Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams

GameZone (8.8 out of 10) (88%)

Like any other hardcore gamer out there, I love a good platform game and the GameCube is home to some pretty excellent ones. Among my favorites is the original Tak, a game that was not only wildly original but also lots of fun to play. So it didn’t come as a surprise that THQ and Nick Games released a sequel, but is it any good? Let’s just say that Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is what platform dreams are made of.

Game Chronicles (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

Tak, that loveable little native from last year’s hit game, Tak and the Power of Juju took the gaming community by storm and single-handedly redefined platform games. Now, another year has passed and the inevitable sequel is upon us. Tak is back in an all-new adventure, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams, only this time the competition is a bit stiffer.

IGN (8.4 out of 10) (84%)

Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a great sequel to what was a fun, well-designed platformer. The sequel rules apply here: this is a bigger and prettier game. But on top of that, Tak 2< is a lot more fun thanks in large to a smart, rewarding gameplay dynamic that appeals itself to both younger and older players. 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. That's not to say there isn't any room for improvement though. To be sure, the game's camera system -- occasionally disobedient, to say the least -- could use some work. The framerate sometimes stutters. And there are some trial and error gameplay moments, which always manage to frustrate. Still, Tak 2 remains a fun, beautiful platformer that both Nickelodeon and THQ can be proud of.

IGN (8.4 out of 10) (84%)

The platformer genre has in many ways grown old and stale over the years. The formula all too often recognizable and even predictable. Drop a cute, cuddly teddy bear of a hero into a colorful landscape filled with gameplay-extending collectibles and then have that character set on a quest to save -- what else? -- a princess. To make matters worse, platformers specifically designed for younger players have sometimes been dumbed down, providing fewer clever puzzles and challenge in favor of more collectibles, a disappointing truth.

IGN (8.4 out of 10) (84%)

But thankfully this is not the case with the THQ-published sequel Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams. The title, smartly developed by Avalanche, is carefully designed so that both younger and older players can enjoy it for different reasons. The kids growing up on other popular Nickelodeon tie-ins will naturally be drawn to the aforementioned cute main character and colorful landscapes while adults will appreciate the way the game goes out of its way to make fun of platformer clichés through well-scripted, often humorous dialogue, and that it doesn't skimp on challenge. Indeed, some of the environmental-based puzzles Tak 2 delivers are surprisingly engaging.

Gaming Age (B+) (83%)

Going into Tak 2, I didn't expect much. Not having played the first, I assumed this was yet another lackluster sequel to a mediocre platformer. Needless to say, 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. Recommended for those platforming fans looking for something a little different.

Game Chronicles (8.2 out of 10) (82%)

Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a good 10-hour platformer that is sure to appeal to children of all ages. The gameplay, aside from some minor camera issues, is very solid and the graphics are some of the best in the genre. 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. If you absolutely adored the first Tak game, then this game will not disappoint. However, if you are looking for a new action/adventure hero, I recommend renting it first.

PGNx Media (8.2 out of 10) (82%)

THQ and Nickelodeon’s brain child returns for a second spin. For those not in the know, Tak and the Power of Juju was a joint venture between THQ and Nickelodeon where THQ would be responsible for developing the games and Nick would follow with an animated series or something along those lines. The game was overall seen as a pretty solid platformer, but it didn’t do anything particularly different to make gamers notice. Tak 2 tries to differentiate itself with some seriously laugh out loud humor, which works out very well for the game.

Console Obsession (8 out of 10) (80%)

Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a fantastic sequel to what was already a great adventure, and it’s fast becoming a franchise that will soon be tackling the platforming giants. It may not quite be there yet, but it’s definitely a series that has the legs to eventually become a serious contender.

GameCell UK (8 out of 10) (80%)

Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams does what the original did, but bigger, better and more varied. The game would have scored higher, but the dodgy camera is still present. Combine this with unrealistic problems in places and stiff competition from the big guns of platforming, who have also rejuvenated the genre, and Tak 2, although a fun and compelling game will find it hard to compete with the big boys.

Gaming Target (8 out of 10) (80%)

Some gamers have wondered over recent years if the platform genre died off. The answer to that sentiment seems more evident than it could be. No, not really. Evidently, with some companies trying out different ideas, the platform genre is still in motion. Maybe the fact that not as many companies are putting any effort forth in entering this particular market shows that they've either run out of ideas or there isn't a fan base for these games anymore, are signs for them to wake up and smell the coffee. THQ and Avalanche are just one team who definitely knows their stuff in the creation of a potentially likable new platform hero for this day and age. He's small, and he's got it all. 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. Tak is back, and it looks like he's here to stay.

