=Forgotten Gem: Jumping Flash! |url=http://www.1up.com/features/forgotten-gem-jumping-flash |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |access-date=6 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522211947/http://www.1up.com/features/forgotten-gem-jumping-flash |archive-date=22 May 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="video" /> The player has the ability to shoot a low-powered laser beam at a target indicator in the middle of the screen.<ref name="Joystiq" /> The player can find and use fireworks for Robbit to damage enemies. These include [[cherry bomb]]s, [[bottle rocket|rockets]], [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s and spinners.{{sfn|Exact|1995|p=9}}<ref name="GameRev" />

Each level has a time limit of ten minutes, which ends the game if it is exceeded. Losing all lives is presented with a choice to [[continue (video games)|continue]] or return to the title screen.{{sfn|Exact|1995|p=15}} Power-ups scattered across each world, presented as picture frames, include carrots that extend Robbit's health, [[Life (video games)#Extra lives|extra lives]], time-outs that stop the clock and freeze the level's dynamics for a few seconds, hourglasses that extend the player's time, and power pills that make Robbit invincible for a short period of time.{{sfn|Exact|1995|p=10}}<ref name="Joystiq" /> Enemies in the game vary from [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] versions of creatures to robots and plants.<ref name="eurogamer" /><ref name="Jumping Flash! review">{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! review|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2156&tab=review|work=[[AllGame]]|publisher=All Media Network, LLC|access-date=26 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114204845/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2156&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014|last=House|first=Michael L.}}</ref>

The game is composed of six worlds with three levels each,<ref name="GameRev" /> totalling to 18 main levels.<ref name="GameSpy">{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! - PlayStation|url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/jumping-flash/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529085054/http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/jumping-flash/|archive-date=29 May 2014|work=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="greg" /> The objective of the main levels in each world is to collect four jet pods.<ref name="Jumping Flash! review" /> Each final level of a world consists of a boss fight.<ref name="GameRev" /> The level designs vary from snow-capped mountains to carnivals.<ref name="GameSpy" /> While most of the levels are large, outdoor excursions, two are enclosed within a narrow interior.<ref name="1UP" /> The game features hidden [[Bonus stage|bonus levels]], which are triggered when secret entrances are found. Bonus levels consist of blocks with balloons in them; popping the balloons yields either coins or power-ups. A [[time attack]] mode is available for any level the player has completed.{{sfn|Exact|1995|p=17}}

== Plot ==
The game begins on Crater Planet and revolves around the story of an insane [[astrophysicist]], Baron Aloha. Planning to make a large profit from his evil ingenuity, Aloha removes giant pieces of land from the planet using machines to turn them into private resorts. Aloha removes and hides the twelve jet pods that propel each world. Witnessing the destruction, the residents of Crater Planet call for help, and in response the Universal City Hall dispatches one of their agents, a mechanical rabbit named Robbit.{{sfn|Exact|1995|p=5}} Robbit is ordered to explore each world to retrieve the jet pods, stop Aloha, and save Crater Planet from destruction. At the end of the game, Aloha flees to his home, Little Muu, and vows revenge on Robbit.

Throughout the game, Aloha surrounds himself with creatures called MuuMuus that appear as small, white, five-limbed creatures with miniature palm trees on their heads. Many of the game's [[full motion video]]s feature the MuuMuus in an [[izakaya]] tavern, recounting their defeat at the hands of Robbit.

