

Jazz will run faster and jump higher the longer he runs, avoiding chasms that might lead to harmful objects. Gameplay mechanics in Jazz are very similar to Zool's, with the exception of not being able to destroy the enemies by simply jumping at them (which was not added until the second game). Episodes are tied by a single storyline usually progressing after each episode is finished. The final level of every episode features a boss that the player must deal with in order to complete the level. Each episode have an additional secret level (in the first you control bird Hip Hop and in later regular Jazz). Each episode has three planets, with every planet itself consisting of two levels. The game was originally divided into six episodes.

Jazz shooting at an enemy on Diamondus level, The yellow stars indicate temporary invincibility.
