Buckethead
Banned
TEH-CJ said:
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Himuro said:
No. It's harder than that, but the AI is pretty dumb/non-aggressive. Jak 2 is Japanese videogames hard, atleast how I remember it, whereas Jak 3 was a breeze and came off as a puss-out if you ask me.
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Jak and Daxter series > Ratchet or Sly Cooper
- Thread starter U5230
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No. It's harder than that, but the AI is pretty dumb/non-aggressive. Jak 2 is Japanese videogames hard, atleast how I remember it, whereas Jak 3 was a breeze and came off as a puss-out if you ask me.
I don't think Jak 3 is as easy as Jak 1. I think part of the reason it's easier than II is more checkpoints and armor upgrades and another ability you get plus the new weapons. It does have a lot of vehicle missions still, but I think the dune buggies play better than the zoomers. Also, less traffic in Haven, so, anything with a zoomer there is better.
Jak 2's difficult came from incredibly tight timed tasks that came down to the wire even with a good performance. Most of my deaths were because I hadn't memorized a path, or didn't know my way around the city well enough. It was a cheap and unsatisfying challenge in that regard.
Himuro said:
I remember the first race on the hoverboard being a pain, and having to hunt down and destroy 5 of those robot/spider-like vehicles (was it less than 5 minutes?). There were several other similar tasks that all depended on trial and error (or learning the city layout). The only other slightly challenging task was making it out of the slum area when all the bots were being dropped...spray shot took care of that pretty handily though.
Himuro said:
I certainly didn't think it was. I remember cursing it.
This thread has me wanting to replay it since I harshly shelved it after completing it a few days after its release. I was disgusted by the whole thing and just wanted it over. It'll be interesting to see if my tastes, and perhaps skills have changed.
Himuro said:
I think the combat's an added obstacle that is easily skipped over in no gun runs (and it's probably how you're supposed to play). If you're playing hard mode, then it's probably very frustrating, yes.
I don't know if you played the DLC, but it started introducing level-based obstacles instead of combat-based obstacles, and it was interesting. I gotta say, I'd love to see a game based around all of those DLC time trials.
Anyway, I'm glad you found a game to enjoy. I'm sorry that it had to be Jak II. Nothing's gonna change my opinion that it's the shittiest of shit with some good platforming and animation.
Himuro said:
I'm the same way with the racing genre. I can't stand simulation racers like PGR and Gran Turismo. Give me an arcadey game like Excite Truck, Mario Kart, or Burnout, and chances are I'll love them because I'm not simply going around in circles the entire time.
The Librarian
Banned
That's it, I'm caving. I'll start playing Jak 1 today if I can.
I've already started playing 2 again. I'm up to the mission where you have to cover Sig while he shoots metalheads. Died at the final one, had to start all over again. I was expecting a checkpoint halfway through after just finishing 3
Turning on my PS2 again was a good decision. I even feel like tackling my backlog! Maybe I'll go back to Onimusha 3. I quit while in a confusing/boring time warp palace of some sorts
Turning on my PS2 again was a good decision. I even feel like tackling my backlog! Maybe I'll go back to Onimusha 3. I quit while in a confusing/boring time warp palace of some sorts
crowphoenix
Banned
This thread has really made me want to replay Jak 2 and 3 again. Now, to figure out if I can fit it into all the games I'm playing.
rollingstart
Banned
Darunia said:
yeah, going back to the PS2 library is always awesome and helps remind you how incredible that console was. I'm probably going to be playing PS2 games with Devil Summoner 2 as the climax with a slight break for Klonoa on the Wii so I can follow it up with Klonoa 2 on the PS2. Might also replay ZoE2 too.
Himuro said:"Precursor Stone. Cannon. Nest."
*Jak has a badass smirk on his face*
I should beat Jak 2 tomorrow.
