Naughty Dog returns with its much-anticipated follow-up to Jak and Daxter, in the shape of genre-busting Jak II: Renegade. Time to get very excited...

Jak's back. The long-eared one and his furry sidekick Daxter return for another bout of futuristic free-roaming adventures, but this time our hero has changed... Picking up where the original left off, Jak II sees the pair stepping through a time-shifting portal - and into a whole lot of trouble. Jak is arrested by red-clad goons acting under the instruction of mysterious Baron Praxis, leaving Daxter to scamper off in search of help for his pal. Two years later, Jak finally gets released by his tardy little friend, and the pair head off in search of justice and a way back to their own time.

You'll begin with the same abilities from the first adventure, although the ever-helpful Daxter will provide a crash-course on Jak's talents by way of reminder during your escape. The moves available from the outset are complemented by some nice new equipment, which you'll accumulate once you've completed various missions. The neatest addition is the ability to morph into Jak's mean, pasty-skinned alter ego 'Dark Jak', a result of dangerous Dark Eco experiments conducted on him during his imprisonment. Collect enough Dark Eco and you can call him forth to dispense with any persisting enemies.

Oh, and did we mention that there are loads of guns? Yes, you can now call forth an array of devastatingly effective weaponry to blast the Baron's henchmen into the next galaxy. Among the goodies on offer you'll find a short-range cannon, an all-purpose, pump-action shotgun, a Gatling gun, and a devastating grenade launcher.

Guns aren't the only innovative addition to the action, though; getting about the sprawling Haven City means hitching a ride, GTA style. Grab a passing hover car, chuck the driver out, and away you go. If your vehicle of choice takes too much damage, simply 'borrow' another one and you can be on your way again. There's also a hoverboard to get to grips with that'll see you maneuvering round town and performing tricks while checking out the gorgeous, beautifully rendered environments.

If you thought the original was big, then you'll definitely be impressed by the sheer vastness of Jak II. The world is truly free roaming, so you can explore the city whichever way you fancy, and stop to play the odd minigame along the way too. The graphics have been given a complete overhaul, with Jak, Daxter and the supporting players looking buffed to perfection.

Jak II: Renegade exceeds its predecessor in just about every way. The same charming character animation has been given a polish, the gameplay is more intuitive than ever, and additions such as the GTA-esque car-jacking give Jak II a unique twist on the well-worn 3D platform adventure.

• Play as Dark Jak - run faster, and take out multiple enemies
• Navigate the streets of Haven City on Jak's brand-spanking new hoverboard
• 'Acquire' vehicles and swap hovercars whenever you feel like it!
• Get your mitts on Jak's new weaponry, including a Gatling gun, cannon, grenade launcher and pump-action shotgun