Here we go, Jazz Jackrabbit’s popular sequel which unfortunately ended up killing the series (despite a strong cult following). I finally sat down and played through the main game.
The game is available on GOG as The Secret Files edition which includes Lori Jackrabbit into the cast as well as new levels not found in the original game.
Gameplay: 4/5 – This game changes a few things from the previous game, including a ground pound attack, the ability shoot upwards, climbing mechanics and the momentum system from Jazz 1 is now replaced by a run-button. Another positive thing about the game is that the weapons are far more different from each other which is honestly a nice improvement. Also, each of the Jackrabbits have their own special skills.
However, the controls feel weirdly more slippery than in the first game. This isn’t a huge problem but can get a bit frustrating in a few places.
Graphics: 5/5 – The graphic variety from level to level is excellent. The whole game feels more lively than the previous title. If I really wanted to complain, I could maybe say that I feel the resolution is a smidge too high, making it difficult to appreciate the detail on some of the sprites. However, you definitely see better in all directions, so I suppose that makes up for it.
Animation: 4/5 – Similarly, the sprite animations and even the different weapon effects are really cool. However, I was disappointed that unlike in Jazz 1, you don’t get a cool ending animation at the end of each episode. All you get is the opening and then a final ending cutscene once you beat the final episode.
Music: 3½/5 – The music isn’t bad but the big problem with it is that it’s not very memorable. A big part of this is that the music is just way more laid-back. There isn’t the same kind of powerful synth and percussion as there was in Jazz 1 and as a result, I can barely even remember most of the music. None of it was bad though and, in fact, the game even features a few tunes from Jazz 1 in the Flashback-episode. Also, I gotta say the music in the final episode was easily the best in the whole game. Still, Jazz 1 definitely beats this title in this regard.
Sound: 3½/5 – Honestly, the sound-effects are kinda lame. There’s a cheesy 90s stock charm to them and Spazz’s kung fu kick does make me chuckle. However, there’s nothing that sticks in your mind and whereas I could tolerate the incessant gun firing in Jazz 1, here it just gets a little silly. None of the sound-effects are so annoying that they would distract me – but I find myself really pining for the “umpf” of the sound-effects in Jazz 1.
Replay value: 3½/5 – One thing I won’t deny is that the game is definitely fun. The level architecture is a bit of a pain but generally more straight-forward than in Jazz 1. The bosses are definitely more challenging which I actually found to be a genuine improvement over the predecessor; though the Devan Shell fight was really more annoying than fun. Still, this game is fun to just pick up and play, on top of which you can create your own levels with the game’s level editor.
Difficulty: Generally Easy with a few Hard parts – There were definitely parts in Jazz 1 which felt like a cakewalk, so I was genuinely impressed that Jazz 2 actually tried to make the levels a little bit more challenging. Especially the final two episodes cranked up the challenge which was nice. The last two bosses in particular were really difficult but all of the bosses provided some challenge which was a nice improvement over Jazz 1. Still, the game isn’t too difficult which is just okay in my book.
Score: 78% – Jazz 2 makes some noted improvements over its predecessor, including better graphic variety and better boss-fights. However, everything else is really just small tinkering with aspects of the game that don’t really elevate it above the first title. The game is flashier and faster – but not necessarily better in my view. It’s still a solid platformer at any rate.
Hande's Blog 