Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Online

Definately the greatest pack in NA series. Both the eyecandy and gameplay have been improved dramatically since snz’ previous packs. Some have very interesting visual designs with the chosen tilesets; King of the Clouds, Hornet Hive, The Curse in particular. The levels were also very fun to play, and that is what really counts. A well deserved 9!

New Ages III was uploaded some time ago, last spring if I remember right. The waiting time has been long since from what we know Snooze from, is the small amount of time which he requires to create a level. I have to admit this level pack came a bit out of the bushes, as it first looked like Snooze was creating and uploading single levels until the last month or so. So even this pack came out with a quick progress, and the quality is even better than the previous New Ages-packs.

These levels draw you into themselves with their original and interesting atmospheres and looks. No level does really feel boring to play because the atmosphere and eyecandy, eventhough some levels just might feel a bit emptier because they are such ‘outdoor’ levels. The author took the effort to create you entertaining environments with pretty limited sets, and that is something that has been accomplished here well. As an example take the ‘Hornet Hive’ (naivbtl05) that uses Woodlands set by Blade. Basically I don’t have anything to complain about in the eyecandy, although it might not be superior in every level.

The gameplay in this pack is quite high-quality as well. The pack includes the earlier uploaded singles which are; ‘The Curse’ and ‘Steam Machine + Landscape.’ Most levels have a simple layout and design, and that way the levels aren’t hard to navigate and are easy to learn. The level sizes and spaces are also variable. The levels are that way quite versatile, as they can fit duels, while also some bigger games. No level here is giant though, so I recommend not to play anything bigger than 4vs4 though.

There are a few exceptions though. While ‘DDRR’ is a nice castle-themed and medium-big sized battle level, the gameplay reminds me about Blade’s old Battle-levels, especially since the tileset used is by Blade himself. The design is just a bit too random, and the level contains too much of holes, easy camp-spots/dead ends. Some levels including this, don’t have that smooth flow either. although I really like when the level requires jumping and isn’t filled with springs, this just feels too much like those Sandstrand ‘O Hazes-levels too. Played a 3vs3 TB here and that proved my thoughts quite right.

‘Neufrlagar’ uses Agama’s Egypt, and while the level looks neat and feels like another decent duel/2vs2 map, it also feels that some areas are just empty and don’t have a real purpose or use. I’m sorry I couldn’t have mentioned this earlier, because I always saw this level as unfinished only and wasn’t sure about the progress. However, this is neither nothing too serious, but it drops the fun-factor a bit.

What I find fun is how the levels also have secret passages and things or tricks you might not find out the first time you play. This is something what the newer level-makers don’t usually do. After all these are like ‘Dream’-levels that can contain anything and be very unrealistic, though sometimes things are just overdone a bit. Personally I also feel that some levels like ‘DDRR’ and ‘The Curse’ don’t have the very perfect music choices, but who am I to tell that alone.

So, 5 battles, 4 CTF’s. A bunch of levels to try and play, huh? Myself I prefer the CTF-levels, since I am for now a bit more familiar with them and they fit the best for duels. This is definitely download of the month so far, and most levels are bash-quality. Well done Snooze! Download!

SJ

This is a practically fun to play winter-themed level from Snooze in a while. His previous one was Land of Kaamos from last year. This time the game mode is CTF, and the level design is well executed, since the author tried to make it as balanced, versatile and fun to play.

According to the level atmosphere, you’re located in a freezing mountain range(or a valley) at the sunset, where you should find the fastest route across the snows to the opponent’s basement. A big steam machine is built around the landscape as you can guess from the level name. The machine helps you to move short distances to other locations by it’s tubes. The feeling in the whole level is great, thanks to an awesome tileset and a good music choice too.

The level has a long horizontal dimension, but it has also got some heighth. The level is no maze. It is easy to learn, but it still offers enough of different possibilites to make your way to the opponent’s base. You just need to learn how to take advantage of all heights in the level. What I also think that suits the level, are the carrot placement and Power Ups(although they’re just the default Bouncer and Toaster, nothing new.)

I recommend this level for you all, and recommend it more for something bigger than duels. 2vs2 games should work ideally here, as we once tried with Snooze & friends. A problem in duels especially might be the top-level that can be campy, but otherwise in bigger games it doesn’t really matter. Eight point three.

SJ

Snooze has made yet another level with trademark snzspeed ™ (well, a few hours?). This time it’s an asymmetrical CTF set in a snowy, sunset area which seems to be… some sort of old facility set in the mountains of Carrotus? We have those steam machines and the familiar castle. There’s also a nice folk-esque track by Nightbeat to perhaps signify that this level has more “landscape” than “steam machine”.

The eyecandy is probably everything this set can offer. Impressive pipelines coming out from the ground, a nice snowy background, the pathways and soil have varied EC too, so it looks great. The textured background is also top notch – a light blue colour fading into an orange juice puke… err, peach colour creates a nice sunset atmosphere.

