Video Gaming News - October 2003

Foster City, CA (October 14, 2003) - Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Jak II.

From Sony:

Featuring advanced technology and characters both familiar and new, Jak II is a true plot-driven adventure game, where every mission has a direct effect on the storyline. Featuring breathtaking graphics and intricate animations, Jak II takes gamers on a journey through an enormous mystical world, darker than they have ever experienced, as an immersive tale unfolds.

"In Jak II we set out to create an entirely new gameplay experience that was more than just adding new features to those already present in Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. Our goal was to introduce a seamlessly integrated style of play that gave players a choice in how they wanted to interact with the game," said Jason Rubin, co-founder, Naughty Dog, Inc. "We are extremely proud of the outcome and believe Jak II truly brings modern gameplay and universe ideas together with classic playability -- a magical combination."

"We're kicking off the start of the holiday season with what is one of the biggest titles of the year," added Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Changing the face of character action gaming as we know it, Jak II delivers a deep, compelling storyline full of twists and turns, more than 90 minutes of cinematic movies, perilous exploration and challenging gameplay. Jak II is the perfect choice for any gamer looking for a fun and immersive adventure."

Sony Computer Entertainment America introduced Naughty Dog's first smash hit on PlayStation(R), Crash Bandicoot, to the world in 1996 and since then, the series has sold more than 20 million units collectively, breaking many sales records worldwide. The team's first venture on the PlayStation 2, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, was released during the holiday season in 2001 and was met with much praise and excitement from both industry onlookers and consumers. Only nine months after its release, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy became a bona fide hit and entered the PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hits" program.

The legendary duo returns in Jak II, where Jak has grown into a mature, young hero with a cynical attitude and hardened edge. Following the finale of Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Jak and Daxter investigate a strange energy portal that propels them into the future where they find themselves in a foreign area called Haven City. The world, under siege and ruled by the tyrannical Baron Praxis, is surrounded by a dying wasteland on the brink of destruction, with menacing armies of Metal Heads destroying the land.

Upon arriving in the city, Jak is immediately captured by the Baron's guards and thrown into prison where he is experimented on with Dark Eco. These terrible experiments change Jak forever, giving him new powers, the full extent of which no one knows. But with Daxter assisting in Jak's prison escape, the two begin their quest to find out where they are, what has happened to their friends, and ultimately seek revenge on the Baron himself. Along the way, Jak and Daxter will uncover a darker plot as they encounter numerous diverse characters greatly impacting the adventure as it unfolds. In the end, Jak and Daxter must face foes lurking within the shadowed walls, and brace themselves as dark forces converge on the city for a final assault.

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