Info about Jack Move:

Official game description:
TEST YOURSELF AGAINST CAPITALISM
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About the Game
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Jack Move is a fresh take on turn based Japanese style RPG’s. Promising a unique blend of gritty cyberpunk storytelling, turn-based battles, and beautiful modern pixel art.  
Take on the role of Noa Solares: An up-and-coming vigilante hacker from Bright Town. When the overreaching mega-corporation Monomind, kidnaps Abner, her estranged father, Noa has no choice but to get him back, before it's too late. Why is Abner researching digitised consciousness? And what does Monomind want to do with it?  
Noa won't be alone on her journey. She'll be helped out by her best friend and tactical planner, Ryder, as well as her Martini drinking uncle and ex-corporate spy, Guin Blakely.  
Battle Noa’s foes in the unique single-party-member turn-based battle system, featuring beautiful animation and tactical gameplay.  
Customise the software of your Cyber Deck to switch roles mid-battle, balancing offense, defense, and buffs. Choosing which software you load during battle is the key to victory! Hardware upgrades can help boost your stats, increase the amount of software you can install or give Noa extra abilities.  
*   Gorgeous “Hi-Bit” pixel art inspired by retro RPGs and enhanced with modern techniques.  
*   Battle your foes in cyberspace. Take them down using a multitude of sweet hacking software.  
*   Explore the dangerous world of Monocity One and takedown Monomind, the evil mega-corporation that controls it.  
*   Play as Noa Solares, a sassy hacker out to save her father and the world.  
*   Fight your way through dungeons filled with all sorts of cyberpunk villany. Street punks, gangsters, corporate militia and horrific cyber-experiments-gone-wrong will all be vying to take you down!  
*   Bite size 7-10 hour campaign.

Release date: Sep 8, 2022

Categories: JRPG, Turn-based RPG, Cyberpunk, Pixel Art Style, Single-player Story, Retro-style Arcade Games

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well; summary: The reviewed Linux/Proton and Steam Deck feedback is overwhelmingly positive: users report flawless Linux play, no Steam Deck issues, and perfect compatibility without tweaks. The only Linux-specific caveat is one user needing a Windows/Heroic workaround for achievement unlocking, which does not affect launch or gameplay. Overall, the game is classified as Works Well on Linux/Proton.
- Steam Deck: score 10; verdict: Seamless; summary: User feedback portrays a strong Steam Deck experience with no significant technical barriers. Multiple reviewers report full playthroughs without issues, perfect compatibility without manual action, and functional controller support. Only minor, isolated controller quirks appear; there is no evidence of external launchers, Proton Experimental requirements, anti-cheat errors, unreadable UI, battery drain, or crashes.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews repeatedly criticize the game's short length, limited replayability, and lack of depth relative to its roughly $20 base price. One reviewer explicitly calls $5 fair, another says it is not worth even $10, and several others recommend buying only at a deep discount, in a bundle, or during a strong sale. The most consistent fair-value band implied by this feedback is about $5-$10 for the base game.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 8.0h
  - Story completion: 6.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Completion reports consistently place full completion around 8 hours: one reviewer logged 8.1h with 100% achievements, and another reported 8.5h for 100% completion, reduced to about 6.5h without maxing skills. Story completion is supported by a Spanish review translated as finishing the story in about 6 hours, matching the shorter 6.5h main-story estimate in the English review. Endgame is set to 0 because the game is explicitly described as having no New Game Plus or post-game content. No review gives a reliable typical session length, so sessionLength is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Most reports describe Jack Move as initially fun or promising, especially its combat animations and systems, before repetition and tedious battles cause enjoyment to drop. A minority says the opening is boring and improves later, but the dominant profile is fun then drops.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Early-game MP recovery required backtracking between areas; Some players found the opening slow or boring
  - Unlock drivers: Leveling up restores MP
  - Conditions: Tolerance for repetitive combat and interest in story shape enjoyment; Accessibility options change the grind: without them it is tiring, with them it is fast; Some players enjoy exploration, dialogue, and sidequests more than battles; Combat becomes tedious around a third of the way through
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story-First Short-Form RPG Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing a complete, atmospheric cyberpunk story in a compact runtime
    - Playstyle: Single playthrough focused on pushing the plot forward, minimal build experimentation, no repeat runs
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: busy person; completionist
    - Reference games: Chrono Trigger
  - Grind-Averse Time-Conscious Player (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Progressing through content without being forced into repetitive, time-wasting grinding
    - Playstyle: Plays to advance the plot quickly, resents forced leveling, may toggle down encounter rates to skip padding
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Old-School JRPG Veteran Comparer (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Seeking a turn-based RPG that matches the depth and design of genre classics
    - Playstyle: Analyzes combat systems, elemental weaknesses, and build variety against established RPG standards
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: solo dev
    - Reference games: Chrono Trigger; Chrono Cross; Fear & Hunger; Baldur's Gate; Final Fantasy
  - Accessibility-Seeking RPG Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Easing into turn-based RPGs with approachable, customizable difficulty
    - Playstyle: Uses accessibility and encounter-rate options, leans on easy grinding, experiments casually with skills
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Pokemon


