Remembering Jak

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A discussion covering the entire Jak and Daxter series, going through how it happened, how it changed Naughty Dog and its place within the industry, and ultimately how it left a difficult Legacy that still has yet to be determined.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:10 Jak 1
13:34 Jak 2
30:39 Jak 3
47:38 Jak X
54:33 Daxter
58:08 Jak: The Lost Frontier
1:04:36 Jak 4 ???
1:12:06 Just Jak
1:14:39 End Card
Cool things from this video-
TGB's Jak video: • The Jak Trilogy Analys...
Jason's DICE speech 2002: • D.I.C.E. Summit 2002 -...
Jason's DICE speech 2003: • D.I.C.E. SUMMIT 2004 -...

[@Nocredit11208]

we need the Jak movie to make a jakbillon dollars.

[@enemigoconlanzadewarioland3653]

My favorite part is when Jak said "It Jakking Time!" and Jaked off all over the bad guys

[@Tuesdayz]

we need to make 120 precursor orbs for each power cell the oracle contains

[@Flesh_Wizard]

​@@enemigoconlanzadewarioland3653💀

[@smugmcgbug]

Cool PFP

[@Nocredit11208]

@@smugmcgbug you too man! I love that game

[@Amra..]

Jak & Daxter started NDs obsession with animations. It's crazy how great all of the movement still look in J&D

[@stephaniegalliart859]

It's also crazy how I could pick up Uncharted 1 and somehow it still felt kinda like playing Jak and Daxter, because of the ways the animations flow together. Plus, the art direction and platforming! It's like a little tiny piece of its soul was preserved in the Uncharted games, just the same way Crash games felt preserved in Jak 1.

[@orangeslash1667]

@@stephaniegalliart859 Fun Fact: ND said that (Abu) from Aladdin was a big inspiration for Daxter's animation.

[@XylitoI]

Nothing crazy about it, great animation is timeless and by the PS2 era video games were far past the point of hardware being any kind of real limit in what sort of character animation you could create. (Unless you wanted to make Knack, lol.)

[@orangeslash1667]

@@XylitoI Even thou people want realistic games, cartoony games were a safer option back then, because realistic games are so easy to look dated.

[@MikeAruba69]

I remember being impressed with the lipsync from the original J&D game. I think the games still holds up!

[@CZsWorld]

It never occurred to me that the edgy shift in Jak II was Naughty Dog trying to adapt to the market. I always thought it was just a result of the story being set in a dystopian future, a natural rejection of the past. The Jak II is Casablanca comment blew my mind. I love these games. When I was a kid, Jak was the biggest PlayStation mascot. It's sad that all these games have gotten is a glitchy PS4 upscale. I'd be all over a Jak Reloaded Trilogy. And Jak X is one of the greatest racing games ever.

[@VICTORZITOSS]

How old were you during Jak II's launch? Not being an asshole, honestly curious. Because i was a kid and even i already "noticed", in my child's mind, it was them adapting to the market. I thought it back then that it was growing with the audience while also using the GTA formula or something like that... but it was clear there was something about what was trending back then affecting the game or influencing it. It was hard living through it and not noticing how Jak followed the path that the gaming industry was making.

[@CZsWorld]

@@VICTORZITOSS I was 9. I definitely noticed the GTA elements, but I guess I thought that the shift to a darker older Jak was more of a creative evolution to fit a story they wanted to tell.

[@BMask]

@@CZsWorld If it helps there's definitely suggestions that time travel and a slightly more dystopian world were already on the cards before a serious shift was made to guns. Jason admitted they had kids playing an earlier build of Jak 2 when getting early feedback and concept art does exist of some slightly older, more tech based versions of Jak. The map translation even talks vaguely about the concept of time travel! Also hell yeah Jak X rocks

[@VICTORZITOSS]

@@BMask a while back i Saw a video of the directors having an audience of kids taste the previous game and most of them said It would be a cool game for their younger brothers. They were 8 Definitely they were aiming to make the franchise feel older I just think that was more part of the state of the industry and the cultural landscape and not just a jump to gta-fy it

[@VICTORZITOSS]

@@CZsWorld yeaaah, makes sense because I was 11-12 so old enough to be aware of the world around me. Even if I didn't connect the dots properly.

[@CrazyzzzDudezzz]

Jak II was the culmination of all early 2000s gaming wrapped into one title, and I loved every second of it.

[@hcsnake]

That's a based comment, god I love that game so much. Never got bored of it even after 20 years.

[@kingbash6466]

I still think the Jak series handles the silent protagonist suddenly having a voice trope in the best possible way. It's great because it's not something that's just added because they needed Jak to have a voice. It actively affects the story and characters. Like, one of my favorite scenes in Jak 2 when the 2 main characters reunite with Keira for the first time and if you pay attention, you'll notice that while she is obscured from the view, she doesn't recognize Jak's voice but instantly knows Daxter's. You'd be confused until you release that she never heard Jak talk before, so she thought it was just some stranger in her hideout. Stuff like that makes this series so special and why Naughty Dog, whether or not you like their recent content, has always killed it with their attention to details.

