View source for Jak II

{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Jak II
| image = jakIIbox.jpg
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Naughty Dog]]
| publisher = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| director = [[Jason Rubin]]
| designer = [[Evan Wells]]<br /> [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]]
| programmer = {{plainlist|
* [[Andy Gavin]]
* [[Mark Cerny]]
* Christophe Balestra
* Christopher Christensen
* Charlotte Francis
}}
| artist = {{plainlist|
* [[Bob Rafei]]
* [[Bruce Straley]]
* Erick Pangilinan
* [[Josh Scherr]]
}}
| writer = Daniel Arey
| composer = {{plainlist|
* [[Josh Mancell]]
* Larry Hopkins
}}
| series = ''[[Jak and Daxter]]''
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|October 14, 2003|AU|October 15, 2003|EU|October 17, 2003}}
| genre = [[Platformer]], [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''Jak II'''''{{efn|''Jak II: Renegade'' in Europe and Oceania}} is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed by [[Naughty Dog]] and published by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] for the [[PlayStation 2]] in 2003. It is the second game of the ''[[Jak and Daxter]]'' series and a [[sequel]] to ''[[Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy]]''. It was followed by ''[[Jak 3]]'', released the next year.

The game features a darker tone and puts higher emphasis on combat than its predecessor; new weapons, devices and playable areas are available. The player takes on the dual role of protagonists [[Jak (Jak and Daxter)|Jak]] and [[Daxter]].

''Jak II'' received critical acclaim upon release. Critics applauded the game for being very polished in nearly every department, with many agreeing it was one of the best PlayStation 2 games released at the time. Some criticism, however, was directed at the checkpoint systems, darker tone, and high difficulty.

== Gameplay ==
''Jak II'' is an [[open world]] [[Platformer#Third dimension|3D platformer]] with elements of [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]].<ref name=IGNRev/> The player controls Jak, who must navigate the dystopian Haven City on a quest for vengeance against the tyrannical Baron Praxis, who subjected Jak to torturous experiments for two years.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=8}} The game's world is seamless, allowing free exploration across interconnected areas.<ref name=GameZone/>

Jak's basic actions include running, jumping, double-jumping, crouching, and a rolling jump to reach distant platforms. Jak's combat moves include a spin attack, a dash-punch, a dive attack, and an uppercut.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|pp=4—7}}<ref name=GSpot/> Jak's melee skills are complemented by the Morph-Gun, a firearm that can be upgraded and modified for different firepower capabilities.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|pp=16—17}} Jak has unlimited [[Life (video games)|lives]]; when his [[Health (game terminology)|health]] is depleted, he [[Spawning (video games)|respawns]] in the beginning of the last section of the area he was located in.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=11}}<ref name=PSM/> A quarter of Jak's health can be replenished by collecting Health Packs.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=12}}

The [[Hoverboard|Jet-Board]] enables faster travel and a variety of tricks. [[Carjacking]] Zoomers ([[Hovercar|hovering cars]]) of varying speed and durability also provides transportation around Haven City, and is sometimes required to complete an objective.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|pp=14—15}} Due to Praxis' experiments, Jak can absorb a substance known as Dark Eco in small concentrated amounts;{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=12}} the amount of collected Dark Eco is indicated by a meter circling a picture of Jak on the lower-left corner of the screen.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=11}} When the meter is full, Jak can transform into Dark Jak, a powerful form capable of massive melee abilities than can clear out multiple enemies.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|pp=14—15}} New abilities for Dark Jak can be obtained by exchanging Metal Head Skull Gems (gemstones collected from enemies known as Metal Heads) with a mysterious teacher.<ref name=GameZone/>{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=12}}

The game features a mission-based structure in which the player can choose tasks non-linearly.{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=13}} Missions are diverse, encompassing platforming, racing, [[Mecha|mech suit]] operations, and protection tasks.<ref name=EGM/><ref name=EuroG/> Precursor Orbs, which unlock special options and features, can be found hidden within the game's environments or earned by completing certain tasks.<ref name=GameZone/>{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=12}}{{sfn|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003|p=10}}

== Plot ==
In Sandover Village, Jak, Daxter, Keira and Samos activate the mysterious Precursor Ring recovered from Gol's citadel{{efn|As depicted in ''[[Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy]]''}} using a vehicle known as a Rift Rider. This triggers the emergence of monstrous creatures, including a massive beast, forcing the group to flee through the Ring. The Rift Rider explodes, separating Jak and Daxter from Keira and Samos, and they crash-land in Haven City, a [[dystopia]]n future ruled by the tyrannical Baron Praxis. Jak is captured by the Krimson Guards and subjected to brutal Dark Eco experiments for two years, transforming him into a vengeful figure capable of becoming Dark Jak. Daxter, after evading capture, infiltrates the fortress to rescue Jak, who breaks free using his new powers.

