Pumpkin Jack Review — In this article, I share my personal experience with a game that feels like a Halloween postcard come to life. From nostalgic platforming to witty humor, Pumpkin Jack blends vibrant spooky aesthetics with old-school charm. Originally written in October 2022, this review reflects my honest impressions of a title that surprised me in the best possible way.

First Impressions Can Be Wrong

My first encounter with Pumpkin Jack during the Steam Autumn Festival left me underwhelmed: clunky controls and Jack constantly stuck in textures. But after getting a review key and diving into the full release, I realized how wrong my initial impression was. Here’s why Pumpkin Jack deserves a spot in your library.

Indie Magic Done Right

Indie developers have given us some true gems — think Lucas Pope with Papers, Please (2013) and Return of the Obra Dinn (2018). Now, French solo developer Nicolas Meyssonnier joins the ranks with Pumpkin Jack, a 3D action-platformer soaked in Halloween vibes. It’s a charming throwback to the golden era of PS1/PS2 action-adventures, but with polished modern controls and smooth gameplay.

Meet Jack, the Devil’s Pumpkin-Headed Henchman

You play as Jack, the Devil’s loyal servant whose soul now resides inside a pumpkin atop a humanoid body. His mission? Hunt down and defeat a powerful wizard protecting humanity. Along the way, you’ll slash enemies, solve puzzles, and run errands for quirky NPCs. The story isn’t groundbreaking — it mostly explains why you’re running around decapitating skeletons with a pumpkin for a head.

Jump, Slash, Repeat (and Enjoy Every Second)

At its core, Pumpkin Jack nails the fundamentals of a great platformer: precision jumps (yes, even double jumps), dynamic environments, and timed challenges. Platforms spin, vanish, and demand perfect timing. One of my favorite sequences was a minecart ride through a gloomy area that felt straight out of a haunted roller coaster — pure joy.

To break up the action, there are light puzzles, often involving Jack’s detachable pumpkin head. They’re simple but fun, adding variety without slowing the pace. The game constantly shifts gears: one moment you’re sprinting across burning beams, the next you’re bouncing on trampolines or dodging hordes of skeletons. The mechanics aren’t revolutionary, but the synergy between them works beautifully.

Combat: Fun, but Far from Perfect

Jack’s arsenal includes a handful of weapons with flashy animations and ultimate attacks, plus a loyal crow companion you can sic on enemies from afar. But combat lacks depth: few combos, limited variety, and bosses often rely on predictable three-phase patterns.

Truthfully, I died more often to platforming mistakes than enemy attacks — and that says a lot. Health restoration is trivial (just smash some crates), so hardcore action fans may find combat underwhelming. But for those seeking a fun, relaxing Halloween romp, Pumpkin Jack delivers.

One frustration: no visible boss health bar. The minimalist UI looks great, but in a heated boss fight, it feels like playing blind.

Halloween in Every Frame

Pumpkin Jack offers six levels, each oozing spooky charm: gothic lanterns, glowing pumpkins, creepy cemeteries, bubbling cauldrons, and dancing skeletons. It’s not scary — instead, its vibrant colors, cheeky humor, and sarcastic dialogue make it a joyful celebration of Halloween.

You can finish it in about 6 hours, making it a perfect weekend game for both adults and kids. If you miss 3D platformers like MediEvil, Banjo-Kazooie, or Conker’s Bad Fur Day, this game will feel like a nostalgic hug.

Verdict

Pumpkin Jack is a delightful love letter to classic 3D platformers. With its stylish Halloween aesthetic, engaging level design, and charming humor, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to — sometimes, a nostalgic ride with a pumpkin-headed rogue is all you need for the spooky season.