[@jondoe7036]

Well, apart from how it's never actually explained how Jak was essentially someone who's aphonic in the first game and then come sequel he somehow learned to talk while imprisoned. I guess you could chalk it up to some weird effect of him being experimented on for two years, but characters like Daxter and Keira also don't really treat Jak talking all of a sudden as big deal on its own, which someone you've known to not talk since you were children just all of the sudden starting to in their 20s (or however old these characters are supposed to be) very much would be.

[@kingbash6466]

@@jondoe7036 I think they were just glad that Jak survived after 2 years of being presumed dead. I assume the reason they don't question him talking now is that they just believed the harsh world forced him out of his mute nature. Considering how pissed off the dude is for a lot of the game compared to his energetic, yet meek personality in the previous game, it's not an implausible theory that he changed so drastically because of the torture.

[@stephaniegalliart859]

I like that it's never really explained why he was mute, either, it was just something Daxter commented on a couple times and then moved on. It leaves room for players to wonder, which is fine by me! Not every fantasy story needs paragraphs of lore like The Elder Scrolls or Dragon Age.

[@jondoe7036]

@@kingbash6466 Still seems like it'd be big enough deal to warrant a mention or atleast reaction of some kind. That said, not that I'd want to dwell on this or take it that seriously, when silent protagonists in video games are hardly regarded with same sort of mindset or implications as an actual person unable to speak would be. Also don't mean this as an actual dunk on Jax and Daxter; as is, the execution of the idea is fun and clever in its own right. This is something I've just personally always found a little bit odd about it.

[@SOMEGUY7893]

@@jondoe7036 I always just assumed all the Dark Eco pumped into him did something, like maybe he had damaged vocal cords that the eco fixed somehow.

[@ToaArcan]

Still disappointed that the "Trilogy, then kart racer" thing didn't continue. I wanted Unkarted and The Fast of Us, damnit!

[@zen-sean]

This comment is a diamond in the sand dunes. Good job 👏

[@Halfbreedmofo]

The fast of us is killing me😂😂

[@FromTheAtticTV]

There definitely IS a place for a sci-fi/fantasy open-world action game like Jak 2 and 3. It needs to happen!

[@BillyBob_McSanchez]

You mean like Cyberpunk 2077?

[@Ray.M.12345]

​@@BillyBob_McSanchez No not that garbage.

[@BillyBob_McSanchez]

@@Ray.M.12345 It's garbage that's getting fixed

[@josephrobinson6171]

​@@BillyBob_McSanchez copium

[@TheRealCake]

@@josephrobinson6171 nope, it’s facts, cope harder

[@sharplosion1]

It's funny that everyone always speaks about how big the change is from 1 to 2. But as a kid? I just accepted it. Granted I was very much the kind of 'play it and like it' kind of kid even with games that really weren't that good. But for all the times I replayed 1 and 2, 2 got the lion's share. From just rewatching the cutscenes over and over again, to messing around in the overworld. It just continued to stick with me and only as an adult do I really feel like I appreciate it for what it is. Sly was like sitting down for a movie. Cutscenes aside, it was probably the most chill series to keep replaying, just vibing with it as it goes even if I didn't really get all it's themes as a kid. Ratchet was for the gameplay, the feel of getting strong and mowing through enemies to some great music. Jak? Jak, 2 especially, was sort of just there, but in the best way. Entire play sessions of just goofing around in Haven City, messing with guards or going nuts with vehicles. I also had a habit of completely restarting the game whenever I got stuck on certain missions, only to then pass that mission when I reached it again. It was something Sly or Ratchet couldn't quite offer. Seeing you cover Jak, after waiting for the Sly Retrospectives and even the very early, to-the-point Ratchet video, it's still some kind of coverage on possibly some of the three most important series I grew up with. Even if you do ever cover Sly 4 or do Retrospectives of Ratchet akin to your modern videos, there's still a sort of sadness after this video. Just the general completion of talking about games so influential to me. It's sobering, as thinking about nostalgia often is. Like with your Sly Retrospectives, I'm sure I'll return to this video many times. All the same, I continue to look forwards to your future projects.

[@BMask]

A lot to think about with this comment! I guess I feel a little of that sadness too, given i've been sitting on doing a Jak video since the channel began. It's nice to know some of the folks watching for so long are reflecting some of that same journey.

[@VongolaXZax]

Dang, Jason was a real one, those words still ring true today, he was passionate about his work and compassionate about the people he worked alongside with.

