Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams

IGN

Kids will undoubtedly like Tak 2's intuitive control mechanics and colorful characters while adults will -- as we did -- be able to appreciate the underlying humor and the clever puzzles that lie in wait.

GameZone

It’s a bit on the short side of things and the camera can be a little tricky at times, but overall this is a nice, shiny package worthy of your consideration.

Gaming Age

The colorful visuals, well-paced gameplay and smart dialog came as a bit of a shock. Even more surprising was the part where I kept playing, not because I had to review it, but because I wanted to.

PGNx Media

While the gameplay in Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams isn’t that original, Avalanche succeeds at making you care for the characters because of their distinctive personality, which shines through the story.

Game Chronicles

The fantastic cast of characters will keep us laughing throughout the adventure and the mini-games will allow us to involve an occasional buddy in our cartoon fun. Unfortunately, the PS2 already has dozens of platformers and Tak 2 doesn’t seem to add enough to the genre to rise above its competitors.

Gaming Target

With new powers, new weapons, new enemies, and new challenges to take on, Tak 2 proves itself a second time as one of the best platform titles of the year.

AceGamez

One of the best platform offerings to hit these systems in a while, plus a quality children's game for which the competition is extremely limited.

Gamers Europe

It’s good to look at, the humour in the script actually works, it’s fun to play for the most part and it will bring you back for more...but probably only if you’ve nothing much better to do.

TotalGames.net

Once you understand the animals the levels become small puzzles rather than living environments. You don't see a bear, but rather you see a trampoline that has to be moved.

IC-Games

It’s genuinely funny without ever bordering on tacky and it really does test anyone who plays it.

Worth Playing

With its plethora of options and playability, this is a stellar buy for the younger crowd.

GameCritics

It's not a perfect game, but it does so many things well that missing out on it would be a crime.

Game Informer

The art direction, character design, and storytelling are all top notch. [Nov 2004, p.146]

Gamezilla!

All in all, this isn't the sort of game I'd pickup for anyone but a younger kid, but it's not too shabby, and you might find it worth a drive around the block.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

As long as you and yours can stand some frustration, it's a solid purchase. [Jan 2005, p.106]

GMR Magazine

There's solid ground on which to build a game, but compared to what Insomniac is doing, much work remains. [Dec 2004, p.126]

DarkStation

Although it may not be as complex or well rounded as many other platforming titles already on the market today, the game does a solid job.

Yahoo! Games

Tak 2's biggest flaw is that we've seen it all before. It's not a bad game, and is certainly a lot better than its predecessor, but it really doesn't do anything particularly well.

GameSpy

Combines great gameplay with entertaining characters and extremely pretty visuals for a surprisingly fun gaming experience.

Computer and Video Games

It's a cute platformer that fills the gap between the overly-kiddified TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2 and Sony's more challenging Jak and Ratchet games. [PSW]

Gaming Nexus

Even for those not willing to hop into gaming’s “kiddy pool,” come on in: the water’s fine.

Gamer's Hell

One of many mediocre platformer games available today. If you are looking for an in-depth captivating experience, then there are certainly better games on the market to fit your needs.

Play Magazine

Tak 2 is a solid day's worth of trippy fun and visual euphoria...but they had to check "epic" at the door to make it happen. [Nov 2004, p.52]

GameSpot

Definitely a more well-conceived game than The Power of Juju, and there are some genuinely fresh, inventive ideas at work here. The problem is, the whole experience is muddled by an inconsistent difficulty and slapdash level designs, and these good ideas don't quite coalesce into a good game.

PSM Magazine

Great-looking platform game with clever puzzles and excellent character designs. [Holiday 2004, p.86]

Jolt Online Gaming UK

Featuring jumping, gliding, twatting things with sticks, and bucket loads of what some would call “wit”, this game has it all.

Pelaaja (Finland)

The game is better suited for younger gamers, but as an solid platformer, it’s still enjoyable for the mature, genre-loving gamers as well [May 2005, p.75]

G4 TV

Your appreciation of Tak 2 largely depends on the number of 3D platform games you’ve seen over the years. The more you’ve experienced, the less impressive Tak 2 is to play, which means younger audiences will love it.

Sydney Morning Herald

But beyond the odd wild ride on the back of a beast, negotiating the levels is a tame affair. This could prove frustrating for some, as the level of difficulty is often unbalanced.

PALGN

Tak 2: Staff of Dreams fails to provide an engaging platform experience, and would be better used as a cure for insomnia.

VideoGamesLife

Yet again, it is the inability of Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams to deal with 3D and learn from what has gone before that will leave the majority of gamers unenthused. There is nothing new to be learned here and no moments that are particularly original or unique.