About Haze's Hideout
Saturday, April 9, 2005, 18:28
Since the launch of the original "Haze's Hideout" things have always been changing. From the minor tweak to the total site makeover Haze's Hideout continuously evolves, making sure that you get the latest Jazz Jackrabbit related news.
On this page you'll find a short listing of all incarnations of the Hideout, its predecessors and even a glimpse into what could've been!
The Tavern Support Site
Originally Haze's Hideout was developed to provide support for a particular, at the time popular, level for Jazz Jackrabbit 2. The level proved to be quite a success and the site was visited by many. This one page site featured outdated artwork from yours truly and large chunks of text.
Haze's Hideout v0.00
The first website to bare the name of the Hideout. Frames were implemented and everything was split up in smaller sections allowing for more information and downloads. "The Tavern Support Site" was incorporated as a semi-news section. The site was still mostly filled with personal banter.
Haze's Hideout v1.00
Modelled after the credits-screen of Jazz Jackrabbit 2 this was one job I was proud of. All sections had gotten a complete revamp and the site got more game orientated. This was also the first time when an upper-left logo appeared. This basic element was to become a trademark among following versions.
Haze's Hideout v2.00
A year had gone by so it was time for another makeover. As you can see the "cool-factor" outweighed the actual usability of the site, which was a trend at the times. This was also when I got active in manually editing HTML code.
Haze's Hideout v3.00
To those with us since the early days, this design should look familiar. The whole site got redesigned again, the content was boosted and the site had gotten a clear devotion to the game. Usage of more advanced coding and a different server. A little heavy on the graphics though. :)
Haze's Hideout v4.00
The design during the glory-days of Jazz Jackrabbit 2. Cleaned up, more content yet still strikingly familiar. This was one of the first times that both design and usability were given equal thought.
Jazz Jackrabbit 3 Shack
An intermediate design, developed when Jazz Jackrabbit 3D was rumored to surface in a matter of months. The design was soon scrapped when Jazz Jackrabbit 3D proved never to be published.
Haze's Hideout v5.00
One of the longest running and most familiar designs. Going back to the roots this design was once again based upon the Jazz Jackrabbit 2 credits-screen. Behind the scenes entire parts were recoded into PHP, providing much flexibility.
Haze's Hideout v6.00
But only a year old this design sure didn't last long, though it was fundamental for the website that you see today. Having moved over to a single software package for maintenance upgrading is as simple as ever. Which explains why the design currently used is merely a new theme for the same engine.
Engine updates and visual updates now really are separate matters and thus it's easier to keep you all updated on the latest happenings regarding all that is Jazz Jackrabbit.
We hope you've enjoyed this stroll down memory-lane and that you'll continue to support the Hideout in the future, no matter what shape or form it may be.