[@Tacom4ster]

Finally one of these Jak and Daxter retrospectives mentions Dee Sniders contribution, he was a very underrated voice actor

[@RedLegend13]

Regarding the music in Jak 3, I recall years ago I was reading the comments under a Jak 3 OST video. Someone also asked about the lack of dynamic music and Josh Mancell himself actually responded to them. Apparently there was a switch in the sound software when going from 2 to 3. This newer soundboard allowed for higher quality audio, but it also made adding dynamic music incredibly difficult. So they decided against having it.

[@ImortalZeus13]

Hearing the lore of the precursors (that I never knew) desperately makes me wish they had the opportunity to capitalize on that story. I wish we could’ve stayed in Jak 1’s setting just a little longer to see that story.

[@Sam-yx9ry]

Agreed mate. Maybe we’ll see that story expanded in a Jak 4 by a loyal fan base someday… 😢

[@TheGreySpectrum]

The whole of my family was in love with these games from the first through to the third, and then Daxter (X confused us because it was some racing game and it seemed like a spinoff rather than a main entry so we skipped over it). Perhaps most notably was my grandfather, who had experienced a fall a little while before we got a PS2 and the game. Previously he had lived a very mobile and active life, but after that and the metal they had to but into his hip, he was often stuck in the bedroom. He was a former alcoholic, having picked it up from his father and fallen into it initially due to his experiences with the Vietnam War, and that fall, as well as 9/11 and the uncertainty of the future that his family and I would face, saw him relapse into alcoholism. When we got Jak and Daxter- I'm not even sure how to describe it. He was an old school computer geek, being into that stuff even in the 80's when barely anyone outside of college educated technology enthusiasts (which he was not) was involved in that stuff. He had a whole room of PCs and PC parts, and I distinctly remember walking down the street from his and my grandmother's apartment complex to a computer store where he picked up some new Intel product. Video games were nothing new to him, but there was something about Jak and Daxter. That man achieved everything there was to achieve in that game, and he would spend hour upon hour playing it and figuring out how to boundary break and beat the game quicker and more efficiently; all of this before any of those terms or concepts were widely understood or known about. That's how it felt to us, anyway. In October of 2002 my grandfather passed away, for reasons I still don't 100% understand. My family has given me conflicting information. I know that what got him was an infection, and his body's filtration system shut down and he went into a coma before being taken off life support, but what the cause of that was I don't know. Some people in the family told me that he intentionally drank himself to death so that we'd all get the insurance money and a better life. Either way; although I still to this day have his memory card (that still has the paper sticker on it that says 'Gary'), we agreed to bury him with his copy of the game. I, as a little kid, was the one who did it, and I placed it on his chest where it met his arm. Anyhow, thanks for the video. Took me a little bit to get through, but I'm glad that it got recommended to me through the oft derided KZbin algorithm.

[@Awecyan32]

I swear to god, the intro cutscene for Jak 1 is the best intro to any game I've ever played. It gives you all the information you need and it's so iconic. The choice to demonstrate how old the precursors are by stating that neither the plants nor the rocks could remember them is both unique and catchy.

[@CoffeeBrainzz]

7:50 it cracks me up that the prophesy was actually about Daxter the whole time 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤯 Jak was INDEED the sidekick, we thought it was a joke but Daxter was right 🤣

[@orlandofurioso7329]

Especially since Daxter actually saves Jak and prevents the metal heads entering before Jak 2

[@sturmley]

All of these amazingly distinct stories and play styles. Guess you could call our boy a JAK of all trades

[@BMask]

YOOOOO

[@BMask]

@@orangeslash1667 🤐

[@orangeslash1667]

@@BMask Sorry I wasn't very clear, I meant that more as a suggestion. If you have other plans I don't mind. Since you like 3d platfomers, I recommend TinyKin. The Devs said that Jak and Daxtor were big inspirations.

[@BMask]

Dang, I should have said something instead of using an emoji! What I essentially meant by it to your original comment was that I can't really say anything, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...

[@deleteTF]

The sudden Jak 4 fanfiction pitch at the end was great. Naughty Dog, hire this man! Also, having seen TGB's video about the Jak games, it's really incredible how you approached this with suck a fresh take and perspective, I think your analysis of what the Jak series is (or isn't) and it's connection to changing game trends especially insightful. Just like Charlie's video, might need to rewatch this once or twice to fully digest it, but nevertheless, excellent video.

[@Shellshock39]

Jak 3, while unfocused overall, is actually my personal favorite of the OG Trilogy. It doesn't have any of the weird difficulty spikes that 2 does and I love how it harkens back to the Precursor Legacy. I honestly didn't mind the constant changes in gameplay. Jak 4 can happen, it just needs a team that cares. That sense if definitely possible after Rift Apart did so well. 3D platformers have made a resurgence in the past few years.

[@shards-of-glass-man]

Makes me realize that Prince of Persia and Jak and Daxter had a very similar trajectory. Started off mystic and light, went through a heavy edge phase, then tried to reconcile the two, but ended with a fangless nothingburger instead.

