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Just Cause 2 PS3 Review - www.impulsegamer.com -

Gameplay 8.7
Graphics 9.0
Sound 8.8
Value 8.5
Distributor: Atari
Classification:
M15+
Review Date:
April 2010
Reviewer:
Tyrone Williams

8.7


Just Cause 2

Having played the original, Just Cause was an interesting and ambitious game that although did well, never reached the heights, the developers were intending. With that said, the market has some standout titles such as Bayonetta, Batman: Arkham Asylum and Uncharted 2, which has given developers definitely something high to aim for.

Thankfully, the creators of Just Cause 2 have just done that, aimed high and have returned gamers to Rico Rodriguez, the protagonist behind this latest instalment. And action once again has a new name with Rodtriguez! So what is Just Cause 2? Simply put, it’s a third person action adventure game set on the sandbox island of Panau.  

Like the original, Just Cause 2 has some great action scenes and the opening is quite impressive as our hero jumps from a helicopter. It’s these well choreographed scenes that make this current game so enjoyable, not to mention the lush graphics and improved gameplay. The original for me, had no real direction and the AI was at times annoying, however in the sequel, the story is more fleshed out and there is more direction for the player.

The story revolves around Rico's search for his former commanding officer and friend, Tom Sheldon who apparently has gone rogue. Sheldon has also stolen millions of dollars from this secret agency and top secret intel to boot. Reports indicate that Sheldon has gone to the South East Asian island of Panau that is ruled by three dangerous factions.

Your job is easy, use the factions to find Sheldon and eliminate this threat. The three different factions in Just Cause 2 are quite diverse as you complete missions for them but at the end of the day, you’ll be taking over these factions with your technician for your new base which is also handy if you die.

The control system works well on the PS3, although controlling some of the vehicles does become a mixed bag of fun and frustration, especially those pesky jet planes. As the vehicles are so diverse, more often than not, you’ll destroy one in your wild antics such as crashing a plane but parachuting out into the sea or crashing your speedboat, it’s a long swim back.

Grappling is another highlight of the control system as you grapple yourself up perilously dangerous ledges or use it on enemies or vehicles. Fun indeed! When it comes to enemies, the game is littered with them but boy is it fun to dispatch them with a plethora of weapons and vehicles. BANG and SQUASH! There are so many ways to defeating your enemies in Just Cause 2, it’s ridiculous but definitely a fun aspect of the gameplay.

Graphically, Just Cause 2 is a very good looking game that is pure eye candy. The tropical island paradise of Panau has some great attention to detail and really captures this virtual world perfectly from its foliage to mountains and realistic water effects. Whether your gliding down to Earth before your parachute is used, grappling onto a crane or driving a speedboat at insane speeds, the realism of the game is quite unparalleled.

Add in some great weather effects from clouds and lighting such as sunsets and visually, it really helps you get immersed into this universe. With the realistic animation and some interesting cutscenes, the developers have should be commended on a job well done.

Just as with the graphics, the soundtrack, sound effects and background ambience highlights the entire gaming experience, especially when you hear those Hollywood style of explosions boom through your surround sound system or the chatter of the enemy soldiers.

Final Thoughts? Just Cause 2 is a thoroughly entertaining title that surpasses its predecessor and creates a very fun and open-ended game that virtually lets you do anything with the objects, vehicles and environments. The illusion of freedom works well and although you might feel insignificant at the start, I do urge you to continue because the game gets better and better as you progress. Check it out!





 

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