Words cannot describe how excited I was when I found out that GOG had once again done the impossible: resurrect a classic game from my childhood which I had once poured hours and hours into, often with a brother or sister seated next to me. You can say that about a lot of games, but Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is special: it's a tight, funny, quirky platformer/shooter which even casual gamers can enjoy. It's not as challenging or unforgiving as most and requires no 'snap' gameplay. Instead, you take it at your own pace, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere, killer music, psychotropic design, hidden secrets, and rewarding shooting. Despite all its incredible features, it's worth noting that Jazz Jackrabbit is a game that completely embodies the phrase "greater than the sum of its parts." Every aspect of the game comes together so naturally that it's impossible not to get lost in the incredible design. I will always remember the Alice in Wonderland levels, the funky, upbeat music, Jazz's "HEY! Hey, come on whassup?" catchphrase when the player is idling, Spazz's odd noises, the ridiculous weapons, and the FANTASTIC "Level covers" featuring Jazz in some ridiculous situation. While you should always be cautious about the "nostalgia effect", this is one platformer that still stands head-and-shoulders above the rest. If you've never played the Jazz Jackrabbit series before, wait until you have a weekend or long evening to slow down and enjoy it in pieces. Picture what it would have been like playing as a kid while you enjoy the still-crisp handling, retro music, and high-tempo action.
