Dynamite Jack
- May 10, 2012
- Hassey Enterprises, Inc.
- 8h median play time
Get on SteamDynamite Jack is a stealth action game where you play as a soldier sneaking through levels filled with enemies, using your trusty explosives to light the way and clear a path. With 28 levels spread across 4 different environments, you'll need to plan your moves carefully and think on your feet to escape. The game features dynamic environments that react to your actions, as well as leaderboards to compare your scores and time with other players.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay with a mix of stealth and puzzle elements, providing a fun challenge.
- Includes a level editor and community maps, adding replayability and variety to the game.
- Simple mechanics that are easy to learn, making it accessible for casual gaming sessions.
- Repetitive gameplay with limited enemy variety and mechanics, leading to a lack of long-term engagement.
- Some players experienced frustrating save issues and poorly defined game mechanics.
- Graphics and story are minimal, which may not appeal to those looking for a more immersive experience.
- gameplay47 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as fun and engaging, featuring simple mechanics that are easy to learn but can become repetitive over time. Players appreciate the incorporation of stealth elements and unique mechanics like luring enemies with light and sound, though some feel that the execution could be improved and that additional gameplay variety is needed. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience with a mix of puzzle-like challenges and straightforward controls, making it accessible yet enjoyable.
“Movement and actions are rather basic, but there are a few extra mechanics that expand the gameplay, such as luring enemies with light and sound.”
“Smooth, simple and very fun gameplay.”
“The gameplay is exciting, tense and escalates as you go through more levels.”
“The gameplay loop is also too repetitive – you barely get introduced to new mechanics and it quickly grows stale.”
“The story is also basically non-existent, so the whole game just relies on its game mechanics, which would be okay for a flash browser game, but not much more.”
“I like to call it a cross between the keycard hunts from Doom (the most boring part) and a bad stealth game with one-hit deaths and sloppy, unintuitive stealth mechanics that feels and plays like it was made in 1992.”
- graphics34 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Dynamite Jack" are characterized by a minimalistic and simple art style that, while not visually stunning, effectively conveys the game's atmosphere and gameplay mechanics. Many players appreciate the clean visuals and good use of light, noting that they serve their purpose well despite being somewhat dated and basic. Overall, the graphics are deemed sufficient for the game's design, contributing to an enjoyable experience without being a standout feature.
“Graphically, Dynamite Jack features a very simple, yet distinct art style.”
“Great atmosphere, nice sounds, cool graphics, fun levels, interesting gameplay; it is a pretty neat game.”
“The graphics are simple, but work very well for this type of game and definitely let you know if you will be seen or not.”
“Sadly, that's because the graphics are, not just mediocre, but I would say bad.”
“I don't really like games with graphics like this.”
“The art style is pretty dated and it's very basic but despite this the game was still ok, I didn't recall any issues or problems I had with it after playing through the main story and finding some of the collectibles.”
- story21 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for being minimal and poorly developed, consisting mainly of a few cutscenes and basic plot elements that fail to engage players. While the premise involves a space marine escaping from mines, many reviewers noted that the narrative is almost non-existent, relying instead on gameplay mechanics. Overall, the lack of a compelling storyline detracts from the experience, making it feel more like a simple puzzle game than a narrative-driven adventure.
“The story follows Jack in his attempt to escape from the mines, and you guide him through the caves while avoiding the guards.”
“You won't be amazed by the graphics and the story isn't anything new, but you'll have a fun time, and in the end, that's all that matters.”
“However, as soon as you boot the game, pay attention; an automatic cutscene/loading screen will pop up showing the only bits of storyline you will see throughout the whole game.”
“The core of the game is a 'space marine' who needs to escape a series of mines... sure, whatever, but honestly, there's no story; I just pretty much told you more than the cutscenes in the game will tell you.”
“The story is also basically non-existent, so the whole game just relies on its game mechanics, which would be okay for a flash browser game, but not much more.”
“The story is slapped on, the art direction is nonexistent, the levels are simple and uninteresting, and the game introduces pretty much all of its few features in the first couple of levels.”
- music19 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 16 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack for enhancing the atmosphere and gameplay experience, while others find it generic or repetitive over time. Some users highlight the music's ability to create a sense of mood and tension, particularly in specific levels, while a few express dissatisfaction with its overall quality. Overall, the soundtrack is often described as a strong point, contributing positively to the game's ambiance.
“Btw the atmosphere with the graphics and music is great.”
“The underground ambiance and music sculpt each respective level to create situations of adventurous apprehension, or foreboding danger.”
“Brilliant fun indie puzzler with a great soundtrack and atmosphere.”
“The soundtrack is your typical, generic futuristic mix.”
“About the soundtrack, it really annoyed me after some time, so yeah, it wasn't very good, except for the final map theme.”
“Decent soothing soundtrack that doesn't get on your nerves.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through its diverse playstyles, multiple objectives for each level, and a level editor that allows for user-generated content. Players can engage with various challenges and achievements, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same. Despite a relatively short main campaign, the combination of branching objectives and community-created levels enhances the overall replay value.
“Awesome 2D stealth puzzler with a variety of playstyles and plenty of replayability.”
“The dark underground mines, mixed with marines and deadly beasts, make you carefully plan out your moves, and the achievements add another level of planning and replayability.”
“Each level consists of 3 additional goals in a variety of categories (collect certain items, don't kill anyone, kill everyone, etc) which provides some small level of replayability - in some cases, not all three can be achieved in a single playthrough.”
“The puzzles are fun to solve, and the branching objectives and optional achievements give the game strong replay value.”
“Although the main campaign only lasts for about three hours, the game does come with a level editor for replayability.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its combination of impressive graphics and engaging music, creating a nostalgic yet sophisticated retro vibe. Players appreciate the immersive experience, likening it to a blend of stealth gameplay with elements reminiscent of classic titles, all set against a captivating backdrop.
“The atmosphere, combined with the graphics and music, is fantastic.”
“Great atmosphere, nice sounds, cool graphics, fun levels, and interesting gameplay make it a pretty neat game.”
“A charming and affordable game that captures the nostalgic retro game atmosphere with more sophisticated graphics and sound.”
“It's like a stealth game with Bomberman elements and an atmosphere reminiscent of Arcadia 2100.”
“The atmosphere feels disjointed and fails to immerse me in the game world.”
“I expected a rich, engaging atmosphere, but it ended up feeling flat and uninspired.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is enjoyable initially but becomes frustrating and tedious in the later stages, with players noting poor controls and a lack of challenge. The repetitive nature of bomb placement and the limited blast radius contribute to a sense of monotony, leading some to play solely for achievements rather than genuine enjoyment.
“Expect a game that is fun for the first 75% and frustratingly tedious for the final 25%.”
“Terrible game, terrible controls, terrible grindy feel with just no challenge.”
“I tediously bombed my way through the initial levels, motivated only by getting some Steam achievements.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is consistently praised for its humor, with users highlighting it as a great and funny experience, particularly enjoyable even on low-powered computers.
“Great and funny game for computers with low power.”
“Funny game.”
“It's a funny game to play.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with some users reporting smooth performance and efficient resource management, while others experience significant lag and technical issues. Overall, the game's optimization appears to vary widely depending on individual system configurations.
