Jak and Daxter Collection
- February 7, 2012
- Naughty Dog
Jak and Daxter, two cult heroes among PlayStation fans, retread their first three adventures in an HD update
The Jak and Daxter Collection is a compilation of the first three main instalments in the Jak and Daxter series (The Precursor Legacy, Jak II, and Jak 3) remastered in full 720p HD with support for 3D graphics and PlayStation Network trophies.
Reviews
- The Jak and Daxter Collection offers three beloved games in one portable package, allowing fans to relive their childhood experiences on the go.
- Despite some technical issues, the core gameplay remains enjoyable, with vibrant graphics and engaging level design that captures the essence of the original PS2 titles.
- Many players appreciate the nostalgia factor and the opportunity to experience the series again, even if the port isn't perfect.
- The port suffers from significant frame rate issues, often running at 15-20 FPS, which can lead to a frustrating gameplay experience.
- Controls are poorly adapted for the PS Vita, with reliance on the back touch pad causing confusion and making certain gameplay mechanics difficult to execute.
- Graphical glitches and camera issues detract from the overall experience, leading many to recommend the PS3 version instead of this Vita port.
- graphics17 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the collection receive mixed reviews, with some praising the vivid visuals and improved graphics over the original games, while others criticize the presence of graphical glitches, lack of anti-aliasing, and subpar optimization for the Vita. Although the nostalgia factor is appreciated, many players feel that the graphics do not fully utilize the capabilities of the console, leading to a less smooth experience. Overall, while the graphics are not terrible, they leave room for improvement.
“The first game didn't age very well, but the graphics are very vivid.”
“They play greatly with better graphics than the original, all on the go!”
“[Nostalgia at its best! Relive some of the greatest games from the PS2 era but with revamped graphics, 3D options, and trophy support.]”
“First thing you'll notice when you boot up the collection are graphical glitches.”
“Great games that I play over and over again, but the graphics are not very well optimized for the Vita, resulting in a less than smooth frame rate.”
“I just found myself so disappointed at the quality of gameplay and the relatively bad graphics (considering the console) that I ended up putting it down months ago and haven't picked it back up.”
- stability12 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game collection is marred by numerous graphical glitches and low frame rates, reminiscent of issues from the original PS2 versions, alongside new bugs that affect gameplay and menu navigation. While these problems can detract from the experience, many players still find the nostalgia and overall enjoyment of the trilogy to outweigh the technical shortcomings.
“First thing you'll notice when you boot up the collection are graphical glitches.”
“Buggy and low frame rates.”
“The vita certainly is capable of running these 3 games at full 60 fps like the ps3 does, but seeing as how they allowed graphical glitches in the main menu, and the vibration function in the options menu to slip through, I think it's obvious to say they were too lazy to optimize it fully.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Jak and Daxter is generally praised for its engaging mechanics and expansive worlds, offering addictive platforming experiences that can keep players entertained for hours. However, some users express dissatisfaction with certain gameplay elements and feel a lack of attachment to the story, leading to mixed feelings about the overall experience. Despite minor complaints about ports and performance, the core gameplay remains a highlight for many players.
“But Jak and Daxter not only has good gameplay, but a great storyline, with very funny crude humor.”
“Still though, those are minor gripes and the game performs well where it counts, in the gameplay.”
“However, these complaints aside, the games and platforming are astoundingly well done--the worlds are so detailed and expansive and hours will go by as trying to get 100% completion; it's addicting actually.”
“Not saying this is a bad game... it's just not for my tastes. It wouldn't have sold as well as it did if it was a bad game, but if they had a video of gameplay on Amazon showing how he plays and the graphics, I would have more than likely not bought it. When I get a chance, I'm going to turn it into GameStop and see if I can get a different game or something, maybe send it back to Amazon for some credit. I could only play Jak 1 & 2 for about an hour each before I got bored with it. I didn't feel any attachment or engrossed in it; there wasn't much story to it, at least to me. It shows him having a gun, but he must have it in the 3rd or later in the game; I didn't have it. Thought it would be better.”
