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J.A.C.K.

89%Game Brain Score
humor, gameplay
stability, optimization
89% User Score Based on 248 reviews

Platforms

LinuxPCMac OSWindows
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About

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.

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J.A.C.K. screenshot
J.A.C.K. screenshot
J.A.C.K. screenshot
J.A.C.K. screenshot
J.A.C.K. screenshot
J.A.C.K. screenshot
J.A.C.K. screenshot
J.A.C.K. screenshot
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89%
Audience ScoreBased on 248 reviews
humor4 positive mentions
stability8 negative mentions
  • J.A.C.K. is a significant improvement over the original Hammer editor, offering a more user-friendly interface and stability.
  • The editor supports a wide range of features for creating detailed maps for GoldSrc and Quake games, making it a valuable tool for level designers.
  • The active community and available resources provide excellent support for users, enhancing the overall mapping experience.
  • The software has been criticized for a lack of updates and support from the developers, leading to unresolved bugs and issues.
  • Many users feel that the paid version does not offer enough additional features compared to the free version available on the developer's website.
  • Some users have reported performance issues and difficulties with the editor's functionality, particularly when handling complex projects.
  • stability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, users report significant improvements in stability, noting that many previous bugs and glitches have been resolved, making the application less crash-prone compared to Valve's original editor. However, some users still experience freezing issues, particularly when handling large texture files, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “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.”
    • “Many unusual bugs and glitches which would always occur seem to be gone.”
  • optimization
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the tool is generally smooth, incorporating features from Half-Life 2's Hammer, such as 3D model displays and skybox views. However, users report significant performance issues, particularly when browsing textures and using the texture application tool, which detracts from 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.”
    • “The optimization allows for a seamless experience, making it easy to navigate and utilize the various tools effectively.”
    • “Low performance while browsing the textures in search mode.”
    • “Low performance when accessing the texture application tool and after when selecting brushes.”
    • “The main issue is the performance of the tool.”
  • humor
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users find the humor in the game to be quirky and unexpected, particularly noting the amusing contrast between the anticipated headcrab mod and the recurring ad popups for a doom video game. Additionally, the inclusion of funny achievements and trade cards adds to the lightheartedness of the experience.

    • “Moreover, in this version you can get new funny achievements and trade cards.”
  • gameplay
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is praised for its streamlined editing process, which enables players to concentrate on their creativity without being hindered by complex mechanics.

    • “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.”
  • story
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is centered around a humorous twist involving unexpected ad popups for a Doom video game when starting the game, which detracts from the intended comedic experience of the headcrab mod. This element suggests that players might prefer the free version to avoid these interruptions.

  • graphics
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are noted for their effective emulation of the original UI, though some users feel the icons lack aesthetic appeal. Overall, the visual presentation is enhanced by several quality of life upgrades that improve the user experience.

  • monetization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game includes advertising for the mod's author, which triggers a web page to open upon the first launch of the game. This has been noted by multiple users as a prominent feature.

    • “Includes advertising for the mod’s author that opens up a web page when you launch the game for the first time.”
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