Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Online

Most certainly worth the trouble of downloading. Awesome levels in general.

You go, dude! You go!

I don’t really feel like doing a long review, so here goes.

A very nice tileset, it has about everything I could imagine.

You should rather make tilesets than levels. :D

Starting Comments
It’s been a while since I last reviewed something… time to fire up my old writing skills.

Gameplay:
Although I didn’t test this in a bunny-infested online server, I got a good look at the gameplay after all. The level runs really smooth. That’s nice AND practical, since it’s a PIT level. Bad flow in a pit level means unsuspected deaths and therefore isn’t good. The level plays really fast, though a copter event makes sure that there will remain easy targets on the map. ;)

Atmosphere:
The level feels really calm, really serene. The tileset has been put to good use and the eyecandy is (not everywhere, but still) quite original. The music fits the level really well, even for a fast-paced battle level.

Eventing:
The ammo placement isn’t all too shabby either. There are plenty carrots for a pit level and the ammo isn’t too scarce either. The fact that RF’s and TNT’s are missing is a bit of a shame for a PIT level, since they easily knock someone down. All and all, nice placement, equally divided power-ups and a warp. YAY!

Bonusses and substractions
None.

Overall
A nice PIT level, well worth the download. You should collaborate more.

Download Recommentdation
Does the pope (-) in the woods?

Further Comments
Keep it going, guys!

Edit
You know, Gus was a ‘bit’ right… This levelpack deserves a three, at least…

Starting Comments
I thought I could use some relaxation after a whole day of immense heat… I shouldn’t have.

Gameplay: Not worth the rating

This levelpack is really, really annoying. You start off in an… ‘intro’ level. After you’ve read the signs, you move on! Well, woohoo! That was worth it! Then, you’ll end up in a supposedly ghetto street in New York… There are 5 skyscrapers… IN A GHETTO… And there’s a train standing still and even a highway! This is the richest ghetto I’ve ever seen! Ah well… After you took a look around ‘New York’, you get a mission… Nobody knows why, but Jazz Jackrabbit, intergalactic super hero gets the mission to recover library books, dive in a sewer, stop a train, rescue the mayor (why does it always have to be the mayor…?) and more useless tasks that the police could have done anyway. It IS New York, after all.

Every time you finish a level, you get warped back to the exact same New York level, with the exception of a new exit, new text signs and SOMETIMES even different weather!

The ‘missions’ in general are bland, easy and annoying. Gus has a favourite way of climbing and descending in a part of a level, it seems… He always uses the same structure of ‘staircases’, fills them up with Tuff Turtles and copy+pastes that for a dozen of times.

Furthermore, there are several parts which Jazz can’t even fully reach…

Atmosphere: Somebody call a doctor, I’m going to get sick…

Virtually, none. The only thing giving you the city feel is the Townsville tileset, which is actually ABUSED by Gus in every way possible. He uses good tiles in bad places and the other way around. He uses Textured background tiles for windows, while there are perfectly good window tiles. Gus also likes to use the back- and foreground layers are simple as possible: Blank. There are a few exeptions, though, although they are not worth mentioning because of their ‘basic’ content.

The music was missing. Not included in the pack, no link was left in the description, no music at all…

Eventing: I don’t wanna talk about it…

Let’s just put it like this:
- Loads of bad guys
- Loads of triggers
- Loads of pick ups
- Lack of puzzles
- Lack of enviromental eventing
- Lack of good ideas

Originality: Virtually none…
That’s right… This ‘episode’ is in NO way original… Not even the ‘boss’ is original… Tileset bosses have been done before… Better than this one, at least… You just enter the robot and get warped out again…

Bonusses and substractions
You will not get a bonus for anything in this whole levelpack. You won’t get a substraction either, because I won’t give you a score below 1.

Overall
This pack is not worth playing. It is a pure waste of time, seriously. You’re better off playing the original JJ2 levels.

Download Recommentdation
No… Frigging… Way.

Further Comments
Just to make sure, I think Gus and Ischa know eachother very well… It seems as if they give eachother higher scores. Please, don’t do that… You know how frustrating it is when you look for a GOOD level and you get overrated crap like this? It IS frustrating… Quit it, now, or may the rats nibble your toes until eternity has reached a new age!