In Haven City, Jak and Daxter encounter Kor, an old man with a mysterious green-haired boy, who informs them of Praxis' oppressive rule and directs them to the Underground, a resistance group commanded by Torn and led by a younger version of Samos. To prove their loyalty, Torn tasks them with missions like stealing the Baron's banner from Dead Town (the ruins of Sandover Village) and restoring water to the slums. During these missions, they discover Krimson Guards supplying Dark Eco to Metal Heads, the creatures that attacked Sandover Village. Jak's hatred for Praxis fuels his determination to undermine him.

Through Torn, the duo meets Krew, a shady saloon owner who supplies the Underground with weapons and hires the two for tasks like retrieving artifacts and eliminating Metal Heads. Krew reveals Praxis' arrangement with the Metal Heads, exchanging Eco for controlled attacks to justify his regime. Jak and Daxter also meet Ashelin, Praxis' daughter and a conflicted Krimson Guard member, who is investigating her father's search for the tomb of Haven City's legendary founder Mar. The tomb holds the Precursor Stone, a powerful artifact that Mar hid from the Metal Heads, the ancient enemy and destroyer of the Precursor civilization. Praxis seeks the Stone to solidify his power, while the Metal Heads, led by their Leader (the large creature that emerged from the Ring), aim to consume its energy. Meanwhile, Jak reconnects with Keira, now a mechanic and racer, who is building a new Rift Rider to return them to their time.

To locate Mar's tomb, Jak and Daxter work with the blind soothsayer Onin, who tasks them with recovering artifacts that lead to its location. Within the tomb, Jak passes its tests of manhood, but Praxis, having followed him, makes off with the Precursor Stone. Ashelin informs him that Praxis and Krew are meeting at a weapons factory, where they are preparing to use a Piercer Bomb to crack the Precursor Stone open. Jak and Daxter defeat the treacherous Krew and recover the Heart of Mar gemstone, a key component for Keira's Rift Rider, before leaving Krew to be caught in the Piercer Bomb's explosion. The city falls under siege as Kor reveals himself as the Metal Head Leader, having manipulated events to access the Stone. At a construction site, Praxis — mortally injured by the Metal Head Leader — reveals a second Piercer Bomb with the Precursor Stone attached, and Daxter disarms the bomb to secure the Stone.

In the final confrontation at the Metal Head nest, the Leader reveals that the boy is Jak's younger self and that the Stone houses a Precursor entity that only young Jak can release. After Jak defeats the Metal Head Leader, young Jak releases the Precursor entity, which declares the Precursors' war against the Metal Heads over and tells Jak that his Dark Eco corruption has been balanced with light. Young Jak and young Samos are sent back to the past to fulfill their destinies, while the Precursor Ring is destroyed. Ashelin becomes Haven City's governor, and Torn leads the reformed Krimson Guards. Daxter rebrands Krew's saloon as the Naughty Ottsel, where the group celebrates their victory. Jak reflects on his younger self, and Samos hints at future adventures involving Mar.

== Development and release ==
''Jak II'' began development in 2001, as soon as the original shipped.<ref name=timeline>{{cite web|title=Naughty Dog – 30 Year Timeline|url=http://www.naughtydog.com/timeline/|publisher=[[Naughty Dog]]|access-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813121753/http://www.naughtydog.com/timeline/|archive-date=August 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Greatness">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog |title=Rising to Greatness: The History of Naughty Dog |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |last=Moriarty |first=Colin}}</ref> Director [[Jason Rubin]] confirmed the sequel's existence during a roundtable discussion at [[D.I.C.E. Summit|D.I.C.E. 2003]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/28/dice-2003-jak-and-daxter-2 |title=DICE 2003: Jak and Daxter 2 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |author=IGN Staff |date=February 28, 2003 |access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref> [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] then officially announced ''Jak II'' on March 18, 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/18/scea-announces-jak-ii |title=SCEA Announces Jak II |date=March 18, 2003 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> The game took two years to make, with 52 people, 140 voice actors, two musicians, and three sound engineers, plus Sony's internal staff,<ref>{{cite web|first=Heather|last=Newman|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91591750/detroit-free-press/|title=Game producer is one of the top dogs|newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]]|page=133|date=July 31, 2003|access-date=January 1, 2022|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101145030/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91591750/detroit-free-press/|url-status=live}}</ref> with a budget of $15 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agdc.com.au%2F04presentations%2Fthu_jason_rubin.ppt |title=Fear: An Appropriate Response To The Future Of Video Game Development |author=Jason Rubin |publisher=Morgan Rose |date=2004 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |page=8}}</ref>