GameZone (7.9 out of 10) (79%)

The kiddie game that isn't really a kiddie game is back. Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is the next journey into the strange land of mystical landscapes and fuzzy images. New features are abound. Why don't you come along as we explore the meaning behind Tak's rapid eye movement?

64 Power / big.N / N Games (78 out of 100) (78%)

Aber ihr seht: Auch hier wird das Rad nicht neu erfunden. Das hat Tak 2: Der Stab der Träume auch nicht nötig. Das Spiel will weder innovativ noch sonderlich originell sein. Auch technisch kann der Titel natürlich nicht mit den Größen des Genres mithalten, wobei Grafik und Synchronisation durchaus zu punkten wissen. Das Programm möchte der Nickelodeon-Generation eine sinnvolle Spielerfahrung geben und dieses Ziel hat Entwickler Avalanche auch erreicht. Ältere Jump‘nRun-Freunde sollten dem Titel also seine Leichtigkeit nachsehen. Während des Spiels könnt ihr übrigens noch diverse Minispielchen freischalten, die ihr dann auch im Mehrspielermodus spielen könnt. Dinge, wie der Hühnerkampf machen das Spiel aber auch nicht wirklich interessanter.

Gaming Target (7.7 out of 10) (77%)

Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a follow up to Tak and the Power of JuJu, which was released back in the fall of 2003. Both games share a certain “standard” action/platformer style that has you traversing vibrant landscapes while collecting items, solving basic puzzles and dealing with hazards. The initial game was a solid title that played reasonably well for fans of the genre.

Worth Playing (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Tak 2 is a solid platformer, and has a lot going for it. It has its ups and its downs, but there’s nothing inherently bad about it. With its plethora of options and playability, this is a stellar buy for the younger crowd. Do so and they will love you forever. Older and more seasoned gamers, however, may find that its lack of overall challenge (along with its sometime potential for frustration) will not warrant anything beyond a rental.

Worth Playing (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Take a landscape, punch a half dozen or so bottomless or near enough bottomless holes in it. Add some various creatures of evil intent and maybe a couple friendly helpers. Sprinkle with a dash of strange surreal flavoring and mix in a princess in distress. Make sure it’s half baked and TADA! you have your very own platformer.

Game Informer Magazine (7.25 out of 10) (72%)

I do think that the franchise has a lot of room for improvement, but that doesn't mean that Tak is without its charms. The art direction, character design, and storytelling are all top notch. For those who don't have a lot of platforming experience or just want to hear a funny tale, this certainly isn't a bad choice, but I'll be looking forward to the upcoming TV show more than playing this game again.

Game Informer Magazine (7.25 out of 10) (72%)

I do think that the franchise has a lot of room for improvement, but that doesn’t mean that Tak is without his charms. The art direction, character design, and storytelling are all top notch. For those who don’t have a lot of platforming experience or just want to hear a funny tale, this certainly isn’t a bad choice, but I’ll be looking forward to the upcoming TV show more than playing this game again.

Game Informer Magazine (7.25 out of 10) (72%)

I do think that the franchise has a lot of room for improvement, but that doesn't mean that Tak is without its charms. The art direction, character design, and storytelling are all top notch. For those who don't have a lot of platforming experience or just want to hear a funny tale, this certainly isn't a bad choice, but I'll be looking forward to the upcoming TV show more than playing this game again.

4Players.de (71 out of 100) (71%)

Auf den ersten Blick haben die Entwickler alles richtig gemacht: Es gibt viel zum Einsammeln, knuffige Charaktere und eine witzige Story, die zahlreiche Klischees durch den Kakao zieht. Die Idee zweier unterschiedlicher Welten ist prinzipiell ebenfalls eine prima Sache, aber der Funke will nicht überspringen: Die Traumlevel sind an gähnender Langeweile kaum zu überbieten, passen aber zur einschläfernden Panflöten-Musik, die sich schmerzhaft durch meine Gehörgänge bohrte, bis ich den Ton ganz einfach abstellte. Irgendwie ging es mir beim Testen von Tak 2 genau wie dem Hauptdarsteller selbst: Eigentlich will man die Mission gar nicht annehmen, aber man muss da durch! So sehr sich der knuffige Schamanen-Lehrling auch bemüht hat, konnte ich einfach nicht warm mit ihm werden. Dazu mag auch die technische Präsentation beigetragen haben, die mit einigen derben Ruckeleinlagen, leichten Kameraproblemen und der manchmal etwas schwammigen Steuerung nicht gerade vorbildlich ist.

