J.A.C.K. (2016)

J.A.C.K., standing for Just Another Creation Kit and formerly known as Jackhammer, is an innovative level editor designed for games using a Quake-style BSP architecture. Its primary goal is to provide a versatile and user-friendly cross-platform tool that combines the most effective features from existing editors, such as Valve Hammer Editor and Q3Radiant. Despite the fact that games like Quake and Half-Life were released decades ago, a large and active community continues to create mods and new projects based on these titles. Existing level editors, however, have long-standing limitations that users have had to work around, and J.A.C.K. seeks to address these issues and become a universal solution for level design.

Supported Games

• Half-Life, including mods and Gunman Chronicles
• Quake, including mods and Quake-based games such as Hexen II
• Quake II, including mods
• Quake III, including mods and idTech3-based games like Tremulous

Main Features

Cross-Platform Editing

J.A.C.K. is compatible with both Windows and Linux, ensuring a broad user base can access its features without platform limitations.

Large Memory Addressing

The 64-bit version of the editor removes the 2 GB memory limitation present in older tools, allowing for more complex and extensive level designs.

Large Map Support

Users can create and edit levels with dimensions up to 262,144 × 262,144 units, enabling the construction of massive game environments.

Extensibility

J.A.C.K. supports plugins to expand its functionality, allowing developers to tailor the editor to their specific workflow requirements.

Multiple Game Format Compatibility

The editor can preview models and sprites from various games and open multiple map formats, including MAP and VMF files, providing flexibility for cross-game development.

Realtime Texture Effects

Support for transparency, animated textures, scrolling textures, and Quake III shader scripts enhances visual feedback during the level design process, making it easier to assess the final appearance of a map.

Embedded Shader Editor

The integrated shader editor simplifies the creation of shaders for Quake III and idTech3-based games, improving efficiency and usability for developers.

Curved Surface Support

The editor includes functionality for curved surfaces (patches), which are essential in idTech3-based games, allowing for more sophisticated and realistic level geometry.

Dynamic Sky Rendering

J.A.C.K. renders skyboxes accurately, replicating how they appear in the actual game, which improves visual consistency and realism during the design phase.

Customizable Color Schemes

Developers can personalize the editor's interface with different color schemes to match their workflow preferences.

Autosave and Cloud Integration

Automatic saving and SteamCloud support protect projects from potential crashes and user errors, ensuring that work is preserved continuously.

Additional Tools

The editor includes advanced tools such as brush merging, triangulation, UV-locking, multiple visgroups, 2D model previews, automatic 3D selection, preservation of internal connections, and numerous other features that enhance efficiency and precision in level design.

With its combination of modern features, cross-platform support, and extensive compatibility with both classic and contemporary games, J.A.C.K. aims to be the definitive level editor for developers seeking a powerful and reliable tool for game creation. Detailed lists of all features can be accessed on the official editor website.

J.A.C.K. is a powerful and versatile level editor that targets both new and experienced map creators working with Quake-style BSP architecture. It brings much-needed improvements over older editors like Valve Hammer and Q3Radiant, especially with its cross-platform support and large map capabilities. The 64-bit version is a huge plus, letting users tackle larger projects without hitting memory limits. Its support for multiple game formats, real-time texture effects, and custom shaders makes it a solid choice for modders who want full control over their creations.

However, while J.A.C.K. offers great features and potential, it’s most useful for players already involved in modding classic games like Quake and Half-Life. If you're new to level design or looking for an easier, more user-friendly tool, it might feel overwhelming at first. But for veteran creators or those looking to dive into the Quake/Source/Unity world, J.A.C.K. is a great option worth exploring.