I kind of wish I would’ve spent more time on it, if only because I thought about eight people would end up playing it. After releasing The Jackyard, it has seen a variety of responses. Here is a smattering of the global critique:

IndyGames.com

“an art game […] with an emphasis on exploration and little else.”

Auntie Pixelante

“…an exploration of a greyscale landscape where the natural world is at odds with the industrial, wrapped in an aesthetic that reminds me of late nineteenth century print and advertising design.”

Idnes.cz - Alena Varkočková
(using google’s attempt to translate the Czech article)

“Black and white graphics, non-main hero, and many, and many locations in the course of your examination - that is, in short, The Jackyard, artistic game, which must first come to taste. […] Recommended only to those who have a strong artistic spirit. Otherwise, you are over this matter after a few minutes, bored.”

[More:]

Random Comments from around the web:

• Sorry, I read that this was an art game and I realized it was crap. Because it’s another damned accursed “art game.”

• Certainly interesting, but seems very short.

• Why is it that so many indy games are visually and conceptually inspired but lacking in gameplay and polish but so many mass market games have this in spades but lack innovation and art direction? Maybe the two industries should set up talks.

• I enjoyed it, but the ideas introduced certainly aren’t new… however the art is really very good.

• Been playing the game a lot. Two things. The game visually looking is superb. Especially the scrolling thing. However it must be said that total freedom without a purpose actually ruins the game.

• This game is surreal, and I mean that in the best way possible. I’ve tried exploring and ended up dying a few times, and I still can’t figure out what to do, but I don’t think I am supposed to.

• a very interesting game…. of a very specific kind which i miss alot and of which i wish there’d be more. There aren’t many games where i get this feeling of immersion and free exploration….. off the hat, i could only name Galatea, Aquaria, some really strange flash adventure of which i forgot the name, and… The Jackyard. I’m sure there are more… but i’m also sure that they’re few. As already mentioned, the only thing i “dislike” about the game, is its size - i’d love to explore more. Two thumbs up :-) Thank you.

Of course I’m very grateful for all of the feedback. I really did think that the only people who’d play this game would be the unlucky friends that I’d force it on.

I did know that a “jackyard” is an obscure piece of boating equipment that secures a topsail - but I forgot all about the Cramps tune, “Jackyard Backoff". Also, there’s apparantly a show on Philippines MTV called “The Jackyard” that’s slowly gaining popularity among the youth of Southeast Asia.

Note: Comments taken from:
- AGS Forums
- The Indie Games Blog
- and personal emails to me from people who played the game.