Ever wanted to be in an action movie simulator, performing kick ass stunts, jumping off extreme heights, and stylishly take down government officials. Then take a ride with the wild side of Just Cause 2. This open world game takes place on an inhabitant island that is very diverse in sight. You will encounter all kinds of different terrain on your missions from snowy mountains to hot blistering deserts to deep jungles. You play as a respected USA government agent named Rico or by what the citizens of the island Panau call you “Scorpio.” You have been sent to this island to locate and eliminate hostile targets that pose a great threat to the American System. The biggest target being the actual president of the island Panau that has gone corrupted with power. In order to do this you must create as much Chaos as possible which is a measureable attribute in this scenario and is used as a way to unlock more missions, vehicles, and weapons. Apart from the standard story missions there are 49 unique side missions in game. These missions are given by different factions, The Reapers who are more focused on starting a revolution, The Roaches whose main target is money, and the Uldar Boys whose goal is claim back the island for themselves. Each faction added its own twist to the overall game and without them it wouldn’t have been much of a game story wise. With mission variety you will be amused for several hours, guaranteed. As if locating a floating blimp party in the middle of the sky and dislodging an attached bomb wasn’t fun enough. Some missions are even bizarre, driving a pink limo to escort a lovely lady away from her homicidal boyfriend. Not Strange enough? Try stumbling upon a hidden secret Japanese army that has been hiding for 100 years still thinking that World War 2 hasn’t ended.
The vehicles themselves scattered all across the 600 km island are most impressive. There are over 100 different vehicles that are really fun to drive or fly around the island. Vehicles ranging from your standard speedy motorcycles, to heavily armored cars, tanks, Helicopters, and even attack Jets! It is unbelievable fun to drop in on enemy bases while using missiles to destroy government property to increase Chaos as you watch helpless government troops run in fear.
There is one factor that disappoints me a bit when I play thru Just Cause 2 which is the weapon types. Everything is pretty mediocre weapon wise at the moment now this may change due to incoming DLC but really the only kind of Assault rifle is fully automatic, the shotgun is only pumped, and apparently a double barreled sawed off shotgun can hold 3 shells. Though it is a nice touch to dual wield one handed weapons I personally I am displeased at weapon variety this may not bother others but when an action game comes out that is focused on shooting you probably want to keep a decent amount of weapons.
Now because of the large amount of space the story takes place in there are bound to be your normal glitches but some are more noticeable than others. At times there are horrible audio glitching in which non player computers will be stuck on saying one word or phrase over and over again. Then there are times where they don’t say anything at all and I am completely lost in a mission. To put atop of this audio problem the voice acting is the most terrible that I have heard in a modern day video game. Now even though that the island of Panau is pretty much an international island with people from all over the world on it that’s no excuse to have terrible American voice actors as well. There are minor technical glitches like phasing through vehicles and buildings but what can you expect from such a large game.
One of the most important game mechanics in the game is the use of Rico’s Grappling Hook. It is a very powerful tow cable that he can detach from his arm to grapple enemies and objects. This mechanic is very unique and even beats the grapple in games like Bionic Commando (which was a terrible Game) and Lost Planet. With this grappling hook Rico can reach very difficult places, reel in enemies, and attach to objects to each. My favorite use of the grappling hook is tying an enemy soldier to a car then driving away as I carry his dead lifeless body around town. Or how about attaching a guy to a wall by his leg and beating him to death? Not compelling enough? Ok then, try jumping outside of your jet while it’s in motion then attaching the jet to an enemy helicopter, then jumping off and parachuting into hostile territory. At times you will be overwhelmed at the things that are happening in your current location and if you don’t react fast enough expect a game over screen.
There are so many objectives to destroy and collect in Just Cause 2 that you will be kept hooked on it even after you have beaten the game. With DLC coming out soon for Just Cause 2 you could be playing this game for quite a while now. If the developers were to come out with Coop then this game would be excelente. Just Cause 2, fast action game play, with explosions and high powered vehicles. Will you help liberate the citizens of Panau by bring the island down one government base at a time?
I know I will, want to know why? “Just Cause.”
DLC Announcement: A new Vehicle has been added to the game welcome the Ice Cream Truck of Death!
Looks… interesting.