[Signature images are disallowed on J2O ~Cooba]

It’s more than milk, but not quite a milkshake, know what I mean? I like it, but it doesn’t move me as much as your Labrat mix did. Good job, anyway, and keep bringing up those remixes! Don’t let these (semi-)negative reviews get to you. It’s just a matter of taste.

[Let’s not start adding signature images to this site – FQuist]

Reviewing time!

First of all, I didn’t like the slow start. It took about a minute and a half before the actual song began, which is something I don’t like. After listening to the same part over and over with a little drum variation each time, you get to the actual Beach Melody, which is nicely done with those Carribean steeldrums. The melody makes you wanna dance, as it’s supposed to. Nicely done, overall, untill I came to that… ‘interesting’ part in the middle. Although it was a bit too complicated to be “Farmboy’s Hardcore”, it came close. The beat is kicked in as if it was a special weapon trying to demolish everything in the nearby surroundings. Eventually, the horror stops, leaving us with the original melody. It slowly builds down and the outro is just as slow and the intro. Not my style.

Nonetheless, I have promised to give this a review, and so I will. Not my taste, not worth my time. I’m very sorry, guys, but this is just one piece of music from you that I don’t like.

Score:
6.5

Download Recommendation:
N/A

Starting Comments
Strange how I promise everyone to review, but don’t get any reviews on my levels myself… Hmm…

Gameplay: Excellent
This level would be considered the best so far in my list of J2WC entries. The level has a complex layout, yet easy to learn a quick route. There are several ‘detours’ you can take leading to only more and more ammo. More in ‘Eventing’.

Atmosphere: Good
The rainforest theme is overused, yet no challenge at all for the new LMAT tileset. Yax uses most available eyecandy, although sometimes in an annoying way. Instead of checking the level for blocking eyecandy, make someone else do it, because you know by heart where all the items and passages are. The music used in this level fits the action, although not completely supports the rainforest feeling. Still, it captures one of the most important feelings in this level: The action.

Eventing: Good
Fire’p some bacon, ‘cause I’m starvin’! The ammo placement in this level is really good. Nicely distributed, not at all scarce or too much, just enough for a one on one. The springs aren’t blocking in any way and really help you out. Oh yeah, just remembered. At the start of the level, you get smashed into a Bouncer PU. Nice start, must I say, as the player will not have to waste time on collecting ammo first, but can just rush at the other’s base and pick up something useful on the way.

Originality: Average
Although the tileset is new, the layout could use some more interesting aspects. The eyecandy is used in a clean way, but nothing too original, to be quite honest. Nonetheless, this tileset is brandnew and not really ‘intergrated’ into this community. Even I I guess everyone will have a difficult time using this tileset at the beginning, so I don’t blame you much.

Bonusses and substractions
N/A

Overall
Really, a terrific level with a few “I CAN’T SEE A THING!” eyecandy problems. This is easily fixed, so I’ll just rate it as such.

Download Recommentdation
As certain as there is a Y in wine!

Further Comments
None

Starting Comments
I’ve seen the complete level before downloading! Yay!

Gameplay: Good
This battle level seems to be VERY different than XLM Woods: Far East, a level Ðx also recently uploaded. This level can be wandered through with only the use of the directional arrows. The springs and sucker tubes can bring you anywhere in the level. The flow is really nice (more about this in Eventing) and it gives you a smooth ride while you’re at it. Giddy-up, cowboy!

Atmosphere: Average
Ðx uses a palette edit of the overused Diamondus tileset, Diamond Dust II. Ðx’s reputation made me believe there wouldn’t be any problems using overused tilesets, although there isn’t much original eyecandy used. It looks really nice and all, but there’s just nothing special to add up to it all. The music choice is decent, as it gives you the Battle feeling, but leaves away the Garden element.

Eventing: Good
Another part of the good rating I’m about to give you is due to the fine ammo distribution in this level. The PU’s are nicely spread over the level, RF is the hardest to find and to obtain more ammo for, which is good because of its power. The springs are nicely placed (some bring you to PU’s automaticly by running) and the Sucker Tubes are the only way to obtain some RF ammo and getting back up quick and easy.

