Daxter for PSP: I'd Hit That.

Game: Daxter
Platform: PSP
Price: $39.99
Developer: Ready at Dawn Studios

Yes, my friends. I recently received my first game for my sexy black beast (PSP). And what a doozie of a game it is! Daxter has graced my PSP with his presence, and it is one heck of a visit. I heard that it was one of the best games for the handheld, and for good reason.

Graphics: beau-ti-ful. This is one of the games that showcases the awesome power of the PSP. Half way between Jak 1 and Jak 2, they are amazing. Character models are well done, and the numerous areas throughout the game contain the little touches that make it seem "real".

The water effects a pretty standard for the PSP, nothing special, but adequate. This is one of my few gripes about the game. When you aren't out in the main square, the frame rate is silky smooth. But when you get too much action on screen (namely superfluous stuff like hovercars overhead and the like) it starts chugging. Luckily it only happens in the main square of the city, where you spend very little time.

Controls: top notch and tailored for the PSP. Analog nub to move, shoulder buttons to swivel the camera left and right, it makes sense. It didn't take me long to get into the controls, and once I did, it was like second nature.

Gameplay: Fun. Daxter becomes a bug exterminator. Throughout the game, you get an electric fly swatter (which is very handy), a spray canister, and a flamethrower (!!) and sonic grenade attatchment. The standard platforming schpiel is here. While not exactly revolutionary, it is damn fun.

Be warned, the levels aren't your standard five-minute PSP fare. Daxter is more in line with its console brethren, and the level design shows. Earlier levels only take a few minutes tom complete, but the later ones can take twenty minutes. Fret not, weary reader, as you can save halfway through a level. But, even these long levels couldn't save the gam from the handhelds one flaw. Namely, the game was too short. I would've loved to spend more time in Daxter's world, but this was not to be so.

:Spoilers begin here, so watch your step!:

Story: sensible. Taking place in the later months of the two year lull between Jak 1 and 2, Daxter manages to land a job as a bug exterminator. The Metal Heads from the second two games have released a infestation of metal head bugs into the city as a precusor to the real metal head infestation. Daxter meets several characters from the other games, as well as some new ones.

:Spoilers end here, so go ahead and breath again:

Overall, Daxter is a gem of a game, one PSP owners will be glad they picked up. While not perfect, it is a great platformer that any PSP owner should pick up. Trust me, you'll love it.