4Players.de (71 out of 100) (71%)

Auf den ersten Blick haben die Entwickler alles richtig gemacht: Es gibt viel zum Einsammeln, knuffige Charaktere und eine witzige Story, die zahlreiche Klischees durch den Kakao zieht. Die Idee zweier unterschiedlicher Welten ist prinzipiell ebenfalls eine prima Sache, aber der Funke will nicht überspringen: Die Traumlevel sind an gähnender Langeweile kaum zu überbieten, passen aber zur einschläfernden Panflöten-Musik, die sich schmerzhaft durch meine Gehörgänge bohrte, bis ich den Ton ganz einfach abstellte. Irgendwie ging es mir beim Testen von Tak 2 genau wie dem Hauptdarsteller selbst: Eigentlich will man die Mission gar nicht annehmen, aber man muss da durch! So sehr sich der knuffige Schamanen-Lehrling auch bemüht hat, konnte ich einfach nicht warm mit ihm werden. Dazu mag auch die technische Präsentation beigetragen haben, die mit einigen derben Ruckeleinlagen, leichten Kameraproblemen und der manchmal etwas schwammigen Steuerung nicht gerade vorbildlich ist.

4Players.de (71 out of 100) (71%)

Auf den ersten Blick haben die Entwickler alles richtig gemacht: Es gibt viel zum Einsammeln, knuffige Charaktere und eine witzige Story, die zahlreiche Klischees durch den Kakao zieht. Die Idee zweier unterschiedlicher Welten ist prinzipiell ebenfalls eine prima Sache, aber der Funke will nicht überspringen: Die Traumlevel sind an gähnender Langeweile kaum zu überbieten, passen aber zur einschläfernden Panflöten-Musik, die sich schmerzhaft durch meine Gehörgänge bohrte, bis ich den Ton ganz einfach abstellte. Irgendwie ging es mir beim Testen von Tak 2 genau wie dem Hauptdarsteller selbst: Eigentlich will man die Mission gar nicht annehmen, aber man muss da durch! So sehr sich der knuffige Schamanen-Lehrling auch bemüht hat, konnte ich einfach nicht warm mit ihm werden. Dazu mag auch die technische Präsentation beigetragen haben, die mit einigen derben Ruckeleinlagen, leichten Kameraproblemen und der manchmal etwas schwammigen Steuerung nicht gerade vorbildlich ist.

Game Informer Magazine (7 out of 10) (70%)

The characters are endearing, the writing is genuinely funny and the CG is beautiful. Sadly, I just don't want to play this game. I've played too many superior platformers to want to spend time with Tak 2, but I honestly hope this series lives up to its promise.

Game Informer Magazine (7 out of 10) (70%)

The characters are endearing, the writing is genuinely funny and the CG is beautiful. Sadly, I just don't want to play this game. I've played too many superior platformers to want to spend time with Tak 2, but I honestly hope this series lives up to its promise.

Jeuxvideo.com (14 out of 20) (70%)

Sans trahir l'esprit du premier volet, Tak 2 s'enrichit de nouvelles idées qui le rendent plus intéressant à jouer, avec notamment des interactions plus poussées et une progression moins confuse. Certains passages peuvent parfois s'avérer délicats mais le jeu reste accessible aux plus jeunes et leur offrira un bon divertissement.

GameSpy ( ) (70%)

This gaming season, there are a number of mascot platform games available: Jak III, Rachet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue, and countless others. Where does Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams fit into the mix? It's certainly not as good as some of Sony's high-profile offering and it's a step above what Electronic Arts has to offer, but the Ty sequel has the advantage of a budget-level price. If you're looking for a platformer a sibling or child will want to play with you, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams combines great gameplay with entertaining characters and extremely pretty visuals for a surprisingly fun gaming experience.

videogamer.com (7 out of 10) (70%)

Tak 2 is a game that won't win any awards, but is certainly far better than a number of other recently released games that have been aimed squarely at kids. The game looks great, sounds great, is full of character and has plenty of inventive puzzles to keep gamers of all ages entertained. While Ratchet and Clank and Jak and Daxter move away from traditional platforming roots, Tak 2 offers a solid and enjoyable traditional platforming adventure that is definitely worth taking a look at, particularly if you are kid who is fed up of under par licensed platform games.

