J.A.C.K.

About

J.A.C.K. is a single player action game. It was developed by Crystice Softworks and was released on December 15, 2016. It received very positive reviews from players.

J.A.C.K. is a versatile, cross-platform level editor designed for games with a Quake-style BSP architecture, such as Half-Life, Quake, Quake II, and Quake III. Its goal is to provide a convenient, user-friendly tool that combines the best features of existing editors like Valve Hammer Editor and Q3Radiant, addressing their inherent limitations. J.A.C.K. currently supports classic games, with plans to extend compatibility to Source Engine and Unity-based games.

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 145 reviews

humor2 positive mentions

stability4 negative mentions

J.A.C.K. is a significant improvement over the original Hammer editor, offering a more user-friendly interface and additional features that enhance the mapping experience.
The editor is stable and less prone to crashes compared to its predecessor, making it a reliable tool for creating maps for GoldSrc and Quake games.
It has strong community support, with plenty of resources available for users, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced mappers.

The paid version has been criticized for lacking significant updates and support, leading some users to feel it is not worth the cost compared to the free version.
There are still bugs and issues present in the software that can hinder the mapping experience, and users have reported difficulty in getting support for these problems.
Some users find the interface and features to be outdated or cumbersome, especially when compared to more modern mapping tools.

stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, users report significant improvements in stability, noting a reduction in unusual bugs and crashes compared to the original editor. However, some still experience freezing issues, particularly when handling large texture files, indicating that while stability has improved, it is not yet flawless.
- “Pretty crappy, buggy, and uncomfortable.”
- “I'm using around 20,000 textures compressed in 3 WADs; the application freezes for 1-2 seconds every time I go to or leave the texture application, even though I have a workstation with a quad Xeon and 16 GB RAM.”
- “It is also far less crash-prone and buggy compared to Valve's original editor.”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
The optimization of the tool is generally smooth, benefiting from features reminiscent of Half-Life 2's Hammer, such as 3D model displays and skybox functionality. However, users report performance issues, particularly when browsing textures and using the texture application tool, which can hinder the overall experience.
- “Runs smoothly, has some of Half-Life 2's Hammer functionalities such as 3D display of models on the grid and entity names, and a skybox display in the 3D viewport.”
- “I've been playing around with the application's features. I feel very comfortable with the tool since I've been using it for years now.”
- “I've been playing around with the application's features. I feel very comfortable with the tool since I've been using it for years now, but there are some things that bother me, the main being the performance of the tool.”
- “Low performance while browsing the textures in search mode.”
- “Low performance when accessing the texture application tool and when selecting brushes.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The gameplay is minimal, with some users noting a lack of traditional mechanics, while others appreciate the streamlined editing process that enhances creativity without unnecessary complexity.
- “The developers have clearly put a lot of thought into streamlining the editing process, allowing me to focus on my creativity without getting bogged down by complicated mechanics.”
- “Absolutely zero gameplay.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy has received criticism for including startup ads in the paid version of the game, which some users find disappointing, especially as it directs players to a webpage promoting the mod's author upon launch.
- “It's a bit disappointing that they included startup ads in a paid version.”
- “The game includes advertising for the mod's author that opens a web page when you launch it for the first time.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by unexpected elements, such as ad popups that playfully subvert expectations, alongside the inclusion of amusing achievements and trading cards. Players appreciate the comedic twist of the headcrab theme, which adds a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
- “The biggest plot twist is that each time you start Jack, it shows an ad popup for some doom video game instead of the headcrab funny mod. That's why you should get the free version instead. Don't you like headcrabs?”
- “Moreover, in this version, you can get new funny achievements and trade cards.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story features a surprising plot twist involving an ad popup for a doom video game when starting the character Jack, which detracts from the intended humorous experience of the headcrab mod. This unexpected element suggests that players might prefer the free version to avoid interruptions.
- “The biggest plot twist is that each time you start Jack, it shows an ad popup for some doom video game instead of the headcrab funny mod. That's why you should get the free version instead. Don't you like headcrabs?”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics of Jack are noted for their effective emulation of the original hammer's user interface, though some users feel the icons could be more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the inclusion of quality of life upgrades enhances the overall visual experience.