Ok- this is funny because I pmed you before reading this- but Ratchet and clank and Jak are great series- don't let the kiddie nature turn you off. They are easy to pick up and play but not easy to master so they are a perfect game to play.
I only played POP 1 not 2 so I don't know if it is easier- if it iss it will be worth your money.
I played and liked Bloodrayne 1, I have 2 sitting here in the plastic still but all reports I hear is that it is more of the same with better graphics so I would say get the new one- although 1 is probsably about 20 bucks by now.