Jak and Daxter | A Character Study
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- čas přidán 5. 10. 2023
- When designing Jak, the character was given a multicultural appearance so as to broaden his appeal to many age groups and cultures. In this video, we dive into what inspired Jak and Daxter and how Naughty Dog developed Jak's character over the coarse of the games. Following the success of the Crash Bandicoot series, Naughty Dog envisioned a new IP, a game intended to be bigger and better than what came before. Something which would captivate players for hours with its smooth integration of gameplay and story elements. The result was the Jak Trilogy.
This video contains spoilers for Jak and Daxter The Precursor Legacy, Jak 2, Jak 3, Jak X Combat Racing, Daxter & Jak and Daxter The Lost Frontier.
Music:
Jak and Daxter The Precursor Legacy Soundtrack by Josh Mancell
Jak 2 & 3 Soundtrack by Josh Mancell and Larry Hopkins
Jak X Soundtrack by Billy Howerdel, Dean Menta and Larry Hopkins
Artwork featured in this video is official promotional and concept art created for the series by Naughty Dog. - Hry
Legacy of Kain and Jak are two of my favourite game franchises so its nice to see you do a Jak video. Would love to see Insomniac, the devs of Ratchet and Clank and Spider-Man, have a go at making a sequel to Jak 3 as their Ratchet and Clank games seem to always be fairly decent.
I don't think Insomniac would handle the story well, they maybe could pull off the gameplay. Ratchet's character is absolutely neutered after the PS2 games. And after the PS4 he's written like every current anthropomorphic kids character. In general games writers are writing very homogeneously in line with film and episodic shows. At the very least, Sweet Baby Inc. has their tendrils grasping the writing of Insomniac for sure. I have zero trust for them.
One thing you notice about jak and daxter over the games is that no matter how cynical or mistreated jak can get he and daxter are always on the same page and have each others backs. No falling out or anything. They are legit brothers.
This was my first and favorite video game, Jak and Daxter inspired my love for fantasy, post-apocalypse, science fantasy, and distaste for cyberpunk and distopia.
The twists and plots were something else. There were some flaws, but every game gave you some great fun. Thanks for covering this series.
Jak 2 is by far the most flawed, but it was charting new territory for the series and the developers themselves, I think. Its main issues were difficulty. I think the tonal change was weird and I prefer the original nowadays, looking back on it, but I also feel like it was probably the right decision for the developers so as not to let the experience grow stale for them and, perhaps, for the players.
But I'm just more of a cute-and-cartoony platformer collectathon kinda guy and while I could appreciate the change in tone and visuals, I don't think I could appreciate the many genre changes we received quite as much. You do still collect, but the collection is very limited and less satisfying, and it all takes a backseat to the core gameplay which, again, is very punishing and outright unfair at points.
It's not a game I revisit much.
Jak 3 struck a nice balance between the two tones and also felt less punishingly difficult, save for a few tough sections like going out in the sandstorm in the buggy and rescuing the villagers trapped outside in the storm (I always landed in the wrong spot from too high up and blew up, which frustrated me enough to quit playing last time many many years ago). Still not as much collecting, but very neat end-game rewards for doing so like Infinite Light Jak and Infinite Dark Jak (though being able to do that in a NG+ mode would have been preferable as a reward...).
Jak 2 is easily in my top 10 games ever made. The story, characters, setting. All of it just goes above and beyond and really sells that this world at any moment could implode on itself. Love the game start to finish.
Daxter is my personal favorite video game companion/sidekick. If it weren't for his commentary/jokes in the 1st game I probably wouldn't have enjoyed playing it since Jak didn't talk. His spin off game actually shows that he is capable of being a hero in his own right and a comic relief character can have dramatic moments. In the 2nd game we actually got to see his and Jak's relationship develop and we actually see why they are such good friends/heroic duo. And the 3rd game brought their friendship to the test when Daxter stood by Jak when no one else would and he got his happy ending getting his glory, girl, and pants. Oh, and let's just all agree that the last 2 games aren't relevant to their story!
The first game was the best, didnt care for number 2 , 3 was alright!
wish we could have another animated style Jax and Daxter remake!
