Jak 3

Title: Jak 3
Platform Played On: PlayStation 2
Release Date: November 9, 2004
Date Played: Summer 2006
Time Played: 30 hours
Completed (Y/N): Yes
Score: 4/5




Opinion:
Jak 2 was a pretty big departure from the first game. Some would argue that it did what it needed to do in order to stay relevant. I guess Naughty Dog (developer) was satisfied with the direction if Jak 2 because they kept almost everything intact from it. Instead they focused on the world layout, controls, story and mission variety. In essence polishing the heck out of the formula they established with Jak 2.

Jak 3 takes place not long after the previous game, it is still the same locale, with some new areas and some changes, but for the most part it remains to be an action platformer that it was in Jak 2.

Jak 3 still feels like a GTA and Ratchet and Clank hybrid set in Jak universe. You still have a hub with missions, and you are still in a futuristic roboty Ratchety city. This time there is a lot more focus on driving, as a large portion of the game depend on it (not my favorite part).

Overall I enjoyed the first two games more than this third installment; however the story itself kept me interested throughout my playthrough. The graphics look better than the previous games and the controls and overall game mechanics (such as death) have been pretty much ironed out to create a smooth and enjoyable experience. I could not care less for the driving sections of the game though, and there are quite a few of them. I am a little bit bummed that Naughty Dog did not push the envelope and make yet another evolution in this franchise. Jak 3 is a good game, but I can not stop thinking that it could have been something much more.