Crash Bandicoot was the face of PlayStation for a very long time in the console’s early years.

After three highly successful Crash Bandicoot games – in which the protagonist span his way through jungle scenarios tearing up boxes and anything else that got in his way – developer Naughty Dog decided to take the violent marsupial in a different direction.

Cue Jak X: Combat Racing.

Skidding and accelerating around racing tracks that are full of mines, electrical zap balls and oil slicks, and avoiding other racers toting missiles, you will try to chart a hectic course to victory.

There are multiple racing modes in Jak X: Combat Racing and each provides a very different gameplay experience.

One of the most fun modes is Turbo Dash, where you collect as many power ups as possible and then accrue points every time you use one. But this mode can also be a little annoying, because you spend entire races holding down the turbo button.

The other minor irritation with this game is that you can be leading a race for a long time, only to be pipped at the post at the last minute. Even if you have led for the entire race, a well-timed missile can stop you dead and force you to lose.

Overall Jak X is well presented and enjoyable. The storyline is very satisfying and you get a great chance to get to know the characters. Sometimes the spontaneity can be annoying, but as far as combat racers go it is right at the top.

8/10

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