Jazz Jackrabbit

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jazz Jackrabbit
Jazz-jackrabbit-logo.jpg
developer Epic Games
Publisher Epic MegaGames, Project 2 Interactive
Designer Cliff Bleszinski , Arjan Brussee
First title Jazz Jackrabbit (1994)
Last title Jazz Jackrabbit Advance (2002)
Platform (s) PC ( DOS , Windows ), Mac OS , Gameboy Advance
Genre (s) Jump 'n' run , shoot 'em up

Jazz Jackrabbit is a series of platformers Run - computer games from Epic Mega Games and Game Titan for DOS . The sequel has been released for 32-bit Windows and Mac OS . Another - very different - game has been released for the Gameboy Advance .

One of the main developers, the Dutchman Arjan Brussee (* 1972), was already known in the demo scene . With his group “Ultraforce” he became known, among other things, for the sensational “VectorDemo” (1991). He was later able to use his graphic programming skills acquired in the scene in the games.

The game principle is very similar to the early Sonic titles due to the high speed . However, opponents are not eliminated by jumping on them , but with various weapons.

Jazz Jackrabbit

The first part of the series was first released as a shareware version with a sixth of the level. The main character (Jazz) is a rabbit who has to save Princess Eva from Devan Shell, an evil turtle. The game was released on July 30, 1994 and was released by the entertainment software self-regulation from the age of six.

The soundtrack for this game was created in PSM (Pro Tracker Studio Module) format. This can also be interpreted as an indication of the proximity to the demo scene .

There were two Christmas level expansions, Holiday Hare and Holiday Hare 95 (1995), which were later released along with the main game as the Jazz Jackrabbit CD (1995).

Jazz Jackrabbit 2

Jazz Jackrabbit 2 , released in 1997, has the same gameplay as the first part, expanded to include multiplayer support and better graphics, as well as a new character called "Spaz". The game was published by Project 2 Interactive for Windows and Mac OS . It was classified as USK 6.

The multiplayer mode, which can be played via LAN (IPX and TCP / IP) like on a split screen on a PC, has five different modes:
Teamwork (through the episodes) - Fight - Race - Treasure hunt - Capture the Flag (CTF )

There is also a level editor (the so-called "Jazz Creation Station", JCS for short) for the game, with which you can create your own levels quickly and easily. The level editor is supplied with every full version, which led to the widespread use of self-made levels.

Based on Jazz 2, some level extensions appeared: The Secret Files (1999), Holiday Hare 98 and Christmas Chronicles , all of which were only available for purchase and among other things introduced a third character, Lori.

With the ability to play against others online, the game is still relatively popular today. The “Jazz2 scene” currently has around 500 members and is very active.

The soundtrack for Jazz Jackrabbit 2 and Jazz Jackrabbit 3D was composed by Alexander Brandon .

Jazz Jackrabbit 3D

In the late 1990s, World Tree Games developed a 3D platformer for Windows based on the characters from the Jazz Jackrabbit series. However, it was discontinued in beta.

Jazz Jackrabbit Advance

In 2002 an implementation of the series for the Gameboy Advance appeared ; In terms of play, it differs more from the PC versions. The player can e.g. B. Collect money and buy equipment for it. Other weapons are also available. The plot is based on Star Wars , with a character based on Han Solo and an archenemy based on Darth Vader. However, the opponents are still reptiles.

Publication on GOG.com

On November 30, 2017, Jazz Jackrabbit and Jazz Jackrabbit 2 were released in a Collectors Edition with all extensions on GOG.com .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ https://www.gog.com/news/release_jazz_jackrabbit_jazz_jackrabbit_2_complete_collection