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MCV 06/11/09 43
Sony’s platforming duo take to the skies for their latest adventure as Jak & Daxter debuts on PSP…
The multi-million selling UK boy band’s video game debut arrives, to delight fans both young and old…
by James Batchelor
by James Batchelor
BEFORE Ratchet teamed up with Clank, there was Jak and Daxter. This spiky-eared hero and his wise-cracking companion provided PS2 owners with some of the best platforming antics available on the console, before fading into obscurity as their futuristic successors seized the limelight. Now the stage is set for the duo’s return. While Daxter enjoyed a solo stint on PSP in 2006, Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier represents Jak’s first venture on Sony’s handheld. Available on both PSP and PS2, The Lost Frontier caters to both home console and handheld gamers with a brand new action adventure. JAK IN THE BOX
The story picks up where the original trilogy left off. As the world begins to run out of Eco – the precious but volatile substance that provides the people with power – Jak and Keira travel to the edge of the planet, with a reluctant Daxter. Here they learn of ancient machinery that could provide a solution – but they are not the only interested party. As they explore, Jak must battle with armies of Sky Pirates while continuing to struggle with his own Eco powers.
RELEASED: NOVEMBER 20 FORMATS: PSP/PS2 PUBLISHER: SONY DEVELOPER: HIGH IMPACT GAMES PRICE: £24.99 DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388
Once again, players progress through the storyline by completing missions that involve traversing challenging environments or defeating key enemies with Jak’s trusty Gunstaff. This time around there are a variety of optional missions in addition to the story-based ones, and players can choose to complete these at their own pace. Optional missions unlock additional modifications for the Gunstaff and Eco, which can be used to upgrade Jak’s new special powers and give him an edge in battle. There are four types of Eco that can be used throughout the game, each with a different effect on Jak’s skills. Vehicular combat also plays a big part in Jak and Daxter’s latest outing. This time they swap desert racers for planes. There are five different planes to unlock, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and these will be essential to accessible new areas that can later be explored.
THE BEATLES’ video game debut has come and gone. Now it’s time for another four UK stars to venture into music games, bringing their greatest hits to PlayStations everywhere. SingStar Take That makes the UK boy band one of the few acts to receive their own band-specific SingStar game, following the likes of Abba and Queen. The game allows fans to enjoy the foursome’s (okay, fivesome if you include Robbie) most popular songs. BACK FOR GOOD
Thanks to their successful comeback a few years ago, Take That are in the unique position of having two generations of hits: Those of the ‘90s when they first emerged, and those of more recent years. The band’s followers will be relieved to find that both Take That eras have been covered here. The mums and other older fans that remember swooning over the young Mancunians will enjoy crooning their way through the likes of Relight My Fire, It Only Takes A Minute Girl, Back For Good andCould It Be Magic. Meanwhile, younger fans who have only discovered the band since their
RELEASED: NOVEMBER 6 FORMATS: PS3/PS2 PUBLISHER: SONY DEVELOPER: LONDON STUDIO PRICE: £19.99 DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388
comeback will no doubt be itching to have a go at such songs as Shine, Patience and Rule The World – as well as discovering the boys’ earlier efforts. All in all, there are 30 tracks spread across Take That’s history and all are presented with the official video behind the scrolling words – yes, even the ones with Robbie in them. As always, songs can be sung as solos, duets or in the Battle mode, and the game is even compatible with the Wireless SingStar Microphones so players can try out their own dance routines as they sing. Sony has already been working hard to raise awareness of the game’s arrival by communicating directly with the fans. SingStar was the sponsor of Take That’s UK stadium tour, where 1.2 million people had the chance to try out the game in dedicated sampling venues. PS3 owners have also been enticed with a Take That SongPack – made available through SingStore this summer.