Previews

E3 2009: Hands on with Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier on PSP

Going where no ottsel has ever gone before

E3 2009: Hands on with Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier on PSP

After taking a break from their platforming adventures, Sony's odd couple aren't to be outdone by flashy cars or stealthy heroes. Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier sees a long-awaited return of the duo in an original portable quest that may not have the buzz of other PSP releases, but packs a punch as we discovered in our hands on at E3 2009.

Entitled 'Seeking the Seekers,' the first level we played took Jak through a fiery cavern with sidekick Daxter clinging to his back. Crumbling platforms and melting rocks made quick jumps essential for survival. Straightforward platform challenges such as swing-jumping through a series of horizontal poles and dangerous double jumps between eroding ledges were joined by more complex tasks requiring the use of special eco abilities.

Accessed via taps of the D-pad, eco powers enable Jak to perform special abilities for solving puzzles. Rocket Jump, for instance, allows you to boost up to high platforms with a press of the X button while standing on an eco power vent.

Eco Construct generates platforms to reach new areas across pools of red-hot lava. Since you can only activate eco powers at an eco vent, you're limited to how frequently and where you use them.

Combat breaks up the platforming with burrowing rock creatures and robotic sentries interrupting Jak and Daxter's stroll through the lava-flooded cave. Jak can rush forward to punch enemies with a press of the Square button, though the small rocky platforms in the cavern made guns a more attractive option.

Hitting the Triangle buttons triggers Jak's weapon - naturally, new weapons can be acquired as you progress through the game. Additionally, circle instructs Daxter to spin around for a stationary melee attack that proved a useful alternative to Jak's forward punch.

While the controls are competent, they need to be tightened up for a greater sense of precision and command. Firing rounds from Jak's gun, for example, doesn't feel quite right. The laser sight on Jak's weapon proves an indication of where he's firing, though a reticle would help. A more dynamic camera would be of service too, as constant manual tweaking of the view was required using the L and R buttons.

Fortunately, none of these issues was of note in the second level 'Galleon Assault.' Departing from platforming, the level straps Jak and Daxter into a fighter plane to take down a massive airship. The objective - obliterate the galleon's two propellers, thrusters, and array of gun turrets - is easily accomplished by jamming on the X button to spray machine gun fire.

Judicious use of missiles, which are fired with the Triangle button, make short work of the airship's parts and the dogfighters desperately attempting to stymie your assault.

These aerial antics bring an unexpected appeal to the game. In fact, The Lost Frontier will come packed with a separate mode that focuses solely on aerial dogfighting. While the aforementioned platforming level possessed phenomenal graphics it was the aerial combat that was more enjoyable.

The controls and camera are undoubtedly going to be polished up before the game's fall release, at which point we're hoping to review a combination platform and flight-action game of the highest quality.

Tracy Erickson
Tracy Erickson
Manning our editorial outpost in America, Tracy comes with years of expertise at mashing a keyboard. When he's not out painting the town red, he jets across the home of the brave, covering press events under the Pocket Gamer banner.