Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Online

Here is a good example of how well a weird as hell tileset-edit can inspire quick creation of a decent multiplayer-level. No other decent levels have been made(or at least uploaded) with this tileset so far, so obviously any theme that differs even a little from the tileset’s example level can be considered more or less original. But enough about the tileset.

Atlantis Cathedral doesn’t really show anything utterly exceptional from the original tileset theme. The water element is here as well, yet it’s more rich than for instance in the tileset’s example level. The level has a low water level, but the theme is boosted visually with a background fog. The level generally looks neat and pleasant, and not to forget all the tileset’s “weird” scenery added to the mix which gives surreality. Also, what I really like about this level, is the music-choice. In my opinion, the ancient ‘Cracking Ice’-track fits better here than in any other level done in the past (yes, even better than in Tomb Rabbit.)

Behind the cool graphics lies also a great battlefield. The level isn’t really big in absolute size, which means it could suit duels, but I’d rather recommend it for 2vs2 or 3vs3 TB. This is because the level gameplay isn’t really tactical enough. The layout basically consists of 4 height-levels, and thus only 2 players wouldn’t meet likely enough. I haven’t yet got to test this in practise, so I would like someone else to give it a try and comment back to me (I’d appreciate it.)

There are a few warps and tubes in the level to help maneuvering/retreating/chasing, but they aren’t really decisive when it comes to the duel performance, and not to forget there are 3 minor carrots total spread well enough around the level. As I said, the level layout should work well for team games. However the flow itself isn’t perfect. You may sometimes bump into random particles and some of the slopes have bad masking. Luckily it’s not a massive problem.

Considering Loon’s little JCS experience, he has really outdone himself here. This is indeed Loon’s best work so far. Download this one!

SJ