Common Sense Note
The driving force behind Jak's character is that he has been infected by negative life energy, called "Dark Eco," that gives him strange and scary powers. Fortunately this time around Jak also embraces "Light Eco," a positive life force that offsets his destructive side with some constructive abilities. As in the other Jak and Daxter games, there's lots of shooting (no blood) and Jak can steal vehicles and fight his way out of situations. Parents may want to discuss how life requires us to make choices that often bring out the best and worst of our characters.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Aaron Lazenby
JAK 3 is an almost immediate continuation of the series' previous installment, picking up the story not long after Jak and his weasel sidekick Daxter saved Haven City from the evil Metalheads. However, the city's population has grown suspicious of Jak's dark powers, and he suddenly finds himself banished to the Wastelands -- a dismal and windswept desert populated by other outcasts and ruthless marauders. While trying to make a life for himself in exile, Jak begins to discover the connection among the odd artifacts littering the planet, the ongoing Metalhead war, and the bright daystar that blazes larger in the sky each day. If he and his friends in Haven City can't find a way to work together, they may all be doomed.
Much of JAK 3 may seem familiar to gamers returning to the series as the story primarily revolves around the locations of Jak II. The latest game incorporates the layout and design of the Haven City you've seen before, and while it makes for great story continuity, sometimes JAK 3 feels a bit recycled. This becomes more obvious when the recognizable settings butt up against exciting new environments, such as the desert of the Wasteland with its shrieking sandstorms and supple dunes. JAK 3's new locations makes you wish there was more new ground to explore.
Additionally, JAK 3 is too glitchy for a game that looks as good as it does. Cut scenes drop and leave you looking at a blank screen, items and abilities mysteriously disappear, and missions get caught in loops that force you to restart your system. Such failings can be extremely frustrating when they undermine hours of progress. JAK 3 is hard enough already without these technical distractions.
Nevertheless, JAK 3 has a compelling narrative, well-drawn characters, a variety of mini-games (most of which offer a nice break in the relentless action), and stunning graphics. While it offers little help to those joining the story in the third-act --and some kids may be upset by the dark tone and continuous warfare on the streets of Haven City -- fans of the series will find JAK 3 a thoroughly rich and satisfying game.
Rate It!
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ViolencePerpetual shoot-em up violence, but nothing graphic or bloody. |
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LanguageA sprinkling of playground-grade vulgarities. |
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Social BehaviorJak can steal vehicles from unsuspecting civilians and fights his way through many of his problems. |
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