[@FlameOfUdun96]

While I’m not really a fan of the direction the sequels went in, I won’t lie that I miss the days when games could be unabashedly edgy like Jak 2 without being ridiculed for it lol

[@kingbash6466]

Man, I wouldn't mind games that were unabashedly edgy without some Rick & Morty-esque, winking at the camera type irony.

[@ToaArcan]

I love me some edge, but it's got to be handled well, and our post-modern, irony-poisoned meme culture that we live in now isn't friendly to people even trying, let alone succeeding.

[@felixdaniels37]

I sure as hell don't. I lived through that era, and it sucked how practically EVERYTHING ended up succumbing to the black hole of edge solely to "keep up with the times". So many franchises ended up dead or dormant because they followed this trend despite not being a good fit for it. Even the franchises that survived it didn't leave that era unscathed, i.e. Sonic. Nowadays games can be practically whatever they want so long as they exist outside the AAA sphere, and honestly that's much more preferable.

[@stephaniegalliart859]

I feel like Jak II's edgyness was handled pretty well, because when I go back to play it as an adult, Jak is clearly a ridiculous angry teen. Baron Praxis's speeches are really funny too, and meant to be that way. Everything seems like it was carefully crafted with clear intent behind it. I liked that the series stayed funny and goofy at its heart despite the sequels having a darker tone. ❤️

[@jerrodshack7610]

I loved it

[@PowercellZeke]

Mate, this was such a great video. Your analysis was of course on point, but what really spoke to me is your outlook on the series returning, as I've felt the same for a while now. The thing that I love so much about the series is that it's totally unique and weird, unafraid to try new things. But like all art, they were also defined by the period they were developed in. So while most Jak fans would love a new game that plays like the old PS2 games that is "faithful" on a superficial level, to be truly faithful is to undertake their design philosophy, with insane production value to boot. Even just your faint plot outline in this context really got me going. It's a shame though that a lot of fans wouldn't vibe with this sort of approach, however unlikely it is anyway. Personally, I'm perfectly happy with the series as is, not every property needs perpetual entries for the sake of it, and the games we already have are great time capsules that represent the era they came from. And they're also just f*cking great games. Excellent video. (Also you're welcome for those Design Bible scans lol, I'm glad you found them useful! ❤)

[@BMask]

Ahhh dude, thank you so much for the kind words and excellent comment (honestly couldn't agree more), but also for providing those scans to us all! There's so much under the hood of this series that fans who paid attention deserve to see for themselves and the work people like you and others do in getting that out there is above and beyond.

[@PowercellZeke]

@@BMask no problem

[@blankblank7382]

I wanted to say something similar but I scrolled down to the comments to check if someone hadn’t already shared the same sentiments. You eloquently described all I felt about Jak as a series, and this video in particular as well! Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@noppanolla]

Hold up. This guy has only 70k subs? I tought he had like couple of millions. These videos are just so well made😊

[@BMask]

aw shucks

[@jerrodshack7610]

Agree, usually creators with content of this level of quality are at a baseline of a few hundred k

[@brunodantasm]

I know right? KZbin is really screwing up. The Fantastic Four video alone should get him the silver button.

[@HeyFella]

There’s been plenty of Jak retrospectives, but this is hands downs the best one besides TheGamingBrits. You both evaluate the art you discuss on their own terms without being morally condescending or overly nitpicky. In a sea of video essays doing one or the other-it’s refreshing to see ones that avoid that while remaining incredibly polished, well written, and intellectually insightful. Bravo.

[@Invaderscooge42]

Between B-Mask and Charlie, I'm learning that long-form retrospectives about my favorite older game series narrated by British KZbinr are my favorite videos.

[@Deadponygaming]

Jak and Daxter is what it is through its inconsistencies to me. The way that this franchise is able to make me accept the major changes is a testament to how good the world building is. I completely agree with the direction that Jak should take. It just needs to have good world building with ties to the previous games to make me feel like we're in the same world.

[@RogersPS5]

Jak and Daxter is a mess of a series that is some how really great.

[@BMask]

I shoulda just written this tbh!!!

[@MrMister681]

Loved this video. The section about all the hidden lore and unused Jak 3 story concepts really got me going, as I had never heard of this stuff. Maybe I enjoyed that part a bit TOO much, lol

[@andrewogunmokun9309]

I miss this franchise! Thank you for making this video!