== Development and release ==
''Jumping Flash!'' was developed by Japanese developers Exact and Ultra.<ref name="exact" /> Exact, short for Excellent Application Create Team, was previously known for developing games for the [[Sharp X68000]]; their previous game, ''[[Geograph Seal]]'', serves as a spiritual predecessor to ''Jumping Flash!'', utilizing the same engine and some gameplay designs.<ref name="Edge" /><ref name="exact2">{{cite web |last1=Fahs |first1=Travis |date=4 November 2008 |title=Jumping Flashback |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/11/04/jumping-flashback?page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211022154/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/04/jumping-flashback?page=1 |archive-date=11 December 2015 |access-date=1 November 2014 |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=2}}</ref><ref name="jump">{{cite web |last1=Butler |first1=Tom |date=20 January 2014 |title=The rise of the Jump |url=http://www.polygon.com/features/2014/1/20/5227582/the-rise-of-the-jump |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114054823/http://www.polygon.com/features/2014/1/20/5227582/the-rise-of-the-jump |archive-date=14 January 2016 |access-date=6 November 2015 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref> After seeing ''Geograph Seal'' and realising the potential in their game design, Sony's director of entertainment in Japan, Koji Tada, paired Exact with Ultra to develop a new game for the upcoming PlayStation console. Tada replaced Hiroyuki Saegusa as director of the game, although he had kept all key Exact staff to work on the project.<ref name="exact2" /> [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] hoped ''Jumping Flash!'' would be remembered as the first appearance of a new "platform star" with the same longevity as [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] or [[Mario]].<ref name="ngalphas">{{cite magazine |date=May 1995 |title=Alphas ''Jumping Flash'' |url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-005/Next_Generation_Issue_005_May_1995#page/n75/mode/2up/search/jumping+flash |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404201704/https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-005/Next_Generation_Issue_005_May_1995#page/n75/mode/2up/search/jumping+flash |archive-date=4 April 2016 |access-date=27 November 2015 |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=Imagine Media |page=74 |issue=5 |issn=1078-9693 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Edge">{{cite magazine|title=PreScreen - Jumping Flash!<!--|url=http://i.imgur.com/dfxbW5j.jpg--> |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=April 1995|issue=19|pages=41–42}}</ref><ref name="gamefanmag">{{cite journal|title=Jumping Flash! preview|journal=GameFan|date=July 1995|volume=3|issue=7}}</ref> The game was first revealed in early 1994 under the provisional title "Spring Man" as a [[technology demonstration]] for the upcoming [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] console.<ref name="ngalphas" /><ref name="Edge" />

The initial development was split into two phases. Exact developed the game engine and its gameplay; Ultra designed the story and 3D cutscenes, and created characters including the protagonist, a mechanical rabbit named Robbit.<ref name="exact2" /> Ultra felt they needed to depart from the "stereotypical science fiction vibe" that included the usual "space ranger" or double agent protagonists.<ref name="exact2" /> To create a sense of individuality among platform games, the developers implemented a dynamic camera that would automatically pan down towards the shadow of Robbit on the ground during large jumps,<ref name="video">{{cite web|title=Is It Time To Reboot Jumping Flash!?|url=http://uk.ign.com/videos/2015/11/06/is-it-time-to-reboot-jumping-flash-game-scoop|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=Ziff Davies|access-date=20 January 2016|date=6 November 2015}}</ref> allowing players to carefully line up their landings.<ref name="exact">{{cite web|last1=Fahs|first1=Travis|title=Jumping Flashback|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211022154/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/04/jumping-flashback?page=1|archive-date=11 December 2015|url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/11/04/jumping-flashback?page=1|work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=1 November 2014|date=4 November 2008}}</ref> ''Jumping Flash!'' was considered the first game of the platform genre to be developed with full 3D computer graphics.<ref name="EdgeReviewIssue22">{{cite magazine|title=TestScreen - Jumping Flash!|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=July 1995|pages=62–63|issue=22|issn=1350-1593}}</ref> The music for ''Jumping Flash!'' was composed by Japanese video games and [[anime]] music composer [[Takeo Miratsu]]. Many of the tracks, along with tracks from ''Jumping Flash! 2'', were included on the ''Jumping Flash! 2 Original Soundtrack'' album, which Miratsu also composed.<ref>{{cite web | author=Martin, Ben | title=Jumping Flash! 2 Original Game Soundtrack (Featured Review) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119023550/http://soundtrackcentral.com/jumping-flash-2-original-soundtrack/st164|archive-date=19 November 2015| url=http://www.altpop.com/stc/reviews/jf2.htm | work=AltPop.com (Soundtrack Central) | access-date=9 August 2007}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 84%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/572469-jumping-flash/index.html |title=Jumping Flash! for PlayStation |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=6 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209014710/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/572469-jumping-flash/index.html |archive-date=9 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Jumping Flash! review" />
| Edge = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:Edge_UK_022.pdf&page=62|title=Jumping Flash|date=July 1995|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|pages=62–63|issue=22|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
| EGM = 34.5/40<ref name="EGM76" />
| Fam = 34/40<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Famitsu staff| date=1995 | magazine=[[Famitsu]] | publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]] | title=クロスレビュー | trans-title=Cross Review | language=ja | url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=1766 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324191434/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=1766 | access-date=24 March 2019 | archive-date=24 March 2019}}</ref>
| GameFan = 279/300<ref name="gamefan">{{cite journal|title=Jumping Flash! review|journal=[[GameFan]]|publisher=DieHard Gamers Club|date=October 1995|volume=3|issue=10|pages=16, 28}}</ref>
| GamePro = 16.5/20<ref name="GamePro" />
| GameRev = A−<ref name="GameRev" />
| IGN = 7.5/10<ref name="ign" />
| NGen = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="NG8">{{cite magazine|title=Jumping Flash! review|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=August 1995|issue=8|page=68}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Games World]]''
| rev1Score = 83/100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/games-world-14/page/5/mode/2up|title=Jumping Flash!|magazine=[[Games World]]|issue=14|pages=56–57|date=July 1995|access-date=10 July 2021}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''Maximum''
| rev2Score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="Max1" />
| award1Pub = [[GameFan|''GameFan'' Megawards]]
| award1 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|32-Bit Game of the Year]],<br /> PlayStation Game of the Year,<br /> Best New Character (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite journal|journal=[[GameFan]]|title=GameFan Megawards|publisher=DieHard Gamers Club|volume=4|issue=1|date=January 1996|pages=104–106}}</ref>
| award2Pub = ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''
| award2 = Game of the Month<ref name="EGM76" />
| award3Pub = ''[[Guinness World Records]]''
| award3 = First platform video game in true 3D<ref name="guinness">{{cite web|title=First platform videogame in true 3D|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211033921/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-platformer-in-true-3d|archive-date=11 December 2015|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-platformer-in-true-3d|work=[[Guinness World Records]]|publisher=[[Jim Pattison Group]]|access-date=3 November 2015}}</ref>
| OPMUK = 8/10<ref name="opsm">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]]|issue=1|date=1995|url=https://archive.org/details/Official_UK_Playstation_Magazine_Issue_001_1995-11_Future_Publishing_GB/page/n77|title=Official UK Playstation Magazine - Issue 001 (1995-11)(Future Publishing)(GB)}}</ref>
}}

