Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Online

I promised Scizor CT that I’d review this level and be totally honest. I warned him he might not agree with some of the points a I am about to state but thought it alright if I did. Well, here goes!

Lava Lagoon has been under construction for a while. It has been worked with on and off, according to Scizor CT. Usually this happens when one has little inspiration to start off with; the level work progress is slow, and often the level doesn’t turn out very good when done, I am not totally sure why it happens like that though.

I played here recently in a 2vs2. The gameplay here is different, not greatly original. Most of the levels gameplay seems to be inspired from BBlair and Moree Mines because the layout seems to be slightly symmetrical although there are noticable differences on each side. Scizor CT borrowed a tactic from Zaitox, he put both bases near each other but not to be reached as easily which makes it very balanced, considering the layouts weird design. A shield was added Moree Mines style, which is an…Uhm unnessecary style, but not an issue which would destroy the gameplay to some extent. All you need is one or two bomb sceneries to prevent one from using obtaining the shield by shooting it.

It is a relatively large level with plently of open space in areas. Some platforms are useless and would rarely be touched by anyone in any type situation, for instance: both platforms at the upper right and upper left sides. This is one of those levels that requires you to learn to like it as there are some areas you might find annoying until you get used to them. There is a middle area not far above each base with the two skulls on each side of the walls; Coming out of a base there you might find yourself bumping up against them, they are almost like dead ends. The areas around both bases is very interesting, but the way the lava is placed there will make your eyes hurt! >< However, the gameplay in each base area makes it so that Lava Lagoon has arguably the best base placement, ever. Mainly because of a few small platforms in each base area, they are placed in ways which makes one have to navigate around them to reach the base(s), this makes each base simple to defend, but don’t worry, if you’re attacking a base, there are two routes to choose from to escape when you have the flag. The shield offers Lava Lagoon something really nice: When you’re low on health and have the shield, there’s no need to worry if anyone is at the full nrg, the two +1 carrots, the powerups, or any important place. The +1 carrots are placed at each side of the level, you obtain them only by going through sukertubes. The full nrg placement is typical, the middle not far below the shield (It’s like Scizor CT planned its placement there, for the sake of using the shield to take the carrot without any worries of taking a risk).

I’ve already mentioned that the lava at the bottom is annoying, better use low detail. Some of the “open” areas (Check out the area with the RF powerup at 86,65) may provide a certain feel to the level but many players probably won’t notice.

The ammo placement is good enough. The ammo is organized in cliched patterns though. The powerups: Toaster, Seeker and Bouncer all require you to use electroblasters to obtain them. The levels two most essential weapons, which are Electroblasters and RFs seem to be placed in the level sufficiently.

And finally, the concept, the main feature that sets Lava Lagoon apart from any other level. Hopefully this is a concept that will catch on, maybe we will see it more in the future…Nah. The concept is blowing up walls by using RFs. The +1 carrots, the shield, and even some paths yet to be opened, all require you to use RFs to clear the way and make them accessable. Most of this concept involves just ‘chewing’ up the level by blowing out little chunks out of walls etc, the reason is making the level slightly more realistic. A lazy player can blow small pieces of a wall and leave some destructable scenery behind, which can look quite ugly.

Download Lava Lagoon and make sure you play it a few times. It may bore you at first, but it’s all about its gameplay.

-fs