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Daxter

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 59 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 41 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Ready at Dawn - Naughty Dog Software
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Platform
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: March 14, 2006
Summary
Daxter is centered around the world of the lovable orange ottsel made popular in the Jak and Daxter franchise. The story unfolds as Daxter searches for Jak, who was imprisoned during the events that led to the start of "Jak II." Daxter, now on his own in an unfamiliar place, quickly realizes that being small and furry won't help his chances of survival. To help stamp out a mysterious metalbug infestation, Daxter takes on a job as a pest exterminator, enabling him to explore parts of Haven City in an effort to collect the clues that will lead him to Jak. Daxter allows gamers to play from his perspective offering a distinctive set of moves with agile abilities that allows players to climb walls, creep up on enemies, fit in small places and maneuver vehicles. Taking a job as a pest exterminator, to fight an ongoing invasion of metal-bugs, Daxter comes equip with gadgets to rid the city of these metal nuisances. Get close up and personal by using your flimsy bug swatter to squash an army of attacking insects or your spray gun to hover around a variety of environments while picking up various upgrades. [SCEA]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Jak 3 Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy Jak II Jak X: Combat Racing
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central GameSpot Hints & Cheats
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Gaming Age
If I had to hold one thing against Daxter (and Ready at Dawn) it’s that they raised the bar so high that it’s probably going to be a while before there is another PSP title that reaches this level of quality.
Read Full Review >Detroit Free Press
It feels, moves and looks like a "Jak" title, and any fan of the series will have a blast taking this new title on the road.
Read Full Review >GamingTrend
This is it, the first truly great game for the PSP. The entire game is just so polished, well-designed, and implemented that it could stand as an example of great gaming on any platform.
Read Full Review >Gamers' Temple
Put simply, Daxter is not only a great game for the PSP, it would make a great game on any platform.
Read Full Review >Extreme Gamer
So far, Daxter is the most fun I've had on my PSP this year, and Daxter is a sure in for PSP game of the year.
Read Full Review >Deeko
Almost effortlessly, the game provides a wonderful offshoot of the established "Jak and Daxter" world, serving up scores of original content and gameplay mechanics while maintaining the franchise's charm and fun.
Read Full Review >PGNx Media
Aside from looking great, the gameplay is very cohesive and tight, and though it doesn’t venture too far from the typical Jak and Daxter formula, it’s hard to complain when the game is this good.
Read Full Review >BonusStage
From the gorgeous graphics, solid control scheme to the writing and sound production, this one has "BUY ME" stamped all over it in big gold letters.
Read Full Review >eToychest
Daxter is one of the best experiences to be had on the PSP, and an excellent platformer on any system.
Read Full Review >PSX Extreme
It's just a really, really well-made platformer and probably one of the best to come along in quite some time.
Read Full Review >GameZone
Not only do the graphics look outstanding, but the developers went even further by having some of the best audio I have heard for a PSP game.
Read Full Review >Digital Entertainment News
The best platformer on the PSP and almost the best title period on the console.
Read Full Review >Game Chronicles
Daxter continues to prove that the PSP is the best handheld system out there and the closest thing you can get to a home console experience. I’d certainly stack this game up against anything in the genre on the PS2.
Read Full Review >Pelit (Finland)
A smooth, portable platformer that looks gorgeous. It is very traditional, but the playability is flawless and the levels are top notch. Hilarious minigames are a nice bonus. [June 2006]
Gamer 2.0
With the non-existent load times and simple, but rewarding controls, this game feels like it’s been made with the idea of what handheld games need while not ignoring the presentation that the console-like power can provide
Read Full Review >GameSpot
The pint-sized Daxter is every bit as good as its console counterparts, bringing all the best elements of the action-platformer Jak games fluidly to the PSP.
Read Full Review >GameBrink
Daxter is the most technically impressive game on the PSP and delivers and extremely fun platforming experience that could be the best in Naughty Dog’s history.
Read Full Review >Gaming Target
It takes a rich universe and focuses it on a very popular character, and didn't just throw him into some clone of Jak 3, but instead designed a game around Daxter and the PSP.
Read Full Review >Gaming Nexus
Daxter isn't just a great platformer with amazing graphics and sound, it's one of the best playing games you can get on the PSP. You can look around all you want, but there's no reason to; Daxter is the new king of 3D portable platforming games.
Read Full Review >Cheat Code Central
Daxter is an amazing looking creature. He's loaded with personality and his animated movements are fluid and well detailed as he slinks around with tail wagging and ears flapping.