[@mistergremm735]

I find it tad ironic that the aspect I find most notable in jak series is how it abruptly ended in way that's oddly satisfying compared to what happened to Ratchet and at some extent sly where the more we got, the more I feel the original games legacy were impacted in bad way... Most evident part is that in the long run the newer games (or even remakes) in many cases are made to feed into the demand and supply market that have the original audience asking for something new regardless if it will benefit the art itself by having anything new to say or perhaps continue a narrative that didn't need to be continued purposely by the original developers, This why I'm often bit more on pessimistic side whenever old IP makes comeback personally speaking, Crash suprisingly was one of the exception but ib even the publisher had no idea how lucrative the series was, I mean look at poor boi spyro xd Jak (atleast onces made by ND) are bunch of titles were they had it rise and fall during it's era and certainly faced many difficulties and push backs but felt for most part the developers got to make what they wanted to make and shared what they wanted to be told, that jason panel talk certainly reiforced that for me (which I had no idea about but cool to highlight) so this id why I can get behind jak not coming back more easily than expected, Gonna say that if my comment were somehow already conveyed in your video, apoligy in advance, I'm someone who's bad at reading inbetween lines often Fantastic Video :)

[@1031Vulcan]

Any DMC or NMH fans here? Remember when the trailer for 5 and 3 respectively dropped, you didn't know what you were looking at first, then the ending of the protags riding their motorcycles, getting pumped for their next adventures after a decade away? I can see it in my mind, the trailer for the supposed Jak 4. I think that would make me the most hype out of the 3. I only got into DMC and NMH as a young adult, but Jak was my childhood. *Hover vehicle exploding, eco explosion, metalhead getting shot, etc.* *Daxter in frame* "Dax is back, baby!" *camera pans up to Jak's face* "JAK is back, baby."

[@BMask]

*sold*

[@NICKtendoReviews]

If the video isn’t performing to your liking, I suggest changing the thumbnail to the JAK SWEEP

[@VongolaXZax]

The man himself

[@BMask]

Lol that's a good shout though I'd feel a bit cheap using it! Thankfully it's been performing pretty good compared to my other stuff so far...

[@RatedMJ]

Very pleasant surprise to see B-mask upload today! And on the Jak and Daxter series! Very great video! And of course "fish people" joke.

[@teapotsoup2851]

Love this series, precursor legacy will always be a special favourite.

[@ThundagaT2]

Jak 3 is still my favorite in the series despite all its flaws. Yeah the new powers and gun upgrades make the game easy, but thats exactly why i have so much fun with it. There's so many different ways to handle situations. Not to mention all the little tricks and glitches you can pull off with certain combinations. I have fun just playing around, testing stuff, and messing with different mechanics on certain missions because its funny lol.

[@trapez77]

I like that your showing the original ps2 versions in 4:3. It just looks perfect that way

[@DrakeDoe]

In the end after everything Jak gets the power to turn Dax back and he becomes Mar because fundamentally it is the most insane expectation flip that the series is done and fits so well in line with everything that it's funny. Like it all is Jak but Dax takes the name and goes to the past. Y'all think Jak would really build all those statues of himself? Nah it was Dax doing it for the the kicks.

[@BMask]

My sentiments exactly

[@MoleMad]

​@@BMask But wouldn't that mean Daxter is Jak's granddad? 🤨

[@BMask]

@@MoleMad 🤔

[@ifrekeumana7121]

There’s a lot I could say to this video: how much I enjoyed your analysis, how your opinions really resonated with my feelings about each individual game, how you added more context to why I felt Jak 3 wasn’t as satisfying as the first two titles, but I think one important thing must be said. Thank you. For diving deep into what made this franchise special to all of us, even with the changes and pitfalls.

[@theashtubereviews]

I always find the argument Jak was too much of everything to stand out as its own thing interesting. I don't doubt it's true, but its look is what sucked me in. This cross between East and West art styles gave it a really appealing look to me, a western cartoon with Goku hair, my dream. I would love to see a film based around the 2d concept designs they did.

[@Ray.M.12345]

Will alway love this series especially Jak 2. Jak, Ratchet and Sly will always have a special place in my heart. Would give anything to have Jak and Sly Cooper on Playstation 5 at least one last time.

[@NickAstalos]

one of the fastest videos I've clicked on. immediately jumping to asking for a Ratchet and Clank video in the same vein now :]

[@TerrorOfTalos]

Didn't expect to see you here Nick lol, he already made one in late 2015 about the series (admittedly) diminishing returns. Also no he won't be talking about RA either going by what he said about it not too long after its reveal.

[@NickAstalos]

@@TerrorOfTalos oh hell yes buddy. ya i saw that video tho, it’s just 7 years old and only 15 min tho. don’t expect much else to be said from him but i gotta ask lmao

[@orangeslash1667]

@@NickAstalos Fun Fact: Conkers Bad Fur Day was a very big inspiration for Ratchet and Clank.

[@Exigentable]

Rubin was a legend IMO. He was a huge influence.