GameSpy ( ) (70%)

This gaming season, there are a number of mascot platform games available: Jak III, Rachet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue, and countless others. Where does Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams fit into the mix? It's certainly not as good as some of Sony's high-profile offering and it's a step above what Electronic Arts has to offer, but the Ty sequel has the advantage of a budget-level price. If you're looking for a platformer a sibling or child will want to play with you, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams combines great gameplay with entertaining characters and extremely pretty visuals for a surprisingly fun gaming experience.

Game Informer Magazine (7 out of 10) (70%)

The characters are endearing, the writing is genuinely funny and the CG is beautiful. Sadly, I just don't want to play this game. I've played too many superior platformers to want to spend time with Tak 2, but I honestly hope this series lives up to its promise.

Jeuxvideo.com (14 out of 20) (70%)

Sans trahir l'esprit du premier volet, Tak 2 s'enrichit de nouvelles idées qui le rendent plus intéressant à jouer, avec notamment des interactions plus poussées et une progression moins confuse. Certains passages peuvent parfois s'avérer délicats mais le jeu reste accessible aux plus jeunes et leur offrira un bon divertissement.

GameSpy ( ) (70%)

This gaming season, there are a number of mascot platform games available: Jak III, Rachet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue, and countless others. Where does Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams fit into the mix? It's certainly not as good as some of Sony's high-profile offering and it's a step above what Electronic Arts has to offer, but the Ty sequel has the advantage of a budget-level price. If you're looking for a platformer a sibling or child will want to play with you, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams combines great gameplay with entertaining characters and extremely pretty visuals for a surprisingly fun gaming experience.

Jeuxvideo.com (14 out of 20) (70%)

Sans trahir l'esprit du premier volet, Tak 2 s'enrichit de nouvelles idées qui le rendent plus intéressant à jouer, avec notamment des interactions plus poussées et une progression moins confuse. Certains passages peuvent parfois s'avérer délicats mais le jeu reste accessible aux plus jeunes et leur offrira un bon divertissement.

GamersHell.com (6.9 out of 10) (69%)

In conclusion, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is 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. Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams will by no means blow you out of the water, but if you want to try out a contradistinctive platformer, then look no further.

Softpedia (6.9 out of 10) (69%)

Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a little better than most other arcades, but an arcade nonetheless. Kids will surely love this journey through a bright colorful world despite a few bumps along the road, as will all arcade lovers out there. For the rest of the world, you most certainly don't need my advice.

GameSpot (6.7 out of 10) (67%)

Last year's Tak and the Power of Juju was a decent 3D platformer that made up for some of its technical shortcomings by providing a pleasantly surreal setting and by spiking the action with a bit of goofy humor. Thanks to these factors and, no doubt, the Nickelodeon seal of approval, Tak found an audience. Now, Avalanche is back with Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams, which earnestly tries to improve upon the first game and is somewhat successful in its efforts. There's a much greater variety to the action, but like The Power of Juju, The Staff of Dreams suffers from needlessly vague level design. The oft-confusing level designs are especially hurtful, because Tak 2 is otherwise pretty simple, straightforward, and aimed squarely at a younger audience.

Jeuxpo.com (6.7 out of 10) (67%)

Tak 2 est une bonne suite, et se veut plus complet que son prédécesseur. Très accessible, ce titre signé THQ devrait satisfaire le jeune public, sa principale cible en somme.

GameSpot (6.7 out of 10) (67%)

The Staff of Dreams is 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. Kids often get the short shrift when it comes to smart, engaging entertainment. This is especially true of video games, which makes it pretty disheartening when a game with real potential like Tak 2 falls short.

GameSpot (6.7 out of 10) (67%)

The Staff of Dreams is definitely a more well-conceived game than The Power of Juju, but the whole experience is muddled by an inconsistent difficulty and slapdash level designs.

G4 TV: X-Play ( ) (60%)

Tak 2 is far from perfect, but it does have a few things working in its favor. First is its sense of humor during the cutscenes, with the clumsy Lok (expertly voiced by Patrick Warburton) all but stealing the show. While the game starts out slow, it picks up steam once you get to the halfway point, where Tak chooses his animal spirit and the story takes on a number of interesting twists. Other fun sequences include driving a working catapult and hurtling down whitewater rapids, and there are a number of solo and two-player minigames to unlock as well. Still, 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.

Nintendo Le Magazine Officiel (6 out of 10) (60%)

Comme son prédécesseur, ce second volet de Tak pèche par une maniabilité défaillante. Un problème considérable pour un jeu de plate-forme.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (5 out of 10) (50%)

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