Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Holiday Hare announced

Gathering of Developers and Epic Games are Jazzed About Jazz Jackrabbit 2 this Holiday Season Award-Winning Kid’s PC Title to Jump onto the Macintosh Dallas, TX, November 16, 1998 -- Things are hopping at retail this holiday season for developer-driven publisher Gathering of Developers and gaming studio Epic Games' Jazz Jackrabbit 2, an action-packed, side-scrolling, arcade-style PC game. From an exclusive holiday version of the game, “Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Holiday Hare,” to a merchandising partnership with Logitech, The Gathering is supporting the title with a number of marketing programs. In addition, The Gathering is porting Jazz Jackrabbit 2 to the Macintosh for release in late 1998. According to Jim Bloom, director of marketing for The Gathering, "We have secured significant shelf space with virtually every major software chain for Jazz Jackrabbit 2, and have had a great response from retailers who expect the title to be popular with the casual gaming crowd that floods their stores during the holiday season." The Gathering and Epic’s ‘stocking stuffer’ edition, "Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Holiday Hare," featuring multiple levels from Jazz Jackrabbit 2 along with exclusive Christmas-themed levels and characters, will be available for .95. Logitech has bundled an OEM version of Jazz Jackrabbit 2 with its Wingman Junior Gamepad, and the game’s characters are featured on the packaging. The Gathering has also created a Jazz Jackrabbit 2 ‘beany’ plush toy for holiday distribution through Electronics Boutique. In addition, Prima Publishing’s Official Strategy Guide for Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is available now at all software outlets. "Gathering of Developers has been a fantastic partner," said Jay Wilbur, strategic advisor for Epic Games. "It was important to Epic that we worked with a publisher who saw the quality in Jazz 2 and would promote it as an “A” title, taking it into the channel with proper support. The Gathering has more than proven its ability to deliver on the marketing, PR, sales and distribution that it promised and we look forward to a great holiday season for Jazz 2." In response to the game's success, The Gathering and Epic are porting the title to the Macintosh. The Gathering and Logicware will co-publish the Macintosh version that will be released in late 1998. The Gathering is in discussions with its European publishing partner, Take2 Interactive, to publish a Nintendo Color Game Boy version worldwide in early 1999. Developed by Epic Games, creators of the runaway hit Unreal, Jazz Jackrabbit 2 has been praised by myriad media outlets, from the Dallas Morning News to leading Web site Gamespot. USA Today gave the game 4 out of 4 stars and recommends it to ‘core’ and ‘casual’ gamers alike. PC Games said Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is "action the way we like it-nonstop" and the LA Times calls it a hoot." Intelligamer awarded the game with its Editor’s Choice award, gave it a 5 out of 5 star review, and said that it was a contender for game of the year. Gamesmania also gave Jazz Jackrabbit 2 a perfect score and crowned the title with its Golden Joystick award.