The last few levels have convinced me that this IS the best 3d action platformer I have played. I haven't really played anything on par. As I said before, what I hate about 3d platformers is that they don't require as much precision as 2d platformers. They tend to be more "how can I get there?" than traditional platforming. Not Jak 2. This game has such good platforming it puts other more 3d platformers to shame, such as Mario. This game is better than Mario Sunshine, holy shit.
Another issue I take with 3d action platformers is that the action tends to be quite basic. In Jak 2, I have to actually sometimes strategize my fights and use all skills available to me since health pick ups are so hard to come by and checkpoints sparse. Unlike Ratchet and Clank, all four guns have their uses. There's no picking and choosing for me, I use them depending on the situation I'm in. Same with Dark Jak.
By Zeus' lightning covered cock, I wish the first game hadn't given me such a BAD impression years ago, that I waited on this gem of a game. Holy shit. I truly wonder what I would label this game if not for the overly long treks on the overworld, the cops, and the vehicle controls. Seriously, those are the only flaws I can even think of.
Depending on how every thing goes tomorrow Jet Set Radio Future may be dropped out of my slot for most BADASS 3d platformer of last gen. I don't think I've ever been so impressed with a 3d platformer with the exception of maybe Maximo.
I'm pretty sure that I won't enjoy Jak III nearly as much as II because the difficulty MAKES the game for me.
Haters OWNED.
Another great example of "don't listen to the haters". I have the same opinion as you on this game it seems.
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crowphoenix
Banned
Luckily, the new vehicles in 3 are fun to use. Well, the desert ones anyway. But, yeah, the over world is fairly unnecessary.Himuro said:
Littleberu
Banned
crowphoenix said:
But, as he said, if he likes the difficulty of Jak 2, he won't like Jak 3. Jak 3 is a piece of cake 12 hours game that feels like 2 hours of actual gameplay. You spend most of the time in the desert trying to get somewhere and killing those damn pirates.
Flachmatuch
Member
Littleberu said:
3 is quite a bit shorter and easier, but it's still excellent. 2 is my favourite mostly, and I liked the difficulty (I don't think it was difficult though, just the lack of checkpoints was a bit annoying), but 3 is also awesome. I also prefer these games to even SMG tbh. 3 is ace, because the driving is fun and the checkpoints are iirc better and it's even more varied than 2, so I think this is a really misleading post.
crowphoenix
Banned
That's not entirely true. The game is easier, but there are still some difficult missions. And the final boss is definitely an epic battle.Littleberu said:
It's not Jak 2 difficult, but you will die. And it is still very fun. Himu might like it less, but he will like it more than Jak 1.
crowphoenix
Banned
I actually found Daxter to be a bit easier, but I'm not sure if that was because I'd already been through 2 and 3 prior to playing it or not.Himuro said:
Littleberu said:
false. you spend quite a bit of time driving around in the desert early on, but not so much when Act 2 starts.
Plus, driving around in the desert is nothing compared to driving around town in 2. The raiders can get annoying, but once you get your hands on the dune buggy with its grenade launcher you get rid of those enemies fast
crowphoenix
Banned
Not to mention that it's fun. The terrain is more varied, and there is stuff to do and find out there. I really loved the desert vesicles, which is probably why I loved Jak X as well.Darunia said:
boutrosinit
Street Fighter IV World Champion
TEH-CJ said:
No. You need to play WAY more games.
Flachmatuch
Member
boutrosinit said:
Please list some of those better games :-/
The Librarian
Banned
Street Fighter IV World Championboutrosinit said:
I went there.
crowphoenix
Banned
I enjoyed it because it made the races a lot more frantic and challenging. It also helped that I could get back in first in a few seconds. Not because I was particularly good, just because everyone else blew up.Paco said:
Himuro,
Just my two cents, but I was one of those folks who played through Jak & Daxter and 100%'d it. I enjoyed every minute of it. There was the collection aspect to it, but it felt natural to me. Naughty Dog just did a terrific job on that game... really smooth framerate, great idle animations, good production value, vibrant colors, etc. It really felt like an extension of the best work they did on the PS1, where they really could do no wrong. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of Crash 1, I really enjoyed 2, 3, and CTR.