Jack 2 has such a good story and ambience, it completely holds up
I'll be here to watch any other character analysis you feel like doing. I love your insights and narration, keep it up!
My elder sis played the 2nd game heavily before she moved out. My lil sis took it up after that and from there we had many hours of goofing off in Jak 2. We both aren't the best at platformers, with my sis only being slightly better than I. She can actually beat Spyro 1, me not so much lol.
It wasn't until we reached High School that she and I looked into the series more. While we both know The Last Frontier wasn't the best game at all, she still got some enjoyment from it every now and then. That's what counts to me. The only games we've never played from the series are Jak 3(never found a disk for it), Daxter(I owned it but PSP shit itself to death before I could ever test it out), and Jak X(didn't interest either of us much, just watched the cutscenes and were fine with that being it).
I'll never forget the day my sis managed to somehow launch a Crimson Guard so far up he never came back down again. Or the time she managed to launch one through a statue opening like he was a football lol. Ah those were the days.
Oh and another hilarious memory I have revolves around a random glitch that happened whilst were dicking around in the water area of the city. As per usual lil sis was letting guards chase her around and knocked a few in the water for instant kills if they got too close. Eventually she started swimming away to escape them, only for one of the guards she'd tossed in the water before to somehow be alive. He was running around underwater, bout halfway down into that abyss. Then as we were laughing about how crazy it was that the guard was alive, that same one killed her lol.
If they ever decide to remake this trilogy, they could better implement the time-loop of Jak and Samos being sent through time to grow up and learn how to fight Kor in the future, into the first game's story. You know with just small subtle nods, maybe have the Mar Crest in Samos's hut or something, maybe have Jak ask Samos why he never told him when they reunite in Jak 2. Because it's never really addressed as to whether Older Samos remembers any of this or why he never told Jak any of it.
So if they ever remade the trilogy i'd love them to tighten the time-loop up a little bit.
I would love to see a CS of Shadowman game. A hidden gem.
The intentional clashing of Eastern and Western art styles that birthed Jak's inaugural in-game design are so easily felt. The very first time I saw him in a commercial advertising the game, I took one look at his gravity defying blonde hairstyle and instantaneously drew parallels between the game and Dragon Ball Z. Since I was a die-hard Dragon Ball fan as a kid, that just made me love his design right out the gate, even though I wouldn't actually try the game for myself for years to come. But then later on when I did play it for myself, I got to the first area of the game that gave you access to yellow Eco, and seeing the way it gave Jak energy projection powers, immediately made me connect the gameplay footage to any footage of Dragon Ball characters firing off Ki blasts. I've always humorously considered Jak's design in the first game to be a deliberate nod to Super Saiyan 1 Goku.
You have no idea how long I was waiting on a serious lore video on Jak and Daxter. I keep saying it has some hard core lore, but no one hardly covers it.
Insomniac needs to take this on
Damn, I get every LoK video recommended to me from you but not this? C'mon YT I even look up Jak & Daxter content all the time. This video deserves way more views. Great quality as always SF.
Excellent video, loved all 3 and x but luckily never played the others. I look forward to seeing u dive into other games! *cough* Urban choas: riot reponse *cough
YES! you are one of my favorite content creators on this platform. Jak and Daxter was my favorite growing up
I was pretty excited to see this video title pop up in my recommendations, when I found out it was narrated by Strictly Fantasy - I knew I was in for a great study. Strictly Fantasy, you have a great way of explaining and elaborating upon series. I never knew Legacy of Kain even existed until I saw your Kain Character study. Sometimes I watch that video just for run. Now I have Soul Reaver on it's way to me in the mail.... Anyways bro, I rarely comment - and when I do the content creator definitely deserved it IMHO. Thanks for doing what you do!
I can't wait for whatever else you put out next, whether its LoK, J&D, or whatever else you decide to cover. You've got a great voice and provide great insights into your character studies and deep dives. Hopefully this video picks up many more views so you don't feel too beholden to stay in a creative box. I hope to see more from this series but understand how views can effect the overall content one might provide. Keep up the great work man.
Legacy of Kain and now Jak and Daxter!? I love this channel.