Originality: Below Average
Staying as honest as I can, nothing too original was used. Not that it takes away much, although you could’ve scored better on this level.

Bonusses and substractions
N/A

Overall
A nice level, good gameplay, worth playing.

Download Recommentdation
Yeehaw!

Further Comments
You told me you had spent little time on this level. It shows. More time means more improvement… or more mistakes… :P

Starting Comments
Another one of famous Ðx’s levels. Let’s see if his level creating skills are as adept as his popularity status… Muhahaha…

Gameplay: Good
Set up your tent, build a spitroast and get ready to haul in the meat! It’s CAMPING TIME! This level makes it impossible not to camp at some times. The platforms are so inviting… Yummy… The average player will have trouble getting around in this level and would have to grab their grapplehooks and any other items you can’t get in JJ2. Agility and fast movement is a must to get around, collect ammo and avoid campers. “Hidden suckertube elevators drain your energy as you watch how you end up near the unfindable Seeker PU. Here’s some advice: Get your hiking gear and march on, baby, march on!”

Atmosphere: Excellent
Even though Jungle is an overused tileset, and even though this level doesn’t have much to do with the Far East, it really captures the exact right atmosphere. Ðx shows once again that tilesets don’t have a limit, as far as eyecandy is concerned. He shows us some nice leaf drawings, as well as brilliant looking platforms. While you’re camping anyway, take a look at the scenery and take some screenshots to bring home! Your mother will be proud!

Eventing: Good
No need to be careful with ammo! “What’re ye sellin’, strangah?” Ðx brought every single piece of useful ammo to this level and presented it in a good way. The PU’s are somewhat spread out, except for the Bouncer PU being almost next to the RF PU. The springs are distributed in a convenient way, not blocking anything or making you skip large parts. The sucker tubes are nice, although hidden. Could use a little ‘hint’.

Originality: Average
This is where the level takes a hit in the stomach and falls down, crying, soaked in blood, waiting for the doctor to bring him the bad news… Nothing too outstanding or original is used in this level. It’s nice, but has nothing too special to mention.

Bonusses and substractions
Although the Bouncer and RF PU could be a little more spread out, I will not reduce points for this as it is easily fixed.

Overall
This level is certainly worth playing and hosting. It’s fun and could be part of the new Battle Server level list. It’s worth it.

Download Recommentdation
Aye.

Further Comments
I heard you’re already working on a new level. Can’t wait.

Starting Comments
Another J2WC entry! Yayz!

Gameplay: Good
The level is really fast paced, almost impossible to not hold down that Shift Key and rush back and forth. Once you learn the route, it gets really speedy. On each side are small openings in the wall which you can enter for a suckertube ride and ammo, although the tunnel above the Red Flag ends on the exact same height as the path up there, so if you were coming from that path and rushed against the wall, you get pushed back by exit-suckertubes. The pitfalls add a little difficulty in the rush, although the Blue Team has an easy way out once they have the flag: Drop in the pit and you get close to your flag, while adding confusion.

Atmosphere: Excellent
The overused tileset doesn’t matter for Ðx, because he uses every single usable tile and whips up another great level. We are familiar with the chains he uses so gladly, and the textured background made of bricks, but there are a few new things, even for Ðx. For instance, he managed to make a beautiful painting which seems to hang in a deeper background because of the tiles he uses. I love it how you made the two crossed carrots logo there. It’s awesome. Just to add up to all the greatness, the music is an awesome choice.

Eventing: Average
This is where the level starts dropping its score. The available ammo is scarce, even for a 1 on 1 duel. The only PU being the RF PU really makes it questionable. The Toaster and ElectroBlaster ammo seem a bit useless, but the Bouncers come in quite handy for protecting your base from the higher levels. You could have hidden a Bouncer PU somewhere, but I didn’t find one. Not an obvious enough one, that is.

Originality: Good
There are limited uses for every tileset and Ðx always knows how to overthrow the limitations and make something new. Good job.

Bonusses and substractions
The painting was nice enough to add a 0.5 to your total score.

Overall
A nice level to play, although it could use a bit more use for the ammo. You could, for example, hide the Bouncer PU in a wall, somewhat visible, so the ElectroBlaster ammo has a better use than just hurting the opponent. ;)

Download Recommentdation
It didn’t hurt me when I downloaded it… I think he turned off the electric wires… It’s safe, go on!

