
Release Date: October 23, 2020
Three-dimensional action platformer, inspired by MediEvil and Jak & Daxter series. In Pumpkin Jack we play the title character, whose task is to stop the sorcerer defending the Boredom Kingdom.
Pumpkin Jack is a three-dimensional action platformer inspired by the classics from the genre, especially Jak & Daxter and MediEvil series. The game is the result of a collaboration between Headup Games and an independent developer, Nicolas Meyssonnier.
Pumpkin Jack takes us on a journey to the Boredom Kingdom, a fantastic land whose inhabitants have so far lived together in harmony... and boredom. The Devil, who had enough of eternal peace, decided to put an end to it once and for all and cast a curse on these lands, bringing to them all sorts of monsters. People did not look idle and called for the help of a powerful sorcerer. However, the devil had another ace up his sleeve - the spirit of Jack, or Pumpkin Lord, he called him, hit the very centre of the war between the forces of good and evil. His task is to destroy the sorcerer before he can restore the old order and boredom to the kingdom.
In Pumpkin Jack, the action is shown from a third person perspective (TPP). The game was divided into seven stages, designed in the style of Halloween; the list includes a gloomy cemetery and a dark forest. By walking through them, we avoid numerous traps, jump on platforms and look for secrets, and face hordes of enemies, led by powerful bosses. The gameplay is varied by environmental puzzles, the solving of which often requires taking control over Jack's head detached from the rest of his body. It is worth adding that the hero does not travel alone - he is accompanied by, among others, an owl acting as a guide, as well as a crow, which helps him in the fight.
In dynamic battles, Jack has to make quick dodges and launch rapid counter-attacks. The hero can fight both in close combat, attacking enemies with white weapons (and to make impressive combos), and at a distance, using a shotgun. As he progresses, the protagonist unlocks new weapons and special abilities that give him an advantage over the defenders of boredom.
Pumpkin Jack is powered by Unreal Engine technology. The game has pleasant to the eye graphics maintained in a dark but colourful style. The atmosphere inspired by Halloween is also created by adequate music.
Platforms:
PC Windows October 23, 2020
PlayStation 4 February 24, 2021
Xbox One October 23, 2020
Nintendo Switch October 23, 2020
PlayStation 5 October 27, 2021
Xbox Series X/S October 27, 2021
Developer: Evil Raptor / Nicolas Meyssonnier
Publisher: Headup Games
Age restrictions: 12+
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System Requirements for Pumpkin Jack Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-3330 3.0 GHz / AMD FX-8300 3.3 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 760 / Radeon R9 270 or better, 5 GB HDD, Windows 7.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-4690 3.5 GHz / AMD Ryzen 3 1300X 3.5 GHz, 6 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti / Radeon RX 560 or better, 5 GB HDD, Windows 10.
Game Ratings for Pumpkin Jack Video Game.
ZTGD: 9.5 / 10 by Anthony Mann
Pumpkin Jack is a great looking game, a great playing game, and a well written game. It should not be skipped in the slightest. The Halloween aesthetic may seem out of season now, but don’t let it fool you, this game is enjoyable at any time; the minions of hell rising up to destroy humanity truly is a timeless tale. The end credits show the development and love Nicolas poured into this game, and all of that can be found in the final product. I really hope this isn’t the last we see of Jack.
Game Rant: 3 / 5 by Callum Williams
Ultimately, players' enjoyment of Pumpkin Jack will crux on how nostalgic they are for the 3D action platformers of yesteryear. The makings of a great game are definitely here, with witty dialogue, a wonderful selection of fun mini-games, and some serviceable platforming. But, outside of its clear homages and lofty inspirations, Pumpkin Jack feels like it has nothing new to say and no modern insights to add. It ultimately winds up a jack of all trades but a master of none, offering plenty of ideas rife with potential but never honing in on one long enough to make it stand out.
TheSixthAxis: 7 / 10
Pumpkin Jack is a fun and nostalgic title that is perfectly placed to be your Halloween game this year. Highly recommended for any fans of old school platforming adventures, but also worth checking out for the spookier sorts too. It doesn't revolutionise anything, but it also doesn't outstay its welcome, and the fact that it is the work of a solo developer makes it even more impressive. This particular pumpkin deserves to carve out some of your seasonal gaming time.
Average score from votes.