Amazing video once again! I would love a Spyro the dragon video . Lots of respect for your work and love towards our favourite games and their characters.
Another outstanding video thanks again
jak and daxter was a great game series hopfully will get a new one in thhe future
Thanks for these videos. Keep it up! You are doing a great job.
Thank you for this video about by favorite legacy of kain duo
I make video game reviews and somehow never stumble upon your channel. Well, now I did lol. Great video about a great game.
I have very fond memories of playing Jak II. I also remember being disappointed by the change of scenery in Jak III, mostly because how great the atmosphere in II was. The blend of fantasy and dystopian sci-fi holds up great to this day.
Plus, I love how the hoverboard was like its own game woven into the larger game. Such a fun feature. Nowadays people are blown away because they can slide down a shield in BotW... meh.
LoK is my top 5 games of all time, and metal gear aswell..but this game holds a particular place in my heart , I remember begging my family as a child for Christmas I fell in love 😂 bit my school also got closed down because of bad weather for weeks more for the holidays and I was the happiest child ever!
another amazing video keep it up i love you covering my favorite games
I have spent my life searching for the answers that my father and my father’s fathers failed to find.
I keep hopin Naughty Dog will make more of these games. This is probaly my favourite game series ever. Or, tied for 1st place with Zelda xD
I never got into the racing in X, but it was nice at least that the plot resolved on a high note.
It's the best racing game ever made.
@@civilwarfare101an underrated gem
@@thegamingprozone1941
One of the best spinoffs ever.
@@civilwarfare101 agreed 👍
@@civilwarfare101DAMN right
If naughty dog won’t make jak 4, maybe Toys for Bob (since they’re going indie) or another studio will.
Loved this. If you want could you also do Ratchet n Clank, and sly cooper?
This series was definitely one of the highlights of my childhood growing up I loved all 3 games and I think my favorite was the thirdThis series was definitely one of the highlights of my childhood growing up I loved all 3 games and I think my favorite was the third Being able to go back and forth from the city to the desert but also the same time I did like being in the city in the 2nd some areas just made me feel really happy like the inner city fountains and waterways
There is one PS1 game I enjoyed but I understand if it would be a one-off video or never happens. The legend of dragoon is what I'm referring to. It has potential of a remake and expanded lore. The only thing keeping it alive is being downloaded on the PS3, PS4 and PS5 stores.
I loved Legend of the Dragoon and was actually considering doing a video on it.
@@strictlyfantasy Go for it. I think you might be surprised how many people want a faithful remake.
Because my first game for this saga was the psp one, I never got the curiosity to explore the rest until more recently. Which is weird, because "Ratchet and Clank: Size matters" still gave me enough curiosity to find out more as soon as possible.
Also, this is yet another game that is featured in the Roxas fanfiction I mentioned in the "LoK" videos.
You should analyze Xenoblade series characters.
This is nice if true, but apparently (even if she wasn’t super involved), Kain regular, Amy Henning, was a producer/assistant writer for Jak 3.
We live in a world oh so small.
Damn. Time to whip out my emulator
Jak 2 and 3 alongside the halo series is what i consider peak fiction
I certainly wasn't expecting to see a CS of Jak and Daxter here that's for sure =)
Hope we can get one for Ratchet and Clank in the future
In the era of HD remakes of classic games it’s baffling the gems like Legacy of Kain series, The Jak series and Sly Cooper series haven’t gotten this treatment.. They can rerelease Dark Souls and Modern Warfare a bagillion times and other games of its ilk yet leave these to rot in the dust? Somethings gotta give man.
Subbed. Lok and Jack n daxter Im all in
I don't know why, but I never put myself in Jak's shoes. I've always considered him his own character with his own motivations free from whatever I'm thinking. It might be in part because as far back as I can remember, my experience with the series has included Jak 2 and Jak 3, where Jak *is* his own character and shows it clearly in several cutscenes.
But more than anything, it's probably just how animated the character is. Compare him to playing Persona 3 Portable, where you're only given a mildly animated sprite you can see sometimes but not during conversations, or even the original PS2 release of that game and its sequel Persona 4, where your character is fairly distanced from you and not very expressive.
