The graphics, as they should be with any good game, are merely icing on the cake. The graphics really serve to illustrate the epic turn of events that Jak and Daxter are the heroes of. Naughty Dog must be commended of course: few games require the vast barren desert to be displayed as well as the war-torn metropolis, and Jak 3 has it all. From bright flashing lights to molten volcanoes to glorious temples to underground caverns, Jak 3 has every setting that comes to mind for an adventure game, and each one is dazzling. The most awe-inspiring environment is the desert, beautifully detailed in real-time, featuring wave of sand upon wave of sand in a harsh cycle of windstorms. Despite these gusts, ancient ruins and hidden monuments can be seen in the distance, along with the approach of desperate Wastelanders out to get Jak and Daxter again. The Wasteland makes you feel like you are there, smack in the middle of the desolate land Jak must too often weather.

Mechanics-wise, Naughty Dog should be lauded for including rag-doll physics, giving a unique demise to every enemy Jak slays and rewarding the gamer with a little laugh for his efforts. There is no doubt in my mind that Jak 3 use all of the power it can on the Playstation 2, as Naughty Dog also included Cloth Dynamics (it makes clothes behave like they would in real life) and a few other touchups to compliment their outstanding work. The game's graphics are among the best offered in PS2 games, and despite a gigantic world, there is not a loading screen to be found. The fast pace of Jak 3 is encouraged by the sharp, detailed, and quick graphics of Jak 3.

The FMVs are well done, using a cartoonish look that is still somewhat realistic. Such style really gives the game luster: characters look the way they act and sound. The game's FMVs are almost surreal at some points, but they are very detailed. Fortunately, most companies are now capable of churning out quality FMVs quite regularly, and Naughty Dog is no exception in this aspect. However, what sets Jak 3 apart from many games is the perfect timing and length of these cutscenes, designed to move the action forward quickly or express an objective or concept efficiently. There is no showing off here: Jak 3 displays its caliber throughout the game with stunning and crisp graphics all-round, by far the best of the trilogy.

Jak 3's sound effects are superb: the humming of the engines, the raging gales of the desert, the blast of your gun as the critters squeal in agony... they all fit the game like a glove. The impressive sound effects are accompanied by excellent voice acting, especially the voice of Daxter. Daxter is every bit himself when he speaks: not annoying but full of sharp wit and crass remarks. The other characters are well-done too: Jak sounds just like I imagined he would when I saw him, somewhat mysterious yet pensive and confident. Overall, the game's sound works to enhance the game and submerse you in the fantasy world Jak and Daxter inhabit.

Unfortunately, Naughty Dog seems to have forgotten to deal with at least one complaint of Jak II players: the music. The music does not take away from the game as much as it doesn't add to it. I had to go back and listen for some of the music to effectively write about it: that is never a good sign. While I have never put weight on the music of a video game, I expect something that will heighten the tension or otherwise change how I react to the game in some way. Jak's music would be at home in the mellow part of some RPG, not in an action game that kept me at the edge of my seat despite the sub-par musical accompaniment.

This section almost comes down to a matter of preference. To those disappointed in the extreme difficulty of Jak II, you will be relieved to find out that this game is much easier and will not cause hair loss or broken controllers. On the other hand, those who enjoyed the uncommon challenge Jak II presented should look elsewhere for that impossibly difficult game: Jak 3 has been toned down a notch. Usually, this isn't a good thing in a game in any area, but here it makes sense. Naughty Dog dutifully listened to the gamers wailing about Jak II's multiple impossible missions and impassible tasks and responded too well: they have overcompensated, making Jak 3 far too easy. Actually, it is more the length that is disappointing as opposed to difficulty. This game should take the average gamer no longer than 12 hours, even with some secrets to unlock. The game has plenty to offer really, but the ease of most missions and the multiple checkpoints each one contains will speed up Jak's journey considerably. Death does not deter Jak either, as the well-received system of immediately reloading to the most recent checkpoint is retained.

The hardcore gamer might enjoy playing Jak 3 again or in sequence with the other two games, but most others will be content to play Jak 3 once. Like many RPGs, it shines the first time through but offers little the second time around. There are 600 orbs to collect that can be spent to purchase secrets, Naughty Dog's large attempt at replayability. It works to some extent, I suppose, though I wasn't particularly thrilled with it. The secrets themselves are worthwhile, as they range from simply toggling Jak's facial hair to weapon upgrades and extra vehicles. Particularly intriguing was the ability to unlock former missions and play them one-at-a-time. This offered the most replayability for me, as I would often go back and play a fun mission again. Overall, I did not feel like playing Jak 3 again, though for the short time it took me to beat it, it wouldn't have been a waste of time.