Recently, we got our hands on a playable version of Jak II. Hilarious results pursued. OK, so they weren't that funny, but we've got some kick-ass impressions for you (again, that was an exaggeration).
After getting our hands on two levels of Jak II, it’s obvious that the game is going to be something special. The levels Sony let us play around with were the Pumping Station and Strip Mine. While not much platforming action is to be found in either level, it gave us a good feel of what’s changed from the first outing.
First off, while it still maintains a good deal of the cartoonish charm of the first game, Jak II is noticeably darker and grittier. For starters, Jak’s got a big ol’ gun that compliments that goatee nicely. Your mission in the Pumping Station is to give backup to a rugged warrior named Sig. You provide cover for him while he picks off “metal heads” with his peacemaker. The basic moves from the first game are still there, but what is mysteriously absent is the ability to snap the camera face forward. Instead, you’re left with a completely manual camera, which you have to swing around every time you want to see in front of you. Hopefully they’ll get that taken care of before the game’s release.
Provide good cover for Sig, clear the path for him, and the level is over fairly quickly. On to the Strip Mine.
The first game provided a great deal of vehicular levels with various objectives, such as collecting orbs and whatnot. The Strip Mine gives Jak a hoverboard and a host of obstacles and gaps to get past. The object is to get to the top of the mine, but it’s no easy task; especially in this early demo. For starters, the frame rate is extremely jittery and a few bugs cause more frustration than fun. Again, I’m sure Naughty Dog will have this all taken care of by the game’s release.
Using the hoverboard throws some interesting gameplay into the mix. Jak can grind, do flips, and use the various quarter and half pipes to his advantage. It’s definitely a cool addition to the game, despite the unfinished feel to this demo level.
It’s good to see Naughty Dog not just spitting out a rehash and instead throwing some interesting new elements and twists to the game. As long as the bugs get ironed out by October (which they will), this game will be another must own.