The more expressive a character, the less I place myself onto them. Generally. I mean, I can play Nioh 2 and still more or less put my ideals on the character, but I'm also *making* that character, so it becomes this interesting blend of how my character acts and expresses themself, and how I feel. I put limits on my thoughts if my character seems favorable towards another, rather than impressing my own personality in those cases. Though I think those are the cases where it works best, because you immerse yourself more by letting that character's thin personality influence you.
But in Jak & Daxter, I never did this to my knowledge. Jak is Jak. Not a stand-in for me. I'm controlling him, but beyond that, I'm a spectator in his adventure.
Just a random thought I had about that part of the developers' intent. I in no way believe this is the same for everyone, but I do wonder how other people think about these kinds of things and whether they put themselves in a character like Jak's shoes in ways I don't.
5:00 afraid I am ? I KNOW I am. Except instead of the easy way out, I prefer the creative one, often involving manipulation, so I'm not the one taking the risk.
Thanks!
Thanks for the Super!!! 🙂
Huzzah!
Dude, any chance you'll do a video for Sly Cooper?
Wait!! Jak is Ancient Mar? You have to explain that!!
Wibbly wobbly, timey wimey...
@@Vermula cheers, now it all makes sense!
No wonder Roxas found himself in Jak's world in that fanfic. The two's experiences are very similar.
I absolutely loved the Jak and Daxter series, except it didn't grab me until Jak II. I played the first one but it felt like a tech demo, a packaged release game to introduce to greater things.
Not bad, simply a bit bare.
Jak II grabbed me and I played every game after that, except Daxter. Hell, I even played the Horizons game, though never finished it. Like the vid said, it was bland and felt off. Plus, steam/dieselpunk sky pirates. Not my thing.
Each game had a parts of them that were stand out. Jak X's music and game played merged into a seamless whole, letting you get lost in it. Jak III had the feeling of the Dunes and Damos quiet water filled area. Still remember the garden area in Jak II. Would spend so long just relaxing and skating around in there.
That was the Jak games greatest strengths, I think. Like Legacy of Kain, it drew you into the world, made you live and walk alongside the characters, made you care about them and their story.
It made it real.
After playing ratchet and clank and loving it, i gave this a try, it wasn't as good but still enjoyed it alot. I like that the characters grew and the story progression was naturally implemented in the later games
Jak>>>>>>>ratchet
A fan of Jak and Daxter? Unexpected. Unfortunately, I was always more of a Ratchet and Clank guy myself. Won't stop me from watching the video though.
Within the expansive tapestry of interactive narratives, Jak and Daxter unfurl a chronicle of profound metamorphosis and unyielding fellowship. Jak, the taciturn protagonist, embarks upon a trajectory that transcends the mundane contours of heroism. His initial incarnation as a youthful ingénue undergoes an alchemical transmutation into a formidable paragon of justice and duty. Through a countenance marked by a silence that echoes volumes, Jak communicates with a gaze that exudes intensity, a character whose essence reverberates through deeds rather than uttered phrases.
Daxter, the irrepressibly loyal and witty comrade, occupies a vital role as the perfect foil. His repertoire of humorous repartee serves as the narrative's comedic intermezzo, yet beneath this veneer lies a steadfast companion who traverses the vicissitudes of Jak's journey. The unexpected metamorphosis of Daxter into an ottsel, a creature amalgamating otter and weasel, symbolically underscores the unforeseen contours of their odyssey.
The saga unfolds across diverse landscapes, each locale a crucible shaping Jak's character. From the rustic idyll of Sandover Village to the sprawling metropolis of Haven City, each environment becomes a crucible for Jak's internal evolution. The infusion of eco powers into Jak's repertoire adds a nuanced layer to his character, prompting contemplation on the weighty responsibilities attendant to such formidable abilities.
As the narrative tendrils weave through the warp of Jak's identity, his expedition becomes a pilgrimage in search of self and purpose. The interplay of light and shadow on the grand tableau of their exploits reveals a hero navigating the labyrinth of his own soul. The world shifts beneath Jak's feet, mirroring the kaleidoscopic spectrum of his inner transformation.
