"Jak X: Combat Racing is exactly what it says on the tin...and more!"

The Jak and Daxter series has a dedicated hardcore fanbase - and quite a few were sceptical of this fourth release in the Universe - Jak X Combat Racing, of which I was one of the pessimists. I was wrong.

Graphics - 9/10
The engine looks to be the same as Jak II/III's which is one of the many welcome returns. Everything is extremely smooth, the characters all have their own little traits...and Daxter got to keep his pants! All the cars (fully customisable!) look great, all the additions to them look brilliant, too. Environments are lovely - and extremely expansive for an arcade racer.

Once again, the animation team has done a brilliant job. The consistency in animation throughout the series is unparalleled, in my personal opinion.

Gameplay - 9/10
The game is extremely tough...but, nothing bad makes it tough. It was designed to be difficult. If you follow the Jak series, but thought 2 and 3 were a little too difficult, then rejoice. It may be extremely difficult, but it's quite a bit less difficult compared to its' Platformer prequels. This is coming from a "noob" at racing games, too.

The AI is brilliant - don't think that everything will be a pushover. Don't think that the game will let you off when you're down to a shred of health. It's harsh, but never gets frustrating. Well, never enough to through down your controller. A few expletives will be used as you play, but you'll get good - and quick.

Also, it's no mere simple racing game. Of course, it follows in the footsteps of the other 'insert platform hero here' Kart/Racing type games. There are four cups (which seem quite lengthy), the Red Eco cup, the Yellow Eco cup, the Green Eco cup and the Blue Eco cup. There isn't a set way to do the races within the Cups themselves, but you have to do the Cups within a set order - Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4.

It seems a little complicated on the outside, but when you get in, it's simple. There are some strange races - the Power Cell one, for example. I still don't get the idea of it, but it's simple to follow the instructions on screen. There are nine, maybe more, types of competition.

Online play is included, with 2-6 players, while offline is also available.

Sound - 10/10
No faults what-so-ever. The voice acting in the cutscenes (which there are quite a few of) is once again top-notch. The cars sound good, the effects sound good...the tunes are even good, too!

Story - 8/10
A very strong story compared to other racing games (obviously), but compared to the Jak Trilogy...the story is quite weak.

Jak and Dax and the gang are invited to Kras City to hear the reading of Krew's will - which his daughter (the complete opposite of the massive, crude Krew) Rayn is hosting. They drink to his death - but Krew has spiked it with poison! The guys must win the Racing Tournament for the antidote, but there are a few twists and turns along the way - not just on the racing tracks!

Oh yeah, for you lot who want to know, the love triangle is still here!

Overall - 8.7/10 (9/10)
A stellar game, just not as good as the platform versions of the Jak series!

Pros
- Quick, pick up and play
- Online multiplayer
- Great sounds
- Great story

Cons
- A little frustrating
- Health bar should be more visible. Too small.

-Jon

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/04/05