PixlBit

So Blake asked me to cover the Jak games, so I figured why not? Now, I've only played four of them, so I can't cover all six. But here's my take on Naughty Dog's second series. And next week I plan to do four of these, so if you have a series you know I play, go with that one. The other one will be Klonoa which I plan to start up right now for Cary.

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Out of all the collectathon style platformers, Jak is probably my favorite. The game never makes collecting anything in its levels annoyingly difficult, where you'd have to turn every possible stone for that last one Precursor Orb (small collectable) so you can get that last Power Cell (big collectable). It also keeps the collectables to a minimum, with the very common Precursor Orbs, the uncommon Scout Flies, and rare Power Cells. Power Cells are what you need to advance through the game and every orb and fly you find will be used towards a cell.

The game offers a variety of fun areas to explore, most of which have their own distinct look and feel. I can't say I remember every area, but I do remember most of them and Naughty Dog did a good job of giving them not only different looks, but have pretty distinct level designs and hazards for each one.

There are also plenty of side objectives such as vehicles and minigames. These are not as fun as the core game, but they get the job done in terms of variety. If I had one big complaint, it's that the game is too easy. This is especially disappointing after how Crash Bandicoot offered some very hardcore challenge across all three games. But it's still a great time and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes fun.

Jak 2

I was really excited to play this game at first, even more than Jak 1. Platformers were one of my favorite genres, but we don't get too many darker ones telling a more serious story unless it has platforming more similar to Tomb Raider or Prince of Persia (a subgenre that is sadly dying). So Jak 2 having traditional platforming along with gunplay and a plot that isn't super dark, but a notch above traditional fair (think Batman The Animated Series or Legend of Korra), really appealed to me.

And I did not get what I expected. Well, in terms of big picture I guess that's not true. The game did deliver on a darker story than the last game and a big sandbox to explore with a healthy mix of standalone platforming levels. In fact, that's my favorite aspect, as sandbox games tend to stick in the sandbox, while here it still offered solid, carefully constructed levels.

The issue with them, however, is an awful checkpoint system. It's not that it's challenging that's my issue, more that it doesn't know where to place the challenge. For instance, many checkpoints are soon followed by a stretch of relatively simple segments followed by a super tough one. And you have to keep repeating the first few, getting more and more bored each time. I like challenging games, but keep the challenge fun. Dark Souls this is not.

This is even worse for vehicle missions and minigames, which lose their luster a lot quicker than the platforming. Gunplay, however, starts out strange but soon shows that it's not bad, just different. You can't run in everywhere guns blazing, you have to select your targets carefully, use your ammo wisely, and take it slow. I wasn't that big a fan at first, but by the end I was having a great time with it. 

As for the story, it's actually really good. Sure, you'll know the twist at the end the second they start building up to it, but it has good characters with a lot of fun dialog. Kudos also for them giving Jak a choice and making him darker without overdoing either, he still stays mostly silent and isn't too serious to crack a joke every now and then. However, there are a too many filler missions which was disappointing.

Jak 3

Jak 1 was too easy, 2 was too tough, but 3 was just right. And it's my favorite in the series. The gameplay is mostly similar to 2's, they're just giving you more fun objectives and levels the whole time. The Wasteland is more fun to drive around than Haven City from 2 as well since you're not constantly bumping into people, which would cause serious damage to your vehicle then have the cops after you.

Gameplay is mostly similar to 2, but with more guns, powers, and well, everything. The controls feel a lot more polished than 2 as well, much more fluid. The areas also give a better variety while the story wraps everything up in a pretty satisfying way. Also has a pretty damn good twist at the end. This is one of my favorite PS2 games and I can't recommend it enough.

Daxter

Daxter was a spinoff for the PSP, going through the time between when Jak is arrested at the beginning of Jak 2 and when Daxter frees him two years later. Which, as the story presents itself, did not sit well with me, as it's just Daxter getting a job and forgetting about him until he sees him two years later then sets him free. I feel that should have been the goal with each level instead, with every mission building up to that.

But yeah, the game is mostly Daxter's job as an exterminator, which is more fun than it sounds. He takes out giant bugs throughout the game and his bug spray can be used in combo with the environment to make a flamethrower and jet glider. It's kind of similar to Mario Sunshine, but I think by less focus on that and more on regular platforming was a good move. The levels are pretty varied and fun, with some fun platforming challenge. 

The minigames, however, are pretty groan worthy. Every one is Daxter dreaming then rips off some movie including Braveheart, The Matrix, and Lord of the Rings. These all felt dated when I first played them in 2008 and every year it just gets worse. There's also a bug battling minigame I have no interest in and probably never will. 

Overall, however, Daxter's a solid game, especially if you want a good portable 3D platformer. Not as good as Mario 3D Land from that esoteric category, but good nonetheless. I wish someone at Sony would revive this series. I know Naughty Dog seems to have sadly grown out of games like these, but Sanzaru did a great job with Sly 4 and I know they'd do the same with Jak.