Jak II

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 463 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 368 out of 463
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 463
  3. Negative: 29 out of 463
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  1. suresour
    Sep 4, 2023
    10
    Jak 2 is not just a game; it's a monumental masterpiece that redefines the very essence of gaming. With its impeccable blend of breathtaking visuals, captivating storytelling, and exhilarating gameplay, Jak 2 earns a solid 10 out of 10 without a shadow of a doubt.
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    It was fine, but i prefered the first one. I beat it tho. I liked the gameplay, but the world, the characters and the story were, imho, boring.
  3. Warrior_of_Doom
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    The overall score is based on how much fun I personally had with every component of the game
    and the overall experience.
  4. USSJ
    May 7, 2023
    10
    what a masterpiece i like the game new way of introducing guns which makes it different from the first one while most people think this game is hard and by extension means its bad i think its a great touch from naughty dog to make it more challenging (this couldnt be said to every mission though whoever made drill platform,strip mine eco,water slums seal peace deserves a special place inwhat a masterpiece i like the game new way of introducing guns which makes it different from the first one while most people think this game is hard and by extension means its bad i think its a great touch from naughty dog to make it more challenging (this couldnt be said to every mission though whoever made drill platform,strip mine eco,water slums seal peace deserves a special place in hell)i like the hoverboard and the story is decent overall highly recommended… Expand
  5. coolmattsinegar
    May 3, 2023
    10
    Matthew 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.
  6. Kris224b
    Feb 13, 2023
    10
    The greatest game ever made. Amazing core gameplay and insanely good variety of missions.
  7. wojtulace1
    Jan 30, 2023
    8
    Good. Unique gameplay. Sometimes traveling from mission to mission through city gets tedious. Few missions could benefit from more checkpoints.
  8. deathstramding
    Nov 8, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece… Expand
  9. AmadouIraklidis
    Nov 6, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece of a game. A near perfect blend of story telling, open world exploration, and gameplay. Not only was this a great transition game, like a game for growing up, it also had an emotional element. Haven city had meaning. The progression in the game was palpable, the revelations in the story astounded and awed.

    One of the greatest games ever made.
  10. PaulaTLD
    Aug 23, 2022
    8
    Juego totalmente diferente a la primera entrega, el cambio fue diferente y muy bueno. Lo recomiendo
  11. CnPx98
    Jul 23, 2022
    8
    The game is good but at times it can really be frustrating. The lack of strafing in a game like this just made fighting enemies annoying at times cos you couldn't aim properly. Especially tougher targets. You would try to aim at them and constantly miss. Instead you just spam jump, spin shoot which wasted all your ammo but it's the only way to hit targets at times. Camera angles in thisThe game is good but at times it can really be frustrating. The lack of strafing in a game like this just made fighting enemies annoying at times cos you couldn't aim properly. Especially tougher targets. You would try to aim at them and constantly miss. Instead you just spam jump, spin shoot which wasted all your ammo but it's the only way to hit targets at times. Camera angles in this game were so crippling at times. At 1 point your trying to climb a wall of falling rocks and the camera just makes it impossible to see where they are coming from. Or another point when these metal heads are shooting lazers but the camera doesn't point at them till your up close so you have to memorize the beam times rather then see them. Was it seriously that hard just to zoom that part out and make the camera locked? Also the camera is inverted when zooming with no way to disable. It would have been nice to allow to have normal camera controls.
    You also better like racing with hardcore rubber banding and annoying mechanics because this game is packed of it. Your in a flying car but ramps stop you steering. You constantly get pushed into walls by the AI. Boosting is basically pointless since there is not straight areas to use them causing you to blow up and die. Then have to start over. You also get a race through the streets where boosts are on every corner throwing you into walls. These races were just the worst and made me contemplate just removing the game. No one likes racing in these games. Racing games are for racing. The difficulty in this game is a complete mess. You never know if a mission will make you loose your cool or be a cake walk. I don't mind a challenge but games should gradually get harder not a couple easy missions then a ridiculous hard one with checkpoints every 20 minutes. Repeating the same 15 minutes all the time just gets frustrating. I know the game is old but these things aren't that obscure even for its time. Other then these issues the game is good. You can get it on PS4/Ps5 aswell if you want to play with a new. But for some reason the PS2 emulator Sony made is a bit buggy and sound can be a biit weird at time. I really hope we get more Jak games in future but I really can't see it. Naughty dog are mainly focused on remastering the same game several times.

