J.A.C.K.

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.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 124 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 stability.
The editor supports a wide range of features for GoldSrc and Quake games, making it a versatile tool for level design.
Community support and resources are strong, providing users with tutorials and assistance for their mapping projects.

The software has been criticized for a lack of updates and support from the developers, leading to unresolved bugs and issues.
Some users feel that the paid version does not offer enough additional benefits over the free version available on the developer's website.
The editor can be frustrating to use at times, with performance issues and difficulties in troubleshooting problems.

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 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 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
75%
75%
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.”
- “The optimization of the tool allows for a smoother experience when navigating through various features.”
- “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.”
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 trade 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.”
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The story features a surprising plot twist involving an ad popup for a doom video game each time the player starts, which detracts from the intended humorous experience of the headcrab mod. This element suggests that players might prefer the free version to avoid interruptions and fully enjoy the comedic aspects of the game.
- “The story feels disjointed and lacks any real depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “Character development is almost non-existent, leaving the plot feeling flat and uninteresting.”
- “The narrative is riddled with clichés and predictable outcomes, which detracts from the overall experience.”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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.
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
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 and detracts from the overall experience.”
- “I was disappointed to find that many features are locked behind a paywall, making it hard to enjoy the game fully without spending extra money.”