The dynamics between Jak and Daxter burgeon beyond mere partnership, evolving into a symbiotic resonance cultivated through shared tribulations. Daxter, the ebullient and steadfast confidant, becomes the chiaroscuro to Jak's stoic determination. Their shared odyssey, from pitched battles against mechanized legions to temporal sojourns through rifts, crystallizes into a canvas that accentuates both individual metamorphosis and the indomitable strength of their camaraderie.
In the denouement, Jak ascends not merely as a heroic figure, but as a paragon of resilience and adaptability. Daxter, with his contagiously effervescent humor and unwavering fealty, emerges as a testament to the transformative power of enduring friendship amidst the crucible of adversity. Together, Jak and Daxter inscribe an epic narrative that transcends the ephemeral currents of gaming, etching into the annals of history timeless themes of courage, friendship, and the ceaseless pursuit of self-discovery.
In the expansive tapestry of interactive narratives, Jak 2 emerges as a chiaroscuro masterpiece, weaving intricate threads of complexity and nuance. Jak, once the taciturn protagonist, now stands as an exemplar of transformation, a metamorphic figure navigating the shifting landscapes of Haven City's dystopian sprawl. His evolution from the wide-eyed hero of yore into a brooding sentinel of justice echoes through the labyrinthine corridors of urban strife.
Haven City, a sprawling metropolis with its towering spires and dark underbelly, becomes a crucible for Jak's character, mirroring the stark dichotomy of his internal journey. The once idyllic hero now grapples with the shadows cast by his own past and the machinations of an oppressive regime. The maelstrom of political intrigue and urban tumult becomes a canvas upon which Jak's struggle for identity is painted with shades of resilience and defiance.
Daxter, the irrepressible companion, now dons a mantle of streetwise acumen, reflecting the harsh realities of their transformed reality. His banter, once a whimsical interlude, now bears the weight of shared adversity, serving as a lifeline in the desolate expanse of Jak's tumultuous existence. The symbiosis between Jak and Daxter deepens, forged not only in camaraderie but also in the crucible of a city ensnared by corruption and rebellion.
Eco powers, once a source of empowerment, now become instruments of retribution and survival in Jak's hands. The narrative unfurls through a chiaroscuro lens, juxtaposing moments of luminous triumph with the shadows of internal conflict. Jak's enigmatic past, intricately interwoven with the fate of Haven City, casts a long and haunting shadow, propelling the hero into a vortex of vengeance and redemption.
The tapestry of Jak 2 resonates with echoes of dystopian grandeur, where every step in the city's labyrinthine alleys becomes a stride through the corridors of Jak's own metamorphosis. The interplay of light and shadow, both literal and metaphorical, transforms Jak into a sentinel navigating the twilight realms of morality and justice.
In the denouement, Jak emerges not just as a hero but as an embodiment of defiance against the oppressive forces that sought to shroud Haven City in darkness. Daxter, now a wiser and more resilient ally, epitomizes the enduring spirit of friendship in the face of insurmountable odds. Jak 2 etches itself into the annals of gaming history, a chiaroscuro epic that explores the depths of identity, loyalty, and the unyielding spirit of rebellion amidst the shadows of a city in turmoil.
Within the interactive tapestry of gaming, Jak and Daxter unfurl as protagonists of extraordinary depth and nuance, their narrative trajectory weaving a rich tableau of transformation and camaraderie. Jak, the taciturn vanguard, undergoes a metamorphosis profound in its scope, transmuting from the raw clay of youthful naivety into the hewn marble of a formidable force. His silence, a canvas for expressive eyes that convey more than mere lexicon, establishes a character whose eloquence resides not in words but in deeds.
Daxter, the loyal satrap of levity, provides a counterpoint to Jak's stoicism. His repartees, laced with humor, punctuate the odyssey with mirth, yet beneath this veneer lies a resilient confederate. The caprice of his transformation into an ottsel-a whimsical hybrid of otter and weasel-imbues his character with an unexpected gravitas, a metaphor for the capricious nature of their quest.
In the tapestry of Jak's journey, the warp and weft of locales from the rustic idyll of Sandover Village to the soaring spires of Haven City delineate the contours of his internal odyssey. Each environment serves as an anvil shaping Jak's character, resonating with the symphony of his growth. The infusion of eco powers, arcane energies coursing through his veins, amplifies the complexity of Jak's character, a burden of responsibility carried on shoulders broadened by transcendent abilities.
