If you’re
like me and love the Jak and Daxter games, the thought of a PSP game with
both title characters had me excited. Sure, playing a game with Daxter as the
main character was great fun but we missed Jak and the firepower he brings to
the series. Thankfully, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier brings most of
the things we love about the series and does not disappoint.
In The
Lost Frontier, we find Jak, Daxter and Jak’s girl, Keira, are flying to
uncharted lands in search of Green Eco that will save their homeland in dire
need of that life supporting element. It’s a desperate and dangerous mission but
with so many lives at stake the trio sees no other choice but to head for the
Lost Frontier where Eco is said to be plentiful. Unfortunately, they’re not the
only ones looking for Eco because there are Eco Pirates willing to do anything
for it as well.
We are
quickly introduced to the game’s platforming action and it’s good to see that
the game manages to mimic those of the PS2 games. Jak can jump, double jump and
make use of his weapon that can later be upgraded. While his weapon starts off
as a blunt melee weapon, the later levels allow you to use it like a rifle of
sorts. Straight off the bat, you’ll also notice a few of the problems that have
plagued the first game like the awkward camera angles are back. You can move the
camera around but it still occasionally gets in the way of the platform jumping.
I fell to my death four times and this was just the introductory mission.
Still, the
camera isn’t a big enough problem that you won’t enjoy the platform gaming
aspect of the game. Almost immediately we are also introduced to the ability to
freely explore your surroundings, such as the ability to move around in Aeropa
City and even participate in a few mini games such as a race to find glowing
eggs littered throughout the city. More importantly, though, The Lost Frontier
almost quickly pushes one of its best features … aerial combat.
Jak can fly
the Hellcat or any other vehicle you manage to earn and participate in aero
combat missions. The flight controls are simple and easy to manage so you’ll be
able to do loops and drop in on an enemy ship with the best of them. The
targeting system also works perfectly so the flight combat is not only handled
smoothly but it makes the dogfights all the more entertaining. I would
definitely not mind a flight combat Jak and Daxter spin-off game ala
Jak X: Combat Racing and the game would have been even more amazing if they
had included a multiplayer aerial combat mode.
Like past
games in the series, there are plenty of upgrades for Jak’s weapons you can
purchase in Aeropa City or via Keira. On top of the weapon upgrades, though,
there are Jak’s new Eco powers that can offer an edge in strength and mobility
but also to solve many of the platforming puzzles in the game. Jak can actually
teleport with one Eco ability. The level design is actually very inventive in
this game and accommodates the Eco powers perfectly.
What doesn’t
work, however, is Daxter’s new form. At one point, Daxter falls into a sewer and
is doused with a tainted flow of Eco that transforms the funny critter into a
hulking version of him with his own set of abilities and combat moves. Dark
Daxter, as he is called in the game, can break through weak walls, spin through
the environment like a mini tornado and even shoot Eco at enemies.
Unfortunately, Dark Daxter’s levels are weak and totally unnecessary that you’ll
be groaning each time the game cuts to the Dark Daxter levels.
Thankfully,
the Dark Daxter moments are kept at a minimum and the game concentrates more on
the fun platforming action of past games in this series. Ground combat with Jak
works wonderfully, although sometimes the targeting system isn’t all too precise
when you’re going up against more than one enemy. There are boss battles in the
game and they’re actually very challenging and will keep you busy. The Lost
Frontier is also a lengthy game even if you don’t spend the time exploring
the environments.
As far as
the graphics are concerned, The Lost Frontier does not disappoint as well with
its sharp visuals, colorful environments and slick animation during cut scenes.
It’s impressive to see the PSP pull off graphics this good and offer a lot to
look at throughout the game as well as insert some amazing visual effects in
everything from aerial dogfights to ground battles. Even the game’s soundtrack
is as good as if it were made for a console release and the voice acting is
still some of the best in the series.
Aside from
the few problems, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier for the PSP is a
deeply entertaining game that is true to the beloved series. It’s a straight up,
addictively fun and clever game that will certainly please loyal Jak and
Daxter fans. Sure, there are a few things that just fall flat but what
really works makes for a game that deserves to be among your collection if you
love a platform/action PSP game that is too fun to want to put down.
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Gameplay: 8.5
Jak and his
friends find themselves in uncharted territory where they get involved in some
good old fashioned platforming action as well as aerial combat situations that
up the action factor. The puzzles are good and plentiful. There are challenging
boss battles and plenty room to explore as well. Hulking out with Dark Daxter
just isn’t fun, though.
Graphics: 9.0
Visually, the
game looks just as good as a Jak and Daxter game on the PS2. Sporting
sharp graphics, colorful backdrops and loads of special effects that light up
the PSP widescreen, The Lost Frontier looks good.
Sound:
9.0
The voice acting
is top notch with the best lines still going to Daxter. Still, the original
score is excellent and the sound effects just as detailed as the visuals so you
will want to play this game with earphones.
Difficulty: Medium
The dogfights are
actually challenging enough to give your thumbs a workout and the same can be
said about the boss battles later in the game.
Concept: 8.5
Forget the Dark
Daxter levels, it’s Jak and Daxter together on the PSP with a game that’s not
only lengthy but also filled with all the things we love about the console
Jak and Daxter games. Vehicles make up a good portion of the game including
aerial combat.
Overall: 8.5
Despite its few
issues, The Lost Frontier is yet another gratifying Jak and Daxter
game that feels right at home on the PSP. While we could have done without the
Dark Daxter moments in the game, flying the unfriendly skies and exploring the
impressive Lost Frontier is more than enough reason to pick this one up right
away.