[@DEUS_VULT_INFIDEL]

I remember when I was still going through school there would be days where I felt the inexplicable need to boot up our chunky old PS2 and start playing some Jak 2. No idea how to properly explain it, it's just one of those things where something hits you -- like a mix of sounds, a song at a certain moment, a memory recalled on a particular day -- and you're filled with strange purpose, an itch you know just how to scratch. Like nostalgia, but without any of the negative aspects; just fun and reminiscence. There are other games that hit me like that, other things as well, but none of them quite so often as did Jak 2. That chunky PS2 is broken now, at least as I recall, and the slim we replaced it with is probably broken as well since I had to pop off its top cover and use the can opener of my junky swiss army knife to hold down the little button that would get the disk spinning to make it work, and I'd have to go on a hunt to find that copy of Jak 2 if it's even still around. Hard to believe it's been twenty years.

[@seasideguy18]

I loved Jak growing. The first one holds a special place for me but I did like what the other games did. I even have very distinct memories of my sister renting Jak 2 from a video store and watching the opening. My child brain couldn't comprehend what happened to Jak. "Why did he become so angry?! He can talk?! What happened to the power cells??" Of course as I got older I could tell in hindsight the games are really a product of the time but I still think theres some space for the series to come back. Theres so much to the mystery of the Precursors that they could tap into!

[@Senthain]

It's really cool seeing you tackle a trilogy that I grew up with, and hearing what you have to say about it all. I get everything that you're saying about Jak 3, and I think you're totally right, but that game for some reason holds a special spot in my heart. For some reason, the whole plot of Jak being stuck in the wasteland, then coming back to Haven City to kick ass just did it for me. I also used to be much worse at games, so it took me a long time to get to that point in the game, lol. That, along with the atmosphere of a ruined Haven City, coming off of the back of diving into ancient Precursor ruins and seeing the innards of the city again just had this really cool underground, on the back heel kind of feeling that I still can't get enough of. It sucks that its plot is so messy and attempting to juggle so much, there's an incredible finale buried in there somewhere damn it.

[@BMask]

I will say, that moment definitely resonated with me too. As I said the first Act is a really well put together piece and you can tell they didn't budge on the original concept for it much at all. Whenever I think of Jak 3, I think of that first act, and the trip through the mines to return to Haven. 'Let's go topside and see what kind of trouble we can get ourselves into' 🤙

[@Senthain]

@@BMask It definitely feels telling how good the first act is, the team probably had that all done first, but just didn't have the resources to follow through on their vision, hence the reasons for the cuts you mentioned. A year of dev time on a trilogy ender like that is kind of criminal. I'll never get tired of Jak's mischievous smile there, you can see the joy just flowing back into the guy!

[@felonyx5123]

@@Senthain It was practically a curse for the PS2. Trying to fit a trilogy into a 5-year console lifecycle, there was always one game that ended up rushed.

[@bellboy7809]

​@@felonyx5123 the sly trilogy probably feels the most complete of the various trilogies on the ps2, with this statement in mind.

[@pockystyx4087]

Having never played a single Jak game; its interesting to see how vastly different each game is from one another. Its consistent ability to inconsistent is very post-SNES eraFinal Fantasy, in that way. Had a flash of a "if Jak 4 came out at the height of the GaaS live service model era", and I admit; it actually gave me a chill down my spine lol

[@Hiihtopipa]

Every Jak and daxter (and Jak X) holds a different place in my heart! Awesome games!

[@BBPirate06]

I've spent so much time thinking about and writing about these games, it's really something to hear someone who's passionate about these titles while also being critically of its flaws. The Jak 3 section in particular was pretty validating. Ultimately, I think this series is done for, but I would be happy to have a honed Naughty Dog tackle another title one day.

[@gonnsolo8506]

My only interaction with this series is the Daxter game for PSP. It was very great, I remember it very fondly and still replay it every now and then (shout-out to the Spanish voice actor of Daxter for being the funniest person ever)

[@olefredrikskjegstad5972]

The Jak series is an interesting one to me. I didn't grow up with it - (Ratchet & Clank was my big PS2 franchise) - and I picked up the PS3 HD trilogy as an impulse buy. I absolutely feel like I got my money's worth as I definitely enjoyed them, the swerve from Precursor Legacy to Jak II is _rough_ and I've definitely played the original a lot less than its sequels, but I will happily call the time I had with the games a real fun one. As gameplay experiences, they're surprisingly tough sometimes, Jak II especially sticks with me for some consistently challenging sequences (shoutout to Onin's match puzzle, the fight against a horde of Krimzon Guardsmen in the watery slums and the bike races). It's an interesting and almost nostalgic series now, and the only thing I'd still want to do is find a way to play Jak X.

[@danieloloughlin8768]

Jak X is on ps4 store

[@olefredrikskjegstad5972]

@@danieloloughlin8768 Will have to keep that in mind if I ever upgrade, but my gaming is very much a lower-budger affair currently. My PS3 from 2008 is amazingly still functional, and I have a decent laptop.

