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{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{good article}}{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Jumping Flash! 2
| image = jumpingflash2 boxart.jpg
| alt = Jumping Flash! 2 Case
| caption = North American box art featuring Robbit and Captain Kabuki in the background, to the left
| developer = Exact<br>MuuMuu{{efn|[[Sony Computer Entertainment Japan]] assisted on development.}}
| publisher = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| director = Koji Tada
| producer = Tetsuji Yamamoto<br />Junichiro Ueno<br />Yukihito Morikawa
| programmer = Takashi Katano
| designer = Toshimitsu Odaira<br />Shuji Nomaguchi
| writer = Shuji Nomaguchi<br />Kazuya Sakamoto
| composer = [[Takeo Miratsu]]
| artist = Kazuma Shirasaki<br />Yoshiaki Toratani
| released = {{Video game release|JP|26 April 1996|NA|21 August 1996|UK|1 November 1996}}
| genre = [[Platformer|Platform]]
| modes = [[Single player]]
| platforms = [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
}}
'''''Jumping Flash! 2: Big Trouble in Little Muu''''', known in Japan as {{Nihongo foot|'''''Jumping Flash! 2: The Tale of the Greatly Troubled Baron Aloha'''''|ジャンピングフラッシュ! 2 アロハ男爵大弱りの巻|Janpingu Furasshu! Tsū: Aroha Danshaku Ō Yowari no Maki|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes}}, is a 1996 [[Platformer|platform]] [[video game]] developed by Exact and MuuMuu and published by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. It is the direct sequel to ''[[Jumping Flash!]]'', which was released the previous year. It was later re-released for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] via the [[PlayStation Network]] in 2009.

The game revolves around the robotic rabbit Robbit as he searches for lost MuuMuus, which are scattered throughout different levels in the game by Captain Kabuki. Robbit must explore each expansive new world to recapture all the lost MuuMuus. As with its predecessor, the game is presented in a first-person perspective. Much of the interface was transferred from the first ''Jumping Flash!'' to the second in order to save time during development. New features include a much longer [[draw distance]], updated enemy [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] and a meter displaying whether or not Robbit can [[Double jump (video gaming)|triple-jump]].

Similar to its predecessor, ''Jumping Flash! 2'' was well received by critics, who praised the game for its updated interface, advanced graphics and gameplay. However, also like its predecessor, it was criticised for its short length, lack of challenging gameplay and close similarities to the first game. It was followed up by a sequel, ''[[Robbit Mon Dieu]]'' and a spin-off, ''[[Pocket MuuMuu]]''.

==Plot==
The game is set an undisclosed amount of time after the first installment in the series, ''Jumping Flash!''. After Robbit thwarted Baron Aloha's plans to take over Crater Planet (events from the first game), Aloha flees for his life and returns to his home planet, Little Muu. While planning his revenge, however, Aloha's turn to face the fear of having his planet attacked comes. A hostile alien invader known as Captain Kabuki (voiced by [[Lorelei King]]) descends upon Little Muu and starts taking it apart, piece by piece, contrasting on what Aloha himself had once tried to do to Crater Planet in the first game. Aloha flees the onslaught in his space pod, and lands on an asteroid far away from Little Muu, where he calls for help from his sworn enemy, Universal City Hall. Once again, Robbit is dispatched to help, and manages to free the parts of Little Muu which Kabuki has taken, and ultimately faces Kabuki one-on-one in mortal combat. Robbit defeats Kabuki, resulting in the latter escaping.

Still carrying a grudge against Robbit, Aloha seeks Kabuki and convinces him to form an alliance so that they can destroy Robbit together. In exchange, Aloha will pay Kabuki a large amount of money, and Kabuki, also desiring revenge against Robbit, agrees. Aloha and Kabuki attack Little Muu together, prompting Robbit to take action again. Eventually, Robbit and Kabuki battle each other one last time, and Robbit manages to destroy Kabuki once and for all while Aloha flees for his life once again. At the end of the game, Aloha returns to Little Muu, but is disowned by all the MuuMuus, who now resent him for teaming with Kabuki, who had tried to destroy them all, and trying to destroy Robbit, who had saved their lives. They throw him out of the bar and tell him to never come back.<ref name="JF 2 review" />

