Jazz Jackrabbit

"Jazz Jackrabbit? Who?"

Aaah yes. Jazz Jackrabbit. The Green Rabbit with a Rambo Headband and the speed of Sonic. Fond memories are the ones I had playing through the Shareware and Christmas missions. When I first saw the screenshots for this game, it looked absolutely NOTHING like previous Jazz titles. Jazz, now sporting a Han Solo jacket (and gun, to boot) was fending off attacks from Chameleons. I expected a terrible, terrible game....

Graphics - 7/10

Right away you'll notice this game differs GIGANTICALLY from previous Jazz titles. I'm not entirely thrilled about how sprites are drawn, but they animate very nicely, and very smoothly. High-color (albiet a little washed out) graphics abound, the levels have a pre-rendered look to them, in deep shades of purple and blue. It looks passablely good, but could defenitely be better.

Sound - 7/10

Another memorable bit from the old Jazz games were the fact that they had memorable little techno-esque (or whatever else it called for) tunes that stuck in your mind quite well -- this game doesn't quite live up to that, but it pulls off some passable space/techno music. Never once does it get annoying; it fits right in -- but you won't be whistling it on your way to work or anything. Sound effects are done quite well, well enough for me to be impressed. Guns firing, Jazz's helicopter ears -- all are very clear and very accurate sounding. Thumbs up.

Gameplay - 6/10

Right away -- if you come in to this game, expecting a typical romp through a Jazz Jackrabbit game, you will be sorely, sorely dissapointed. The gameplay has changed nearly as much as the style. Gone is Jazz's speed element -- you're looking at 100% gunplay here. AI could be smarter -- I realize the game plays the Chameleons out to be total and utter morons, but for crying out loud -- their AI is just sad. Later Enemies aren't much better. Level design itself is average -- nothing really that special, and more often than not it feels like the same level you just played with a fresh coat of paint. Some don't mind that, and I don't find it THAT discouraging. Control comes off pretty well, albiet movement's a little slidey. But, when you press a button, Jazz does the action immediately. In all, nothing to write home about, but nothing that's immediately terrible either.

Replay - 5/10

Unfortunately, as dull as the game is as I previously mentioned, Replay doesn't get very high. As you play, you do unlock things, but unless there's some kind of SUPER WOW AMAZING GREAT unlockable like a full version of Jazz 1 (and that's a defenite No) then I'm afraid it doesn't really warrent too much of a playthrough. Sorry folks.

Overall - 7/10

It's not the Jazz you remember, that's for sure. But that's not to say it's a bad game; points go out to Jaleco for trying something new. It's pretty fun while it lasts, and some of the dialogue is rather amusing in the cutscenes. If you can get it cheap, you won't regret the purchase.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/20/03, Updated 01/20/03