[@bainaka]

IF Jak comes back I want the world exploration of one, the interactions and gameplay of 2 and the upgrades of 3. Honestly that'd make the series a nice round circle in my eyes.

[@KirbySonicTeam]

Excellent video really putting into words the soul of jak as a series and a brand. I actually think what you described at the end of the video is why I love Jak 3 so much. I like that it’s a hodgepodge of mini games and endless ideas. There’s always something new to do and I find every one of those changes fun and interesting minus the story.

[@forestcult7780]

I grew up with the Jak series. Me and my mom still quote the fisherman

[@MegapiemanPHD]

Naughty Dog's a company where each of their popular projects seem to build upon themselves. Crash did 3D platforming well in an age where just being in 3D was a novelty, Jak branched out that idea with it's open world and level design while becoming more combat focus, Uncharted narrowed in on that combat while trying to push more narrative and The Last of Us tries to marry gameplay and Narrative together even more. The Jak series really fits a middle ground between Crash and Uncharted having the platforming of Crash (and even a classic spin move) while experimenting with shooting.

[@PepsiMan666]

Crash, Spyro, Sly, Ratchet, and now Jack. I think that's everyone, isn't it?

[@BMask]

Gex 😩

[@FlameOfUdun96]

@@BMask this reminds me of the time I fell through the vents in Steve Urkel’s basement

[@aslothhasnogame]

I play through the 4 main line games at least once a year. They are so great.

[@ThatOrangeGhost]

I am so flipping excited to watch this. Jak means so much to me and you make the best retrospective videos around so I am eager to give this my full attention

[@GreayWorks]

"The Jak sequels were so edgy and dum-" "YOU WEREN'T THERE MAN! IT'S RAD!"

[@Necron1999]

As a wise man once said: “Everything you thought was cool as heck when you were 12 years old, still is.”

[@kawaii33366]

I discovered this franchise through oneyplays and Jak immediately became my favorite protag As a yougen I think the push for wholesome is because we're constantly surrounded by daxters humor everywhere. Everyone wants to be edgy, horny, or objectifying because lol funny. Every day we have funny ppl who can't take anything seriously or ruin cute wholesome moments. So I can imagine that just having a game that is about that (though we also love angst) or has those elements is really important.

[@adamiskykins]

What an absolutely stellar video! Thoroughly well informed and formatted perfectly for an incredibly captivating video essay! It really warms my heart to see a series I love so much given the kind of attention it deserves while telling the full breadth of it's tumultuous past! Very well earned sub from me!

[@elbereth2048]

God this makes me want to go back and play these games so bad

[@dai-okami]

I always felt like Jak was such a genuine character growth of someone who had gone through the events he survived. Started off a pretty one note hero (with a devious side) and in Jak 2 once exposed to dark eco he really let's that devious side take over. But he doesn't betray his will to fight for good and his honor. Then finally in Jak 3 I felt like he really came full circle by embracing both his "light" side and his "dark" side. Neither of them are better or worse then each other. They don't define him, they are just parts of him. What defines him are his actions and he always stands for good and honor. Love Jak.

[@crunchyoatmeal610]

waiting for the "fish people" drop in every video is truly a tradition unlike any other

[@brianblast391]

Another B-Mask banger. Just started replaying jak 2 on my steam deck so this hit at the perfect time.Showed your fantastic four video to like my 5th friend so far yesterday and I'm eagerly looking forward to more comic videos! Keep up the awesome work dude!

[@doublel1503]

Well, this was great! Can't imagine a more perfect conclusion.

[@TheUltimateShade667]

As a kid I spent ages theorycrafting a game in my head that was basically Warhammer 40k: Squad command but in Spargus city and the Wasteland. Nowadays if I were to imagine it itd be something closer to XCom, but even as a kid I knew Jak and Daxter could work in other genres. I actually have been of the belief that if the series were to return that it shouldn't even be about Jak. This world is so cool and unexplored that you can do more with it than you can with just Jak. But with or without him being the focus of the story I'll take whatever I can get with this series.

[@piyam5948]

I'm so glad you talked about the music in Jak II, I still hear that wonderful atmospheric night city sound in my head (and crunching into the other vehicles in the traffic)

[@robotrannicthesurprisingly9085]

Even if jak never returns I'm just glad there's a dedicated group of fans working to keep these strange dark & horny ps2 games through dedicated PC ports. Go give the guys at Opengoal a pat on the back. The work they've done to get jak onto pc is mind blowing considering the language the jak games used is akin to digital hieroglyphics.

[@SirTobyGirl]

Jak and Daxter is my all time favourite series, thank you for doing this video, enjoyed it very much. Subscribed

[@cometmoon4485]

I always love to see more Jak appreciation and discussion.

[@marcbrisebois8690]

Reall nicely made video man. I adore this series so much. Holds a special place in my heart.