This narrative crescendo, a saga that traverses the gamut from battling metallic hordes to navigating the sinuous corridors of temporal rifts, serves as a canvas for the flourishing of individuality and the fortification of friendship. The dyad's journey transcends mere affiliation; it metamorphoses into a quest of shared tribulations, a crucible forging bonds unbreakable. Daxter's unwavering affability, a counterpoint to Jak's stoic resolve, coalesces into a symphony of synergy, defining the crescendo of their joint success.
Jak, in the denouement, emerges not merely as a paragon of heroism but as a talisman of resilience and adaptability. Daxter, with his infectious wit and unwavering allegiance, emerges as a harbinger of the potency inherent in camaraderie amidst the crucible of adversity. Together, the magnum opus of Jak and Daxter's epic voyage etches its indelible mark on the tapestry of gaming history, an opulent testament to the timeless tenets of courage, fellowship, and the perpetual quest for self-discovery.
Ever heard of suikoden 2?
So you're saying it's implied that he's his only ancestor, the famous hero... But are you telling me he's like Fry from Futurama? Where he is his own grandfather or some s***
There was gonna be a Jak 4 game,
But Naughty Dog cancelled it and cared about The Last of Us.
I mean, "The Last of Us" was pretty cool and emotional.
@@JabamiLainNah i prefer Jak and Daxter but opinions are opinions at the end of the day.
I love the Jak trilogy. 2 is the best overall with a great story, but I think that's narrative was rushed. I hated that Keira was sidelined in the third title with little relevance to the plot, and having Jak kiss Ashelin at the end of 3 went against the development between Jak and Keira in the first 2 games. I quite liked how Jak's appearance would change in every entry. As you can see from my profile picture, at one point Naughty Dog thought about giving him cornrows in Jak 3 -- I would have preferred that over the hair style we got.
All in all, I wish Naughty Dog kept this series alive like Insomniac did Ratchet and Clank. Now, I don't think the company is capable of producing games like this anymore.
I was not reccomended the video, dunno why, your effort is seen in any game lore you analyze, not LoK alone
No kane!!!!! Yessssss!
i have to say it. i know you picked up the habit from being a lawyer. but such an impersonal presentation style, while required in court, doesn't really draw much enthusiasm in a CZcams video in which you are kind of expected to share your personal voice with your own personal insight, wit, and commentary. otherwise why should i watch this over reading a news article?
Interesting video, but I am not the world's biggest Jak fan. The only games in the series I like are the Precursor Legacy, Daxter and Jak X. I'll give the series credit for being the only game series ever where the spinoffs are more interesting than the sequels.
I will give the sequels some praise, after playing GTA 3, Jak 2's story is award winning by comparison. At least the latter had an overarching plot, the former was an errand boy simulator with barely anything going on. GTA 3 is one of the those games where it's controversey and edginess overshadowed how sub par the game actually is.
Plus Jak to this day controls better than any GTA protagonist. If anything regarding the gameplay of the Jak sequels, they were wasted potential more than anything.
If a new Jak ever gets made, I hope it realizes the potential of the sequels rather than be like Precursor Legacy.
I’m sorry to say but I’m disappointed with this video. There is a trend on CZcams to call things “character studies” when videos like yours are 90% plot recaps and game development history but only 10% character study.
In other words, your video needed to be focused on character alone, and only provide context when it relates to character.
A character study should also be a transformative work. You mostly only identified personality traits and actions without saying WHY (character motivations) and providing your own deeper interpretations. For example, an obvious missed opportunity is pointing out how Daxter’s sarcastic wisecracks are a defence mechanism for all the characters who bully him (Samos, Jak’s Uncle etc) - calling him ugly and degrading him. The sarcasm also masks his insecurity about appearing fearful and cowardly in front of characters other than Jak. Jak is really the only person Daxter can rely upon to not judge him.
Just something to think about for next time you make a video like this.
This game was trash
Maybe being his own ancestor is what made Jak so good at channeling eco?