"A Classic Collect-a-thon From The PS2 Era"
One of Naughty Dog's earlier IP's, "Jak and Daxter" had an interesting beginning as a platformer focused on collecting as many items as possible. Its unique visuals combined a zany 3D art style with a wide color palate, and its quirky world filled with comedic characters mirrored the likes of Insomniac Games' "Ratchet and Clank". In fact, both of these franchises were created around the same time, and thus shared numerous qualities as both companies attempted to craft system selling IP's during the PS2 era. Was Naughty Dog's first attempt a success? Indeed it was!
"Jak 1" has a very simple gameplay loop - platforming involving jumping, diving, and sprinting around. You solve a few environmental puzzles here and there and engage in some pretty simple combat a la any of the 3D "Mario" games. You also try to collect as many eggs, flies, and orbs as possible in order to advance the plot.
The story is also simple - you're pretty much trying to stop some wizards from harvesting the power of "dark Eco", an element in the world that supercharges anything and everything it comes into contact with. Jak and his human-turned-ferret friend Daxter go on a quest within their community to save it from destruction.
This game is pretty basic mechanically, but man does it control well. Even a few decades later, platforming feels tight and responsive, and the combat isn't too shabby either. Completing platforming challenges is rewarding and slowly teaches you how to become a better player, and there's only a very short tutorial that breaks the immersion at the very start of the game. It's fun, easy to pick up, and progresses at a nice rate.
What's nice about this game is that it's a collect-a-thon without feeling repetitive or draining. I felt a decent push towards grabbing every item, but it wasn't necessary for completion. The game was smooth to play, and I liked seeing how each area managed to hide its secrets.
The game isn't without its flaws though. The story is pretty weak, and the characters don't have depth. The combat isn't too exciting, and pretty much stays the same throughout the game. There is also little point in collecting anything outside of a small, pointless cutscene and the inherent satisfaction of seeing your collection completed.
Still, it's a game that really showcases the quality and simplicity of platforming gameplay mechanics of the PS2 era, many of which were inspired by earlier Nintendo titles and continue to be a core component of modern platformers. The story and characters are pretty simple, but the presentation is great and the world is fun to explore. If future titles could expand the gameplay and story more, this series could really turn into something quite special.
Final Verdict: 8/10 (Great)
One of Naughty Dog's earlier IP's, "Jak and Daxter" had an interesting beginning as a platformer focused on collecting as many items as possible. Its unique visuals combined a zany 3D art style with a wide color palate, and its quirky world filled with comedic characters mirrored the likes of Insomniac Games' "Ratchet and Clank". In fact, both of these franchises were created around the same time, and thus shared numerous qualities as both companies attempted to craft system selling IP's during the PS2 era. Was Naughty Dog's first attempt a success? Indeed it was!
"Jak 1" has a very simple gameplay loop - platforming involving jumping, diving, and sprinting around. You solve a few environmental puzzles here and there and engage in some pretty simple combat a la any of the 3D "Mario" games. You also try to collect as many eggs, flies, and orbs as possible in order to advance the plot.
The story is also simple - you're pretty much trying to stop some wizards from harvesting the power of "dark Eco", an element in the world that supercharges anything and everything it comes into contact with. Jak and his human-turned-ferret friend Daxter go on a quest within their community to save it from destruction.
This game is pretty basic mechanically, but man does it control well. Even a few decades later, platforming feels tight and responsive, and the combat isn't too shabby either. Completing platforming challenges is rewarding and slowly teaches you how to become a better player, and there's only a very short tutorial that breaks the immersion at the very start of the game. It's fun, easy to pick up, and progresses at a nice rate.
What's nice about this game is that it's a collect-a-thon without feeling repetitive or draining. I felt a decent push towards grabbing every item, but it wasn't necessary for completion. The game was smooth to play, and I liked seeing how each area managed to hide its secrets.
The game isn't without its flaws though. The story is pretty weak, and the characters don't have depth. The combat isn't too exciting, and pretty much stays the same throughout the game. There is also little point in collecting anything outside of a small, pointless cutscene and the inherent satisfaction of seeing your collection completed.
Still, it's a game that really showcases the quality and simplicity of platforming gameplay mechanics of the PS2 era, many of which were inspired by earlier Nintendo titles and continue to be a core component of modern platformers. The story and characters are pretty simple, but the presentation is great and the world is fun to explore. If future titles could expand the gameplay and story more, this series could really turn into something quite special.
Final Verdict: 8/10 (Great)