Jazz Jackrabbit

Fast, colorful, and bursting with attitude, Jazz Jackrabbit became one of the most beloved shareware platformers of the 1990s. Released in 1994, it stars a green rabbit hero racing through vibrant levels while blasting enemies and collecting power-ups. The smooth scrolling and energetic gameplay were particularly impressive on PC hardware of the era. Inspired by console platformers but with its own distinct personality, the game delivered speed, challenge, and memorable music. Jazz himself quickly became a recognizable mascot among PC gamers. He may not have been as famous as certain plumbers or hedgehogs, but he certainly knew how to move.