Pumpkin Jack Gameplay Review (PC | Switch | Xbox One | PS4 PS5)
15Pumpkin Jack tries to break the precedent of holiday games being mostly lackluster with a noteworthy presentation and an amazing soundtrack. Various gameplay pacing and mechanical issues however, will keep this from being more than a footnote of the 3d platform genre. The story overall is interesting and presented in a charming and entertaining way, but it does contain some pacing issues. This disjointed feeling comes from the story really only moving during the breaks between levels. This isn't to say Pumpkin Jack doesn't have some incredibly well designed elements. The soundtrack for one is among the most spot on soundtracks I've heard. The instrument selection is spot on a perfect and the tone and pace of each individual track seems custom fit for each moment in the game. The character designs are also well above average. Each model seems a little cartoony and larger than life which keeps the otherwise scary subject fairly light throughout the experience.
Overall Pumpkin Jack remains a mixed bag of a game. It has a lot of redeeming qualities but some staleness in the combat and piece meal story will probably make this a one and done experience rather than something to be played everytime Halloween rolls around.
Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/pumpkin-jack-switch/
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1186640/Pumpkin_Jack/
Xbox: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/pumpkin-jack/9n7tb1sb2m0k?activetab=pivot:overviewtab