DAXTER, Sony Computer Entertainment, PlayStation Portable, rated "E" for everyone, $39.99.
Something bugging you? Well, let Daxter help you put the smackdown on those pesky creepy-crawlers.
Those of you who are familiar with the popular Jak & Daxter series will recognize the spunky little sidekick as the furry, smart-mouthed creature that was once Jak's best friend, transformed by evil magic.
After years of lurking behind his larger colleague, the time has come for Daxter to have a game of his own, and it's on the Sony PSP.
The game is rated "E" for everyone but is recommended for players age 10 and above.
Having overcome insurmountable odds together, it appears Jak has landed in prison, and it's up to Daxter to break him out. Daxter must go undercover as a bug exterminator, and oh, have a ton of fun doing it. He quickly seeks employment at the Kridder Ridder Extermination Co.
Your first mission as a bug smasher leaves Daxter pretty sullen. He's given an electric fly swatter and let loose in a nearby hotel to squash an infesting group of crawlies. Take heart, the only direction you can go is up, right?
As levels advance, Daxter is given new and more powerful equipment. Unfortunately, the bugs also grow in size.
Controls and game graphics are pretty comparable to other Jak & Daxter games for the PlayStation2. It's Daxter's humor that really makes the game shine.
Of course every small, furry hero needs to take a rest. Every once in a while, Daxter can take a snooze on a bed at the company. This thrusts you into Daxter's dreams, where his delusions of grandeur take full flight. Daxter becomes the hero in some pretty crazy and hilarious dreams. One includes Daxter kicking kung-fu movies against rabbits in black-agent suits, a la "The Matrix."
In addition to these dream side games, Daxter can pick up battle-bug bonuses hidden throughout various levels. These bonuses can then be used to outfit small bugs, which you can use to fight other bugs in turn-based matches similar to an elaborate game of rock, paper, scissors. The game also allows two PSP owners who each have a copy of the game to connect via Wi-Fi to play battle bugs head-to-head.
The game is ideal for traveling, and its quirky story is assured to keep the player entertained for many hours.
So grab your spray gun, charge up your swatter, and let's squish some bugs.
E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com