    As much as all the bad things mentioned above I really do love this game. It's 1 of my favourite PS2 exclusives. The story in this game is also my favourite out of the 3 Jak games.    … Expand
  12. 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 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 **** butRemember 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
  13. JoseManuel10_
    Jun 10, 2022
    8
    Jak II is an open world platform third-person shooter action-adventure video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony.
  14. YordanD
    Dec 6, 2021
    8
    I wanted Jak and Daxter, I got a bad clone of GTA. Graphically the game has nothing in common with the first one in the series. The City is ugly, the color palette is pale. The shapes of the buildings are not aesthetically pleasing, everything in the city is put over one another as though at random. Too many objects, too many NPCs walking the streets, too much going on at one time, it's aI wanted Jak and Daxter, I got a bad clone of GTA. Graphically the game has nothing in common with the first one in the series. The City is ugly, the color palette is pale. The shapes of the buildings are not aesthetically pleasing, everything in the city is put over one another as though at random. Too many objects, too many NPCs walking the streets, too much going on at one time, it's a cacophony of vehicles, guards, NPCs, and narrow streets. Outside of the city, which consists of small areas where the majority of the missions take place, the picture looks a bit better though not by much. Graphically it is the same as in the city, though not as cluttered. But there is no sigh of the beautiful scenery from the first game. Pale colors, ugly shapes, an excuse for a day-and-night cycle, in one word - disappointing. I am giving the game an 8 because of the amazingly good level design and gameplay. But story-wise and graphics plus UX/UI - a total mess. It's a shame given the fact that these things were perfect in the first game(for a third time).… Expand
  15. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Aug 15, 2021
    8
    This was the only Jak game I ever played. I remember it being terrific, yet flawed. It's an epic action-adventure that you can easily see was inspired by GTA III and "Devil May Cry". But while I was entertained throughout, I was also very frustrated during some missions. The game's difficulty is unbalanced as it can suddenly ramp up at any moment. Nevertheless, this sequel is a realThis was the only Jak game I ever played. I remember it being terrific, yet flawed. It's an epic action-adventure that you can easily see was inspired by GTA III and "Devil May Cry". But while I was entertained throughout, I was also very frustrated during some missions. The game's difficulty is unbalanced as it can suddenly ramp up at any moment. Nevertheless, this sequel is a real accomplishment in game design. Action fans will probably find it to be enthralling. I would give it an 8.3 out of 10.… Expand
  16. Xrayplayer
    Apr 4, 2021
    8
    While it's a great game I consider this a huge step back from it's predecessor.
    Jak and dexter was a perfect game for collectathon platformer fan who bought a ps2 and the idea of levels connected with each other without loading screens was revolutionary at the time.
    Jak 2 party much changed everything from jak 1 the game structure has similarities with the gta series you drive around the    While it's a great game I consider this a huge step back from it's predecessor.
    Jak and dexter was a perfect game for collectathon platformer fan who bought a ps2 and the idea of levels connected with each other without loading screens was revolutionary at the time.

    Jak 2 party much changed everything from jak 1 the game structure has similarities with the gta series you drive around the city completing missions, most of the missions are varied and fun there's shotting and driving and hoverboarding and platforming, but my issue is the difficulty it can be very tough and kinda unfair especially in the last third of the game with no checkpoints and you can die very easily, so if you went through a long mission and died near the end you will restart the whole mission that can take you 15 minutes to beat, at least the nice new additions and some of the more enjoyable missions made me liked this game and jak still controls really well.
    And the story is good daxter was hilarious.    … Expand
  17. Tromble
    Jun 29, 2021
    9
    Jak II is a PlayStation 2 classic that holds up remarkably well but is likely balanced too difficult for modern audiences.

    Jak II is a rare sequel in how much it fully transforms the identity of its precursor while maintaining the core foundation that made the original work. Many of my gripes with the original still exist here but at-least the over-sexualized character designs are no    Jak II is a PlayStation 2 classic that holds up remarkably well but is likely balanced too difficult for modern audiences.

    Jak II is a rare sequel in how much it fully transforms the identity of its precursor while maintaining the core foundation that made the original work.

    Many of my gripes with the original still exist here but at-least the over-sexualized character designs are no longer literal children.