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Stylish pixel art and animations (weight 0.67): Reviewers consistently praise the detailed pixel art, smooth animations, and cyberpunk aesthetic. The high-bit style with modern lighting and rich backgrounds leaves a strong visual impression.
- Enjoyable and strategic combat system (weight 0.43): The turn-based combat is described as fun, accessible yet deep, with unique twists and a satisfying defensive mechanic. Many appreciate the strategic layer without overwhelming complexity.
- Excellent music and soundtrack (weight 0.34): The soundtrack is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with praise for its quality, atmosphere, and fit with the game's mood. Some call it a true highlight and a pleasant surprise.
- Short but satisfying story (weight 0.22): The narrative is considered well-paced and impactful despite its brevity. Many feel it doesn't overstay its welcome and delivers a complete experience.
- Cyberpunk setting and style (weight 0.22): The cyberpunk theme and visual style are repeatedly praised as captivating and well-integrated with the pixel art. The neon aesthetic and narrative blend effectively.
- Customizable random encounter rate (weight 0.18): Players appreciate the quality-of-life option to control or disable random encounters, allowing them to tailor the pacing. This feature is often mentioned as a significant plus.
- Well-crafted indie turn-based RPG (weight 0.12): Reviewers describe it as a polished indie RPG with classic turn-based mechanics and interesting gimmicks. It stands out as a solid entry in the genre.
- Overall positive experience (weight 0.12): Many reviewers express general satisfaction with the game, calling it cool, fun, and worth playing. The overall reception is favorable and enthusiastic.
- Decent graphics and visuals (weight 0.1): The graphics are considered appealing and well-done, complementing the art style. Some note they are not groundbreaking but still contribute to the experience.
- Memorable and likable characters (weight 0.07): The characters are often mentioned as charismatic and memorable, adding to the overall enjoyment. Their personalities contribute positively to the experience.
- Evolving NPC dialogue with story (weight 0.07): NPC conversations change as the narrative progresses, keeping interactions engaging and reflective of the story's developments. This dynamic dialogue system is a notable feature.

Common complaints:
- Game is too short (weight 0.35): Many reviewers found the game extremely short, often finishing in about 6-10 hours, with little replayability and a price that feels steep for the length. Some noted the first fight resembles the last.
- Combat becomes highly repetitive (weight 0.33): Combat is frequently described as repetitive, with battles turning into monotonous button pressing of the same commands after a few hours. This repetitiveness becomes cumbersome and boring, especially in the later half.
- Story is cliché and predictable (weight 0.3): The story offers few surprises, is full of clichés, and feels predictable. Many reviewers found it average, banal, and not gripping.
- Final boss is annoying and tough (weight 0.26): The final boss is frequently criticized as excessively long, overly difficult, and a slog. Many found it requires tens of minutes of monotonous work and is especially annoying.
- Most spells and items useless (weight 0.16): Many spells and purchasable items are seen as pointless, with only damage or healing abilities being useful. Equipment slots are limited, making most hardware worthless.
- Game lacks substance and depth (weight 0.13): The game feels like a sampler of a bigger game, lacking depth and substance. Gameplay is disappointing and side quests are few.
- Poor guidance and missing map (weight 0.13): The game lacks a map or mini-map and provides insufficient guidance for side quests and boss battles, frustrating players.
- Final boss is an HP sponge (weight 0.11): The final boss has massive HP, deals high damage, and can take over 30 minutes to defeat. It is seen as a nightmare due to its high stats and debuffs.
- Combat is too easy (weight 0.11): Many players found the combat unchallenging and the overall game too easy, with simple strategies and low difficulty.
- Boss battles are long and tedious (weight 0.11): Boss battles are criticized for being too long, with HP sponges and boring strategies. They are often the worst part of the game.
- Soundtrack is competent but forgettable (weight 0.1): The soundtrack is adequate but not memorable, with repetitive tracks and some that don't fit the situation.
- Slow EXP gain and death penalty (weight 0.09): EXP gain is very slow, making grinding painful, and dying costs a percentage of earned XP, which penalizes progress.
- No party or companions (weight 0.09): Players only control a single character with no party members or perspective switches, unlike most other JRPGs.
- Text hard to read without kanji (weight 0.09): The game uses only hiragana and katakana without kanji, making text difficult to read and causing eyes to skip over it.
- Battles lack speed-up or skip (weight 0.05): Battles are a pain to repeat without a speed-up or skip option, leading players to use one-click victory when possible.
- No escape option from battles (weight 0.05): Battles cannot be escaped, forcing players to finish even trivial fights. This lack of a flee option adds to frustration.

