The resurgence of 3D platformers is still ongoing after Astro Bot’s release. Nintendo is giving us a new 3D Donkey Kong on Switch 2, and classic icons like Croc are getting re-releases. Even if we don’t get a renaissance, classics like Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy are readily available on PS4 and PS5 for anyone to try.
It’s a good thing fans can still buy Jak and Daxter, because few 3D platformers are better than this PS2 classic. Super Mario Odyssey and Astro Bot are arguably better games, but they’re part of the literal “few” we just mentioned. An argument could be made that the Sly Cooper or Ratchet and Clank games are better, but we don’t necessarily agree.
Naughty Dog’s PS2 classic might not look great in cutscenes, but the game's bright colors and vibrant art style more than make up for it. We commend Naughty Dog for using in-engine cutscenes, as they tend to age better than some FMVs from this era. Plus, it adds to the immersion, and these visuals were mind-blowing when the game was released in December 2001.
Considering how Naughty Dog had just worked on Crash Bandicoot for the PS1, we’re sure the differences in scope were enough to make 3D platforming fans happy.
Adding to the immersion in Jak and Daxter is how huge the game’s 3D world is. Once players beat the tutorial, they will witness how each level is interconnected and go through all of them with practically no loading screens. Just being able to go to the beach straight from the opening village was grand at the time, and is still pretty impressive now.
Like all good 3D platformers, this Naughty Dog title had great traversal options for Jak. There’s the typical double jump and high jump we’ve seen from other games in this genre. Jak also has a great rolling jump that’s handy for reaching farther areas. Players can also use the spin kick to gain extra air, helping them reach platforms in the last minute.
As much as we love Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, we do admit that its setting doesn’t feel very original. This is a pretty typical fantasy setting with jungle levels, ice levels, fire levels, and the works. Being able to travel to them without loading screens was really appealing at the time, but compared to Ratchet and Clank’s futuristic setting or Sly Cooper’s modern-ish world, it’s easy to see why people prefer those games.
The sequels, Jak 2 and Jak 3, did try to fix some of that generic 3D platformer feeling this game had. Unfortunately, the reaction was mixed, as these sequels were much edgier. Jak 2 was clearly influenced by GTA 3, with a focus on shooting and vehicle missions. Jak 3 tried to balance more platforming with those GTA-style missions. Neither game is bad, but it feels like they pivoted too hard from a fairly harmless fantasy setting.
It’s not very original, but Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is still very good. You can play it on the PS4 and PS5, where it’s readily available. PC players know other ways to play this game.
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