J.A.C.K.
- December 15, 2016
- Crystice Softworks
Get on SteamJ.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.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- J.A.C.K. is a user-friendly and intuitive level editor that significantly improves upon the old Hammer editor, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced mappers.
- The editor offers a wide range of features, including real-time 3D previews, custom content support, and improved stability, making it a powerful tool for creating detailed maps for GoldSrc games.
- Community support is strong, with numerous tutorials and forums available, ensuring users can find help and inspiration when needed.
- Many users report bugs and issues with the software, including crashes and problems with compiling maps, leading to frustration during the mapping process.
- The paid version does not offer significant advantages over the free version available on the developer's website, leading some to feel that purchasing it is not worth the cost.
- There are concerns about the lack of updates and support from the developers, with some users feeling abandoned after purchasing the software.
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
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 when handling large texture files, indicating that while stability has improved, it is not entirely consistent for all users.
“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 quad Xeon and 16 GB RAM.”
“It is also far less crash-prone and buggy compared to Valve's original editor.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the tool is generally smooth, benefiting from features reminiscent of Half-Life 2's Hammer, such as 3D model displays and entity names. 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 one 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.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its streamlined editing process, enabling 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.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics of Jack are noted for effectively emulating the user interface of Hammer, though some users feel the icons could be more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the inclusion of quality of life upgrades enhances the overall visual experience.
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game includes advertising for the mod's author, which triggers a web page to open upon the game's initial launch.
“The game includes advertising for the mod's author that opens a web page when you launch it for the first time.”
“The monetization strategy feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending money.”
“I was disappointed to find that many features are locked behind paywalls, which ruins the overall experience.”
