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. Neo010390
    Sep 22, 2010
    9
    If you thought Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was a great game wait till you get a taste Jak 2. Jak and Daxter are back in their brand new adventure and this time its bigger and better than ever. The story picks off right after you completed the first game where, Jak and his friends, Kiera and Samos are testing out the Rift Rider and Precurspr Rift gate that you opened afterIf you thought Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was a great game wait till you get a taste Jak 2. Jak and Daxter are back in their brand new adventure and this time its bigger and better than ever. The story picks off right after you completed the first game where, Jak and his friends, Kiera and Samos are testing out the Rift Rider and Precurspr Rift gate that you opened after collecting all of the Precursor Orbs in the last game. As you go through you get transported to a place called Haven City which is under command by Baron Praxis. Jak his captured and 2 years have passed since. Daxter manages to find Jak and help him escape, only to find out that Jak had gone through experiments by Dark Eco which can make him transform into a dark beast. Not only that but his personality has changed him into a teenage Jak. The gameplay is a lot different than the first game. You start off in the city and are given tasks to do by people. Once you've completed the first task, you move onto the next one and the next one, so it is like a step up ladder really. There are some challenges too which earn you Precursor Orbs if you pass them. You can ride new vehicles which you can steal from others, some are faster than others so you can get to places quicker because there is a lot of going back and forth in this game. Don't steal any of the krimzon guards vehicles or run into them otherwise the city will go on alert and they will start chasing after you and try and shoot you, try to outrun them if you can but its a real pain and wastes time. In fact its a sort of a GTA spin off this game. There are more tasks to accomplish and tougher ones too. You have new moves as well, spinning and punching is still there but this time you can carry a Rifle. The Rifle has 4 different types of shots and you have to collect these as you progress. And if that wasn't enough, when collect a number of Dark Eco you can transform into a dark beast which makes you unvulnerable for a short period of time and you can go through and smash your way through hundreds of enemies to make your job a much easier. If you collect metal heads you can trade them in to the oracle and he will give you new abilities for your beast form. You can ride on a hoverboard which can float on water and there is a skate arena where you can pull of a few tricks (a bit like playing those Tony Hawk, SSX and Matt Hoffman games). There are hover races too which are loads of fun, there are more bosses this time and for the first time Daxter is a playable character too. This game has virtually everything to make this game stand out and I loved absolutely every bit of it. Bigger gameplay, more challenges and better moves. The graphics are done beautifully and some of the level designs (one of my faviroutes is the one where your inside a temple) are very impressive. The music is perfect and the voice acting is great, especially Daxter's who is as funny as ever. There aren't many sequels out there that are as good as the first but this one is way more superior to the first, so if you thought Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was a great game wait till you get a taste of Jak 2… Expand
  2. RenegadeNorman
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    "Jak II" is easily the best game in the Jak and Daxter series. The graphics are still good even to this day, there's a lot of replay value (I'm currently beating the game for the 9th time and I'm not even close to getting sick of it), and Jak is just BAMF to play as. Jak's "Dark Jak" powers make the game even more fun. There are a lot of challenging missions, but that does not detract from"Jak II" is easily the best game in the Jak and Daxter series. The graphics are still good even to this day, there's a lot of replay value (I'm currently beating the game for the 9th time and I'm not even close to getting sick of it), and Jak is just BAMF to play as. Jak's "Dark Jak" powers make the game even more fun. There are a lot of challenging missions, but that does not detract from the fun of the game. The Precursor Legacy was good, but Jak II is 10 times better in every way.… Expand
  3. TheCritic1
    Aug 8, 2011
    8
    What a great game! Hoverboarding is so much fun and Dark Jak is unbelievable. Jak 3 betters it though! The final boss can be infuriating but is very fun! Much better than TPL an dnever gets old!
  4. Penisvanlesbian
    Apr 20, 2011
    10
    This game is amazing. Different from the first game but just as good. It should have got a 100.
  5. Greg_Heavy
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    In the top 5 best games I ever played. Great story, amazing characters, awesome gameplay, perfect difficulty, not too short, not too long, lots of stuff to collect if you like to go for 100% playthroughs. Loved every moment with this masterpiece.
  6. TheAgentBrandon
    Feb 25, 2013
    9
    Not as good as the first in my opinion. But this is easily one of the best games the Playstation 2 has to offer. If you missed out on this precious gem I recommend you buy it!