The game received generally positive reviews upon release. Critics mainly praised its unique innovation, advanced graphics, gameplay and clean textures.<ref name="GameRev" /><ref name="eurogamer">{{cite web|last1=Fahey|first1=Rob|title=Jumping Flash (1995)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016051200/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/jumping-flash-review|archive-date=16 October 2015|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/jumping-flash-review|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=25 November 2014|date=9 June 2007}}</ref><ref name="EGM76" /> The four reviewers of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' gave it their "Game of the Month" award, citing the outstanding graphics and particularly the innovative 3D gameplay. They described the style as "cutesy" but not off-putting.<ref name="EGM76">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Jumping Flash|first1=Andrew|last1=Baran|first2=Mark|last2=LeFebvre|first3=Mike|last3=Desmond|first4=Scott|last4=Parus|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=76|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=November 1995|page=40}}</ref> "Major Mike" of ''[[GamePro]]'' said that despite the game appearing "strange", it had action, strategy, and some humour.<ref name="GamePro">{{cite magazine | title=ProReview: Jumping Flash! | issue=76 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Communications]] |date=November 1995 |issn=1042-8658 |page=50 |last=Major |first=Mike<!--|url=http://www.imagebam.com/image/addaf4218993645--> }}</ref> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' said that "[many] of the boundaries have been redefined in a big way", contrasting it with [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] platformers with a first-person perspective and explorable 3D environments. They called it "simply superb" and gave it a "Revolutionary" five-star rating.<ref name="NG8" /> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' magazine called it "one of the most innovative and entertaining games seen" and "the first true 3D platformer."<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=February 1996|title=3D Platformarama|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/53/CVG_UK_171.pdf#page=13|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=171|publication-date=12 January 1996|page=13|access-date=25 December 2021}}</ref> ''[[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]]'' wrote that "To suggest that ''Jumping Flash'' is innovative is a criminal understatement: there's never been anything like this game in terms of sheer brain-popping wow factor."<ref name="opsm" />

