Please note that one of the discs is slightly scratched and both games includes the original cover and book.
Jak 2: Renegade:
The original is widely regarded as the best 3-D platformer for the PS2 ever, so Jak II: Renegade is going to appeal to anyone that loved Jak and Daxter. Things aren't quite how they used to be though, for although the first game was a very Rare-esque happy cartoon adventure, this one is rather darker and more violent (and packs some surprisingly harsh language).
As the game begins Jak is captured by the evil Baron Praxis and subjected to all sorts of torturous tests and experiments in the two years it takes for Daxter to find and rescue him--the happy-go-lucky adventurer from the first game has been replaced by a mean and moody fugitive out for revenge. As well as taking a rather unhealthy interest in various high-powered weaponry, Jak's two years of incarceration have also left him with the ability to transform, Hulk-like, into the extra-surly Dark Jak, which apart from pumping him up to Arnie-style muscle levels also allows him to use Dark Eco magic.
Also new for this sequel is the fact that Jak has his own hoverboard, which he carries around wherever he goes and can be used at any time. And if even that seems like too much bother, nearly all the other vehicles in the game can be commandeered and used if you need a bit more speed or extra firepower. There's a bit more competition in terms of quality PS2 platformers now than when the original game came out, but this is still one of the best, and a genuine improvement on what came before. --David Jenkins
Jak 3:
In these days of endless sequel after sequel it's quite a surprise to find out that a successful series like Jak & Daxter is coming to an end of its publisher's own volition. But--although the characters may well appear again in some other form--Jak IIImarks the end of the epic storyline that is now over three years in the making.
The first Jak & Daxter game was a fairly straightforward Rare-esque platformer, but the second game expanded the concept considerably to become a sort of cartoon style Grand Theft Auto. This third game removes some of the more unnecessary diversions of Jak II to become a more enjoyably focused action adventure. The actual story follows on directly and sees Jak and Daxter banished to the Wastelands--a massive game world more than five times the size of Haven City from the last game.
Although they are less prevalent than last time there are a dozen different vehicles to pilot and plenty of upgradeable weapons. Perhaps the most important new gameplay feature though is Jak's new light eco form, to balance out the dark eco powers from Jak II. In light eco form Jak grows a pair of angelic wings and gains the power to regain lost health and even freeze enemies in time (and yes, it does work a bit like bullet time).
For fans of the series, or those just looking for a fun, modern-thinking platformer, this series is definitely going out on a high. --David Jenkins