Read Full Review >Da Gameboyz
With great graphics, great sound and a fun multiplayer game the simply titled Daxter is a hit on the PSP.
Read Full Review >IGN
Sure, its story is kind of ridiculous and even a little boring, but the events that said story lead into are fantastic. From the great level design to the ultra-refined controls to the excellent production values, Daxter is a game every PSP gamer should check out.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
This is the action/platformer we've pined for on PSP. With amazing graphics, an entertaining story and uber-accurate control, it's virtually flawless and its appeal knows no bounds.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
Even without the compelling multiplayer, Daxter is the best platformer available on the PSP, and a fantastic extra chapter for the series.
Read Full Review >Games Radar (in-house)
It looks almost as good as its PS2 siblings and has full voice acting for all the characters, all without the excruciatingly long loading that seems to plague most other PSP games on the market.
Read Full Review >Eurogamer
In short, Daxter is a highly polished game that, for once, really does set a new standard in terms of what we can expect from future PSP titles.
Read Full Review >GamerFeed
Daxter is a superb platform adventure that I highly recommend, and Ready at Dawn is to be commended for coming to bat for the PSP and filling the void that's plagued the system for almost a year. Purchase it immediately.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
Daxter makes a much better lead than he ever did a sidekick. As a lead critter, he's everything I look for and then some. [Apr 2006, p.71]
netjak
Daxter is a game designed from the ground up for the PSP and it shows. The handy save anywhere feature allows for gaming on the go while the length of each of Daxter's levels is suitable for a bus ride to school or work. Daxter’s graphics and gameplay are unmatched on the PSP and contribute to what is a truly exceptional game.
Read Full Review >AceGamez
Only the issues of its periodically dodgy camera and short lifespan - along with the rock-paper-scissors-esque two player bug fighting game, which is frankly not much cop and not really worth a mention - even come close to bringing it down, and even with those minor faults, you really should make sure you pick up Daxter as soon as possible.
Read Full Review >Armchair Empire
It’s got everything; humor, excellent cutscenes, great graphics and strong gameplay. What more can you ask for?
Read Full Review >Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
This makes you realise how much Jak has been holding Daxter back all these years. It also shows just how good PSP gaming can get. [May 2006, p.84]
DarkStation
Lush visuals, solid gameplay and tight controls makes this one of PSP's best thus far.
Read Full Review >PALGN
As the first game to truly establish the balance between a console game and portability, Daxter is arguably the best game on the PSP.
Read Full Review >Games Master UK
One of the best platformers we've played in years. This handheld treat is a minor classic. [June 2006, p.73]
Worth Playing
With such deep variety of familiar but accomplished gameplay, and visuals that are always immersive and frequently arresting, Daxter easily leaps ahead of the PSP platformer pack to put such concerns to rest.
Read Full Review >The New York Times
Daxter, developed by Ready at Dawn Studios, is far closer in spirit to the original game than "Jak II" or "Jak 3," with wacky humor and imaginative puzzles and action that are challenging without being torturous.
Read Full Review >PSM2 Magazine UK
A brilliant piece of crafted platforming that has the power to draw you in for an age. While not perfect, it's now the game by which all other PSP titles of its ilk will be judged. [May 2006, p.72]
Game Informer
Honestly, I'd have to say that this title actually manages to not only meet but exceed my expectations. [Apr 2006, p.135]
GameCritics
Every aspect of Daxter screams quality, and Ready At Dawn studios deserve an ovation for putting together such a masterful platforming experience.
Read Full Review >TotalPlayStation
Sure, the story's nothing to call home about, but this is still the finest platformer to grace the PSP yet.
Read Full Review >PSM Magazine
More important, however, is that this game serves as a prime example of how platformers should be designed for the PSP. [Jun 2006, p.80]
Game Revolution
The formula from the original series has been transplanted to near perfection and the Ready at Dawn crew has added a few gems that will keep you coming back for more.
Read Full Review >G4 TV
This is a full-on game that delivers a rich, beautiful, detailed gaming experience on a small, portable screen, which all makes sense when you consider some of the key development staff are former Naughty Dog employees.
Read Full Review >Modojo
Along with the great controls and the involving adventure that will keep you playing for hours at a time, the game also benefits from beautiful visuals that really bring out the best in the PSP.