''Maximum'' stated that ''Jumping Flash!'' was one of the most "imaginative, playable, enjoyable" and original titles seen on the [[fifth generation of video game consoles]]. They criticised its length and lack of difficulty, expressing that it could have been one of the "greatest games ever" if it was longer and more difficult, and questioned whether it was "a really worthwhile" purchase.<ref name="Max1">{{cite magazine|title=Jumping Flash|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=1|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=October 1995|page=153}}</ref> [[Game Revolution]] called the graphics "mind blowing" and the game itself "totally unique", but criticised the overall length and ease of play.<ref name="GameRev">{{cite web | year=1995 | title=Jumping Flash - PS (review) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709021526/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sony/jumping_flash|archive-date=9 July 2008| url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sony/jumping_flash | publisher=[[Game Revolution]]| access-date=7 August 2007}}</ref> [[IGN]]'s 1996 review similarly disapproved the difficulty, stating that despite the small worlds and easy difficulty, it is "a great, genre-pushing game", also saying it is an essential for all PlayStation owners.<ref name="ign">{{cite web | date=25 November 1996 | title=Jumping Flash (review) | url=http://ign.com/articles/1996/11/26/jumping-flash |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=7 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211032509/http://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/26/jumping-flash|archive-date=11 December 2015}}</ref> 

=== Retrospective ===
In 1996, ''Next Generation'' listed it as number 86 on their "Top 100 Games of All Time", saying it had created the genre of 3D platforming. They particularly praised "the vertigo inducing sense of height as Robbit leaps from platform to platform".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=21 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=September 1996|page=39}}</ref> In a 2007 review, [[Greg Miller (Internet celebrity)|Greg Miller]] of IGN condemned the graphics as "dated", having "jagged edges" and "muddled" colours, and said every aspect of the game is "weak" and that it had not stood "the test of time".<ref name="greg">{{cite web|last1=Miller|first1=Greg|author-link=Greg Miller (Internet celebrity)|title=Jumping Flash! Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121133322/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/13/jumping-flash-review|archive-date=21 November 2015|url=http://ign.com/articles/2007/03/13/jumping-flash-review|work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=5 November 2015|date=12 March 2007}}</ref> In a retrospective review, Andrew Yoon of [[Engadget]] praised the gameplay and innovation, saying the "grainy" and "antiquated" graphics did no harm to the vibrant atmosphere of the game.<ref name="Joystiq" />

Speaking in 2007, Rob Fahey of [[Eurogamer]] stated that ''Jumping Flash!'' was arguably one of the most important ancestors of any 3D platform game, as well as asserting that the game would always have a part in videogaming history.<ref name="eurogamer" /> Albert Kim of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' stated that the game provided perhaps the most euphoric sensation of video gaming at the time and described the first-person perspective as "hypnotic".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kim |first=Albert |title=With the PlayStation, Sony Pursues Game and Fortune |url=https://ew.com/article/1995/09/22/sony-releases-playstation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429045224/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C298827%2C00.html |archive-date=29 April 2014 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.|Time]] |access-date=1 December 2009 |date=22 September 1995 |url-status=live }}</ref> Maddy Thorson, the creator of the [[indie game|indie]] video game ''[[TowerFall]]'', praised the game, saying "something about the sensation of leaping through 3D space captured my childhood imagination".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shuman|first1=Sid|title=PlayStation Turns 20: Our All-Time Favorite PSone Games|date=3 December 2014 |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/12/03/playstation-turns-20-our-all-time-favorite-psone-games/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221041105/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/12/03/playstation-turns-20-our-all-time-favorite-psone-games/|archive-date=21 December 2015|publisher=PlayStation US|access-date=8 December 2014}}</ref>

