Title: Jak and Daxter HD Collection
Format: PS3
Release Date: Feb 7, 2012
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Naughty Dog Software / Mass Media
Price: $15.00 or $59.99
ESRB Rating: T
One of the only franchises that I never got to play on the PS2 was the Jak and Daxter series. I did get too play the first game, but only for a couple of hours. Now that the HD remake has been released, I have my second chance. I wonder if the HD makeover will make this game more of a stable and complete platformer.
Presentation:
I have played each of the games for a few hours now and I can see that each game has a different visual level than the chronologically previous game. In the visual department alone it's truly surprising to see how good these games look, compared to the originals. The Precursor Legacy didn't age as well, but the second and especially the third game really shines. I've seen many side-by-side comparisons of them both as well. Its funny, the environments in the first game are the best. The 3D option of this collection is a nice touch, so I've heard. Since I'm not as rich as others, I have not purchased a 3D TV. Although if you are a rich man, I have read that the 3D is quite exceptional in all three titles. Overall the presentation is very impressive and a visual treat.
Core Gameplay:
The first game, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, eases you into the series, with a good mix of action and platforming. The games infamous difficulty has returned with a unforgiving vengeance, With some truly unforgiving ledges and edges. I can't tell you how many times I fell down off a ledge, then having to hike the way all the way back up to where you fell. This does not change when you change to a different sequel either. Jak 2 ramped up the gameplay quite a bit, with darker and deeper gameplay. Jak turns into a sometimes-evil badass that can tap into his new darkness to deal more damage and it also heightens Jak's speed. Jak 2 is generally a sandbox game at heart, the huge city was the general hub. With the new innovation of gunplay, this added more variety to the gameplay. Jak 3 felt the most complete, it was the most polished and refined out of the three. Multiple types of racing, arena shooting, hunting and even arcade gaming were added to the pot this time around. Naughty Dog really put all of their effort in to producing this last game, and it shows as the best.
Final Thoughts:
With more and more developers giving these PS2 classics the HD makeover, they remakes are only getting better. Jak and Daxter Collection is a testament to my point, I still think that the God of War Collections are still the best, but if you're a hardcore Jak and Daxter fan, this is a must buy for you. Also, if you want to buy each game separately on the PSN store for $14.99.
Final Score = 8.5/10 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @iSamKulii Apps: S&S Reviews on Apple and Android Stores PSNID:sameo452008
