Jak II

 PlayStation 2
Jak II Image
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 463 Ratings

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  • Summary: In Jak II, Jak has an entirely new move set (Dark Jak) to augment his previous move set. He has more moves with his new toys as well - gun moves (including kick/shooting combos), and entire Jet Board move set and tricks. Daxter has some special surprises as well. There are escort missionsIn Jak II, Jak has an entirely new move set (Dark Jak) to augment his previous move set. He has more moves with his new toys as well - gun moves (including kick/shooting combos), and entire Jet Board move set and tricks. Daxter has some special surprises as well. There are escort missions where Jak goes into a level area with another character and the player must work with them to complete a task. Jak II enemies have more A.I. and respond to Jak with intelligent intent. [Daniel Arey]… Expand
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Jak II Movie 4 - Direct Feed

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. Electric Playground
    100
    I was hooked on the gameplay and the story of Jak II almost immediately and my addiction and love of the game hasn’t subsided weeks later. Jak II is, without question, one of the finest gaming experiences I’ve ever had.
  2. eToychest
    100
    This may be the best adventure game you have ever played, or will play in a long while.
  3. Deeko
    95
    I have to be honest with you – this is what you own a PlayStation 2 for.
  4. Just RPG
    91
    While some players might not like the drastic change from the original Jak and Daxter, I found it to be very fun and absolutely loved it.
  5. 1UP
    90
    Our other issue with the game is that the city where the game takes place, despite having hundreds-if-not-thousands of people, feels very empty.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Less successful is the convoluted city design that forces you to spend considerable time in transit between levels. Put up with this annoyance - the missions are an addictive blast. [17 Oct 2003, p.L2T 20]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. GameCritics
    60
    Lacks the cohesion, pacing, and spirit the others possess. All else being equal, those missing qualities put Jak II squarely at the rear of the pack.

See all 47 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 113
  3. Negative: 8 out of 113
  1. MattG.
    Apr 8, 2004
    10
    This game rocked.
  2. coolmattsinegar
    May 3, 2023
    10
    Matthew Alexander "Matt" Sinegar [SIN-NA-GAR] (An EXTREMELY Mature & EXTREMELY Heterosexual (Straight) African-American/Black Man): Jak IIMatthew Alexander "Matt" Sinegar [SIN-NA-GAR] (An EXTREMELY Mature & EXTREMELY Heterosexual (Straight) African-American/Black Man): Jak II (2003) Is LITERALLY Always One Of My All-Time Favorite PlayStation (PS) Games.… Expand
  4. metaman123
    Nov 19, 2011
    10
    This game is the essence of my childhood, I must have played it 10 times. Its a little late to be writing a review but I feel that itsThis game is the essence of my childhood, I must have played it 10 times. Its a little late to be writing a review but I feel that its important to tell people how great this game is! Everything is perfect mystery, sci-fi, comedy, action and of course solid gameplay… Expand
  5. ImmaGamer
    Mar 24, 2011
    9
    I would actually rate this game a 9.5/10. Let's get this straight, if you enjoyed playing Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, then you mightI would actually rate this game a 9.5/10. Let's get this straight, if you enjoyed playing Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, then you might enjoy this one, unless you want to keep it simple without having any guns then your probably not going to like this one. They have lots of different types of guns that can be used in different situations. The new Dark Jak powers are one of my favorite additions to the Jak series, and being able to upgrade your powers is awesome. The vehicles in this game are great too. It's not like the first one where the vehicles we're scarce but now you see them all over Haven City. Oh yes, Haven City. Yup, now we're in a city that's more unique than The Old World. This game is hard. It gets pretty hard from the middle to the end. Overall this game is great and I mean GREAT. The only reason that I would rate it a 9.5 is because I kind of wanted Haven City to be a little more imersive if you know what I mean. If you have a PS2 or a PS3, buying this game would be a huge favor for yourself.… Expand
  6. AlcoholicGoat
    Jul 25, 2022
    8
    Remember when Naughty Dog cared? Yeah me neither. Such an amazing experience replaying this. Why is it that Naughty Dog is so averse to makingRemember when Naughty Dog cared? Yeah me neither. Such an amazing experience replaying this. Why is it that Naughty Dog is so averse to making a fun game? Jak II has a decent story and the gameplay services the narrative. They don't have to be at odds. A great game uses the narrative to inform the gameplay and vice versa. ND clearly only cares about money (like all companies no **** but wow they treat this franchise like the redheaded stepchild. **** you Neil. Make another Jak game you ****. I love the tone and atmosphere of Jak II. It's a way better revenge story than TLOU 2. It's also a dark horse sequel that took risks and was polarizing. Only this game is actually based as **** and a trendsetter, lacking all pretention. Stop trting to chase oscar-bait praise. Make a fun game again. It won't kill you. Crank up the 2000s edge, bring back the artstyle and tone, write a good retrospective Jak 4 like Uncharted 4, I'm so tired of seeing Ratchet and Clank getting sequels. Sony I will give you money for Jak 4. You do realize that right? Same for you ND.… Expand
  7. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 29, 2011
    7
    Fortunately, the maturity of Jak II does include some fun. Pros: Fantastic graphics; variety of gameplay and weapons; fair voice acting andFortunately, the maturity of Jak II does include some fun. Pros: Fantastic graphics; variety of gameplay and weapons; fair voice acting and character designs; lengthier than the first game. Cons: A somewhat dull storyline set in a somewhat dull world; cheesy dialog; hideous soundtrack.… Expand
  8. Dom007
    Mar 12, 2021
    0
    Seriously what is this pile of h o r s e s h i t? I don't like to give up on video games, but I knew from the very start that I'd dislike thisSeriously what is this pile of h o r s e s h i t? I don't like to give up on video games, but I knew from the very start that I'd dislike this game. For starters it has a piss annoying sidekick character that won't shut up, dreadful missions, mediocre level design, awful boss battles, the worst checkpointing I've ever seen in a game, hard to aim gun combat and frustrating controls (particularly on the flying car sections).
    Never will I play this again, perhaps the most unenjoyable gaming experience I've ever had.    … Expand

See all 113 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PS2 Game of 2003
6
#6 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
10
#10 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003