• Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Oct 15, 2003
Metascore
68 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 28
  2. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. It may be too kiddie for some, but it’s a solid platformer with a great looking world and really inventive puzzles, and above all else it’s a lot of fun. Plus, the voice acting is stellar and I’ve been busting a gut at some of the lines.
  2. Overall, it looks terrific, but there are some issues. Environments are a bit blocky, textures are a bit drab, and there are some noticeable framerate hitches, but Tak and the Power of Juju still looks great despite these faults.
  3. 86
    It's solid gameplay along with the comical and loveable characters make Tak an overriding success. Outstanding graphics and a splendid voice acting dialogue are all apart of a package that appeals to the masses.
  4. Tak is one of the most detailed platformers I've ever seen, and possesses a measure of style that sets the universe apart, akin to what Michel Ancel accomplished with "Rayman." [Nov 2003, p.82]
  5. It has all the standard components of traditional platform titles but disguises them with clever game design, intuitive character interaction, and constant humor.
  6. If you only have a PS2 and thus cannot get Zelda, TPJ will fill the gap adequately; however I don't imagine big brothers and big sisters will find it as magical and likeable as their annoying and bratty counterparts.
  7. 79
    Perhaps it's because of the goofy main character, a humorous plot line, or some creative ways to present age old puzzles, but you're compelled to play through Tak.
  8. While certainly nothing for the self proclaimed 'hardcore' to worry about, those looking for some light fun will be more than content with Tak and his shit-eating grin.
  9. Will give younger players a lot of replay time, but it is not a title for older gamers.
  10. It's a well crafted, if not overly ambitious, jungle adventure. [Holiday 2003, p.46]
  11. Casual gamers will be able to tear through Tak quickly, but younger children might find some of the puzzles frustrating. [Dec 2003, p.67]
  12. It’s a confident attempt at tackling the platform genre, but the playing mechanics don’t quite meet the expectations set by the accomplished artwork and graphics.
  13. 70
    The entire experience, to me, felt like I was playing through the tutorial – for the second time. However, children ten and under could learn to love the relaxed, fairly undemanding, nature of Tak.
  14. After a few hours, the boredom sets in, and the number of reasons you have for wanting to beat the damn thing is less than one. It's just not fun enough. [Dec 2003, p.178]
  15. The game's got a distinctive look to it, and some good moments, but some tedious collection tasks and exploration elements drag the game down.
  16. Tak becomes more pedestrian and predictable as each area unfolds. [Nov. 2003, p.150]
  17. 67
    Patience is required to get through this game. [Jan 2004, p.60]
  18. This game is for the kiddies and most hard-core gamers will not find anything that keeps them playing to the end, but as a game for parents to buy for the youngsters, it's not a bad buy at all.
  19. 60
    An excellent example of a "slacker" game: it gets as little done as it can while making sure it fills its quota so it can be out the door for the day. There isn't a thing new here and it makes no attempt to improve the genre.
  20. 60
    Interacting with the animals and learning their different idiosyncrasies is compelling and fun, but it takes a backseat to the conventional platformer mechanics that the genre is slowly leaving behind.
  21. 60
    It's too complex for the very young, and there's not much of interest here for older players. As such, the game seems best suited for parents seeking some non-offensive entertainment for their kids.
  22. Be it gold teeth, feathers or whatever, the same worn-out old gameplay devices are trotted out one after another – there’s nothing in Tak we haven’t seen many times before and, in the likes of Rayman, Banjo-Kazooie and Mario, done much better.
  23. It’s hard not to feel that everybody would have been happier if Tak went straight to the TV screens.
  24. It does have its charm but it's neither a great game to play nor is it any real shakes to look at.
  25. Despite its kiddy appearance and theme, it's far too frustrating and unhelpful to recommend for a youngster. Or anyone that hasn't exhausted the many better options, for that matter.
  26. Problematically, it just doesn’t do too anything new and doesn’t space itself out from the crowd. It feels like you’ve played this game before and you probably have - in better, more interesting forms.
  27. It’s dull, repetitive and often annoying. Even the kindergarten target audience will find themselves alienated while older gamers will just be bored.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. JohnM.
    6
    I wanted to like this one. Good visuals and humor are pluses. Unfortunately, the controls are just bad (maybe it's just me?). Hard to explain, but compared to Rayman, Mario, Banjo, Jak & Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, Psychonauts...pretty much any other platformer, there's just something wrong with the mechanics here. Completely turned me off. Could've been an 8 easily if not for this weirdness. Full Review »
  2. Pros: Rich, colorful graphics and visuals, innovative level design, and thoroughly charming for the younger demographic. Cons: Led by an uninspiring lead with unsatisfying controls and bland appeal for older gamers. Full Review »
  3. mattm
    0
    This is the worst game ever if your blind and death you may like it the this game was the displeasure to buy in basic terms it sucked ass how old are you other dudes and dudetes 2 hahahahaha Full Review »