    Overall I highly recommend Jak II.    … Expand
  18. sebastianali
    Jun 15, 2021
    8
    Si bien no entiendo porque Naughty Dog cambio tanto la formula con respecto al anterior, si fue un cambio bastante fresco que ademas en mi opinión ha superado por mucho a su inspiración: GTA, contando con mejores gráficos, historia mas interesante y jugabilidad super refinada y variada, y sin pantallas de carga.
    No me gusta mucho la dificultad (aunque tampoco es imposible) y lo aburridas    Si bien no entiendo porque Naughty Dog cambio tanto la formula con respecto al anterior, si fue un cambio bastante fresco que ademas en mi opinión ha superado por mucho a su inspiración: GTA, contando con mejores gráficos, historia mas interesante y jugabilidad super refinada y variada, y sin pantallas de carga.
    No me gusta mucho la dificultad (aunque tampoco es imposible) y lo aburridas que son algunas misiones secundarias.
    En resumen, no supera al primero en todo, pero esta totalmente a la altura.    … Expand
  19. alwhiz
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    This has been one of my favorite games since I was 7 years old.
    The game gives you a pretty unique combination of platforming, third-person shooting, driving segments, and even some vehicular platforming (i.e. Titan Suit and JetBoard). The people saying this game is not a platformer, frankly, don't really know what they're saying. The game actually has a similar amount of platforming    This has been one of my favorite games since I was 7 years old.
    The game gives you a pretty unique combination of platforming, third-person shooting, driving segments, and even some vehicular platforming (i.e. Titan Suit and JetBoard). The people saying this game is not a platformer, frankly, don't really know what they're saying. The game actually has a similar amount of platforming activity compared to the first game, yet since Jak II is a much bigger game, you have more exposure to the different elements mentioned above. It's sort of like they filled in the rest of the game with the new stuff.
    This is a very strong PS2 Action-Platformer; I would recommend to anyone who's interested in this genre. If you are into Collect-a-thon platformers, you're a bit out of luck here, but there is still some collecting to do in this game.
    I'd say, if you look at this as a significant change from the predecessor, it's better to focus on the similarities, rather than the differences. The game is not simply some GTA clone; it combines elements of a game like GTA into an action-platforming experience. Most of the levels are set up like 3D platforming levels, and they are very large, detailed, and connected seamlessly, in the spirit of its predecessor.
    It truly breaks my heart to see how some people could not accept this game. When I played this game at age 7, it kicked my butt, but I didn't give up. I ended up beating it after a few months, because even then, I recognized that the game was worth completing.. When I revisited the game at 11, it was much easier, because I wasn't stressed about it anymore. I don't know why others couldn't do the same.
    All in all, the game is fun, massive, and not as soul-crushingly difficult as some people say. Just take it easy, don't get stressed, and most importantly, don't blame it on the game. Take the time to understand the different mechanics, and how they work together. Peace.    … Expand
  20. Awsomeman889
    Sep 4, 2020
    8
    Its funny when I Both Love and Hate this game at the same time you know. First I love the story of Jak 2 I like it how it improves over its predecessor, this open world is great and yet depressing at the same time, and I love how you can used guns and shoot enemies in this game. Now the Parts that I hate this game. This game is Super Hard that could lead to a lot of rage quits and theIts funny when I Both Love and Hate this game at the same time you know. First I love the story of Jak 2 I like it how it improves over its predecessor, this open world is great and yet depressing at the same time, and I love how you can used guns and shoot enemies in this game. Now the Parts that I hate this game. This game is Super Hard that could lead to a lot of rage quits and the checkpoint system is completely broken in this game and I was so frustrated with. Overall though it's not a bad game, its a good game if you can get passed the broken checkpoint system and the super hard difficulty.… Expand
  21. Khazar2
    Jul 23, 2020
    10
    The plot was great and the open world design with GTA vibes introduced a sandbox element to the series. Exploring haven city and its outskirts was another layer of replayability added. The most notable thing about this game was its difficulty which made it even more fun. Gameplay mechanics were ahead at the time but does show its age, however this is mitigated with a bit of practice. InThe plot was great and the open world design with GTA vibes introduced a sandbox element to the series. Exploring haven city and its outskirts was another layer of replayability added. The most notable thing about this game was its difficulty which made it even more fun. Gameplay mechanics were ahead at the time but does show its age, however this is mitigated with a bit of practice. In summary: this is the 3rd best Naughty Dog game (after TLOU1 and Uncharted 2) and the best J&D game.

