Jak and Daxter Platinum (PS2)

Not being a fan of platformers myself, I only really ever buy one when it's absolutely superb (the last was Super Mario 64). Jak & Daxter is one such game.

Gameplay-wise, it's virtually identical to SM64 (collect "power cells" throughout the game to unlock newer, harder levels) but this is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when coupled with such astounding graphics.

The landscapes vary from lush, verdant jungles, where the colours are searingly bright, to volcanoes, where the colours are also searingly bright, to snow-capped mountains, caves, beaches, Atlantis-style sunken cities and many more. These vast, intricate vistas are handled with consumate ease by the PS2, with no slow-down or aliasing whatsoever. There is also a 60Hz refresh rate option for NTSC tellys and a 16:9 aspect ratio option for those with widescreens.

Sound is also very pleasing, with (amazingly!) excellent voice samples and atmospheric music (Daxter's drill-like Bronx accent begins to grate after a while but he does provide genuine hints throughout the game!).

Gameplay is where J&D excels, though. The controls are intuitive enough for anybody to start playing immediately and the difficulty curve is perfectly weighted. The "one-more-go" factor is very high. The plot is also surprisingly involved for such an apparently cute platformer.

J&D is a testament to how platformers should be. At 20 quid, there's simply no excuse not to own this gem.

It is a shame that Jak and Daxter never was commercialised as much as Crash Bandicoot was which actually kept it relatively unheard of which is a real shame as it is a valuable gem to play.
Everything looks alive in the game and is very vivid and colourful. The crisp visuals really do impress with amazing details for you to feast on around every corner. There are many environments for you to enjoy and play in each based on a varied theme and each one looking superb in their own right.

You can control Jak- the game's hero in his virtual world very easily without having to worry with any problems involving camera angles as it never becomes an issue to become distressed over. Everything is easy to pick up and there are no fiddly controls whatsoever. Learn to love your companion and sidekick rodent- Daxter, he will be right by your side literally throughout your wide adventure. He will wisely advise you on what to do whilst humourously amuse you with his quirky one-liners.

On behalf of the gameplay, no new steps have been taken to enhance the platforming genre, but Jak and Daxter is an ideal addition to the perfect platforming formula revolutionised by Mario 64. This is by no means a bad thing and it does indeed improve on its type and still provides a large quantity of fun factor which we all like to find in any kind of game. There is a lot to do whilst you play, you perform certain tasks in each environment in order to gain power cells which will eventually lead you to completing the game's main objective- transforming Daxter into his natural form. These tasks include collecting certain numbers of orbs, pummeling any enemies you encounter and even mini games such as fishing and racing in certain vehicles, some of which are only possible to use on a particular terrain. Enemies which you do come across include apes, snakes and even parculiar dog-like warriors. The game contains a rather intruiging, engrossing storyline which all becomes clearer as you venture deeper into the game. All in all, a huge quantity of enjoyment is provided and Jak and Daxter becomes not only a childs game but one for all ages. It is obvious that a lot of effort has been put into this one and deserves a larger audience of gamers than it already has.

How long the game lasts depends on you as a gamer, the somewhat experienced breed of gamer could consider the game a bit too easy to beat but still a lot of fun. The game also welcomes new gamers into it's cheerful world as you can come across it as you please really- either rushing straight through or transforming from novice to expert by taking your time and practising your technique.

The game really is a fine addition to the Playstation 2's game libary, giving it's platforming collection that little needed bit of extra class. Now at it's budget price it's a must buy if you don't already have it.

93/100

You don't need me to tell you the plot. What matters is how it looks and how it plays and how it keeps you interested.

How it looks? Stunning! The graphics are colourful but detailed with amazing scenery. From the sunsets to the dust kicked up as you run, everything adds to a feast for the eyes around every corner.

How it plays? The controls are smooth and easy with a camera that does a good job of keeping up. There is also enough variety in movement and environments to keep you interested where other games have got you switching off.

I played this game to the end and then went back later for some more. I don't end up finishing many games as big does not necessarily mean good in all cases, however this game has plenty of character to keep it in your machine until you've saved the world a few times over.

I can't wait for Ratchet & Clank, which looks to be even bigger and better than this.