Gameplay feedback:
- Turn-based combat core (weight 0.34): Many reviews highlight that combat is turn-based, often with elemental weaknesses, turn order indicators, and strategic depth. It follows classic JRPG conventions with some modern twists.
- Controllable random encounters (weight 0.29): The game allows players to adjust or completely disable random encounters, with configurable encounter rates in dungeons and settings. Some also mention the ability to skip or instantly win battles.
- Side quests available (weight 0.24): Players note the presence of side quests, including fetch quests and optional lore-related tasks. These are not mandatory for campaign progression but add extra content.
- Cyberpunk turn-based JRPG identity (weight 0.23): Reviewers consistently describe the game as a cyberpunk-themed role-playing game with turn-based mechanics and retro pixel art. It blends traditional JRPG style with a futuristic cyberpunk setting.
- Rock-paper-scissors combat mechanic (weight 0.2): The battle system uses a color-coded rock-paper-scissors system based on elemental weaknesses and physical attacks. This mechanic is central to combat strategy.
- Limited RAM skill system (weight 0.16): Skills and abilities consume limited RAM slots, restricting how many can be equipped or used in battle. This resource management adds strategic depth to combat.
- Strategic boss battles (weight 0.16): Boss fights, especially the final boss, require strategic planning and specific tactics. Some players note a difficulty spike in the final boss battle.
- Combat depth and focus (weight 0.15): Combat is a main focus with some depth, featuring a battle system that is central to the game. However, some descriptions are vague.
- Cyberdeck and hardware customization (weight 0.15): The Cyberdeck system allows equipping software programs to switch roles freely during battle, while hardware provides three equipment slots for various upgrades. This offers deep customization.
- Short and respectful length (weight 0.12): The game is described as short, respecting players' time. It is a small indie RPG with randomized battles, appealing to those seeking a concise experience.
- Evolving NPC dialogue (weight 0.11): NPCs have unique dialogue that changes after missions and story events, adding depth to the world and characters. This dynamic dialogue system is frequently praised.
- Single character party (weight 0.1): The game features only one party member, with no companions. This design choice streamlines combat and resource management.
- Traditional JRPG style (weight 0.07): The game follows an old-school JRPG style with classic gameplay and turn-based combat. It appeals to fans of traditional role-playing games.
- In-combat skill swapping (weight 0.07): Players can skip a turn to swap out an equipped skill during combat, adding tactical flexibility. However, this wastes a turn, so it must be used wisely.
- Buffs and debuffs present (weight 0.07): The game includes buffs, debuffs, and modules that affect combat. These elements add layers to the battle system.
- Jack Move abilities (weight 0.07): Special Jack Move abilities charge up over time and offer four unique skills. These powerful moves are a notable combat feature.
- Simple story and combat (weight 0.07): Some reviewers find the story and combat simple or primitive, with lighthearted characters and gameplay. This may appeal to those seeking a casual experience.

Performance notes:
- Excellent Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.08): Players report playing entirely on Steam Deck with no issues and perfect compatibility without any action needed. Steam Deck performance is rated 10/10 by users.
- Screen shake causes discomfort (weight 0.08): Excessive screen shake when moving causes eye fatigue and dizziness. There is no option to adjust screen shake intensity or frequency, and the bug likely originates from the Unity engine.
- Great Mac and PC performance (weight 0.08): The game ran perfectly on Mac with no performance issues, and PC performance is rated 10/10. It also ran flawlessly on both Windows and Linux.
- Overall stable performance (weight 0.06): The game is very stable, barely consumes CPU/GPU resources, and had only a few isolated bugs at release that were quickly patched by the developers.
- Crash during last boss (weight 0.03): The game might crash during the last boss fight, which can disrupt the final gameplay experience.
- Floating pixel art stutter (weight 0.03): There is stutter in floating pixel art when moving until the graphics find the right coordinates, causing visual hiccups.
- Controller support available (weight 0.03): The game has controller support, as tested with an Xbox 360 controller, allowing for alternative input methods.

