Gamefings logoimg

Review of Jak II HD on PS3

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Feb 2012
Cover image of Jak II HD on PS3
Gamefings Score: 9.0
Platform: PS3 PS3 logo
Released: 07 Feb 2012
Genre: Action-adventure, platformer
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome to the dystopian world of Jak II, where even the cute and furry must pack heat and unleash their inner dark side. If you've ever fancied the idea of executing dramatic parkour moves while blasting enemies with a shotgun made from recycled toaster parts, then buckle up. This is a game that doesn't just hand you the keys to victory; it slaps you across the face with them and says, 'Good luck, champ!'

Gameplay

This game ups the ante significantly. The introduction of the Morph Gun means you have to not only worry about your jumping precision but also about which gun to use when you're knee-deep in trouble. Are you facing literally cafe serving guards? Time to whip out the Blaster for some long-range tea party shenanigans. But maybe you're surrounded by Metal Heads? Scatter Gun it is! You'll navigate through various missions around Haven City and engage in mini-games that will have you sweating more than you do during a high school gym class (thanks, gym teacher!). The challenge ramps up as players tackle difficult platforming sections, navigate through complex environments, and engage in intense combat scenarios. But it's not all doom and gloom; the game includes cheeky humor and character interactions that'll bring a smile during your inevitable fail sessions. Prepare for laugh-out-loud moments when Daxter reminds you just how badly you failed an objective. And just when you think you've figured everything out, you'll realize your character can transition into Dark Jak for spiffy mode shifts mid-battle - because let's be honest, who doesn't want to be a dark beast tearing through enemies with a grin. Don't get too comfy, because dodging enemies and collecting Precursor Orbs around the city will feel like a mix of being chased by your high school crush and the principal at the same time. Even seasoned gamers proclaim the difficulty over the years, making this a title you'll want to showcase in your collection as your love affair with fear culminates into pure videogame bliss.

Graphics

Visually, Jak II HD is eye candy that honestly makes you question your life choices pre-HDR. The remastered graphics give everything a shine that distracts you from the fact that you're about to fall off a cliff...again. Think sunsets that look way too good to exist in a dystopia and character animations that are so smooth you could butter your toast with them. The upgrade to HD is more than just flinching nostalgia; it's a full-on faceplant into graphical goodness that makes the original look like it was painted by a monkey at a rave.

Conclusion

Jak II HD isn't just a sequel; it's a rollercoaster of challenges, plot twists, and the kind of difficulty that has you wondering if the developers were sadists in their past lives. If you're up for a challenge, have a penchant for parkour, or just want to watch a cute, furry critter unleash its dark side, then grab your console, because this is the kind of game that doesn't just test your skills - it tests your patience, determination, and ability to shake your fist at the sky in defeat. If payback is a dish best served cold, then this game douses it with hot sauce and has you crying for your mama in the corner. Happy gaming!

See Latest Prices for Jak II HD on PS3 on Amazon

See Prices for Jak II HD on PS3 on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...