Rockers and gamers around the world, the end of Spooky season is upon us. With less than a week until Halloween and the Blue moon, many Halloween enthusiasts are looking to put their finishing touches on their ghoulish projects. Despite many still abiding by lockdown protocols, others are determined to venture out before Winter is upon us. If you plan on going out, please be safe. If you are planning to skip the Halloween parties and are fine staying inside why not enjoy a few games. Currently, there are multiple Halloween events going on in your favorite games; however, if you are looking for something new this Halloween, let’s introduce you to Pumpkin Jack.

Like many others, Halloween has always been one of our favorite holidays. In prior years, we have done staff collaborations to celebrate the Spooktacular holiday. If you know me, you know that I love The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice. Before going to PAX East 2020, I was told there would be a game that I would enjoy. So, at PAX East 2020, we met with Headup Games to preview The Coma 2, Rigid Force Redux, and Pumpkin Jack.

Despite the other two games being enjoyable, Pumpkin Jack overshadowed its counterparts. So what is Pumpkin Jack? Pumpkin Jack is an action-adventure 3D platformer published by Headup Games and developed by Nicolas Meyssonnier. On Friday, October 23rd, 2020 the game released on PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Gameplay

Pumpkin Jack is the story of The Great Pumpkin being sent to earth to dispose of a wizard. The wizard has angered the forces of evil by helping humanity overpower the Devil’s Army. When Jack is sent to earth he is provided with very little information to find his target. The player discovers that Jack is on the Devil’s shit list for tricking him three times. Throughout each level, the Devil’s helper, an annoying owl, points Jack in the right direction while antagonizing him.

At the start of the game, Jack starts out without a weapon. The player is then forced to recruit a nearby crow. At various points in the game, the crow provides witty banter that helps the player to immerse themselves in Jack’s reality. The game provides Jack with a variety of weapons unlocked throughout the game’s six stages; the game offers six weapon types. Each weapon has its own unique style changing the flow of combat. In combat, time slows while Jack is switching weapons but does not stop completely. This allows enemies to still pursue Jack without unloading on him.

The combat in the game is pretty easy to understand and workaround. If you die, it was because you did something wrong. Bosses in Pumpkin Jack are fairly simple to beat but still provide a fun challenge. Each boss has their own unique fight mechanics that the player must pay attention to. Each level gets progressively harder.

Platforming in the game is easier than its other platforming counterparts. This small indie game pays homage to the platformers that came before while establishing itself as its own platformer. The game makes subtle nods to Medievil, Jack & Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, Archer, Game of Thrones, Southpark, and Lord of the Rings.

Abnormalities, Skins & Mini-Games

Each level features a variety of mini-games that take the player out of the typical platforming experience. Kill Santa Claus with his own packages. Ride a horse that can gallop on air and play Wack-A-Mole with the bells. Pumpkin Jack features at least five mini-games that will make you laugh or at least say thank god for no more combat.

In each level, the player can collect twenty crow skulls and a record. The record unlocks special dances for Jack. Skulls can be traded in to unlock skins for Jack. Each Skin is a play on words with Jack in it. Personally, our favorite two skins are Samurai Jack and The Buzzard.

The game does feature a few issues, none that are gaming breaking but a few that can result in your death. At times, we would fall into the water and be stuck there. Hitting the water equals death but sometimes when you fall into the water you will not die. At various points in the game, the player will have to move carefully over boards. Sadly, you cannot jump between boards and are forced to walk slowly.

Audio/ SFX / Video

Pumpkin Jack‘s music has invaded our top 20 video game soundtracks list. Its unique combination of classical music and Halloween music creates a fun but spooky experience. The sound effects can be goofy which will make you laugh. The game’s narration provides an enjoyable recount of what happened during the prior level. Each weapon has its own sound effects that let you know when you hit the enemies.

At the end of the game, you can see the developer’s progress over the years. Since the game was first designed, Pumpkin Jack has come along way. Prior to the game’s official release, the Xbox One version had a slight latency issue. Once the game fully released, the latency issue was resolved, making the game more enjoyable. The end product feels well polished and it shows in the game’s gameplay, graphics, and SFX. We will forever curse lanterns that set everything on fire.

Controls

Pumpkin Jack’s controls are easy to understand and execute. X is the attack button. A allows the player to jump, When the player double jumps and then attacks, it creates a new attack. The right bumper opens up the inventory menu allowing Jack to switch between weapons. The B buttons allow the player to dodge attacks and roll. Left bumper throws Jacks’s crow friend.

The game’s controls are user-friendly and enables anyone of any age to pick up the game and just play. Even a six-year-old can beat the first boss and play through later levels. The game’s controls are more user friendly than its platformer counterparts. Platforming does not feel like a chore thanks to the easy to use controls.

Replay Value

Pumpkin Jack is a fun well-rounded experience but sadly does not have a high replayability value. Outside of collecting missed crow skulls and records, there is not much you can do after completing the game. The game is relatively short and can be completed in a single afternoon. The story may be enjoyable but feels a bit too short with very little variety. You can try to complete the game without dying or using only one kind of weapon but outside of that, it can become stale quickly.

Verdict

Pumpkin Jack is a fun 3D Platformer that is enjoyable for seasoned platformers but easy enough for new players to get into. The game provides the player with a fun experience that does not get stale throughout the levels. The use of mini-games, comedy, and pop culture references keeps the game entertaining; it is definitely a unique experience just in time for Halloween.

Pumpkin Jack does feel a bit short compared to other platformers. At the end of the game, Jack has completed his quest but with how the story has progressed, the story feels incomplete. Hopefully, this is not the last time we see Pumpkin Jack.

A review copy of the game was provided for the Xbox One. Pumpkin Jack is available on the Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One. At the moment, the game is currently on sale for Halloween.

If you do plan on having company over this Halloween, we recommend Heave Ho, Doodle Derby, or Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.