==Gameplay==
[[File:Jumping Flash! 2.jpg|thumb|left|A screenshot from the first level showing the updated interface]]
The gameplay of ''Jumping Flash! 2'' is virtually identical to its predecessor; the game is presented in a [[First-person shooter|first-person]] perspective, and the player can move freely in three-dimensional world and rotate the camera in any direction. The user interface resembles much of the characteristics of its predecessor; the top part of the screen shows the time remaining, the player's score, and one of four of Robbit's [[artificial intelligence|AI]] sidekicks who offers the player warnings, reminders and hints.<ref name="JF 2 review" /> The player retains the ability to shoot low-powered projectiles where a target reticle is centred in the middle of the screen.<ref name=JFGR />

''Jumping Flash! 2'' offers new changes and features. Instead of collecting four Jet Pods, the player-character must rescue four creatures known as MuuMuus in each level before exiting.<ref name="JF 2 review">{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! 2 Review|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/jumping-flash-2/ps-577|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=IGN UK|access-date=17 August 2014}}</ref> Another new addition is the new interface, which displays one of Robbit's travelling AI companions, a health bar, a timer and a jump-meter that displays whether or not the player is eligible for a [[Double jump (video gaming)|triple jump]].<ref name="JF 2 review" /> Other new additions include the power orbs as an added power-up and the ability to obtain Performance Medals. A certain Performance Medal may be awarded depending on how the player completes a level. For example, playing through a single level without firing any weapons will reward the player with the Flower Child medal. There are a total of twelve medals to collect.<ref name="JF 2 review" />

Identical to its predecessor, the core of the gameplay is centred on the player's ability to make Robbit jump and shoot projectiles at enemies. Robbit can jump up to three times (as indicated by the new interface), allowing him to reach extreme heights in the game.<ref name=GameSpy>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! - PlayStation|url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/jumping-flash/|work=GameSpy|publisher=IGN|access-date=28 May 2014|archive-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529085054/http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/jumping-flash/|url-status=live}}</ref> As with the first installment, ''Jumping Flash! 2'' introduced new in-game power ups and weapons such as a powerful laser beam, missiles, and trip mines.<ref name=JFGR>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! Review|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/jumping-flash|work=[[GameRevolution]]|publisher=GameRevolution|access-date=4 September 2014|archive-date=29 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529233036/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/jumping-flash|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to the new weapons, the player can find and use the older weapons in form of [[fireworks]] to deal massive damage to enemies. Other weapons include [[cherry bomb]]s, [[bottle rocket|rockets]] and [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s.<ref name=JFGR />

==Development and release==
As with the first installment, ''Jumping Flash! 2'' was developed by Japanese developers Exact and MuuMuu, formerly known as Ultra, with [[Sony Computer Entertainment Japan]] assisting on development.<ref name="GamespyMuuMuu">{{cite web|title=MuuMuu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529142859/http://www.gamespy.com/company/706/706005.html|archive-date=29 May 2014|url=http://www.gamespy.com/company/706/706005.html|work=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=26 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |year=2021 |title=JAPANスタジオ作品一覧 1998年～1994年 |trans-title=List of Japan Studio works 1998–1994 |url=https://www.playstation.com/ja-jp/corporate/playstation-studios/japan-studio/history-1994-1998/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226134223/https://www.playstation.com/ja-jp/corporate/playstation-studios/japan-studio/history-1994-1998/ |archive-date=26 February 2021 |access-date=1 March 2021 |publisher=[[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] |language=ja}}</ref> The [[game engine]] and most of the interface were transferred from its predecessor to ''Jumping Flash! 2'' in order to save time during the development.<ref name=GameRev /><ref name=Exact>{{cite web|title=Exact Games - IGN|url=http://uk.ign.com/companies/exact|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140817210736/http://uk.ign.com/companies/exact|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 August 2014|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=IGN UK|access-date=17 August 2014}}</ref> Improving on its predecessor, the developers decided to give ''Jumping Flash! 2'' a much larger [[draw distance]],<ref name=GameRev /> higher quality textures, and updated enemy [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] in order to give the game a more memorable first-person 3D perspective. ''Jumping Flash! 2'' was not designed to be a technology demonstrator, unlike its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! 2 levels|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/jumping-flash-2/ps-577|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=IGN UK|access-date=4 September 2014}}</ref> The game was released in Japan on 26 April 1996, in North America on 21 August,<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Sony PlayStation Available Software sorted by Release Date @ www.vidgames.com |url=http://www.vidgames.com/ps/software/release.html#1995 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980611181118/http://www.vidgames.com/ps/software/release.html#1995 |archive-date=11 June 1998 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=PlayStation Galleria}}</ref> and in the United Kingdom on 1 November.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 1996 |title=New In Stock |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/staffordshire-newsletter/138782126/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115092108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/staffordshire-newsletter/138782126/ |archivedate=15 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |newspaper=Staffordshire Newsletter |page=54 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

