A reasonable platformer that falls at the last jump

Tak 2 is a platform game that does so much right. The controls - especially jumping - feel robust, and, combined with the dependable camera, make leaping about the place a definite and doubt-free experience. Combat is a solid affair with a surprising number of attacks and combos to play with. The acting is high quality, with creative characters and cut-scenes taking inspiration from the likes of Pixar rather than other platformers. So why only a 70%; and why finish the paragraph with a bloody great 'but'?

The problem with Tak is, for every little comedy touch or nifty little idea, there's an impossible-to-ignore turd bobbing through the creative stream. For example, there are some nice ideas but they're repeated to death. Getting a skunk's stink to move a bear, before using its stomach as a trampoline is fun, until about the tenth go in as many minutes. Also, repeating training levels, which occur in a bland dream world, jars against the breezy main levels as a tedious, dislocated chore.

Don't get us wrong, we like Tak 2. We played, we laughed - we didn't even mind repeating a large chunk of it after a memory card cocked up. But the balance between the good and the ho-hum tips just slightly in the favour of average. A shame, because while it might never have scraped the lofty heights of 90%, with a bit of a tweak it could have tickled 80%.

Graphics 80%
Good character animation and lush levels.

Sound 40%
Nasty world music, standard effects.

Gameplay 60%
Hearty and reliable, but average.

Lifespan 70%
Lots to do but you've done it before.

Overall 70%
Gaining a point for the reduced price, Tak 2 trips up the final step to gaming greatness through a last-minute lack of effort.