• Review: Jak and Daxter Collection

    by
    Lara
    Published on 10-27-2012 06:55 PM
    3 Comments Comments

    Jak and Daxter Collection

    Developer: Naughty Dog and Mass Media, Inc.
    Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
    Platform: PlayStation 3
    Genre: Platform, Racing/Vehicular combat
    Rating: Everyone - Teen
    Release Date: February 7, 2012

    Naughty Dog brings back an old favorite back with the Jak and Daxter Collection, featuring all three of the classic Playstation 2 games remastered in HD as a Playstation only exclusive.

    Presentation
    The Jak and Daxter Collection follows through a trilogy that revolves around a young man named Jak and his friend Daxter set in a fictional universe where the people have long animal like ears coming out of their heads. Where everything is run with a special power source, called eco, which comes from the world. The game has strange technology that is almost alien to what the inhabitants look like and is all fueled by eco. The technology is completely beyond what is known.

    As you play through each game you follow along and see how the characters grow with each new complication they come across and ultimately how the simple mistake of going somewhere they shouldn’t have thus resulting in Daxter changing into a strange talking creature called an ottsel. This started the journey of a quest to turn him back that was just the beginning of what would later become a quest to stop an evil plot to flood the world with Dark Eco to being transported to a whole new world where they have to save a city from the brink of war that finally ends in a quest to stop an evil being from destroying everything they know.

    The game menus are easy to navigate through and simple to get around without any confusion. In Jak II and Jak 3 they even supply you with a mini map for when your navigating the bigger areas and then another map you can access from the in game menu. Although the mini map can get confusing at points with how the city layout looks.

    Graphics
    The game’s re-mastered look really makes for a smoother and cleaner look to the flow of the cutscenes and how the game plays. The games all offer a uniquely cast of character looks. Even just the normal citizens all look and speak different. Also although you’re traveling through different areas they all have their own characteristics to that certain set of lands you play through.

    Each game has a different color pallet to it. While the first one was more light hearted and bright the other games become consistently darker in most of their color pallet which helps set the mood for the more serious tone of the second and third installments.

    Sound/Music
    The music itself for all the games adds to the mood for each stage you find yourself in. Although they also can cut out the music entirely and rely just on the sound effects to help set the tone for everything you’re doing as well.

    The music in the first game is largely much lighter and happier showing the peaceful starting out setting of the journey. Each stage offers it’s own track that helps with the feel you have in that land. The second and third game offers a more serious soundtrack and don’t retain that happy feel. Some of the areas have some ambient songs while others make you feel the tension. The music doesn’t really distract you from the game or add too much to certain parts, which you largely feel when you’re traveling through the city.

    The voice actors do a good job of acting out some emotions and each character has a very distinct voice from the rest. You can’t confuse one character with another since each one has a unique speaking personality. Since each character has their own style it really adds to their character and defines them. Although Jak actually starts off mute in the game where Daxter ends up doing all the talking between you and the others you encounter.

    Gameplay
    In the games you take on the role of Jak mainly while sometimes there are mini parts where you use Daxter to help you out in a tight spot. The game is set in a third person mood that has you moving through various stages to either complete tasks before you or uncover hidden objects that you need. The controls for the game are relatively simple to use. Each game has everything connected to each other for a large world that you can move around in where you solve puzzles to unlock doors or areas that you couldn’t access before. You’ll be playing with a lot of jumping over obstacles or finding switches to help you progress through the game. While the first game will have you needing to meet certain conditions to move on to the different world the second and third games revolve mainly around you going to different points in the city to complete missions given to you. You will not only find yourself traveling on foot through the worlds but also on animals and different vehicles that help you get through different tasks. You will find yourself not only fighting but competing in races and fights with different vehicles.

    In Jak and Daxter: the Precursor Legacy you will mainly use Jak’s own skills to get you through the game. He does use certain animals as a mood of transportation for certain areas as well as a zoomer, something similar to a motorcycle like vehicle. He will also have access to special energy called eco to help heal, blast, unlock doors, or strengthen his own physical attacks. The only glitch in this part of the game is that one enemy disappears in the very beginning depending on how you proceed when you start. However, it really doesn’t affect the gameplay at all.

    In Jak II, Jak gets an upgrade in things he can do, you’ll still retain Jak’s basic physical attack skills and abilities from the first game though. While he loses his eco abilities he gains a brand new skill that is like all of them combined in one form. He’ll also gain a brand new gun that has four different weapon moods that you gain from completing certain missions as the game progresses. However, there are a few glitches in this part of the game that affect you collecting certain things. Monsters in the game can get stuck in certain parts of the field and not move when they should be. Although you can still kill them it just makes it much easier to do. Although sometimes things do phase out of existence for a little and then will phase back in which is a little annoying when you’re trying to collect certain things.

    Finally, in Jak 3 you get even more upgrades in the things Jak can do. He’ll now be able to have two different Eco selections that have their own special abilities whether it is slowing down time, flying, or turning invisible to get past enemies. He will also gain new weapon modifications to add onto the ones he had in the previous game with a total of twelve different gun styles that focus on each guns different characteristics. You will also gain a new set of vehicles that you will slowly gain control of throughout the game. Each one has it’s own strengths and weaknesses.

    Lasting Appeal
    Each installment of the game offers a different amount of lasting appeal. While the first one lets you get by with the bare minimum, if you find that you collected everything in the game you’ll have all your trophies completed and end up being treated to a special secret ending that transitions you into playing the second game.

    Think the games were too easy though? Jak II and Jak 3 offer you the chance to play the game over in what is known as Hero Mode where all the enemies get an upgrade in strength to challenge you all over again. However, this mode is only unlocked once you find all the hidden challenges and precursor orbs scattered through all the stages.
    Jak II and Jak 3 also offer you a chance to unlock all the concept art in what’s called a scrape book. In Jak II you can unlock new courses, invincibility, unlimited ammo, and the chance to play through all the missions with you’re new skills over again. In Jak 3 you’ll earn more concept art and special vehicle upgrades plus the ability to use some of the sweeter rides in the game.

    Conclusion
    The Jak and Daxter collection offers you the chance to replay a classic in an all-new look without changing the game but while also giving you more to complete through the trophy mode from the Playstation 3. The game itself deserves at least a play through for it’s unique set of controls and abilities.

    The game itself can be pretty fast paced with some parts being a little bit tedious and frustrating to get past certain obstacles or giant monster swarms. All around though you can play through the game in any order you want and still progress through things while using whatever is at your disposal to best play through.

    Score:
    8.5/10
    Comments 3 Comments
    1. Trinba's Avatar
      Trinba - 10-28-2012
      Reading through this review really makes me want to play the games over again, especially now that it has been remastered! This is definitely on the top of my games to buy list!
    1. Kris "Kayris" Cullen's Avatar
      Kris "Kayris" Cullen - 10-28-2012
      Good review, I will consider getting this trilogy
    1. DarkOwlSorceress's Avatar
      DarkOwlSorceress - 11-23-2012
      This trilogy is amazing! Playing it right now

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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