Noting the success of mature titles such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' and the lower sales of ''The Precursor Legacy'' compared to Naughty Dog's ''[[Crash Bandicoot]]'' games, Rubin decided that the sequel should react to the market, as their demographic grew older and younger players preferred adult games.<ref name="Greatness"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/03/dice-2003-ins-and-outs-of-sequels |title=DICE 2003: Ins and Outs of Sequels |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |author=IGN Staff |date=March 3, 2003 |access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref><ref name="PSM2 DVD">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6UpBHSAHAA&t=4320s |title=PSM2 DVD Vol 38 August 2003 |publisher=[[Future plc]] |magazine=PlayStation 2 Magazine |type=DVD |chapter=Jak 2 Jason Rubin Interview |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref> Thus, Naughty Dog gave the game a darker tone and a plot about Jak seeking vengeance, and increased the difficulty in response to complaints of the first game being too easy.<ref name="Hands-On"/><ref name="PSM2 DVD"/> The addition of the hoverboard was inspired by ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater]]''.<ref name="PSM2 DVD"/> Naughty Dog wanted to emphasize storytelling even more than the first game while still integrating it into the gameplay, so they made much of the collecting optional and eschewed [[full-motion video]]s in favor of in-engine cutscenes.<ref name="Greatness"/><ref name="Hands-On">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/18/jak-ii-hands-on-2 |title=Jak II: Hands-On |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |last=Perry |first=Douglass |date=March 18, 2003 |access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref> Unlike its predecessor, which uses the same character models for gameplay and cutscenes, ''Jak II'' uses unique high-resolution models for its cutscenes, done in response to early screenshots of ''[[Kingdom Hearts (video game)|Kingdom Hearts]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/adventure/kingdom-hearts-forced-naughty-dog-to-go-oh-sh-t-while-making-jak-2-because-square-enixs-character-models-were-so-much-more-detailed-that-the-platformer-devs-had-to-change-course/ |title=Kingdom Hearts forced Naughty Dog to go "oh sh*t" while making Jak 2, because Square Enix's character models were so much more detailed that the platformer devs had to change course |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |date=October 15, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |last=Koselke |first=Anna |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227154437/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/adventure/kingdom-hearts-forced-naughty-dog-to-go-oh-sh-t-while-making-jak-2-because-square-enixs-character-models-were-so-much-more-detailed-that-the-platformer-devs-had-to-change-course/ |archive-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref> 

