Daxter is the fifth game in the Jak & Daxter series and the first on the PSP. While the series has taken a few twists and turns over the past few years, first becoming a free-roaming, mission-based driving game and then a racing game, Daxter returns the series to its platformer roots and does a damn good job of it.

Ready at Dawn has done a great job of cramming all of the graphical polish and style found in the PS2 Jak games into the PSP. While this probably doesn’t seem like that big a feat considering that most PS2 games have made it over to the PSP while looking comparable visually, Daxter does so without losing much. There is some minor slowdown present (mostly in the port section of Haven City) , but every asset has made it over intact, including the little things like extra animations. As was the case with the Jak games on PS, Daxter sets the bar high for other PSP games.

Audio is just as stellar as the visuals. Max Casella puts in another great vocal performance and is joined by an equally great supporting cast. Music fits each situation perfectly, as well as the series as a whole. Nothing feels out of place.

Daxter fills in the two year gap between Jak & Daxter and Jak II. After the duo is dumped in Haven City, Jak is immediately captured and forced to undergo various Dark Eco experiments. Daxter is able to escape and vows to rescue Jak, but instead finds himself in one of the city’s many bars doing what he does best – telling exaggerated tales of his exploits. Daxter’s creative tales reach the ears of an old man named Osmo who hires Daxter as an exterminator. This is about as deep as the story goes, though there are suggestions that bigger things are going on behind the scenes.

Gameplay follows the same mission-based driving structure as the last two Jak games with more of a tilt towards platforming. Haven City acts as the game’s main hub with the Critter-Ridder Extermination Company serving as Daxter’s base of operations.

Once on a job, the game switches into a platformer with several objectives to complete. The primary objective usually involves killing a set number of bugs or destroying a hive (which usually involves a boss fight). Each level also features secondary objectives like collecting yellow Metal Head gems or Precursor Orbs. The primary goal must be completed before progressing, but you can return at any time to complete the other two. It is rare that you’ll actually complete all objectives in your first go, since you’ll often need to acquire new moves or equipment. Completing secondary objectives adds replay value as well as offering some nice unlockables, so don’t dismiss them as something just for the anal completists out there.

Collecting Precursor Orbs unlocks dream sequence mini-games. Each borrows its theme from well-known movies (“The Matrix”, “Lord of the Rings”, “Braveheart”…) and confirms Daxter’s oversized self-image. All of the games revolve around the same basic mechanic of matching button presses with on-screen cues; though later ones add elements to make them more complicated. These are some of the more challenging areas of the game, but are worth the effort of unlocking and completing since they often lead to new moves or health bonuses.

Bug Combat is another fun diversion to the main game. In addition to gems and Precursor Orbs, potions and enhancements are also scattered throughout each level. These allow you to pump up your bug’s attributes, sort of like adding moves and power-ups to your Poke’mon. Combat is basic your basic paper-rock-scissors gameplay, though once you choose an attack, you’re not locked into it, so there’s a bit of reaction and timing involved. A multiplayer Ad-hoc version is also available.

Casual gamers might find some elements challenging, but a majority will find levels a little too straightforward and easy. Going after secondary objectives usually adds a little more challenge, though a little basic problem solving (and the right tools) is all you’ll ever need. In the rare case you do die (which usually involves a bottomless pit), there isn’t much of a penalty and checkpoints are common.

Like the previous two Jak games, Daxter merges a basic platforming moveset with those found in most action games. Daxter’s weapon of choice is an electric flyswatter, though he will eventually acquire an upgradeable spray tank. Both are important parts of Daxter’s arsenal and never become obsolete even after you nab a few upgrades. Combat usually involves spraying a bug to stun it, then whacking it with a few combos from the flyswatter.

While the spray tank’s main use is as a bug-crippling weapon, it also serves as a handy jet pack when the situation calls for it. The added hang time doesn’t last too long, but it puts Daxter in the air long enough to cross big gaps or correct jumps that might otherwise fall short of the mark. Adding fire to the spray adds a little firepower in combat, as well as an extra boost when airborne.

Pressing Triangle puts Daxter into Ottsel mode. Daxter can crawl into small areas as well as climbing up walls. The mechanics behind platforming work well with the camera system. There’s a rare occasion where you’ll wish the camera pulled back just a little further (such as in the Eco Mines), but overall, the game manages to dodge what has become one of the more dreaded aspects of 3D platformers.

After a long drought, Daxter is finally something for PSP owners to get excited about. Even if you’ve managed to avoid the Jak series, Daxter makes for a fine starting point that may even get you to try other games in the series.