The level has an asymmetrical layout. The sides are rather well balanced, yet I have a feeling that the center carrot is a bit on the blue side. There are a few powerups, a bouncer PU on the top left and a toaster PU on the top right with easy-to find paths to them near the flags on their sides. There are floatup events coming out from the steampipes which help navigating through the level, but even without them it would be easy for both rabbits to get everywhere. Everything is well placed (aside for that full nrg, but that may be just my feeling – not that it’s placed where it shouldn’t be).

This level deserves an 8.5 from me. While not the most original level released it’s quite fun to play with it’s steamy floatupy :) theme. And it was made with snzspeed ™ :D

Fun level, nothing to new. Tubes made the level a lot more interesting, and the tileset gives the level a wintery feeling. Overall not bad, but the campy area (top left) can get a little annoying… sometimes ;)

Fun level, and I really liked the tubes, most fun I’ve had in suckertubes in a while. The level seems kinda well made.
I disliked the campy area, I forget where, the ammo placement (though that’s just me), and the floatups.
Not bad at all =P

Snz continues to roll with another top-notch asymmetric CTF level.
The amount of eye-candy couldn’t possibly be any better.
The level looks great, but not confusing in the least. The theme is great, but that’s a question of taste.
Everything is also well placed (i.e. some ammo is placed in strategic locations).
Definitely try this one out.

pretty good, I played it on your server snz

The cooldude did it again :P

Ahem. I was testing this!

Gameplay is actually quite good, but there are some great campspots, like the warp target over the other base.
Eyecandy goes well with everything. I didn’t see any tilebugs.
You should’ve added a stomp scen in the lake :P
The pickups go extremely balanced, but that +1c is closer to the red base. You maybe should make it closer to blue.
The theming is great with the frozen(?) castle and all in the backround.

Overall, I still for some reason didn’ t like your level. But because you did succeed in other things, I’ll give you an 9 with an Download Recommendation.

This is SOOOOO AWESOOMEE!!!!!!!!!!

can this go on ZA and ZD?

A very solid CTF level with a pleasant atmosphere. The layout is solid, although might be a little red biased because their base is slightly easier to defend.

Nonetheless, definate download reccomendation, as this is a very enjoyable level and one of snz’ best CTFs so far. :D

eye candy:
10!
gameplay:
9.8
originalty
10!

overall 10 :D

btw what is emp?

EYECANDY

Eyecandy was real good for lvl!

PLATFORMS

well placed

BG

Good!

DR

Yes!

LAYERS

Layers looked like u just put some ..like 1 or 2 random tiles in layer 2 and layer 7

OVERALL

9.0

I am givin it such a rating because I am a generous person not to rate it a bad rating so this is what i really think.

I really like doin these reviews because it always is good practice for the fingers.

I really like doin long reviews so..i hope to do another review again sometime in the future… if u wanna see the biggest review I have ever done go to the Level Packer page and i have a review there….go look.bye…cooldude,exit,stage both ways…lol

very nice

Best use of an xlm beach set i have ever seen. Really cool abstract level design, a ner personal fav map of mine. great work. Definately downlaod this

well, if you are looking for the art up today. then you really need to download this. even if you find it looking a bit weird , the colourfulness and sphere will overtake you probably, download your ‘piratecursed-violin-monalisa-jj2’ level here.

interesting level, if mostly for the eyecandy. the eyecandy, however, is so awesomely wonderfully interesting it makes up for whatever shortcomings this level might have. music choice was interesting, thankfully for the levels best the music is the instrumental version

in short, interesting

This level shows great creativity, and is very original. Nice EC , good gameplay, really unique theme :D
Odd music but it suits the level :)

Ownage level :D D/R

This is a new level by Snooze, and it uses Beach+ Sunset. It was made extremely quick, and it shows that Snooze still has the snzspeed. But the question is: is this level good or not?

This level has a really open layout, and it has a lot of vines, springs and float ups. So the flow is pretty good. While the level is medium-sized it feels bigger than it actually is. Compared to some of Snooze’s other levels this level focuses more on gameplay, which is good.

The eye candy is undoubtedly the best part of this level. The level is very colourful and makes the best use of this set so far (better than Condemned, sorry PJ xP) While it might look random to some people Snooze definitely put somet thought in it. The background is extremely nice too. The level is really surreal. Snooze is really good at making surreal levels and he has proved it with this.

This level has 3 carrots and 3 Power-Ups. The Power-Ups are Bouncer, RF and Toaster (almost every MP level by Snooze has a toaster PU) There is enough ammo so you won’t run out easily. There is a lot of bouncer ammo at the top, but personally I don’t mind.

Then a special section about the music. Snooze used an instrumental version of the song ‘Fairytale’. This song inspired him to make this level.

This level is really good. Download it now. You won’t be disappointed. ;0

A cool, psychedelic funfest with great eyecandy. While it may seem a bit confusing at first, it’s a really fun to play level after you learn it.