The voice-acting was jointly recorded in the Los Angeles-based Pop Sound and the New York City-based Howard Schwartz Recording.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Jak II |developer=Naughty Dog |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=October 14, 2003 |platform=PlayStation 2 |level=Credits}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 87/100<ref name="metacritic.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/jak-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Jak II'' for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022033153/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/jak-ii |url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1UP = 9/10<ref name=1UP>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/article2/0%2C4364%2C1331837%2C00.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031206222834/http://www.1up.com/article2/0,4364,1331837,00.asp |title=''Jak II'' (PS2) Review |last=Leone |first=Matt |website=[[1Up.com]] |date=October 10, 2003 |archive-date=December 6, 2003 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EGM = 8.5/10, 8.5/10, 7.5/10<ref name=EGM>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-172-november-2003/page/182/mode/2up |title=Review Crew: ''Jak II'' |last1=Johnston |first1=Chris |last2=Fielder |first2=Joe |last3=Bettenhausen |first3=Shane |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |date=November 2003 |issue=172 |pages=182—183}}</ref>
| EPD = 10/10<ref name=EPD>{{cite web |url=http://www.elecplay.com/reviews_article.php?article=11136 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040327033052/http://www.elecplay.com/reviews_article.php?article=11136 |title=''Jak II'' |last=Lucas |first=Victor |website=[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] |date=November 20, 2003 |archive-date=March 27, 2004 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name=EuroG>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=53455 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031024105558/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=53455 |title=''Jak II: Renegade'' |last=Reed |first=Kristan |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=October 8, 2003 |archive-date=October 24, 2003 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name="Game Informer">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-127-november-2003/page/136/mode/2up |title=Reviews: ''Jak II'' |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=November 2003 |issue=127 |page=136}}</ref>
| GameRev = A−<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web |url=http://www.game-revolution.com/games/ps2/action/jak_2.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031103034148/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/ps2/action/jak_2.htm |title=''Jak II'' - PlayStation 2 Review |last=Gee |first=Brian |website=[[GameRevolution]] |date=October 2003 |archive-date=November 3, 2003 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.1/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jak-ii-review/1900-6076839/ |title=''Jak II'' Review |last=Shoemaker |first=Brad |date=October 14, 2003 |website=[[GameSpot]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330222524/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jak-ii-review/1900-6076839/ |archive-date=March 30, 2014}}</ref>
| GSpy = 2/5<ref name=GSpy>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/october03/jak2ps2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031202141912/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/october03/jak2ps2/ |title=''Jak II'' (PS2) |last=Turner |first=Benjamin |website=[[GameSpy]] |date=October 14, 2003 |archive-date=December 2, 2003 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameZone = 9.7/10<ref name=GameZone>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21782.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031026171828/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21782.htm |title=''Jak II'' Review |last=Knutson |first=Michael |website=GameZone |date=October 25, 2003 |archive-date=October 26, 2003 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name=IGNRev>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/10/jak-ii-2 |title=''Jak II'' |last=Perry |first=Douglass C. |date=October 9, 2003 |publisher=[[IGN]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622210928/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/10/jak-ii-2 |archive-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref>
| OPM = 3.5/5<ref name="OPM">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-playstation-magazine-issue-74-november-2003/page/n137/mode/2up |title=Reviews: ''Jak II'' |last=Steinman |first=Gary |date=November 2003 |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |issue=74 |page=129}}</ref>
| PSM = 10/10<ref name=PSM>{{Cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/psm-issue-77-november-2003/page/n35/mode/2up |title=PSM Reviews: ''Jak II'' |last=Pavlacka |first=Adam |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PlayStation Magazine]] |date=November 2003 |issue=77 |pages=32—34}}</ref>
| PSM3 = 93%<ref name=PSM3>{{cite web |url=http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/reviews/default.asp?subsectionid=166&articleid=65914&pagetype=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031008233022/http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/reviews/default.asp?subsectionid=166&articleid=65914&pagetype=2 |title=''Jak 2: Renegade'' |last=Bryant |first=Jonathan |website=[[PSM3|PSM2]] |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=September 16, 2003 |archive-date=October 8, 2003 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| XPlay = 4/5<ref name=XPlay>{{cite web |url=http://www.techtv.com/xplay/reviews/story/0%2C24330%2C3559788%2C00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031211143057/http://www.techtv.com/xplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3559788,00.html |title=''Jak II'' (PS2) Review |last=Speer |first=Justin |website=[[Xplay|X-Play]] |publisher=[[TechTV]] |date=November 10, 2003 |archive-date=December 11, 2003 |access-date=September 21, 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| award1Pub= [[IGN]]
| award1 = IGN Editor's Choice 2003<ref name="ign editor's choice">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/16/ignps2-editors-favorites-2003|title=IGNPS2 Editor's Favorites 2003|last=IGNPS2|date=December 15, 2003|website=IGN|access-date=October 28, 2019|archive-date=October 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028175527/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/16/ignps2-editors-favorites-2003|url-status=live}}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[GameSpot]]
| award2 = GameSpot's Editor's Choice 2003<ref name="gamespot editor's choice">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/new-games/best-reviewed-games/|title=Editors' Choice Games|website=GameSpot|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820001545/http://www.gamespot.com/misc/editorschoice/index.html|archive-date=August 20, 2011|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref>
}}

''Jak II'' received "generally positive reviews", according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metacritic.com" />

