Epic Games Introduces Wild New Fortnite Crown Jam Mode

I saw that Epic Games has fully combined its properties into a single experience. The newest limited-time mode, Fortnite Crown Jam, pulls the bean-like characters from Fall Guys into a game clearly inspired by Rocket League. The event launched on January 23 and remains in Fortnite until February 9. It appears to be the final form of Epic’s crossover strategy, blending assets from its major acquisitions into something new.

I played the mode, which resembles a warped version of basketball set inside a massive Fall Guys-style obstacle course. I joined a team of three beans to face another trio, with both teams trying to score on the opposing hoop. The action has a specific kind of mayhem.

In a press release, Epic calls Crown Jam "basketball meets football meets obstacle course chaos."

The comparison to Rocket League feels immediate. That game took customizable cars and put them into a ridiculous, action-filled sport that worked. I see the same spirit shining through in Crown Jam. One notable detail for Fall Guys fans is the change to in-game physics. A press release from Epic stated that:

"Beans are powered by real physics, so you can feel every jump, tackle, and slam-dunk."

Both Fortnite and Fall Guys are known for their exaggerated character physics, so the actual degree of realism here is something I had to feel out in the match. The movement feels weightier than a standard Fall Guys round.

There are also rewards for participation. I logged into Fall Guys to receive the Slam Dunk costume for free. After finishing five matches of Crown Jam inside Fortnite, I unlocked a plush back bling of a blue Fall Guys bean. For those who are good at the mode, ranked play offers additional prizes, including a Jam Track and a back bling shaped like the crown ball itself.