  7. Matesers
    Apr 27, 2016
    9
    This game is really well done. The smooth animations of Jak still amaze me. Very few games, even today, can rival this. The game features some really good characters. The story is nice, featuring 3 factions, so a little more complex than that of most games. Jak II is full of action and fun and smooth platfroming. And of course: No loading screens! The game loads areas as you are travelingThis game is really well done. The smooth animations of Jak still amaze me. Very few games, even today, can rival this. The game features some really good characters. The story is nice, featuring 3 factions, so a little more complex than that of most games. Jak II is full of action and fun and smooth platfroming. And of course: No loading screens! The game loads areas as you are traveling towards them. A smart system which very few other gamedevelopers have realized.… Expand
  8. 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.
  9. Mezmer
    Oct 27, 2016
    10
    This is in my opinion, the best installment of the Jak and Daxter series. This game was my childhood- it was one of the first games I ever truly fell in love with. The story and voice acting is fantastic, the gameplay is challenging and fun, the characters are unique, and I haven't run into any bugs yet. I cannot express my love for this outlandish, colorful game. Its open world aspectThis is in my opinion, the best installment of the Jak and Daxter series. This game was my childhood- it was one of the first games I ever truly fell in love with. The story and voice acting is fantastic, the gameplay is challenging and fun, the characters are unique, and I haven't run into any bugs yet. I cannot express my love for this outlandish, colorful game. Its open world aspect makes it loads of fun as well. With the remastered edition of all the Jak and Daxter games, for only around twenty bucks, there's no reason why shouldn't give this franchise a try. The new characteristics and changes from the first game, specifically towards Jak, are very evident. He's no longer happy go lucky, and he talks. His voice is rough and deep, and he's angry and looking for revenge; and let me tell you, I love it. The hover-cars and car jacking system is great, and can be loads of fun. People draw parallels from this game to GTA- but in reality, Jak is its own unique game. Please, give this amazing game a try! You will not be disappointed!… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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 its important to tell people how great this game is! Everything is perfect mystery, sci-fi, comedy, action and of course solid gameplay
  17. DarkEnergon
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    Quite honestly the best game I have ever played in my entire life, the gameplay is perfectly balanced and endlessly fun, the story is right up there with titles like Halo and Assassin's Creed, the graphics are among the best on PS2 and Haven City is intricately and beautifully designed, even from a modern day perspective (2nd November, 2011) this is among the best games of all time (IQuite honestly the best game I have ever played in my entire life, the gameplay is perfectly balanced and endlessly fun, the story is right up there with titles like Halo and Assassin's Creed, the graphics are among the best on PS2 and Haven City is intricately and beautifully designed, even from a modern day perspective (2nd November, 2011) this is among the best games of all time (I willingly compare it to the likes of "Ocarina of Time", "Super Mario Galaxy" "Metroid Prime", couple all the above praise with a unique charm and unbeatable humour and you have a classic you'll treasure for all time.
    One flaw, the 200 collectible precursor orbs are almost impossible to gather, given that they appear in some places that you never get a chance to revisit (like the metalhead nest), but the collectibles make up about 0.1% of Jak II, so don't stress your **** about it, it detracts very little to the ultimate perfection that is Jak II    … Expand
  18. SandeProElite
    Apr 6, 2012
    9
    The sequel to the first Jak and Daxter game is a great game with more content and game play added. The game has platformer elements like the first game but it's also gotten a shooter element to it. The game again is completely open world and is fun to explore. Some of the levels have pretty bad check points and over all the game isn't as good as the first game in my opinion but it still isThe sequel to the first Jak and Daxter game is a great game with more content and game play added. The game has platformer elements like the first game but it's also gotten a shooter element to it. The game again is completely open world and is fun to explore. Some of the levels have pretty bad check points and over all the game isn't as good as the first game in my opinion but it still is a very good game I'd recommend for everyone.… Expand
  19. MoonyVengence
    Nov 14, 2003
    9
    Really awesome fun game. Only downside is that younger kids will want to play the sequel which isn't exactly appropriate for all age levels.