The gameplay was celebrated for its ambitious blend of diverse mechanics, expanding beyond traditional platforming to incorporate elements inspired by ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'', ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater]]'', and other genres.{{efn|<ref name=IGNRev/><ref name=GameZone/><ref name=GSpot/><ref name=PSM/><ref name=EGM/><ref name=EuroG/><ref name=1UP/><ref name=EPD/><ref name=GSpy/><ref name="OPM"/><ref name=PSM3/><ref name=XPlay/><ref name=GamePro>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_182_November_2003/page/122/mode/2up |title=PlayStation 2 ProReviews: ''Jak II'' |author=Star Dingo |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=November 2003 |issue=182 |page=122}}</ref>}} Reviewers praised the game's non-linear mission-based structure for enhancing replayability and engagement.{{efn|<ref name=IGNRev/><ref name=GameZone/><ref name=GSpot/><ref name=PSM/><ref name=EuroG/><ref name=PSM3/>}} The range of missions was described as a dynamic experience that keeps players engaged.{{efn|<ref name=IGNRev/><ref name=GameZone/><ref name=GSpot/><ref name=EuroG/><ref name=EPD/><ref name=PSM3/><ref name=XPlay/><ref name=GamePro/>}} The addition of guns was welcomed for adding depth to combat and seamlessly integrating with Jak's traditional melee moves.{{efn|<ref name=IGNRev/><ref name=GameZone/><ref name=GSpot/><ref name=1UP/><ref name=XPlay/>}} The Jet-Board was appreciated for its functionality, though some noted its controls lack the precision of dedicated skateboarding games.<ref name=GameZone/><ref name=EGM/><ref name=1UP/><ref name=EPD/> Navigating Haven City's crowded streets was a common pain point, with sluggish vehicle handling and repetitive travel between missions detracting from the open-world experience.{{efn|<ref name=IGNRev/><ref name=EGM/><ref name=EuroG/><ref name=GSpy/><ref name="OPM"/><ref name=PSM3/>}}

Steven Petite and Jon Bitner of ''[[Digital Trends]]'' consider ''Jak II'' to be the best in the series and one of the PlayStation 2's best platformers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/best-ps2-games/ |title=The best PS2 games of all time |author=Petite |first1=Steven |last2=Bitner |first2=Jon |date=July 30, 2019 |publisher=[[Digital Trends]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200324004511/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/best-ps2-games/ |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |access-date=May 14, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Kotaku]]''{{'s}} Luke Plunkett called ''Jak II'' one of the best PlayStation 2 games, highlighting the game's scale and characters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thebests.kotaku.com/the-best-ps2-games-1790020087 |title=The Best PS2 Games |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=December 15, 2016 |website=[[Kotaku]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161215233743/http://thebests.kotaku.com/the-best-ps2-games-1790020087 |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |access-date=May 14, 2019}}</ref>

Criticisms were given to ''Jak II''{{'s}} shortage of mission checkpoints and overall difficulty. As Naughty Dog developer [[Josh Scherr]] once admitted: "One thing that everybody can agree on though, is that the game is just way too fucking hard."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog?page=10|title=Rising to Greatness: The History of Naughty Dog|last=Moriarty|first=Colin|date=October 4, 2013|publisher=IGN|page=10|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111065914/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog?page=10|archive-date=January 11, 2014|access-date=March 23, 2020}}</ref> ''IGN'' named ''Jak II'' the #8 hardest PlayStation 2 game, citing its combat, platforming, city navigation, and instant death scenarios.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/27/the-top-10-most-challenging-ps2-games-of-all-time|title=The Top 10 Most Challenging PS2 Games of All Time|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=April 27, 2005|publisher=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027043013/http://m.ign.com/articles/2005/04/27/the-top-10-most-challenging-ps2-games-of-all-time|archive-date=October 27, 2016|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' remarked: "It isn't proper to expect us to be perfect in order to make up for your game's many imbalances… Life might not be fair, but I certainly expect my games to be."<ref name="OPM"/> However, some saw the challenge as a positive, such as Adam Pavlacka of ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PlayStation Magazine]]'', who said: "I appreciate a good challenge in today's games, and ''JAK II'' offers it."<ref name="PSM"/>

