Critics call Jackbox Party Pack 12 uneven but enjoyable

Jackbox Games launched Jackbox Party Pack 12 on Oct. 15, 2026, and a review of the compilation appeared on Oct. 28, 2026.

Jackbox Party Pack 12 arrived on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Apple TV, iPad and the Mac App Store. Tech-Gaming listed it at $29.99. The ESRB rated it Teen for Language, Suggestive Themes, Violent References and Users Interact.

Pocket Gamer said the pack was not the series’ best showing. The reviewer said enjoyment depends on which minigames a person and their friends like, since Jackbox only really compares to Jackbox.

Tech-Gaming said results are a bit uneven, but some better ideas show the developer still has ways to make a room wonderfully riotous, scoring the pack 79 percent and rating it Very Good. The outlet called MegaPals, Hyperface and Idol Factions the best and freshest attractions, described We Forgot a Card as a suitable warm-up, and said Debate and Switch is probably the least universally enjoyable entry.

TheXboxHub said only one person needs to own the game, while everyone else uses their phones as controllers. It called it handy for parties, family gatherings and evenings with a crowd but not enough traditional gamepads.

DualShockers described MegaPals as a word association game where players write words they hope match everyone else’s responses instead of typing what first comes to mind. It said Hyperface lets players edit stock photos or selfies with basic tools to match prompts, including an option to skip editing that the game mocks. It also described Idol Factions as giving three categories in a round, putting words on a tactical battlefield, and letting opponents sabotage with view-obstructing bombs.

Pocket Gamer described We Forgot a Card as a game where everyone chooses card designs matching categories, then writes inside to make others laugh at the writing; the winning card moves to a plush toy that needs a secondary bit after someone pulls a string. It said Debate and Switch has players debate nonsense topics such as brownie edges versus middles.

Pocket Gamer said others move characters to stand before the person they agree with and type comments that appear on-screen during Debate and Switch; after a debate ends, players can switch one word to create a new topic. It said the final game is a team trivia game where players shift answers across a map to the correct portal for random categories, passing answers to a teammate in the path of the portal.

DualShockers said the Jackbox Party Pack series began in 2014 and that Pack 12 is in its 12th year. All five games in Pack 12 are original titles with no returning sequels: We Forgot a Card, MegaPals, Debate and Switch, Idol Factions and Hyperface. Tech-Gaming said You Don’t Know Jack debuted in 1995. TheXboxHub listed Xbox One as a platform, while Tech Times said Pack 12 does not include PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.