Pure fun that blows away most other platformers.

User Rating: 9.5 | Jak and Daxter: the Precursor Legacy PS2
I love platform/adventure games. For the longest time, I was disappointed with the platform games available on the next-gen consoles. Mario Sunshine was good, but too frustratingly annoying at times. Wario World was far too simple and short and offered no real enjoyment. Crash Bandicoot only rated an “ehh.”

And then I play Jak and Daxter. I have to say I loved it. The game is pure, solid fun. It’s not terribly hard, but several of the “missions” do have a challenge to them. And unlike super Mario Sunshine, it is possible to collect everything without wanting to tear your hair out.

Some reviewers have said that the graphics are so-so. I disagree. While certainly the graphics on Jak II are better, this game’s are by no means shoddy. The colors and landscapes are crisp and clear and the characters are very well rendered.

The sound is also decent. No one song stands out as memorable, but none are especially annoying either. The sound effects are well done, and the voices are excellent.

What sets this game apart from most other platformers is the humor. Daxter’s lines really make the game, and he more than makes up for Jak’s muteness. Naughty Dog worked the humor well into the game, from Daxter’s various little dances when you collect a power cell to his different lines when Jak dies.

If you like Jak II or III, I recommend giving this one a try. Not only does it provide some back story on the duo, but it really is just plain fun.