Daxter

Daxter is a 2006 platformer released for the PlayStation Portable on March 14, 2006 and was recently re-released for the PlayStation 5 through the PlayStation Plus classics.

A spin-off of the Jak and Daxter series, the game takes place during the 2-year time skip between the opening moments of Jak II and Daxter's rescue of titular hero from Baron Praxis. Instead of the run-and-gun action of Jak II, players take control of Daxter as he works as an exterminator with a bug zapper and fumigator as his main weapons.While the ottsel sidekick takes center stage in this installment, the tight platforming and fun, quirky gameplay gamers have come to expect from the series is still present. With that said, to understand the main story beats of the Jak and Daxter Series, this game is entirely skippable. It doesn't offer any new lore tidbits for players to learn or any real character development for Daxter (who is arguably static across the entire trilogy), but it is a fun handheld addition to a beloved (and much forgotten) Naughty Dog franchise.

What the game lacks in story, however, it makes up for in early 2000's attitude and pop-cultural references in the form of absurd dream sequences you can access. These mini-game-like levels see Daxter take on the role of the main character in popular movies such as The Matrix, Braveheart, and The Lord of the Rings, and, once completed, grant Daxter new attack abilities, a health upgrade, or character costume modifications. Is it necessary? No, but it is fun. Overall, Daxter is worth sinking ten hours or so into for a quick, fun, and easy Platinum Trophy.