  20. BrittanyH.
    Mar 14, 2004
    10
    This game is like, sooooo awesome!! :D
  21. Rayman
    Jan 8, 2013
    10
    Naughty Dog changed Jak and Daxter from beautiful and calm to dark and gun weighted game. They succeeded. It is still incredible game. Many says that Jak II is a very hard game, but when you play it second time, it isn't. Gameplay is quiet different from the predecessor, because now guns are the main thing. It is distressing, that platforming suffers. The story, however is very, very good.Naughty Dog changed Jak and Daxter from beautiful and calm to dark and gun weighted game. They succeeded. It is still incredible game. Many says that Jak II is a very hard game, but when you play it second time, it isn't. Gameplay is quiet different from the predecessor, because now guns are the main thing. It is distressing, that platforming suffers. The story, however is very, very good. It has funny moments, twists and sinister feeling. Cutscenes are superb. It's almost like different franchise, but still 10 out of 10 easily.… Expand
  22. PaulaTLD
    Aug 23, 2022
    8
    Juego totalmente diferente a la primera entrega, el cambio fue diferente y muy bueno. Lo recomiendo
  23. JakC.
    Dec 26, 2003
    10
    If you are a a gta freak. You will think this game rulesbreak cars killing police stealing hovers and blastin with guns.This game makes all my other game look bad everyone accept final fantasy x and i dont know about eye toy.
  24. SteveJ.
    Oct 24, 2003
    10
    If I could rate this game higher than a 10 I would. This is quite possibly the most addictive game I've ever played. If you take the mindless, over-the-top violence out of Grand Theft Auto and mix what's left with Jak and Daxter, you'll have a pretty good idea of what Jak II is like. Though I'm only a short way into it so far, I feel comfortable saying that this game If I could rate this game higher than a 10 I would. This is quite possibly the most addictive game I've ever played. If you take the mindless, over-the-top violence out of Grand Theft Auto and mix what's left with Jak and Daxter, you'll have a pretty good idea of what Jak II is like. Though I'm only a short way into it so far, I feel comfortable saying that this game will very likely end up in my personal top ten games of all time list.… Expand
  25. GregS.
    Oct 5, 2003
    10
    An Absolutely stunning game that isn't content to simply improve upon the original. It reinvents intself in every way possible, combining numerous genres and gameplay mechanics into a seamless blend of gameplay nirvana, stunning visuals and an engrossing plot that never quits. Huge replay value, definitely worth your money as it's one of the best Platformers ever made...
  26. JustaFan
    May 9, 2004
    10
    This is my favorite game ever! I just can't wait for jak III in october 2004.
  27. Stephen
    Oct 14, 2003
    10
    I'm only through the first through levels now, but I find this game superior to the first in every way. Brilliant graphics, great storyline, unrivaled gameplay - this baby's got it all.
  28. Jayrod
    Dec 14, 2003
    8
    This is an okay game, i wouldnt be too dissapointeed if i would've bought this game instead of rented. It gets old after a while though. The most annoying thing about it is it is another immitation, a really bad immitation, of GTA. >:(
  29. BonehoC.
    Jan 1, 2004
    10
    This is one of my favorite games. The gameplay is extremely addicting and it's almost impossible to resist. The controls are perfect executed. The graphics are to it's full potential. The sound fits perfectly to the atmosphere of the game. The level design is without a doubt some of the best I've ever seen in a game. The level designers took each level to their advantage. This is one of my favorite games. The gameplay is extremely addicting and it's almost impossible to resist. The controls are perfect executed. The graphics are to it's full potential. The sound fits perfectly to the atmosphere of the game. The level design is without a doubt some of the best I've ever seen in a game. The level designers took each level to their advantage. The story and the characters make the game very deep and interesting. The voice acting is very professional and fits each character. The humor of the game at times had me laughing out loud, thanks to Daxter. Thankfully this game long. Almost half of the games on the market right can be beaten in an insanely short rate. That was one of the worst things about the original game. Sure the difficulty can be challenging, but most of the time I find it rather easy. Well, unlike many of the games I own, almost all of the challenges in this game takes more than 5 tries and plently of patience. With the addition of Dark Jak, hovercrafts, guns, and attitude, Jak II really beats it's original by far. The replay value is also a very long and fun. With so many extras its fun to come back for more. … Expand
  30. MattG.
    Apr 8, 2004
    10
    This game rocked.
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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.
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  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.
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  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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