=== Accolades ===
''Jak II'' won Editor's Choice from ''IGN''<ref name="ign editor's choice"/> and ''GameSpot'',<ref name="gamespot editor's choice"/> and was followed by a nomination for Best PlayStation 2 Game by ''GameSpot'' as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2003/day5_7.html|title=Best PlayStation 2 game for 2003|website=GameSpot|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728041933/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2003/day5_7.html|archive-date=July 28, 2009|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' named it the best PlayStation 2 game of October 2003.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031207143858/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6077951/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6077951/index.html | title=''GameSpot''{{'s}} Month in Review for October 2003 | date=October 31, 2003 | author=Staff | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=December 7, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> During the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|AIAS]]' [[7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], ''Jak II'' received nominations for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year|Console Platform Action/Adventure Game of the Year]]" and outstanding achievements in "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation|Animation]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction|Art Direction]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Gameplay Engineering]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Visual Engineering]]", and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character|Character Performance - Female]]" for Anna Garduño's vocal portrayal of Keira.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGame=273 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Jak II |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804182022/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGame=273 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Jak II'' was added to Sony's Greatest Hits lineup on September 8, 2004, signifying at least 400,000 copies sold in its first 11 months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.popcultureshock.com/news.php?id=1054|title=5 New Titles Added To PS2 Greatest Hits|last=Brown|first=Howard|date=September 8, 2004|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209042527/http://www.popcultureshock.com/news.php?id=1054|archive-date=February 9, 2005|access-date=August 3, 2007}}</ref> ''Jak II'' received a "Platinum Prize" in Japan for sales of over one million units.<ref name="timeline"/> Worldwide, the game sold more than 1.6 million units by April 2004.<ref>{{cite web|first=Levi|last=Buchanan|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93168526/chicago-tribune/|title=On the fly|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|page=29|date=April 15, 2004|access-date=January 22, 2022|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

== Remasters ==
In 2012, ''Jak II'' was remastered in the ''[[Jak and Daxter Collection]]'' on the [[PlayStation 3]],<ref name="BlogPlayStationUS">{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/01/24/jak-and-daxter-collection-hits-ps3-feb-7th-with-100-trophies-to-collect/|title=Jak and Daxter Collection hits PS3 February 7|date=January 24, 2012|publisher=Blog.us.playstation.com|access-date=January 18, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202094554/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/01/24/jak-and-daxter-collection-hits-ps3-feb-7th-with-100-trophies-to-collect/|url-status=live}}</ref> with the collection releasing on the [[PlayStation Vita]] a year later.<ref name="BlogPlayStation">{{cite web|url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/06/19/jak-daxter-trilogy-arrives-on-ps-vita-today/|title=Jak & Daxter Trilogy arrives on PSVita|publisher=Blog.eu.playstation.com|access-date=January 18, 2013|archive-date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624145530/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/06/19/jak-daxter-trilogy-arrives-on-ps-vita-today/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, ''Jak II'' was made available to play on the [[PlayStation 4]] via emulation, featuring high-definition graphics and [[Trophy (PlayStation)|trophy]] support,<ref name="jakps4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/1/16724250/jak-daxter-ps2-classics-ps4-release-date#:~:text=Sony%20is%20finally%20bringing%20the,Store%2C%20the%20company%20announced%20today.|title=Three Jak and Daxter PS2 Classics arrive on PS4 next week|last=Sakar|first=Samit|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 1, 2017|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701143256/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/1/16724250/jak-daxter-ps2-classics-ps4-release-date#:~:text=Sony%20is%20finally%20bringing%20the,Store%2C%20the%20company%20announced%20today.|url-status=live}}</ref> and later became available on [[PlayStation 5]] through backward compatibility.

Like its predecessor, the game was unofficially ported to PC by fans in 2023 as part of the [[OpenGOAL]] project.<ref name="jakpc">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wccftech.com/jak-ii-pc-port/|title=Naughty Dog's Excellent Jak II Is Now Available on PC, Complete With High Framerates Support
|last=De Meo|first=Francesco|website=[[Wccftech (website)|Wccftech]]|date=November 3, 2023|access-date=November 3, 2023}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
*{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/ps2_Jak_II_USA/mode/2up |title=Jak II instruction manual |author=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] staff |year=2003 |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] |ref={{SfnRef|Sony Computer Entertainment|2003}}}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}

* {{Official website|https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/jak-ii-renegade/}}
* {{MobyGames|id=/jak-ii|name=''Jak II''}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0384222|title=Jak II}}

{{Jak and Daxter}}
{{Naughty Dog}}
{{Portal bar|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jak 2}}
[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:3D platformers]]
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Cyberpunk video games]]
[[Category:Jak and Daxter]]
[[Category:Naughty Dog games]]
[[Category:Open-world video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2-only games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Science fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Video games about time travel]]
[[Category:Sequel video games]]
[[Category:Video game prequels]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games about revenge]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Josh Mancell]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]