When I heard about Jak 2 going down a darker road, I thought, wow, that's pretty daring. When it came time to actually play it, though, I was pretty disappointed. I thought the difficulty was a bit too much, and IIRC, it had performance issues (and Jak 3 had really bad screen tearing) that knocked down it from ND's normal standards for excellent polish. I also was turned off by the fact that there were so many games that were trying to ride the coattails of GTA3's success that anything even resembling that style of game didn't sit well with me.
Like you, though, I've been thinking of going back to this game... I hate to say it, but I'm not quite the angry, purist gamer I once was 5-10 years ago. I might end up coming away from it with a different opinion. Also been considering doing this with the R&C series, which is another one I've never been able to get into for some reason.
Just my two cents, but I was one of those folks who played through Jak & Daxter and 100%'d it. I enjoyed every minute of it. There was the collection aspect to it, but it felt natural to me. Naughty Dog just did a terrific job on that game... really smooth framerate, great idle animations, good production value, vibrant colors, etc. It really felt like an extension of the best work they did on the PS1, where they really could do no wrong. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of Crash 1, I really enjoyed 2, 3, and CTR.
When I heard about Jak 2 going down a darker road, I thought, wow, that's pretty daring. When it came time to actually play it, though, I was pretty disappointed. I thought the difficulty was a bit too much, and IIRC, it had performance issues (and Jak 3 had really bad screen tearing) that knocked down it from ND's normal standards for excellent polish. I also was turned off by the fact that there were so many games that were trying to ride the coattails of GTA3's success that anything even resembling that style of game didn't sit well with me.
Like you, though, I've been thinking of going back to this game... I hate to say it, but I'm not quite the angry, purist gamer I once was 5-10 years ago. I might end up coming away from it with a different opinion. Also been considering doing this with the R&C series, which is another one I've never been able to get into for some reason.
Oh yeah, I totally agree with this. Forgot to mention it in my Jak gunplay > Ratchet gunplay rant earlier. You don't have a zillion guns but only a handful of useful ones. All four guns have their uses (and all 12 in Jak 3). And the fact that you only have the four types of ammo means it's not like Ratchet, where you're constantly picking up useless ammo for shitty guns that you only resort to when you run out of ammo for the good guns, which happens often because you're always picking up ammo for the shitty guns instead of the good guns.Himuro said:
It's funny, I used to think Ratchet was the superior franchise compared to Jak, but replaying these games makes me think the opposite. They're really a lot of fun and offer more variety than Ratchet does.
Tools of Destruction really soured me on that franchise. At least try to deviate from the GC formula in the next game Insomniac
40% done in Jak II. On my first playthrough I got all 200 orbs, but I just ignore them completely now
Tools of Destruction really soured me on that franchise. At least try to deviate from the GC formula in the next game Insomniac
40% done in Jak II. On my first playthrough I got all 200 orbs, but I just ignore them completely now
CloakedPuppet
Member
Damn - I sold my Jak 2 and 3 along with my crapped out, launch PS2 a few years back. Looks like I may have to cave and get them again - maybe pick up the racing game while I'm at it. :lol
rollingstart
Banned
Himuro said:I got the game because I was chatting with Segata Sanshiro and he said how much he liked Jak 2. He suggested it and I took his word for it.
You never cared about what people said in the first place then! I feel so betrayed
(btw, just get Jak 3. Some people say it's easy, others say it's perfect, I say it's not easy like Jak 1 but more forgiving than Jak 2. Lesson learned is that you should just make up your mind after you play it and that most people are subjectivly wrong.)
overthehill99
Member
I wouldn't give up its amazing 3D camera controls for anything.Himuro said:
The Jak series has to be the most divisive series ever. I mean you have the people who love the first, but hate the change the series made after that. Then even between the people who like the changes, you have those who love 2 but hate 3 because it's too easy, and people who love 3 but hate 2 because it can be frustrating.
