Jazz Jackrabbit 2: Holiday Hare 98

Jazz Jackrabbit 2: Holiday Hare 98 is a free festive edition of Jazz Jackrabbit 2, developed by Epic MegaGames and released in 1998. The game features the character designed by Nick Stadler, continuing the holiday tradition that Epic started with the original Jazz Jackrabbit: Holiday Hare 94.

This Christmas-themed add-on takes the fast-paced platforming action of Jazz Jackrabbit 2 and wraps it in a winter wonderland package. Jazz, the green anthropomorphic hare with attitude, returns for three brand new holiday levels filled with snow, presents, and plenty of seasonal chaos. The expansion maintains the core gameplay that made Jazz Jackrabbit 2 so enjoyable - blindingly fast side-scrolling action.

The levels are gorgeously rendered, featuring festive decorations, twinkling lights, and winter landscapes that showcase the improved graphics engine in Jazz 2. You'll dash through snowy villages, icy caverns, and Christmas-themed environments while collecting coins, shooting enemies, and performing Jazz's signature high-speed acrobatics. The game features colorful 256-color SVGA graphics that were impressive for 1998, with smooth scrolling and detailed sprite work that brings the holiday mayhem to life.

What makes Holiday Hare 98 special is its charm and polish. The music captures that perfect blend of upbeat electronic tunes with holiday cheer, creating a soundtrack that's both energetic and festive. Sound effects are punchy and satisfying, from the collection of goodies to the dispatching of winter-themed enemies like snowmen and penguins.

The difficulty balance feels just right - challenging enough to keep experienced players engaged but accessible enough for younger gamers drawn in by the colorful holiday aesthetic. The level design encourages exploration with multiple paths and hidden secrets, rewarding players who take the time to explore rather than just rushing to the exit.

Compared to Jazz Jackrabbit: Christmas Edition, this expansion benefits from the superior engine and gameplay refinements of Jazz Jackrabbit 2. The controls are tight and responsive, essential for a game that moves this fast. Jazz's arsenal of weapons adds variety to the run-and-gun gameplay, though the emphasis remains on speed and momentum.

As a free holiday giveaway from Epic, Holiday Hare 98 was a generous gift to fans. The three levels might seem brief, but they're packed with enough content and replayability to justify multiple playthroughs. It's not a complete game, but it never pretends to be - it's a festive bonus that captures the spirit of both the season and the Jazz Jackrabbit series perfectly.

Merry Christmas to all our readers!