Daxter

"A great addition to any collection"

Intro
Daxter is the fifth installment in the Jak series, and the first game in the series to come out for PSP. It takes place between Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy and Jak 2. In Daxter, they have transported here from their old world and are identified as outsiders. Jak is quickly apprehended but Daxter escapes. Daxter now has to bail his buddy Jak out of jail. Along the way, Daxter takes a job as an exterminator. He meets friends who help him fight this new metal-bug menace, which has recently been plaguing the city. Your job throughout the game is to exterminate these new bugs and eventually, rescue Jak.

Gameplay 8/10
This game is very well put together, I have beat the game twice and not once have I had a glitch, but of course it is not perfect. The camera work is simple and easy, but a tad on the slow side. Also, aiming attacks can sometimes be difficult but with about ten minutes of practice, you will get used to it. The game is slightly easy, but not too easy. It is long, for a PSP game.

Audio 8/10
The audio is great in this game, it matches every mission and every part of the city excellently. When a hover car passes over you, it sounds like it is actually above you and if a door closes behind you, it sounds like a door is closing behind you. If you have a pair of good earphones, wear them! You will want to have them for the great audio this game has.

Visuals 10/10
I am really impressed with this game because it has moving cut scenes. Other PSP games that I own only have pictures with voice over or hardly moving pictures with cut and paste graphics. The city is dark and dreary while breezy valley is bright and colorful, exactly how each is supposed to look. The visuals are what really sold this game for me, outstanding for a PSP game. I would even go so far as to say the visuals are of PS2 quality.

Replayability 10/10
I love playing this game, even after I have beaten it. There is plenty to do and more after you beat the game. There are precursor orbs, bugs, and bug vials to collect. There are also dream sequences which are especially fun. They are mini-games which you fight against different opponents and see how long you can survive. They are set in popular movies like the Matrix and Lord of the Rings. Aside from mini-games, precursor orbs, bugs, and vials, but there are also costumes for Daxter. You unlock them by beating something in the dream sequences or finding them throughout the levels. In short the campaign mode is only half of everything you can do in the game.

Buy/Rent
Buy, this game is a classic and definitely worth the money. Of course if you are not sure you can rent it first but I am sure you will love this game.

Conclusion 9/10
This game is excellent for the PSP and it shines in the Visual and Replayability categories. A must have for any collection

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/26/08

Game Release: Daxter (US, 03/14/06)