The music for both the first game and ''Jumping Flash! 2'' was composed by Japanese video games and [[anime]] music composer [[Takeo Miratsu]]. Many of the tracks were included with tracks from the previous game (which Miratsu also composed the music for) on the ''Jumping Flash! 2 Original Soundtrack''.<ref name="music">{{cite web | author=Martin, Ben | title=Jumping Flash!2 Original Game Soundtrack (Featured Review) | url=http://www.altpop.com/stc/reviews/jf2.htm | work=AltPop.com (Soundtrack Central) | access-date=9 August 2007 | archive-date=19 November 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119023550/http://soundtrackcentral.com/jumping-flash-2-original-soundtrack/st164 | url-status=live }}</ref> The soundtrack was published by Antinos Records in Japan in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orangeloungeradio.com/phpnuke/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=622 |title=Takeo Miratsu passes away |access-date=9 August 2007 |author=Darktetsuya |work=OrangeLoungeRadio |year=2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927192904/http://orangeloungeradio.com/phpnuke/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=622 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> ''Jumping Flash! 2'' was re-released as a downloadable game for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] via the [[PlayStation Network]] in 2009, with the same controls and interface as the 1996 release.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash! on PlayStation Network |url=http://us.playstation.com/games/jumping-flash-ps3-psp.html |work=PlayStation US |publisher=Sony US |access-date=6 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506170600/http://us.playstation.com/games/jumping-flash-ps3-psp.html |archive-date= 6 May 2014 }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 80%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197700-jumping-flash-2/index.html |title=Jumping Flash! 2 for PlayStation |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=6 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209015640/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197700-jumping-flash-2/index.html |archive-date=9 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=sack/>
| CVG = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lomas|first=Ed|date=July 1996|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_176_1996-07_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n77/mode/2up|title=Jumping Flash 2|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=176|page=78|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
| Edge = 7/10<ref name="Edge">{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/8/89/Edge_UK_034.pdf|title=Testscreen: Jumping Flash 2|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|issue=34|pages=86–87|date=July 1996}}</ref>
| EGM = 7.5/10<ref name="EGM86"/>
| Fam = 33/40<ref name="fam"/>
| GameRev = A−<ref name="GameRev"/>
| IGN = 8/10<ref name="ign"/>
| JP = 87.5/100{{efn|''Joypad'' suggested fans would find ''Jumping Flash! 2'' a 90/100, other players an 85/100.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/joypad-magazine-057/page/n93/mode/2up|title=Jumping Flash! 2|language=fr|magazine=[[:fr:Joypad (magazine)|Joypad]]|issue=57|pages=94–95|date=October 1996|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>}}
| NGen = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NGen20"/> 
| Play = 86%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/play008/page/n53/mode/2up|title=Jumping Flash 2|magazine=[[Play (UK magazine)|Play]]|issue=8|pages=54–56|date=June 1996|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
| PO = 89%<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Milouse|url=https://archive.org/details/playerone-magazine-068/page/n39/mode/2up|title=Jumping Flash 2|language=fr|magazine=[[:fr:Player One|Player One]]|issue=68|pages=80–82|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
| VGS = 74%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1996-09/page/82/mode/2up|title=Jumping Flash 2 |language=de|magazine=[[:de:Video Games|Video Games]]|date=September 1996|page=82|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
}}

