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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.
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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