

The player's goal is to reach the level's exit, usually indicated by an exit sign, whilst overcoming obstacles and hazards through the use of running and jumping as well as removing enemies and obstructions through the use of shooting and stomping. The player must venture through a series of levels populated with enemies and environmental hazards that may hinder the player's progress.

Just like its predecessor Jazz Jackrabbit, Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is a 2D side-scroller that incorporates elements of shooting and platforming. Jazz's brother, Spaz and (in the special edition of Jazz Jackrabbit 2, The Secret Files) Jazz's sister Lori, were introduced as new playable characters. Jazz chases his nemesis Devan Shell through time, in order to retrieve the ring with which he planned to wed Eva.
