Unlike previous titles in the Jazz Jackrabbit series, the player can aim their gun in all eight cardinal directions, being able to fix their aim by firing while standing still.

[2] The game begins as Jazz, during a routine mission, is captured by the Chameleon army on their home planet.

Upon escaping, Jazz decides to retire from his job, but is prevented from doing so by R.A.B.T.

HQ, which gives him a new mission to investigate a Saurian attack with the promise of a good money reward.

Jazz discovers the involvement of the Turtle Army behind the attack, and upon following them he discovers his old nemesis Dark Shell, whom he believed dead, is seeking revenge on him for his previous defeat.