Upon release, ''Jumping Flash! 2'' received mostly positive reviews. A reviewer for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' commented that "while it's nearly impossible for any sequel to have the same impact as an original, ''JF2'' does an excellent job of recreating the magic of the first game, yet still adds creative details and fresh ideas throughout". He found that like the original, the game is far too easy, and in particular that the impressive visual presence of the bosses is lost when the player defeats them in a matter of seconds. In positive side, he noted that the levels are much larger than the original's and include hidden bonuses, giving it greater longevity.<ref name=NGen20>{{cite magazine |title=Jump for Joy|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=20 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1996 |page=91}}</ref> Dan Hsu and Sushi-X of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' criticized that the game is more of an [[expansion pack]] of the original ''Jumping Flash!'' than a new game, while Shawn Smith and Crispin Boyer applauded it for having much better graphics and larger levels than the original.<ref name=EGM86>{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Jumping Flash! 2|first1=Shawn|last1=Smith|first2=Dan|last2=Hsu|first3=Crispin|last3=Boyer|author4=Sushi-X|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=86|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 1996|page=26}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s Major Mike found it made a satisfying sequel, noting additions such as underwater travel and the ability to ride objects. He also praised the lack of pixelization and the full motion video cutscenes, but agreed with ''Next Generation'' that the game is both too short and too easy.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Jumping Flash! 2 |magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=97 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=October 1996 |page=80}}</ref> IGN staff were impressed by the game's newly expanded worlds and the inclusion of bonus worlds, and noted that despite not significantly differing from the first ''Jumping Flash!'', the game "still delivers".<ref name=ign>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash 2 review|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/1996/11/25/jumping-flash-2|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=IGN UK|date=25 November 1996|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819204906/http://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/25/jumping-flash-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Japanese gaming magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'' awarded the game as among the top 120 games reviewed by the publication in 2000.<ref name=fam>{{cite web|author=Chinn, Marty |date=June 2000 |title=Top 120 Famitsu |url=http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2000/6/23-151 |work=Gaming-Age.com |access-date=23 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605221312/http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2000/6/23-151 |archive-date= 5 June 2011 }}</ref>

In 1997 ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' editors ranked ''Jumping Flash! 2'' number 82 on their "100 Best Games of All Time", saying that while it is too short and too easy, it is an overall innovative and enjoyable game which is just slightly superior to the original.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1997|page=108}} Note: Contrary to the title, the intro to the article explicitly states that the list covers console video games only, meaning PC games and arcade games were not eligible.</ref>

In a retrospective review, Shawn Sackenheim of ''[[Allgame]]'' also found the main downfall of the game to be that it is too short and too easy. However, he found the new Time Attack mode and the expanded storyline to be interesting new features that extend playability. Sackenheim stated that despite the minor add-ons and overhauled textures, ''Jumping Flash! 2'' was essentially a technical update of the 1995 original.<ref name=sack>{{cite web |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn |title=Jumping Flash! 2 review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2155&tab=review |work=[[Allgame]] |publisher=AllGame |access-date=23 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114112007/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2155&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other criticisms include that the game is too short despite [[Game Revolution]] citing that the game offered a total of 32 levels if including the "repetitive" epilogue. Game Revolution also said that ''Jumping Flash! 2'' was a "very worthy sequel with better graphics, higher jumps, and lots more levels", and that upon release the game "really [excelled] beyond the competition".<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web|title=Jumping Flash 2 Review|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/jumping-flash-2|work=[[Game Revolution]]|publisher=GR|access-date=17 August 2014|archive-date=2 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102080256/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/jumping-flash-2|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{noteslist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/jumping-flash-2}}

{{Jumping Flash! series}}

[[Category:1996 video games]]
[[Category:3D platformers]]
[[Category:Exact games]]
[[Category:First-person video games]]
[[Category:Japan Studio games]]
[[Category:MuuMuu games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console)-only games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games about rabbits and hares]]
[[Category:Video games about robots]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Takeo Miratsu]]