My favorite 3D camera controls are those in Banjo Nuts & Bolts. The stick rotates the camera left and right, up and down, and clicking it changes the zoom.
That's actually one thing that always bugged me about the series. Pressing the right stick up or down zooms in and out, instead of tilting up and down like I think it should. While I was able to work around it, I've always liked to aim the camera down more when platforming.Blu_LED said:
My favorite 3D camera controls are those in Banjo Nuts & Bolts. The stick rotates the camera left and right, up and down, and clicking it changes the zoom.
The Librarian
Banned
I loved all three games. Jak and Daxter was the reason why I wanted my dad to buy me a PS2.
I loved the original, enjoyed the second game the most and felt the thematic shift didn't detract from the game, enjoyed the third game though not as much as the second.KevinCow said:
I liked them all. I also like Mario Sunshine and Mario Galaxy, yet wasn't a big fan of Mario 64...so something is obviously wrong with me.
Himuro said:"Precursor Stone. Cannon. Nest."
*Jak has a badass smirk on his face*
I should beat Jak 2 tomorrow.
The last few levels have convinced me that this IS the best 3d action platformer I have played. I haven't really played anything on par. As I said before, what I hate about 3d platformers is that they don't require as much precision as 2d platformers. They tend to be more "how can I get there?" than traditional platforming. Not Jak 2. This game has such good platforming it puts other more 3d platformers to shame, such as Mario. This game is better than Mario Sunshine, holy shit.
Another issue I take with 3d action platformers is that the action tends to be quite basic. In Jak 2, I have to actually sometimes strategize my fights and use all skills available to me since health pick ups are so hard to come by and checkpoints sparse. Unlike Ratchet and Clank, all four guns have their uses. There's no picking and choosing for me, I use them depending on the situation I'm in. Same with Dark Jak.
By Zeus' lightning covered cock, I wish the first game hadn't given me such a BAD impression years ago, that I waited on this gem of a game. Holy shit. I truly wonder what I would label this game if not for the overly long treks on the overworld, the cops, and the vehicle controls. Seriously, those are the only flaws I can even think of.
Depending on how every thing goes tomorrow Jet Set Radio Future may be dropped out of my slot for most BADASS 3d platformer of last gen. I don't think I've ever been so impressed with a 3d platformer with the exception of maybe Maximo.
I'm pretty sure that I won't enjoy Jak III nearly as much as II because the difficulty MAKES the game for me.
Haters OWNED.
Another shout out for this game is the spectacular level design. There's such a sense of progression and a rewarding experience revisiting old areas that are then nearly completely transformed with an added ability that you never had before. The Precursor eggs always make you feel smart for finding them.
Jak II is one of the few games I've completed to 100%, and to me it is one of the best 3D Platformers ever. Jak III vered a little too much towards guns, mini game time wasters, and was obviously rushed from conception to release meaning its level design wasn't nearly as in depth nor polished.
It also has one of the best third person auto aims ever in a video game.
The only aspect of Jak II I disliked was the final boss.
You mean the one in the docks? If so... dude. That is my favorite level in anything like, ever. Fuck shooting the bad guys, just take out your hoverboard and haul ass in some awesome intense platforming, leaving those bitches to eat your dust.truly101 said:
But I have a huge obsession with using that hoverboard for every conceivable platforming section in the game.
Jak 3 certainly does have less platforming, there's no denying that, but you will see some of it later, especially once you start to get some new powers and the like. It really was more of a focus on the driving/shooting/story and all that - in fact, I'm amazed AniHawk doesn't direct all his hatred at Jak 3, though I suppose he never played it after 2.
CloakedPuppet
Member
Thanks to this thread I went out and grabbed copies of 2 and 3. I started 2 tonight and am pretty impressed with how well it holds up. A seriously fun game. Looks pretty darned good too (upscaled on PS3).
I'm gonna find a copy of Jak X Combat Racing to make it complete.
I'm gonna find a copy of Jak X Combat Racing to make it complete.