SCEA and Ready At Dawn Studios are working on a new PSP platformer called Daxter, starring the smarmy orange ottsel of Jak & Daxter fame. While we've never figured out exactly what the hell an ottsel is, even after playing through all three of Naughty Dog's entertaining PlayStation 2 action games, we're finding the prospect of another platformer set in the Jak universe appealing.

　　The game takes place during the two years before the events of Jak II, and it depicts Daxter's attempt to rescue his beleaguered pal, who's being experimented on and tortured at the hands of the vile Baron Praxis. The game will apparently play similarly to the Jak games, but as an animal, you'll have some extra abilities. For instance, you'll be able to creep on all fours to sneak up on enemies quietly, and you'll be able to squeeze into tight places that a human couldn't reach. Daxter will also be armed with a swatter and bug spray, thanks to his temp job as an exterminator. Consequently, there's no telling what situations those will come in handy for.

　　Daxter is one of the first PSP games that will interoperate with the PS2 via USB. As a result, you'll be able to open up new cars and drivers in Jak X, in addition to obtaining "secret features" in Daxter by connecting the two systems together. The game will also feature bonus dream levels that will take place when you fall asleep on the job, which sounds like it could be pretty nifty. We'll be back with a hands-on preview as soon as possible from the E3 show floor.