Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier box art

System: PS2, PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: High Impact Games	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SONY	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Nov. 3, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The other disappointment in the game rears its head intermittently when Daxter gets separated from Jak and is bombarded with dark eco. When this happens, you're forced to trudge your way through tedious puzzle-like levels by hitting switches, pummeling baddies, and spinning around like the Tasmanian Devil to soak up dark eco and blast through walls. Clunky controls bog these sections down. Fortunately, other areas of gameplay are more prevalent throughout the adventure.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier screenshot

A little less than half the adventure actually takes place in the air. In contrast to the tacked-on feeling of the Dark Daxter moments, these new airborne elements are actually a great addition to the gameplay. You'll fly between islands to access new levels and missions, though there are many opportunities to engage in dogfights and other open-ended side missions in the skies. In some cases, you'll engage in massive skyward engagements against squadrons of enemy ships and larger flying targets. These air portions kick-in early on and frequently at different points in the game. There are four different ships you can access, and each can be decked out with various armaments and upgrades.

The Lost Frontier is a good looking game both on land and in the skies. It's simply too bad that the confining camera angles don't let you get a full view of the beautiful environments you'll be bounding through. This is less of an issue when you're in the air, but it does feel like a constraint at times when on foot. The game's excellent cutscenes do a fine job of setting up the story and helping move the plot along at key moments, and they're enjoyable to watch

If you've been hankering for a full-scale Jak and Daxter game for some time, The Lost Frontier largely fulfills its duty as a continuation of the main series with flying colors. It's not a perfect sequel by any means, but it's strong enough to merit a purchase and some solid play time. Just be prepared to deal with some bumps along the way.

By Nathan Meunier
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.3

Graphics
It's a sweet looking game all around, though the camera angles don't always let you get a good glimpse of the beauty.

3.8

Control
Camera controls are too limiting and switching out powers can be tough in a pinch, but almost everything else works well.

3.7

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Expect to put up with a lot of butt-related humor.

3.7

Play Value
There are moments in The Lost Frontier where you'll get pretty pissed about some of the design decisions. Get over that and you'll have a good time.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

First ever Jak and Daxter adventure on the PSP.

Classic Jak and Daxter action platforming adventure.

Customizable weapons, vehicles, and all new dark powers.

Never before seen characters and locations of the Jak and Daxter universe.