[@MasterHand4444]

Your ability to slip Fish People into literally any script is astounding. I really liked this video's mention; it was very well handled and fit the script smoothly.

[@shady9118]

I love your videos! I've never played these games and I've only heard about them in passing but I really liked hearing what you had to say about them. I think you do a good job of summarizing the creative proces behind making media and where and how the intentions and outcome went awry. Is very interestign!!!!!

[@superslick157]

I wasn’t expecting a full fledged series review, but just the fact that this series from my childhood is being acknowledged with such depth fills me with joy

[@PointNemoProduction]

I love love love these games. Jak and Daxter was the first game I really 100% when it game out and the first game on my PS2 that I still use to this day.

[@16BITinsanity]

You and Charlie’s videos really resonated with me and reminded me why this series influenced me so much growing up. Thanks for that.

[@clarkred4235]

Another video recapping everything I already know about Jak? Hell yeah, I'll never get tired of rewatching this stuff

[@beneven-kesef5121]

beautiful video - I love the first two dearly and you encapsulated that so well here.

[@nicestoriesnottherealstori3006]

You know the music in the intro to Jak X was also in the intro of an IndyCar game from that time period.

[@zerodollarbird]

It's also a Queens of the Stone Age song. Which is *nuts* to me.

[@lichlame]

So awesome to see you cover these games!

[@alexturnes5388]

Great video! Jak 3 is my favorite. I don't know, i think is the balance between the adventure of Jak 1 and the edgy Jak 2 and is the vibe i prefer

[@Chispa9119]

The greatest tragedy on KZbin is that your channel is not bigger. Every time you release something it's absolutely amazing. It leaves you thinking about something. I love your take on the industry. Here is a comment to feed the algorythim even though I don't comment often. Hoping the algorythim catches you someday.

[@MrProdigy810]

That “you get used to it” line still hits way too hard

[@runningwild09]

what a blast from the past. Thanks for the video!

[@nighthawk5502]

great video, the abundance of Jak content on KZbin lately has been a pleasant surprise. this may be the best one

[@mackenzieregis1351]

Always a good day when Bmask posts a video essay on anything love ya man

[@IsaiahAmos017]

I swore when Jack said he is going to kill them all and get revenge he was gonna say not just the men but the women and the children too.

[@AllWeNeededWas]

this is interesting timing for me personally cus I was literally thinking of playing through the whole series again TODAY

[@Wendykgogome]

My favourite one . I enjoy the game and I play it everyday.

[@MELONALDENTE]

Jak 2 made me cry when Jak said bad words. I was at my cousin's house for Christmas and cried to my dad about it lmfao

[@BlindedOtaku]

Loved the video, the first game will always hold a special place in my heart, that OST bangs TOO hard!

[@PriestofYeast]

Seriously, get as much of the original staff and some fresh blood to make Jak X-2. Develop and explore the criminal underworld of the Jak universe now that the precursor arc is largely over. Return to that early 2000's edge while injecting some new and modern sensibilities. It doesn't even need to strictly be a racing game. That's the best direction I can see for the future of the series. Can't say I'd be excited for remakes or a reboot.

[@batattitude]

18:46 I think people underestimate how much Jak and Ratchet both changed from their first entries tbh. Ratchet 1 was a 3D platformer where you could hold a gun, every subsequent game in the series made it more of a 3rd person shooter where you sometimes jumped. In the first game, the weapons were more like Zelda-eque tools for solving combat puzzles, the blaster is not a gun per se, it's about behing able to snipe the blue guys on Orxon so they don't wake up the crabs. The Devastator was about destroying helicopters or towers in the second space station level. The suck cannon was about clearing out ankle-biters etc. As soon as the third game, they default the controls to strafe-run and start you with the shotgun and grenades. To say nothing of the sandblaster they took to Ratchet's characterization to make him feel more cuddly and heroic. And honestly the worst thing both series did was give the everyman hero characters Heroic Destinies like some hack-fraud Hollywood script.

[@coriklocek1841]

This is one of the best videos I've seen in a while, and definitely fhe best jak and Daxter video I've seen

[@DATskorge]

B- Mask's Sly Cooper videos are probably my favourite on this website... This has me very excited.

[@ToonCrate]

Every retrospective you make is a treasure, dude. I dunno how you do it

[@vigaren]

thank you so much for this video! Loved it!

[@christopherhart1640]

Jak 2 was my favorite with dark jak, although i think i was too young to fully enjoy the 1st one, so i would probably wan't both remasted, excited to see this vid and relive some memories.

[@SonicBahasa]

The message and how you deliver it. LOVE IT!

[@zen-sean]

Great video thanks for putting in the time and thought. It was nice to listen to 😊

[@cartoonworld92]

I yelled in triumph when you mentioned jak 1 demo disc trailer thank you! You're the first person I have ever seen do so that trailer has stuck with me so so long it's one of the best. I miss the days of the demo discs.