Recommendations:
- Mixed or negative recommendations (weight 0.49): A notable number of reviewers do not recommend the game, citing lack of depth, short length, or poor value. Some say it is only for specific tastes.
- Buy only on sale (weight 0.49): Many reviewers agree the game is worth playing but not at full price. They recommend waiting for a discount or buying it in a bundle.
- Positive overall impressions (weight 0.43): Several reviewers enjoyed the game, calling it fun, stylish, and a pleasant surprise. It is recommended for a single playthrough or a weekend.
- Short but respects time (weight 0.33): The game is praised for being a compact RPG that fits busy schedules. It is recommended for those who appreciate shorter experiences that do not overstay their welcome.
- Great for cyberpunk fans (weight 0.2): Fans of cyberpunk, neon-noir, and pixel art will find a lot to like. The visuals and atmosphere are frequently highlighted as strong points.
- Appeals to RPG beginners (weight 0.19): Reviewers suggest the game is a good entry point for those new to RPGs or looking for a simple, easy-to-enjoy experience. It is also recommended for fans of turn-based combat.
- Price too high for content (weight 0.15): Many reviewers feel the base price is too high given the short length and lack of content. They advise waiting for a sale or buying in a bundle.
- Short length disappoints some (weight 0.13): Many critics feel the game is too short for its price, with some completing it in a few hours. This leads to recommendations only at a deep discount.
- Combat could be improved (weight 0.09): Some players find the combat shallow or repetitive, suggesting tweaks like reducing enemy encounters. Others note a lack of strategic tension.
- Story and writing criticized (weight 0.09): A few reviewers mention that the story is weak or the writing needs improvement. The game may disappoint those expecting a deep narrative.
- Sequel interest high (weight 0.06): Several reviewers express interest in a sequel or more content from the developer. They enjoyed the universe and want to see more.
- Try demo first (weight 0.05): Some suggest trying the demo to see if the gameplay and atmosphere appeal to you before buying.
- Good for kids (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for children, though not for those seeking mature themes. It is described as a nice title for kids.
- Technical issue fullscreen (weight 0.02): One reviewer advises against playing in fullscreen, though no details are given. This is a minor technical note.
- Level up before boss (weight 0.02): A tip suggests reaching level 25 before fighting the final boss. This indicates potential difficulty spikes.
- Completionist appeal (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for completionists who enjoy doing everything. It offers side quests and optional content.

