Jak II: Renegade

Lore & Background

In Sandover Village, Jak, Daxter, Keira and Samos activate the Precursor Ring using a Rift Rider vehicle, triggering the emergence of monstrous creatures including a massive beast searching for a 'boy'. The group flees through the Ring, and Jak and Daxter crash-land 300 years into the future in Haven City. Jak is captured by the Krimson Guards and subjected to two years of Dark Eco experiments, transforming him into a vengeful figure capable of becoming Dark Jak.

Daxter rescues him. In Haven City, they meet Kor, who directs them to the Underground, a resistance group commanded by former Krimson Guard Torn and led by the Shadow (later revealed to be a younger Samos). They work with Krew, a shady saloon owner, and meet Ashelin, Praxis' daughter and a conflicted Krimson Guard member. Jak and Daxter locate Mar's tomb and recover the Heart of Mar gemstone.

Kor is revealed as the Metal Head Leader. Praxis is mortally injured by the Leader. In the final confrontation, the Leader reveals that a green-haired boy is Jak's younger self, sent to the past to gain strength. After Jak defeats the Leader, young Jak releases a Precursor entity, which declares the war over and tells Jak his Dark Eco corruption has been balanced with light.

Young Jak and Samos are sent back to the past. Ashelin becomes governor, Torn leads the reformed Krimson Guards, and Daxter rebrands Krew's saloon as the Naughty Ottsel.

Reader's Guide

Jak II is a 3D platform game with action-adventure elements. The player controls Jak in the dystopian Haven City. Gameplay features a seamless open world with non-linear missions. Jak's actions include running, jumping, double-jumping, crouching, and a rolling jump.

Combat includes a spin attack, dash-punch, dive attack, and uppercut, complemented by the Morph-Gun. When health is depleted, Jak respawns at the beginning of the last section. Health Packs replenish a quarter of health. The Jet-Board enables faster travel and tricks.

Zoomers (hovering cars) provide transportation. Jak can absorb Dark Eco to fill a meter; when full, he can transform into Dark Jak for powerful melee attacks. New Dark Jak abilities are obtained by exchanging Metal Head Skull Gems with a mysterious teacher. Missions include platforming, racing, mech suit operations, and protection tasks. Precursor Orbs unlock special options and features.

Did You Know?

• The game was positively received for its genre fusion, narrative, and technical aspects, though city navigation and difficulty were criticized.
• A remastered version was released as part of the Jak and Daxter Collection in 2012, and a limited edition physical version for the PlayStation 4 was released by Limited Run Games in 2019.