[[1UP.com]] cited its first-person platforming as a precursor to ''[[Mirror's Edge]]'', despite suggesting that the jumping remained "woefully out of place" in the platform genre.<ref>{{cite web|last=Adkins|first=Nickolai|title=Leaps and Bounds: The History of the Jump|url=http://www.1up.com/features/leaps-bounds-history-jump|work=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=[[UGO Networks]]|access-date=28 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612053335/http://www.1up.com/features/leaps-bounds-history-jump|archive-date=12 June 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2007, Matt Casamassina of IGN ranked ''Jumping Flash!'' as the third-most underrated video game of all time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Casamassina|first=Matt|author-link=Matt Casamassina | date=30 January 2007 | title=Top 10 Tuesday: Underrated and Underappreciated Games |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115055154/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/31/top-10-tuesday-underrated-and-underappreciated-games|archive-date=15 January 2016| url=http://ign.com/articles/2007/01/31/top-10-tuesday-underrated-and-underappreciated-games |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] | access-date=1 December 2009}}</ref> After release, co-developer Ultra renamed themselves "Muu Muu", after the creatures featured in the game.<ref name="exact2" /><ref name="GamespyMuuMuu">{{cite web|title=MuuMuu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529142859/http://www.gamespy.com/company/706/706005.html|archive-date=29 May 2014|url=http://www.gamespy.com/company/706/706005.html|work=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=26 November 2014}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
Due to its popularity, Sony produced two sequels to ''Jumping Flash!'', including one spin-off.<ref name="IGN staff">{{cite web | date=11 January 1999 | title=Import Watch: Pocket MuuMuu | url=http://ign.com/articles/1999/01/12/import-watch-pocket-muumuu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121195107/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/01/12/import-watch-pocket-muumuu|archive-date=21 November 2015|work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=23 November 2008}}</ref> A direct sequel, ''[[Jumping Flash! 2]]''—also developed by Exact—was released worldwide for the PlayStation the following year; it continued the story of Robbit and the subsequent rise and fall of Baron Aloha.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! 2 - PlayStation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211015036/http://www.ign.com/games/jumping-flash-2/ps-577|archive-date=11 December 2015|url=http://ign.com/games/jumping-flash-2/ps-577|work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> The game received positive reviews upon release, with critics particularly praising its updated features.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! 2 review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819204906/http://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/25/jumping-flash-2|archive-date=19 August 2014|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/1996/11/25/jumping-flash-2|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=9 January 2016|date=25 November 1996}}</ref> ''[[Robbit Mon Dieu]]'' was released in Japan for the PlayStation in 1999. It was met with mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web | date=5 November 1999 | title=Jumping Flash 3: Robbit Mon Dieu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031049/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/06/jumping-flash-3-robbit-mon-dieu|archive-date=17 November 2015| url=http://ign.com/articles/1999/11/06/jumping-flash-3-robbit-mon-dieu | work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]| access-date=23 November 2008}}</ref> Exact merged into Sony Computer Entertainment in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parish|first1=Jeremy|title=Forgotten Gem: Jumping Flash!|url=http://www.1up.com/features/forgotten-gem-jumping-flash|work=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=[[UGO Networks]]|access-date=7 November 2015|date=21 March 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011233850/http://www.1up.com/features/forgotten-gem-jumping-flash|archive-date=11 October 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A loose spin-off utilizing the PocketStation titled ''[[Pocket MuuMuu]]'' was released in 1999, making it the most recent game in the series to be released.<ref name="IGN staff" />

The game was re-released through the [[PlayStation Network]] store on [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] in 2007, in 2012 on [[PlayStation Vita]] and again in 2022 on [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation 5]].<ref name="Sony US">{{cite web |title=Jumping Flash! on PlayStation Network |url=http://us.playstation.com/games/jumping-flash-ps3-psp.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506170600/http://us.playstation.com/games/jumping-flash-ps3-psp.html |archive-date=6 May 2014 |access-date=6 May 2014 |work=[[PlayStation]] US |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]]}}</ref> Despite the series' dormancy, Sony honored the series with Robbit's frequent appearances as collectibles in PlayStation Stars, a loyalty program on PlayStation Network.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-16 |title=PlayStation free download drops, no PS Plus needed |url=https://www.gamingbible.com/news/platform/playstation/playstation-free-download-ps-plus-791397-20240416 |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=GAMINGbible |language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book | year=1995 |last=Exact| title=Jumping Flash! ''instruction manual'' | pages=5–26 | publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] | id=SCUS-94103}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* {{MobyGames|/jumping-flash}}

{{Jumping Flash! series}}
[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:3D platformers]]
[[Category:Exact games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console)-only games]]
[[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Video games about rabbits and hares]]
[[Category:Video games about robots]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Takeo Miratsu]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:MuuMuu games]]
[[Category:First-person video games]]
[[Category:Japan Studio games]]