Jak 3 (PS2)

(Herald rating: * * * *)

As franchise games go, the Jak series has been a booming success selling millions of copies around the world. Its lively characters, imaginative storylines that elaborate on the classic good versus evil theme and straightforward gameplay has made it as appealing to adults as kids.

The original Jak and Daxter appeared around the same time as Ratchet and Clank and the two titles worked well as game equivalents of the buddy-flick, where an interesting pair get together and go on an adventure, heckling each other on the way but ultimately becoming inseparable.

Jak 3 is reportedly the last title in the series and while visually it differs little from Jak 2, there are enough new scenarios, weapons and characters here to keep things relatively fresh.

In Jak 3, Jak and sidekick Daxter find themselves banished to the desert after being caught up in a political scandal in the city of Haven. Their world-saving antics from previous games seem to have been forgotten.

Dehydrated and dying in the desert they are picked up by Damas, leading the Mad Max-type civilisation of Spargus.

Damas eventually helps the pair but makes them undertake a number of challenges to test their abilities. The ultimate aim is to get back to Haven to sort out the civil war that is raging between rival groups there and save the world — again.

Jumping is everything in Jak's split level world. You'll be leaping from one hovering platform to another and to misjudge the jump will land you in boiling lava.

But as well as shooting and jumping missions you'll get to drive dune buggies through the desert, ride the jetboard and take to the air in a hang-glider. The animation sequences are short and well-scripted with a good cast of actors voicing the eccentric characters. The addition of "Ragdoll Physics" in Jak 3 means the pair's numerous enemies die in varied and more interesting ways.

All good and original things must come to an end and the makers of Jak 3 have done a good job in bringing the series to a respectable conclusion.

Price: $100