Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier (PSP) Review

Before Naughty Dog was receiving accolades for its development on the Uncharted franchise, the studio created the 3D platforming Jak series on the PS2 with significant success.  Now as the PS3 meets its platforming needs this holiday season with the latest Ratchet and Clank game, the other two members of the Playstation family (PSP, PS2) get their due with a new (and some may say overdue) installment of the Jak (and Daxter) series with the High Impact Games developed Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier.  High Impact Games have taken the reins of this franchise bringing over their recent experience in creating 3D platformers (Secret Agent Clank, Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters) to develop yet another brand new title in a familiar environment.  We take a look at specifically the PSP version in a month where it goes head to head with the new kid on the block (Little Big Planet PSP) and see if the title provides quality and unique 3D platforming in a usual busy holiday season.

The Pros

For the most part, the gameplay in the Lost Frontier is split up in two parts.  For those expecting typical platforming gameplay involving linear paths and multiple jumping sequences won’t be disappointed as the game stays true to what fans may come to expect from a new installment of the series or even the genre as a whole.  Reminiscent however of Sony’s other platforming franchise: Ratchet and Clank, Jak will discover new weapons that range in purpose (i.e. slowing down enemies, creating barriers, building bridges, etc.) throughout the game that play an intrinsic part, and sometimes utilizing more than one, in completing puzzle sequences or defeating bosses.  To add to this, Jak also has a primary weapon entitled the Gunstaff that one would use for regular encounters.  The Gunstaff has the ability to be modded with extra features and power as you progress through the game that, along with the new weapons you eventually find,  keep it interesting as you chug through these levels.

The second main gameplay type in the Lost Frontier are the flight levels where you control an aircraft and take to the skies in a number of missions ranging from chasing down sky pirates, slowing down a large battle ship while avoiding enemy fire, or just plain old dogfighting.  These flight levels carry the same amount of depth you would find in the platforming section of the game with up to five ships to obtain, various flight maneuvers you can perform, and upgradeable weapons and armor.  When engaged with an enemy, the flight levels sometimes allow you to implement the option to grapple hook an enemy plane and send Daxter over to sabotage and steal parts which is performed by completing a quick-time event mini game.

The combination of both gameplay types in equal parts keeps the game fresh, while individually there are enough elements in each that make it interesting enough to continue playing.

The Cons

The third gameplay type that’s included in the Lost Frontier is the individual Dark Daxter stages that allow you to play a transformed Daxter on his own with beast like abilities.  Though it’s fun the first time around, the sequences itself get old quick and really don’t carry the same depth as the two main gameplay types.  The inclusion of it in the game also seems out of place when it comes to the story and overall flow.

In addition, personally I have never played a Jak and/or Daxter game before; so there was instant confusion when the opening cinema started the game seemingly from a point already established in a previous installment.  Consequently, there was no recap or clear explanation for  newcomers to learn how the characters reached “The Edge of the World”, background on the characters themselves (especially with constant referrals to what Jak is and his past abilities you now no longer are able to use), along with terms like eco and dark transformation.

Finally the main problem with this game is one PSP fans have come to endure over the years with any sort of 3D environment a game has.  The lack of the second analog nub leads to control issues concerning the camera and aiming.  This is most prevalent during enemy encounters on the ground with Jak.  Unlike the flight sequences, there is no aim-assist or lock on feature to fix the camera on an enemy.  Even though you can always reset the camera with the L and R buttons, that takes time and you are usually left running around shooting blindly while the auto camera tries to catch up in a frantic situation.

Here’s the Deal

The Lost Frontier provides PSP/PS2 owners with a quality 3D platforming game that shares its time with equally enjoyable flight sequences throughout the game.  Both types of gameplay have enough upgrades and command abilities to entertain the player and keep them interested to play on for the most part.  Besides some pointless Dark Daxter gameplay, and making the story unapproachable to newcomers of the franchise, the main problem is with a finicky fixed camera and lack of aim assist given that only one analog nub is available to you in the PSP version.  It’s not game breaking, but it forces the player to peel away a layer of frustration to enjoy what is otherwise a very good game for your PSP.  7/10  Sean C.

~ by consolecreatures on November 22, 2009.