Tak: The Great Juju Challenge

Gaming Age

A complete package. It combines some fine storytelling, great presentation values on every level, interesting puzzles, and great platforming to make for a fun ride that doesn’t leave too soon or overstay its welcome.

IC-Games

The only real concern, and unfortunately it really brings the whole thing down, is the camera work. It seems inverted (which I couldn’t change) and gets caught behind things and tends to face the wrong way in annoying scenarios such as near-death. Certainly not enough of a problem to get me to dissuade you from buying it though.

GamingTrend

The two-player aspect might make it a wonderful game for a parent to play along with his or her child, as I think it makes a good tool for demonstrating cooperation and teamwork.

GamerFeed

The game is fast-paced, but still not incredibly hard, so it is perfectly suited for kids.

PSM Magazine

We urge you not to let the younger visual style turn you away from this game. [Jan 2006, p.74]

GameSpy

Nicely presented, features a variety of tasks and puzzles, and brings enough unique flair to keep you interested beyond the first switch/tile/door thingamabob. Its multiplayer co-op hook is also a nice hook for getting brothers and sisters or moms and dads involved as a sidekick for a little family game action.

IGN

Tak and Lok are funny, likeable heroes who spring to life with impressively fluid animation and brilliant voice work. Kids will love them from the start. And the game's new two-character dynamic successfully breathes fresh life into the series.

Cheat Code Central

I would heartily recommend this game to anyone but I hesitate to recommend a purchase because it's not huge on replay value unless you're into the whole "high score" competition thing. But definitely go out of your way to rent it.

Sydney Morning Herald

Strict time limits seem an unfair way of extending the game's lifespan but replaying levels as quickly as possible is surprisingly enjoyable.

GameZone

A shorter, linear-style action/adventure, but its varied gameplay makes it a clear-cut winner. Tak fans are going to be thrilled with everything but the length – the younger crowd probably won’t be bothered by it that at all.

BonusStage

If the partner AI had been cleaned up a touch more and stronger effort had gone into building the Proving Grounds challenges up to be segments that were actually fun and rewarding to play, The Great Juju Challenge could've had a shot at competing with the Sly Cooper's and Ratchet & Clank's of the world.

Play Magazine

Control is still a tad clunky but a super fun game nevertheless. [Nov p.94]

Jolt Online Gaming UK

To Avalanche Software’s credit, The Great Juju Challenge represents a valid step towards a final acclimatisation.

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

The Great Juju Challenge is never going to be the love of your gaming life, but it's a reasonably attractive bit on the side. [Mar 2006, p.100]

Game Informer

I look forward to the day when Tak gets the game he deserves. [Oct 2005, p.128]

AceGamez

Tak: The Great JuJu Challenge takes a fairly average platforming formula and puts a unique turn with it, making each level a race against the clock where speed is of the essence, but so is exploration.

PSM2 Magazine UK

Better than "Crash," worse than "Tak 2," and forgettable in almost every aspect. [May 2006, p.69]

Next Level Gaming

The controls felt loose and sluggish, and so did the rest of the game.

GameSpot

Tak 3 certainly has some adorable moments, but they're overshadowed by a frustrating design and sloppy gameplay mechanics.

PSW Magazine UK

Exploring each level often results in the timer reaching zero, while rushing straight through means you miss out on the chance to score bonus points, so many levels must be replayed to get the minimum points.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

For a kids' game, Tak is well above average - but that's not saying much. [Jan 2006, p.100]