THIS game is one of the most exciting, yet surprisingly dark, platform games to emerge on the PS2 in recent months.

The basic game mechanics seem to mirror those of GTA, whereby the gamer is treated to a cut scene expanding the storyline. They then find somebody who sends them on a mission, the mission is completed, and the sequence is repeated again.

The similarities between GTA and Jak II do not end here for, when roaming around Haven City, gamers can hijack various vehicles. But they must be careful to evade troops that patrol the area policing the city in a style not too distant from George Orwell's vision of Big Brother.

Now gamers have a range of weaponry at their disposal in addition to the usual punches and kicks that can be executed.

Rather than merely delivering a kick, gamers can pull off combos where Jak may deliver a stiff punch to one guard then swivel around and shoot the other in the head.

It's all good fun but one cannot help but notice that, although the rippling portals are graphically spectacular, Jak II is a lot bleaker than its predecessor as the colourful green acres of land are replaced with grey urban surroundings.

Gamers will become immersed in the storyline and, as time passes away, so time will pass within the game from day to night.

Although not a Mario beater, this is a solid platformer for the PS2.

But can Ratchet and Clank II better this valiant effort?