As an Expanded Game released in 1994 for DOS, Jazz Jackrabbit CD-ROM offers a comprehensive platforming experience featuring fast-paced action and shooting mechanics. You control Jazz Jackrabbit, a hare battling the evil tortoise Devan Shell who has kidnapped Princess Eva Earlong. This version bundles all six original episodes with three new "Lost Episodes," adding 30 challenging new levels and a bonus stage selector, all playable directly from the CD-ROM.
The game’s setting draws inspiration from Aesop's fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare," continuing an ancient enmity between the two species across the galaxy. The narrative follows Jazz Jackrabbit, a heroic green hare equipped with an LFG• 2000 gun, on a mission to thwart the plans of the evil mastermind tortoise, Devan Shell. Shell has begun conquering planets, culminating in the kidnapping of Princess Eva Earlong of the peaceful planet Carrotus. Jazz must traverse various hostile worlds occupied by Shell’s army of "Turtle Terrorists" to locate the princess and secure the safety of his home world.
This CD-ROM release significantly increases the available content over the base game. It contains all six original episodes, plus three entirely new additions designated as "The Lost Episodes" (Episodes A, B, and C). This expansion introduces a total of 30 new levels, noted for being some of the most challenging levels created for the series, featuring enhanced graphical presentation.
The gameplay remains focused on the platforming genre, emphasizing speed, precision movement, and weapon-based combat. Players navigate intricate, multi-layered environments, utilizing Jazz's agility to overcome obstacles and enemies. A distinctive feature within this expanded version is a secret level found within Episode C, which features Jazz rendered in the form of a lizard.
In addition to the expanded level count, this version features a new bonus stage selector, allowing players easier access to replay or explore optional content directly from the CD-ROM.
This specific iteration of the game was developed by Epic MegaGames and was released on November 28, 1994, exclusively for the DOS operating system. As an Expanded Game, its value proposition lies in delivering a large, definitive collection of content for the original title.
As of its release, this title is presented as a complete package; there are no officially listed DLCs or further expansions associated with this specific CD-ROM version.