Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams

Tak has been asleep for 16 days, when Lok wakes him up with some rather unusual methods …

“Does that mean that crazy people can come and stick their moist, stinky pit in my face”

“Yes it does.”

Tak is back, and this time the adventure takes him deep into the world of dreams where anything can happen. Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is the brainchild of THQ, Nick Games and Avalanche Software. The PlayStation 2 release is slated for early October.

GameZone.com was fortunate enough to be allowed a peek inside the title with a beta build. From sterling graphics to a wry sense of humor that treads softly between gentle adult quips to obvious childish ones, Tak weaves a wonderful spell that should delight gamers of all ages.

The game has a simple plot. After saving his tribe from the evil magic, Tak has been called into the world of dreams to save a captive princess. Yes, even Tak remarks on the obvious plot line that takes, but that is merely a precursor, or set-up if you will, to a romp that involves minor puzzles, leaping, bashing, and throwing action.

After waking up, Tak must begin the quest with JiBolba in tow, although in flea size. This lays the foundation of puzzles for most of the game.

Tak’s quest falls in line with the preceding title in the series, Tak and the Power of the Juju. The game is a visual delight. Although somewhat linear in design, this title does have some great visuals and the voice acting is a treat as well.

Tak will level up and acquire new powers along the way. These will prove valuable almost immediately, as the game seems geared for the right skills at the right moment. Of course, you can save the game at almost any point in time.

After weaving your way through the environment in what amounts to the tutorial portion, you will encounter the first test of the game – Bedlam Falls. This is a roller coaster ride rife with obstacles to smash your flimsy conveyance. Successfully navigate it and the adventure begins. Fail to successfully navigate it and it’s back all the way to the top of the falls to try anew.

Tak 2 is not overly high on challenge. This is more of a light-hearted adventure, embracing wonderful and lushly rendered world. The control elements are simple as well, making this a very playable game.

But strip away the veneer and you have a game that may be better suited for younger players.

The program also comes with a series of Dinky Games, which allows 1-2 players in either a challenge mode or free play. Some of the games seem similar in design, but these mini-games will allow for some friendly competition. The games include Mummy Shuffle, Feather Frenzy, Phoenix Flight, Snowboard Race and Sandboard Trick Score. The games were not overly challenging in this preview build, but were indeed lighthearted fun.

Features new to the game include nine nightmare creatures and new Juju-powered artifacts. There are nine environments and three new Juju gods. Tak can also master the power of the animals and can turn himself into a Spirit Animal.

Tak 2 is not going to set the gaming world on fire, but it will provide a light challenge, and treat with visual delights. The humor runs the gamut from the young side to a slight nudge to older players. This is a title that is well worth checking out.