Read Full Review >GamePro
Completely skip the multiplayer aspect of Daxter, and you'll be pleasantly surprised to the game's accessibility and simple ways it draws you in for an all-around enjoyable adventure. Daxter finally proves that he can hold his own without Jak.
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
One of the better games you'll find for your PSP, and a must-play for die-hard fans of the series. [May 2006, p.90]
3DAvenue
The developers have really put an effort into getting an original game and storyline on the system and it has really paid off.
Read Full Review >PSW Magazine UK
A very good platformer - It's not kid's stuff, yet kids will love it just as much as the 20-somethings who wistfully look back to a time when all platformers were as much fun as this.
Read Full Review >Boomtown
If Daxter can be accused of anything it’s playing it too safe. It’s a title never feels anything less than solid, but outside the impeccable presentation Daxter is rarely inspired; it’s enjoyable rather than exhilarating.
Read Full Review >Sydney Morning Herald
Although the platform-leaping action is easily criticised for lacking originality, levels are inventive and varied.
Read Full Review >Pure Magazine UK
A fairly predictable but enjoyable platformer with some great parody mini-games.
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Daxter isn't the best platformer you'll ever play, but on a system where the genre is so often done poorly, it manages to stand out. Definitely worth a play, whether you're a fan of the series or not.
Read Full Review >Edge Magazine
Ready At Dawn has successfully maintained its focus, making its debut game a standout title on a platform lacking in must-haves. [May 2006, p.91]
games(TM)
Handheld gaming is designed for brief sessions and, in bite-sized chunks, Daxter is a very tasty proposition. [May 2006, p.116]
NTSC-uk
Daxter’s failing, despite it being a solid and entertaining platformer, is that it does feel a bit short and a bit lacking.
Read Full Review >Computer Games Magazine
In Daxter, you get great graphics and not much else. [Jun 2006, p.91]
Thunderbolt
When you first take a gander at Daxter, you see a beautifully recreated Jak & Daxter game on the portable Playstation. Some thousand bug squishings later, you’ll realise that looks can be extremely deceiving.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 41 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
John D. gave it an8:
A good platforming game, but this gets nowhere near the PS2 Jak games.
Razvy T. gave it a10:
Icredible game, the best game I ever played on a PSP.Graphics, gameplay, everything is just incredible.I recommand it to everyone.
Zem Z. gave it a9:
An engaging plat former. fun to pick up & play. the similarities between Daxter & the good origianal spyro games are quit obvious. a little short but addictive. if you liked the first two games you'll find a lot to love here. The fact that it has no loading screens was a god send when it was realized but now seams common place. Daxter is definitely worth more than it costs now.
DavyG gave it a3:
I sold this game for less than 9 Dollars. The graphics are good enough, no better than the very first PSP releases. It has nothing on Ratchet and Clank; you really feel like you are nothing more than a furry side-kick, squishing bugs and achieving nothing. That being said the bosses were great fun... All two of them. The extra dream levels were also entertaining, all 5 minutes worth. The remainder of the title leaves a soulless, claustrophobic, dungeon crawler of a game with a slap of okay humour. I used the money to buy a screen protecter. A much better investment for when a real platformers hit the PSP.
Chris P. gave it a6:
A mildly diverting platform game spun off from the Jak & Daxter series, but certainly not the amazing PSP-selling game that many people seem to have claimed. I found it to be rather simplistic and repetitive during long sessions, but maybe that shows how well designed it is for short play on the bus. I don't know, I just thought it was a lack of imagination. Like all subsequent entries in the series, this game is a long way from capturing the delights of the original Jak & Daxter. Most reviewers seem to have been hugely impressed by the graphics but I wasn't. I guess that most PSP games have worse graphics but this still isn't really noteworthy. It's nice but no more than that. The developers have done nice work building the illusion of a seamless, streaming world. There are times when you move from open city hub to a mission's level and have to wait several seconds while a door unlocks (clearly a sneaky attempt to hide the loading times behind something "interactive"). The levels that your missions take place on are very linear so that helps them predict what they need to load but given the limits of the UMD disc format it is still somewhat impressive. Overall, I'll stick with my earlier comment. This game is nice but no more than that. Compared to most of PSP's library that's still quite good but I came way slightly disappointed after reading so much about how good it was.
Ethan gave it a10:
Man I love this game! I think any kid could play this and enjoy it.
Dean gave it a9:
The most fun I have had on the PSP. Great game for all ages. I don't know what the people who rated this game badly played, but it was not this game. This is one of the top three in my opinion.
