Review by David Odell

Overview - Backstory

• Jazz Jackrabbit 2 features the adventures of Jazz Jackrabbit and his brother Spaz in their attempt to prevent a time machine from being used.– Both Jazz and Spaz are playable

characters.• Returning from the original is arch-

nemesis Devan Shell.• None of this actually matters.

Overview - Game

• Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is a sidescroller– One of the few produced since the rise

of 3D gaming• Game relies on fast action and

attractive* graphics– Original Jazz Jackrabbit was a Sonic

clone with projectile weapons– Second installment follows same

formula, taking advantage of improved technology

* Depending on personal taste.

The game is tiny!

► From the ending animation; there are two of these in the game. The other runs during game startup.

• An installation of Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is only about 50 MB

• Game running time is about eight hours.

Gameplay

• Gameplay in Jazz Jackrabbit 2 focuses almost exclusively on running, jumping, and shooting.– No explicit goals aside from finishing

levels– No NPCs– No specialized tools (other than

munitions)

Gameplay

• Jazz (or Spaz) are both a particularly speedy breed of rabbit

• Gameplay is fast– It can be very fast if the player

doesn't take the time to find powerups and engage enemies.

– Fast reflexes and a good frame rate are a must.

Level Design

• Levels are typical for a platform game• Ammunition is strewn throughout each

level• Spring platforms let Jazz (or Spaz) fly to

great heights– Of course, many areas are only accessible

via one of these springs.

• Coins provide access to bonus areas• Carrots provide health

Enemies

• AI is unsophisticated in all but a few cases.– Many enemies will simply

walk back and forth– Only a few will actively seek

out to harm the player

• Following the general aesthetic of the game, enemies are more whimsical than menacing.– This isn't Doom, you know.

Aesthetics• The game has a very

carefree and whimsical style

• Art is bright, colorful, cartoon-y

• Sound is playful. Not a whole lot of bass here.

• Music is upbeat– This is in contrast with

Jazz Jackrabbit 1, which had a more techno-themed soundtrack.

Spaz is disabled by some toxic gas in a 60's-themed level. No, seriously.

Aesthetics

• Of note are the parallaxing backdrops: the game supports two layers of foreground and four layers of background.

• Occasionally however, graphics can be sparse or repetitive.

System Requirements

• Processor: Intel's Pentium(R) processor, Pentium(R) processor with MMX(TM) technology, Pentium(R) II processor or compatibles.

• OS: Microsoft's Windows(R) 95.• RAM: 16 MB.• Hard Drive: 45 MB.• CD ROM: 2X speed or better.• Controller: Keyboard or Joystick (optional).• Users with early Pentiums may benefit from having 2D

hardware acceleration. On the other hand, using the ambient light feature may cause the game to run at sub-optimal speeds on machines as fast as 1 GHz. Additionally, no CD is required to actually play the game.

Summary

• The game is short– Only about eight hours

• The game is cheap• Final score: 4.592 out of 5.000

points

Etc.

• Produced by: Epic MegaGames• Published by:Gathering of

DevelopersProject 2 Interactive (Europe, Australia only)

• Price: $29.94 at Amazon.com– $9.99 at eBay