Further Comments
Nice level, Ðx, can’t wait ‘till your next one!

Yay! I got the Pokémon Theme! runs away without the level and tileset

I took a quick look at it… most of it seems to be copied from my ‘BossRushMode’ too… >O

No! Not another ‘Devan’ pack… I refuse to play… No offence, but BE MORE ORIGINAL! >:(

AWESOMETH! No rating… :(

No ‘ and spaces in the .zip file, please.

Starting Comments
I just looked into this yesterday and I must say I’m impressed. Short review for my buddy ‘ere.
Gameplay
The flow is great, aswell as the map itself. It’s actually fun to travel greater distances to get to your objectives.
Gameplay = Good

Placements
The ammo is spreaded in the waiting rooms, aswell as several PU’s. Carrots are rarely found in the map itself.
Placement = Average

Objectives
The objectives are quite straight-forward. You bust a crate, you find the next one, etc. At least you get to kill Princess Peach. :)
Objectives = Good

Balance
Both teams have a fair chance of winning. The defending team has lots of weapons within reach. The attacking team has some strategic areas which can easily be turned into a heavy wave of attacks.
Balance = Great

Eyecandy
The level looks extremely nice. The background layers are very well used and each area has a different aura about it. The grasslands look all fuzzy and warm, while the underwater area just looks cold and lonely.
Eyecandy = Good

Music
Well, can’t go wrong with the Mario tune! =D
Music = Good

Originality
Although the ‘bust-crates-in-order’ objectives have been used before, I still think this one has one of the greater varieties of gameplay additions out there.
Originality = Average

Score
This submission should have a ‘good file’ logo and thus I will rate it as such.
Score = 8.5

Bonusses/substractions
None.
Added Score = 0

Download Recommendation
Yes
Further comment
This is certainly worth playing and could be used in JDC events or anything similar.

Starting Comments
Cooba made me do it… And I’m glad he did, too.

Gameplay
The flow of the two levels is just amazing. You just soar through awesome levels. Especially Velocity is a fast level, like a race is supposed to be. Shooting from building to building, dodging trap holes and deep pits. It’s like a race I’ve never raced before. Absolutely brilliant.
Gameplay = Very good

Placements
The placements of ammo and even enemies is quite decent. The ammo is nice (for example the Gun9 in the zig-zag tunnels is handy) and the TNT blows up parts of the tunnel, hindering other players. Very nice. Also, the ravens add an extra touch. If you hit one of the springs in Boomerang, you will be kicked back to the ground, into a pit, with the ravens following you. Even though you just KNOW you’re gonna lose, at least it looked pretty neat!
Placement = Good

Eyecandy
The eyecandy looks like a whole new generation of JCS’ing. The walls and ceilings look like they should, but had an extra sprinkle of beauty-powder. The layers were well used, the background looked nice. There was nothing to complain about, actually.
Eyecandy = Like, dude, yeah!

Music
The music is exellently chosen. Both tracks give you that extra boost you need.
Music =

Originality
Boomerang is an awesome level. After you think you’ve reached the finish, you get stopped by a “?” sign. After you fall in a pit, you’re told you need to go back. When you do so, the track seems slightly slower (Because you have to climb some distance) but still fast paced. Also the seeker ammo shows you where to go in order not to get trapped.
Originality =

Score
I had fun playing these levels and I hope I always will. These levels are a great addition to your host. No doubt you will agree with this 8,5!
Score = 8,5

Bonusses/substractions
None
Added Score = 0,0

Download Recommendation

Further comment
IC ftw y’all!

Everything that has to be said is already said. This is the one. Neo, you’re the one… You have given us THE TOOL to make this game MORE interesting OVER and OVER! The possibilities are ENDLESS! That’s also what I said when JCS came out, but THIS! THIS! This is probably the BEST thing to have ever happened to the community. Soon, millions of people will come to this community and play JJ2…

Okay, it’s just a sprite editor… =P

But it’s cool! =D Good job. This deserves nothing less than a 10.

Soo… You want me to rate this or something? ;o Wasn’t a PM enough? ;o

w00t!