Jazz Jackrabbit Collection

thank u very much gog, i played a lot this game when i was like 5 yo and im so happy rn that im 31 man

I've played the GOG release of Jazz Jackrabbit Collection on both Linux Mint 17.3 (64 bit) and Windows 10. Plays fine on both OSes. The games run via DOSbox, which is to be expected and allows for great compatibility. Both the Windows and Linux versions work well with XInput controls, which is fine for Logitech F (F310) series and Xbox 360 controllers. The gameplay is fast and very fluid. The graphics, despite their age, are vivid. The level design is very clever - challenging without being cheap. This little collection is very much worth owning. On the downside: $10 is a bit much for a game this old and the menu screen in the Linux version can be a bit buggy.

I remember in school playing Jazz Jackrabbit on a computer. I used to look forward to playing more of it. This game blew me away. This release has every level including Episodes A-C and both Christmas episodes. Some people may get confused what's the difference by selecting which version at first. The one thing that changes in both versions presented in your DOS emulator is Episode X which represents those Christmas episodes. Jazz Jackrabbit is a fast platformer that requires some patience at times and well put together levels. Some boss fights are easy while others can be a little challenging. The bonus levels change the game play from the regular levels. You have to collect a certain amount of blue orbs similar to that mini game in Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Some of them have a short time limit forcing you to quickly find extra time to keep playing them. Everything about this game is amazing for it's time. I am very impressed it holds up amazingly well.

Now while I consider myself more of a Jazz Jackrabbit 2 fan, due to its excellent multiplayer experience, I nevertheless prefer JJ1 when it comes to singleplayer. Everything from the gameplay, to the level design and the great soundtrack is at the very peak of what the 90's platformer era had to offer.

taking heavy inspiration from sonic's controls and fusing that with the more open and explorative level design of the typical MS-DOS platformers of the era, Jazz Jackrabbit hits a beautiful stride of precise controls, fun gameplay, and a variety of weapons that encourage exploration and experimentation to find that best way around any particular level. This is hindered somewhat by the zoomed in camera making it hard to see what's coming if you're going too fast (a problem that can and often does happen) which is a baffling design decision for a game based on building up speed. occasionally in the later levels it's hard to figure out where to go and what to do because the stages are weirdly specific about how far you have to jump and how fast you have to be going. also, some bosses that are meant to be challenging can be cheesed very hard and it's not difficult to figure out how. regardless, it's still a fun game wrapped in an excellent package of crisp, bright and colorful 2D artwork with character filled animation and a soundtrack so good it even uses the default keyboard windchime that sounds like a man saying "doo" to great effect. I highly recommend this game to anyone who can put up with one or two minor flaws and is looking for an old-school platforming experience that's for the most part the best parts of retro console and pc platforming!