    Note: this review is only applicable to the PS2 version and not the disappointing PS4 version.    … Expand
  22. LatinCritic13
    Jul 14, 2020
    10
    Jak 2 is one of the badass open-world sequels I have ever played. The first game is all about love, but for the sequel is about revenge for those that harmed Jak after being captive in the futuristic Haven City. And it’s unbelievable that this sequel is more adult than what I expected and it’s awesome.
  23. GrandBalaxon
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    It will be my personal 10 and I don't know any other game I should give the same rating right now. I replayed it a dozen times at this point and I think it is the best Jak game we have right now. It has an interesting story, great characters and gameplay. It brings a unique world and dynamically changing music system. Havon city is a place I'd like to see in a possible sequel. Yeah, theIt will be my personal 10 and I don't know any other game I should give the same rating right now. I replayed it a dozen times at this point and I think it is the best Jak game we have right now. It has an interesting story, great characters and gameplay. It brings a unique world and dynamically changing music system. Havon city is a place I'd like to see in a possible sequel. Yeah, the game may be challenging sometimes but I don't think it is a bad thing. The Jak 3 game, for instance, have almost no challenge at all and is it a healthy thing? I dunno.

    If someone will ever make a new Jak and Daxter game - this is how it should be done.
    (English is not my native and it's my first review, so Ig that'll do for now.)    … Expand
  24. Sitheral
    Jun 14, 2020
    8
    You can safely say that this game maxed out ps2 horsepower with some incredible views and lots of details combined with an open world. Its kinda in this weird place between crash and last of us, so you get a little bit of everything, four guns, some punching action, platforming and racing, story, even skating... anyway, while very impressive, the game is pretty short and annoying at times,You can safely say that this game maxed out ps2 horsepower with some incredible views and lots of details combined with an open world. Its kinda in this weird place between crash and last of us, so you get a little bit of everything, four guns, some punching action, platforming and racing, story, even skating... anyway, while very impressive, the game is pretty short and annoying at times, I really dig more what Insomniac did on the ps2 with Ratchet.… Expand
  25. Huriele
    Jun 1, 2020
    9
    Jak II is a great evolution, because Jak and Daxter was only a platform, and was eazy to complete, but Jak II is a big step.
    In this new episode you can use weapons, you can drive Cars Around Haven City, wich is an unbelivable game map.
    And the story is simple but interesting.
    They are few things, but big things
  26. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    In my opinion the best platformer / adventure game on the playstation 2. An open world created with a lot of imagination, great arsenal of weapons, charismatic characters with touches of humor, challenging and tremendously addictive with a lot of collectibles to get. Essential.
  27. Gaisericus
    Feb 14, 2020
    8
    I played the hell out of the jak trilogy on ps2. This game has a few notorious difficulty spikes, but I was able to get through as a kid and had a lot of fun. memorable game
  28. Tecnodamian
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Es una maravilla de juego un gran clásico de la PS2
    Su historia su música y su jugabilidad es fascinante
  29. KratosKong
    Jun 15, 2019
    9
    Aunque supone un cambio bastante drástico respecto a su anterior entrega, esta segunda parte consigue aunar muy bien la acción con las plataformas, posee unos personajes interesantes y momentos divertidos gracias al siempre carismático Daxter. Ademas este juego supuso un punto de inflexión para el estudio Naughty Dog.
  30. TheZappino
    Apr 7, 2019
    10
    One of the best game ever for Play Station 2, too criticized for having changed the "style" of the story compared to the prequel (a good choice as my opinion). The game-play is fun and well structured, with elements of platform and action, all built around a cyberpunk atmosphere.
    A must-have for PS2 lovers.
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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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. Gamestyle
    70
    It’s undoubtedly a bold (if not brazen) attempt to entertain, and while Gamestyle found itself striving to collect every last item from the first title, it is hard to see the same happening with this one. Which leaves its technical achievements looking rather muted.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer.tv
    95
    Naughty Dog's expansion of Jak and Daxter's world to include different forms of gameplay has been seamless, and should open up their adventures to those who find the very concept of platform games anathema.
    Read full review
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