Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Online

Despite its small size and relative simplicity, this is a solid CTF level with franatic yet tactical gameplay. The top part is fairly campy, but also quite open which leaves players open to long range Fireball shots. The real star of the show here is the theme and the eyecandy; FS masterfully uses the PK2 tileset to create a convincing environment.

I really enjoy the coin concept as it adds a layer of tactical depth not seen in many other levels. While visually the sprite layer is quite spartan, the atmosphere crafted with careful attention to colours and small motifs is nonetheless incredible. The layout is also well crafted and facilitates intelligent play as opposed to mindless ammo spam.

Quite an impressive level visually, although the amount of detail in the sprite layer background may be a bit overstimulating for some. The layout is well constructed and feels more like a collection of areas rather than random platforms or tunnels, with a good variety of open and more enclosed areas. Pickups are well distributed. D/L!

Poor drawing quality with no flexibility whatsoever and an assortment of ripped tiles. This is hideously overrated.

While this tileset is quite difficult to use and is somewhat limited due to the restrictions of the contest, the creativity and art style shines through. I strongly recommend this set for anyone looking for an interesting challenge. Despite its limitations, it’s also surprisingly flexible if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Rather cute theme even if the tileset is rather lacking in terms of versatility, especially when in comparison with Mystic Isle 2. The art style is decent overall but a bit inconsistent.

I’m not sure what you were thinking making this level so dark. As you can see from the screenshots, this level is so dark that it’s virtually unplayable with ambient lighting on; even worse, it has pits that are easy to fall in regardless.

Absolutely essential for modern JJ2 level design.

I agree that the level design is often rather laborious gameplaywise, and visually uneven (some colour mismatching, and that has to be the worst rain effect I’ve ever seen in JJ2). However, I enjoyed the variety of areas and the effort that went into visual storytelling, and I love the Arabius and Tibetius tilesets; alone they’re worth a download.

Don’t know how to solve the puzzle in level 4? There’s a guide for that (spoiler warning).

I’m really not a fan of the infinite ammo script in lieu of traditional ammo pickups, because there’s literally no reason not to fire seekers like a madman at every moment; IGS levels at least encourage smart ammo use to an extent. The regular version is pretty much unplayable for this reason unless you enjoy complete and utter chaos. The Street Fight version doesn’t have this issue of course, though the upper part looks very campy.

While the EC tends to look slightly contrived in places, most likely as a result of FS’ desire to use every tile in the set, it has a solid overall look and a strong atmosphere that lives up to the theme of the tileset. Gameplaywise it’s perhaps not as tight as ARF but is nonetheless well made and suitable for games of up to 16 players.

While technically competent, it’s a brief distraction at best. It can be finished in under 5 minutes and baring a couple of minor secrets, there’s not much exploration to be done. The level design is satisfactory for the most part and is rather reminiscent of the official levels, although it does not offer anything you haven’t seen before.

More frustrating than fun. I enjoy a good challenge but I found the majority of these levels too much of a slog to push through. There’s definitely some potential here though; don’t give up!

I’m not a fan of the campy placement of the Seek PU; otherwise this is a decent level with a rather surreal theme. Visually there’s some interesting ideas going on although it does look a bit contrived in places. The layout seems to work better as a CTF level as it’s more or less semi-symmetrical. I like how the base areas are designed.

Quite an enjoyable and good looking level that may have a good chance of making the ladder mappool next season. The carrot area especially is well designed with its multiple ways of attacking and defending it. The layout is solid although the red base seems to be at a favorable position in the level and is easier to defend. Regardless, try it out!

Probably one of DS’ best levels yet in terms of gameplay. I thoroughly enjoyed playing this level during ab18 and the last JDC.

Placing schwartzenguards outside the boss arena in order to make a boss more difficult in the era of AngelScript is just unacceptable. Almost no actual thought went into these boss fights, with the author just throwing in as many hazards as possible into each arena. Download this only if you prefer “cheap” difficulty over genuine challenge.

Probably one of the best levels ever made for JJ2, and I don’t say that lightly.

While I could argue that some parts are confusing almost to the point of frustration (especially towards the end), I’ve not had a single JJ2 experience to date which was this immersive and rewarding. It was almost metroidvania-esque.

I do wonder if 5 PUs may be a little too much for a level of this size, and the Full NRG could probably be more approachable from the area above it. However, this is a solid and very respectable effort which shows a lot of potential. Download recommended!