Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Online

It’s interesting to see a tileset I’m so familiar with in such a new way. While the differences are largely subtle, the feel of the classic castle set versus Rage of Aquarius is astonishingly different. RoA converts the castle set into a much more harsh and unsettling environment. The traditional smooth surfaces have become worn and weathered, and the insertion of some of the bone tiles from the hell sets compliments the new style very well. I also really like the new stuff added, such as the holes and the stairs. One thing I can say about that is that, with the new vibe of the set, it almost seems as if the steeper angles should be stairs too.

The example level really surprised me. I guess I just haven’t been around in too long, but there is so much that I’ve never seen before… For one, that little swirly slide thing actually functioning in some way. Also, there were random “do not use” events that somehow became skeletons in-game. A series of alternating weird textures with warp horizon in layer 8 under a strange white tile (which I don’t see anywhere in the actual set for some reason) in layer 7 creates a beutiful radiating sun effect. AND, when I go into the events menu, everything is strange and different… No enemies tab, all the platforms and pinball events out in the open… Needless to say, I’m really confused. Haha. I feel like I’m no longer qualified to adequately review whatever is going on with this set, but I think it’s really interesting and cool. :)

The reordering of the set was definitely well thought-out, putting complimentary pieces in more convienient groups throughout the set. Since it’s a remake with some additions, the usability is definitely top-notch. I especially like how the bones were converted to mesh with the castle set so well, even adding some shadowed tiles with bones in the foreground and castle in the back.

Overall… Well, I was never the biggest fan of the castle set, but I think this conversion really kicks it up a notch. In my opinion, that actually adds even more credibility to this set. For making the castle tileset into something way more awesome, I’ll say this should get a 9/10. :)