Daxter: Now with 100% less Jak!

Daxter is great portable platforming fun. The game has loads of personality; Daxter is consistently funny and interesting to listen to. It's a shame the writers didn't come up with a story to match the witty dialog. As far as I can tell, Daxter's stranded in this city and stumbles upon a job exterminating bugs.

The story isn't the focus here, though. Top notch platforming is what Daxter is all about. Very linear, jumping and timing based levels keep things focused. This essential aspect of a portable game is something too many PSP developers forget.

I'd be yawning if all the game had to offer was platforming, though. Daxter's spray gun starts out as just a way to stun bugs before squashing them dead. By the last level, it's become a flame thrower/energy gun/jetpack that really opens up the level design. These upgrades could have been given earlier; the last few levels have much more creative situations due to the variety of tools you've accumulated.

One look will show you that this is one of the best looking PSP games yet. I especially enjoyed the animation of the characters and enemies. You'll probably never even give the controls or camera a second thought; they feel very natural and allow you to play without complications.

All of the levels are tied together by a large city that feels quite empty and purposeless. A menu or map to choose locations from would have served just as well. As with any platformer, there's the optional trinkets to collect. The problem is even if they're precariously placed, your unlimited lives encourage you to dive in without restraint. These orbs unlock bonus minigames with Daxter in movie parodies of Braveheart, the Matrix, and Lord of the Rings. These games sound like fun but are little more than simon-says button mashing, and won't compel you to play more than once.

Daxter has another issue that is becoming too common lately. A great game with an epic end battle that has just the right amount of challenge leads into an unsatisfying 15 second video ending. It's a small mark on an otherwise polished game, but you can't deny the bad taste it leaves as you put the game back on the shelf.

I can't recommend Daxter enough to any PSP owner. It can be had for less than $20 now and you'll surely get your money's worth.
8/10