In some ways, I love it when a great game has a sequel, because it gives me something to look forward to. In other ways, the sequels suffer from the inevitable comparison to the first game -- they're never as amazing as the first experience of a brand new world. This is the challenge for game developers -- how to keep the sequels exciting. In answer to this challenge, Naughty Dog added shooting and driving to Jak 2, and even more shooting and driving to Jak 3, while decreasing the amount of actual platforming missions.
Now, I like it when game play is varied, and I like shooting and driving just fine. The problem, for me, with Jak 2 was that the shooting and driving mechanics were awkward. If you're going to give me a gun, let me aim it. If you're going to give me a car, give me some traction. Still, Jak 2 had some great platforming moments and, final ridiculously punishing boss battle aside, was an enjoyable experience.
Jak 3 is also enjoyable, but has even less of the amazing platforming puzzles. The driving missions take place in the wasteland, with a series of dune buggies that handle very well. In fact, the driving portion of the final boss battle is one of my favorite missions in the game. In Sparga, you get to race with leaper lizards and the combination of sound effects and vibration are just perfectly slappy and rubbery. You'll still find yourself using hovercars in Haven City, but at least you won't have to race them.
And yeah.... Haven City. I felt a bit cheated going back to the same old town in a brand new game, but fortunately it was only about 1/4 of the gameplay. And wherever it takes place, the visuals are lovely.
The guns still kindof suck, although as you progress you get a couple of mods that don't require as much aiming. Really, though, for as much shooting as this game requires, the lack of aiming them myself, coupled with the wierd "shoot once, then jiggle the analog stick to relock target" mechanic is frustrating. Oh, and here's a hint for the cannons and rail shooters: if, like me, you have the game camera inverted, the cannons will be in normal (push up, sights go up)look. This drove me absolutely nuts until I figured it out about halfway throught the game.
This is alot of complaining, but I complain because I love. I still really do love the series. Jak 3 winds up the Precursor plot in a very satisfying (and silly) way. The visuals are beautiful, the story and cut scenes compelling, and the game is fun to play.
I think the 87% ratio is pretty accurate, and that Jak 3 is a great game to rent, not so much to buy.
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