Joystick: Drop the bomb
‘Just Cause 2’
Developer: Avalanche Studios
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbob 360
Release Date: March 23
2 out of 5 fireballs
It may not be a groundbreaking game or even an immersive one, but at the very least, ‘Just Cause 2’ allows players to destroy everything and anything in sight. However, even this does not save a bland story with horrible characters that leaves players with an average, unmemorable experience.
The first ‘Just Cause’ was released on the PlayStation 2, the original Xbox and Xbox 360 simultaneously. The choice of platforms — spanning two different console generations — causes a number of technical issues. From unrealistic physics to poor voice acting, every aspect of the game seems broken.
Many of these technical problems made the original ‘Just Cause’ ironically enjoyable. Much like watching a terrible movie and loving it for its cheesiness, ‘Just Cause’ was memorable due to its apparent flaws. Sadly, when the sequel fixed many of these issues, the personality of the game was also ‘fixed.’
‘Just Cause 2’ follows the story of Rico Rodriguez, a secret agent on the fictional island of Panau, located somewhere in Southeast Asia. The sequel removes the goofiness and insanity from the first game in favor of a more serious storyline. Many video game developers attempt to create a memorable atmosphere, but few actually make it work. Avalanche Studios in ‘Just Cause 2’ is not one of them.
Instead of using the story as a springboard to challenge the player, it hinders the overall experience.
Some of the best parts of the first game came from the mischief players could do with the grappling hook, a tool players are given early in the game. Thankfully, the grappling hook appeal was not changed from previous installment. Thanks to the grappling hook, the game’s most enjoyable features came from the ability to attach an enemy to a car or an elevator and watch them fly up into the air or be dragged on the ground.
The senseless action that players can do does not end there. Crazy stunts such as attaching a house to a hijacked helicopter, launching a boat hundreds of feet into the air or blowing up miles of trees in seconds are all possible. Most of the situations can be best described as only possible in a video game. The silly moments become the rare joys that this game possesses. If only that trend continued with the rest of the game.
The majority of the missions are both repetitive and forgettable. Two missions clearly reference the show ‘Lost’ and the ‘James Bond’ series. One mission actually sends the player on a quest to locate a single hatch in an area where 30 or 40 are located.
Overall, ‘Just Cause 2’ improves the technical flaws of the first installment, but in doing so, it loses its character and soul. The sequel does not possess the charm of the first game. It isn’t a video game that’s so bad it’s good. This game is just bad.
To put it simply, ‘Just Cause 2’ is ‘Grand Theft Auto’ minus the satire of American culture. It’s just an average game released during a time of year when there are not many new releases. Pick it up if you’re looking to kill 20 to 40 hours. Otherwise, pass up this poorly crafted title.
Published on April 27, 2010 at 12:00 pm