“The games themselves are great, but I'm not sure the gameplay saves these terrible ports.”
“However, these complaints aside, the games and platforming are astoundingly well done--the worlds are so detailed and expansive and hours will go by as trying to get 100% completion; it's addicting actually (your Vita will handle about 6-8 hours of straight gameplay per charge), none of which is sacrificed in the port to the Vita--the game worlds are just expansive and easily some of the most fun portable games out there; guaranteed to fill a car/airplane trip with fun.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story in the Jak and Daxter series is generally praised for its humor and engaging narrative, particularly in the later installments, which introduce a darker and more complex world. However, some players feel that the earlier games lack depth and fail to create a strong emotional connection, leading to a less immersive experience. Overall, while the series has its strengths in storytelling, opinions vary significantly among players regarding their attachment to the narrative.
“But Jak and Daxter not only has good gameplay, but a great storyline, with very funny crude humor.”
“If going for trophies, I would say buy these games; one solid small price for three long satisfying games with a fantastic story!”
“From reviews on Jak 2 & 3, they took and shook up the old 3D platforming elements and inserted a darker, grittier world and story, with GTA-like gameplay and guns.”
“I could only play Jak 1 & 2 for about an hour each before I got bored with it. I didn't feel any attachment or engrossed in it. There wasn't much story to it, at least to me.”
“From reviews on Jak 2 & 3, they took and shook up the old 3D platforming elements and inserted a darker, grittier world and story, GTA-like gameplay, and guns.”
“The PS3 version is a different story, but do not purchase the Vita version of the game.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered catchy and solid, serving well as background ambiance, though it doesn't reach the heights of iconic soundtracks like "Symphony of the Night." While it may not be the standout feature, it is deemed enjoyable enough to warrant a moderate rating, with some players finding it a fitting complement to the vibrant environments. Overall, it strikes a balance between being unobtrusive and engaging, though it can become repetitive over time.
“The music is quite catchy, though it's definitely not the best soundtrack I've ever heard.”
“Once you adapt to the framerate, the environments look stunningly vibrant and the music is solid.”
“The music: I find some of it quite catchy, but it's definitely not the best soundtrack I've ever heard (Symphony of the Night, anyone?).”
“It's mostly music you'd expect to find in the background, which isn't quite a bad thing.”
“If it doesn't bug the hell out of you, the music at least deserves a 3/5 stars.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Jak and Daxter" is highlighted as a strong point, featuring a blend of crude and witty comedy that enhances the game's engaging storyline and character dynamics. Players find the humor to be a significant contributor to the overall enjoyment of the game.
“But Jak and Daxter not only has good gameplay, but a great storyline, with very funny crude humor.”
“He is a great game character, and hilarious.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Users note that while the games are playable, technical issues on the Vita, such as reduced resolution and lack of anti-aliasing, detract from the overall experience, making replayability feel less appealing.
“To alleviate fears, the games are playable, but it feels very depressing playing a game that won't even run right on the Vita at a reduced resolution without anti-aliasing.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are noted to be poorly optimized for the Vita, leading to a less than smooth frame rate, which detracts from the overall experience despite the game's replayability.
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the use of touchscreen mechanics in certain minigames, such as fishing, which adds variety and helps alleviate the potential tedium of grinding. However, some find that the analog stick response can be less effective, impacting the overall experience.
“The grinding in this game feels excessively repetitive and tedious, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found the grinding mechanics to be frustratingly slow, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“The amount of time required to grind for resources is overwhelming and feels like a chore rather than a fun challenge.”
Critic Reviews
Jak and Daxter Trilogy Review
Jak and Daxter, two cult heroes among PlayStation fans, retread their first three adventures in an HD update
80%Jak and Daxter Collection Review
The games aren't perfect, however, for the most part, they withstand the test of time quite well. Looking incredible in HD, this is a great way to experience these benchmark PS2 titles.
75%The Jak and Daxter Trilogy Review
80%