September 1 2001 Build

This is a sub-page of Proto:Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy.

Levels 1Geyser Rock to Mountain Pass Levels 2Volcanic Crater to the final boss

Unused Levels#

YOS.DGO#

Watch on YouTubeIn the files of this build is a cut level with the filename YOS.DGO, the full name being Yosemite, as referenced by text within the file. It's an incomplete stage consisting of a forest, mountain and lake. The file date is 9 August 2001, making it nearly 12 weeks older than the game's final build, and three weeks older than this build's levels.

The level is not defined in the game's engine. It cannot be loaded without modifications, as the texture files within the DGO file are version 6, while this build refuses to load any version other than 7. Therefore, for the level to load and be stable, the DGO file needs to be edited so that the texture file's listed version numbers are 7 instead of 6. However, the textures will look corrupted in-game, as they haven't been updated for the newer version.

When loaded, it's located next to the Volcanic Crater level close to the cave with the miners and large gem, suggesting that the cave was originally intended to lead to this area. The level includes poles for swinging, an Eco vent switch and a trans-pad next to the lake. The DGO file also includes references to a cannon like the ones found in Sentinel Beach and Misty Island, the Zoomer and Precursor Orbs. It's possible that unused text and dialogue in the final game were intended for this level, including mentions of a Red Eco vent switch, and saving gems for the miners in a tree stump.

The level may be an area that was called "Sierra" in design documents included in the game's design bible, while prerelease music titled "Unsnowy Mountain" (heard in the embedded video) was likely intended for this level, according to composer Josh Mancell. 1

It was mentioned in an interview with developer Evan Wells, who stated it was a stage created early in the game's development that was later attempted to be included in the final game, but ultimately had to be cut due to time constraints. 2

BS.DGO#

To do: Part of the terrain has been extracted. This needs documenting.

BS.DGO is an early level file that is not compatible with any of the game's public builds. The file date is 19 July 2001, making it six weeks older than the Preview build's levels, and over three months older than the final build. Text in the file suggests it is related to the flut-flut section of Snowy Mountain.

General Differences#

• The game starts at the beginning of Geyser Rock as a new game immediately after booting. The file used for the introduction and title screen is not in this build.
• Daxter's fur is less detailed.

Prototype	Final

• The ocean in the first group of levels is brighter.

Prototype	Final

• The health bar has a different design. The Preview design was also used in the September 18 Demo.

Prototype	Final

• In-game text is lighter and the button graphics are transparent shapes inside white ovals instead of images of the controller buttons.

Prototype	Final

• The text layout for warp gates is different, and doesn't tell the player how to scroll.

Prototype	Final

• Floating platforms, including the ones powered by Blue Eco, have a different design. The Blue Eco platforms don't light up when activated, but the thunder symbol does light up at night.

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

• Orb containers have a minor design difference.

Prototype	Final

• Orbs are less shiny.

Prototype	Final

Animation Differences#

In water, Daxter lays back on Jak's head, while in the final game, he remains on his shoulder and shivers.

Prototype	Final

When sliding in Lost Precursor City, Jak rides on Daxter like a toboggan, holding onto his ears.

Prototype	Final

Daxter T-poses in the following animations:

• Diving into water
• Picking up eco
• Jumping onto and off the Zoomer
• Slowing to a stop on ice
• All animations on the flut-flut

Sound Differences#

Dialogue#

Two of Daxter's game over lines use different recordings.

Removed Graphics#

In the image folder for some particle effects and HUD elements are an image of the moon (moon01) and two footsteps (footprntl and footprntr) that were removed from the final game.

Debug Functions#

Cheat Mode#

Cheat mode is much easier to activate than the retail builds and only has one part. It uses the following button combiniation: Hold L3 and press L1, L2, R1 and R2 at the same time

Bugs#

To do: try to explain the symbol table corruption