Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Racing
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4
- Developers: Naughty Dog
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jak X: Combat Racing: A High-Octane Fusion of Speed and Destruction
Released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Jak X: Combat Racing is a futuristic racing game that combines the high-speed thrills of Wipeout with the vehicular combat of Twisted Metal. Players take control of Jak and Daxter, who have been forced to compete in a deadly racing circuit in order to save their friend Krew.
Jak X features over a dozen customizable vehicles, each with its own unique handling characteristics. Players can race their whips through 20 tracks in eight different terrain arenas, including deserts, ice worlds, and futuristic cities.
The game’s combat system is deep and rewarding, with a variety of power-ups available to help players take down their opponents. These power-ups include projectile weapons, mines, ranged weapons, turbo boosts, shields, and smart bombs.
Jak X supports both offline and online multiplayer. Offline multiplayer is the typical two-player split-screen multiplayer. Online multiplayer is playable with up to five other players. Both modes feature the same game types, which are the same as the single player except that human players are replacing the AI.
Key Features of Jak X: Combat Racing
- Over a dozen customizable vehicles
- 20 tracks in eight different terrain arenas
- Deep and rewarding combat system
- Variety of power-ups
- Offline and online multiplayer
Gameplay
Jak X: Combat Racing is a fast-paced and action-packed racing game. Players must use their driving skills and combat abilities to win races and progress through the game’s story.
The game’s tracks are varied and challenging, with each one offering its own unique set of obstacles and hazards. Players must learn the tracks and master the handling of their vehicles in order to succeed.
The combat system in Jak X is deep and rewarding. Players can use a variety of power-ups to take down their opponents, including projectile weapons, mines, ranged weapons, turbo boosts, shields, and smart bombs. Players must learn how to use these power-ups effectively in order to gain an advantage over their opponents.
Story
Jak X: Combat Racing takes place after the events of Jak 3. Jak and Daxter have returned to Haven City, but they soon find themselves poisoned by Krew. Krew tells Jak and Daxter that the only way to save themselves is to compete in the Kras City Grand Prix, a deadly racing circuit.
Jak and Daxter reluctantly agree to compete in the Grand Prix. They quickly learn that the race is more than just a competition. It is a battle for survival. The racers are all criminals and outcasts, and they will stop at nothing to win.
Jak and Daxter must use all of their skills and abilities to survive the Grand Prix and save themselves from Krew’s poison.
Characters
Jak X: Combat Racing features a cast of colorful and memorable characters.
- Jak is the protagonist of the game. He is a skilled racer and fighter.
- Daxter is Jak’s best friend. He is a small and furry ottsel.
- Krew is the main antagonist of the game. He is a powerful and ruthless crime lord.
- Sig is a mechanic who helps Jak and Daxter prepare for the Grand Prix.
- Razer is a racer who is Jak’s main rival.
Development
Jak X: Combat Racing was developed by Naughty Dog, the same studio that created the Jak and Daxter trilogy. The game was originally intended to be a more traditional racing game, but it was eventually transformed into a combat racing game.
Jak X: Combat Racing was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, deep combat system, and beautiful graphics. The game has been cited as one of the best racing games of the PlayStation 2 era.
Conclusion
Jak X: Combat Racing is a classic PlayStation 2 game that combines the high-speed thrills of Wipeout with the vehicular combat of Twisted Metal. The game features over a dozen customizable vehicles, 20 tracks in eight different terrain arenas, a deep and rewarding combat system, and both offline and online multiplayer. Jak X: Combat Racing is a must-play for fans of racing games and action games.
Review Score
8.5/10