Other player notes:
- Very Short Game Length (weight 0.74): Players consistently report that the game is very short, typically completed in around 5 to 10 hours. Many note it can be finished in a few sittings, with some completing it in under 8 hours.
- Traditional JRPG with Cyberpunk Skin (weight 0.13): The game is a traditional JRPG with a cyberpunk aesthetic, drawing inspiration from 16-bit RPGs and classic cyberpunk fiction. It features a cyberpunk setting with tech terminology.
- Cheap Price and Bundle Deals (weight 0.12): The game is priced around 2000 yen and is often purchased as a cheap CDK key or obtained in a game bundle. This low cost makes it an attractive purchase for many.
- Includes Side Quests (weight 0.1): The game includes side quests, which can extend playtime slightly. Some players mention that completing all side quests and map revisiting can still be done in under 10 hours.
- Small Indie Game by New Developer (weight 0.09): This is a small indie game and the first game from its developer. The content volume is quite small, reflecting its indie origins.
- Excellent Translation and Localization (weight 0.09): The translation is extremely well done, and the Korean localization quality is excellent. Players appreciate the high-quality localization efforts.
- Desire for Sequel or Similar Games (weight 0.08): Reviewers express a desire for a sequel or other similar games within the same universe. The ending leaves things open for a sequel.
- Achievements Broken on Mac (weight 0.05): Achievements do not work on macOS natively, requiring a workaround via a Windows environment. This issue has been reported by multiple players.
- Good Controller and Accessibility Support (weight 0.05): The game has full controller support, tested with an Xbox 360 controller, and is compatible with Steam Deck. It also includes accessibility features.
- Pixel Art Lacks Distinctiveness (weight 0.05): The pixel art does not stand out among many visually superior indie games. Compared to other high-quality pixel art indies, it lacks strong value.
- Average Review Scores (weight 0.05): The game received scores around 6.5/10 and 6/10 from reviewers. These moderate ratings suggest a mixed but generally positive reception.
- Classic and Predictable Plot (weight 0.05): The plot is fairly usual and classic, following familiar JRPG tropes. Some players find the story predictable but still enjoyable.
- Easy Achievements with No Grind (weight 0.05): Achievements are very easy to obtain, with no grindy, optional, or difficult achievements. This makes completion straightforward for achievement hunters.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.25): Players feel disappointed primarily because the game is too short and overpriced, with a lack of content and post-game activities. The story and characters are often seen as bland and underdeveloped, and combat becomes repetitive due to weak enemies and shallow mechanics. Many also cite an abrupt, unsatisfying ending and a final boss that is either too easy or a frustrating difficulty spike.
- Frustration (weight 0.14): Frustration stems from numerous bugs and softlocks, a punishing final boss with high HP and dodge rates, and a steep difficulty spike that requires grinding. Poor quest guidance, high encounter rates, and unskippable battle animations further annoy players. The combat system's simplicity and exploitability also contribute to a sense of wasted potential.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.12): Players enjoy the game's stylish pixel art, atmospheric soundtrack, and cyberpunk aesthetic. The combat system, while simple, is often described as fun and satisfying, with strategic elements and a refreshing solo JRPG approach. Engaging characters, a humorous tone, and quality-of-life features like encounter rate control add to the positive experience.
- Boredom (weight 0.08): Boredom arises from a shallow battle system with repetitive encounters and little strategic depth. The gameplay becomes monotonous quickly, with too much dialogue and weak enemies that fail to challenge. Boss fights are often seen as drawn-out slogs that rehash earlier battles.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Satisfaction comes from a well-paced, charming JRPG experience with a cool story, likable characters, and flexible combat. The game is praised for its polished presentation, accessible gameplay, and lack of time-wasting elements. Strategic boss fights and smooth combat with good feedback contribute to a fulfilling experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation is driven by the game's excellent pixel art and animations, clever use of hacker terminology, and a customized combat system. The detailed environment design, quality-of-life features, and accessibility options are also valued. Players appreciate that the game respects their time and is finishable in under 10 hours.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by the lack of fast travel, poor location guidance, and boss battles that drag on due to high enemy HP. Frequent encounters with a fast-filling gauge, unskippable animations, and childish dialogue also irritate players. Overused tech jargon and frequent NPC dialogue changes add to the frustration.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Players find the game fun due to its enjoyable short RPG format with combat deep enough to entertain. The clever single-character-party system offers strategic room, and bosses feel appropriately challenging. Despite some flaws, the overall experience is described as a good time, especially for the price.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game stems from its personality, pixel art, soundtrack, and cyberpunk visuals. The retro vibe, including CRT effects and sprite animations, along with the noir rainy neon-lit city, creates a unique atmosphere. Players appreciate the cool protagonist, gorgeous attack animations, and just-right difficulty.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction is mainly due to a poor German translation with awkward grammar and juvenile dialogue. The combat is shallow and trivializes most fights, with low difficulty that doesn't test the strategic system. Additionally, the game is considered too expensive for its short playtime, and the ending feels abrupt.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by strategic boss fights that require planning, great graphics and music, and a fun cyberpunk story. Players are eager to see more of this setting in a sequel. The final confrontation against Krall is particularly cited as amazing.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by a rough but intriguing cyberpunk narrative and detailed pixel art. The game becomes more engaging after the beginning, and the setting shows potential for follow-up titles.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from the game exceeding expectations, especially for players burned out on turn-based RPGs. All achievements being story-related and the overall quality being better than anticipated contribute to this positive surprise.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt when players perceive their time as wasted due to a lack of depth in systems, story, and length. The combat system and story are considered lacking, leading to a sense of regret for investing time in the game.
- Indifference (weight 0.01): Indifference arises when the game feels very average and ordinary. It lacks heart and individuality, making it unmemorable and not particularly interesting.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings result from a contrast between beautiful art and good music and disappointing gameplay. Solid visuals and animations are offset by a bland story and dialogue, and the game is seen as alright but too short.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by the cyberpunk detective narrative and a story that keeps players invested.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stems from unexplained terminology like 'overclock' and too many original terms that are never clarified. Players may finish the game without understanding key mechanics like the overload effect.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Discomfort is caused by excessive screen shake during field movement and a narrative that feels like a villain hurting everyone to satisfy the character's emotions.
- Disinterest (weight 0.01): Disinterest arises from a clichéd story that doesn't motivate players to continue. The game is not very interesting and lacks enough to keep players engaged through to the end.}