Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets
- April 26, 2024
- @TonyDevGame
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets" is a horror-action game where Jack, a reluctant member of a family business, takes on his first case involving sinister puppets and animatronics. Traverse through various disturbing settings, manage resources, and engage in combat against an array of threatening enemies and bosses. Survival requires quick thinking and strategic use of weapons while uncovering the mystery behind the nightmarish beings.
PC
Playstation 5
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game features a surprising amount of content, including detailed amusement park rides and a variety of gameplay elements.
- The atmosphere and horror elements are well-executed, providing a unique blend of comedy and tension that keeps players engaged.
- The developer has shown dedication and creativity, crafting an imaginative and colorful setting that stands out in the indie horror genre.
- Performance issues, particularly significant FPS drops in outdoor areas, detract from the overall experience.
- Players may find themselves lost or confused about objectives due to weak player guidance and unclear progression.
- Combat can feel clunky and unpolished, with some frustrating gameplay mechanics that hinder the overall enjoyment.
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story is described as campy yet engaging, featuring elements of body horror and intriguing lore, though some players feel it lacks depth and clarity. While the atmosphere and graphics are praised, frustrations with plot progression and puzzle mechanics detract from the overall experience. Despite its shortcomings, the game is recommended for fans of survival horror who appreciate unique storytelling.
“The story is campy but the horror is there.”
“The graphics are fantastic and the storyline is very good.”
“This game is for any fans of survival horror in general; it has awesome atmosphere and storytelling.”
“I wish the story would be fleshed out more though, but again it is at least worth a play if interested in body horror gore. Also, play the prologue to get a better understanding of the lore.”
“I could explain the premise, but honestly, the plot here is barely existent.”
“This took the immersion away from me, and I do think the story has potential. I just didn't make it that far due to my growing frustration.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their fantastic quality and atmospheric design, showcasing a significant amount of effort in crafting unique environments and attractions. However, some users noted performance issues, including FPS drops on medium settings, and suggested the addition of more graphical options like DLSS. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's appeal, particularly for fans of horror and immersive experiences.
“Graphics is not used as a main crutch for delivery and it is inherently noticeable that the developer put in a lot of programming, placement, and time to uniquely craft an experience.”
“Graphically it is very good and the atmosphere is simply wonderful and one of the strongest points of the game, and the park.. omg the park you can see the love put into the recreation and especially in the rideable attractions, which are amazing without exception, especially if you are a fan of it.”
“This is one hell of a horror experience and will go down as one of my favorites. If you love spooky games with great lighting, graphics, and carnival fun then this is a must play!”
“Before I forget, the game's performance isn't really optimized, so expect huge FPS drops even on medium graphics.”
“The game looks solid graphically and ran smoothly for the most part.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets" is widely praised for its strong horror elements and immersive design, featuring beautifully crafted environments and rideable attractions that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the game's unique style and effective storytelling, contributing to a captivating and creepy ambiance that appeals to survival horror fans.
“Graphically, it is very good and the atmosphere is simply wonderful and one of the strongest points of the game. The park... oh my, the park! You can see the love put into the recreation, especially in the rideable attractions, which are amazing without exception, especially if you are a fan of it.”
“This game is for any fans of survival horror in general; it has awesome atmosphere and storytelling.”
“However, this game 100% has its own style and atmosphere, which is why I purchased it.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for significant performance issues, particularly in outdoor areas like the park, where players experience substantial FPS drops even on medium graphics settings. Overall, the performance is considered subpar, especially during specific events like the fair.
“Before I forget, the game's performance isn't really optimized, so expect huge FPS drops even on medium graphics.”
“Performance can tank significantly when you get to the fair.”
“The performance optimization is pretty bad, especially in the outdoor areas of the game, mainly the actual park areas.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a lack of polish and occasional unfairness, yet this roughness contributes to a tense atmosphere where players feel on edge. Many users suggest the addition of a dodge mechanic to enhance the experience.
“The gameplay is not polished, and maybe sometimes just unfair, but that roughness works in its favor, feeling that any moment could be the last.”
“The gameplay is not polished, and sometimes feels unfair, but that roughness works in its favor, creating a sense that any moment could be the last.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, though some players find it occasionally mismatched with the gameplay, leading to moments of confusion regarding its tempo. Expectations set by the trailer's energetic soundtrack may have contributed to a desire for a faster-paced experience with more frequent enemy encounters.
“The music is good, though at times it feels slightly unfitting; there were a few moments when I stopped and thought, 'Wait, why does this have a beat to it?'”
“The trailer featured some hype music that set my expectations for a faster-paced game with more instances of small enemy hordes.”
“I'm not sure where my expectations went wrong, but the trailer with hype music made me think this would be a slightly faster-paced game with more instances of small enemy hordes.”
“The music feels repetitive and doesn't add much to the overall experience.”
“I expected a dynamic soundtrack, but instead, it feels flat and uninspired.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The protagonist is characterized as endearing and wholesome, with a charm that stems from his quirky and naive observations, contributing to an emotionally engaging experience for players.
“The protagonist is strangely cute and wholesome with his quirky observations.”
“The game evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and connection to the characters.”
“I felt a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the story, from joy to heartbreak.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be challenging and sometimes tedious, particularly due to the distance between save points, which can lead to frustrating setbacks. However, some acknowledge that their own skill level may contribute to this perception.
“The grinding in this game feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found myself spending hours on tasks that felt more like a chore than fun gameplay.”
“The save points are too far apart, which makes the grinding feel even more tedious and frustrating.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with players reporting issues such as janky combat, buggy boss fights, and moments of disorientation. Overall, it appears that players should be prepared for a less polished experience.
“Only play this if you are willing to put up with janky combat, buggy boss fights, and getting lost for a bit.”
