Gamezone

by Lenzo (in association with xtravision)

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GREAT CRACK

It's time to fry some freaks

Crackdown 2

Xbox 360

WANNA LIFT? Our super-human agent gets to workIT'S time to Crackdown on all the freaks and hoods in Pacific City.

Crackdown 2, the open-world, third-person action title from Microsoft Game Studios and Ruffan Games, is another over-the-top blast of a video game.

You may remember that Realtime World developed the original title but due to some issues to do with workloads and timing, start-up studio Ruffan Games was given the nod.

Freaks

You play as a super-human agent, employed by the Agency in a bid to eliminate the mutant freaks and criminal Cell structures that have gripped the city by regaining control of absorption units for the beacons (the bombs that can destroy the freaks).

The game's storyline isn't its strongest attribute but the open-world nature of the game means you don't want to feel too restricted.

As with its predecessor, mayhem is never far away from your agent with countless enemies and missions.

Fans of the original Crackdown will be familiar with the gameplay but there have been some nice refinements.

The HUD have been given a makeover that makes objectives and threats easier to identify. The agent's movement - jumping and running - also seems to be smoother.

There's also weapons and vehicles galore and the checkpoint make a welcome return, both Road and Rooftop versions. As you progress through the game, you will improve on five skills including agility, firearms, strength, explosive and driving.

Hand-to-hand brawls against the Cell thugs and the Freaks are not to be taken lightly, as you will always be outnumbered.

Like the first Crackdown, for me this game's most addictive and rewarding element is jumping from rooftop to rooftop, collecting orbs to build your agility powers.

Multiplayer is a huge aspect of this game, with the set-up geared towards a cop-op campaign.

Bonus

In co-op, players have to try to obtain orbs known as "Online Orbs", which give a bonus to all of your skills.

The cell-shading makes a welcome return, making the game stand out from most action titles out there at the moment. There are couple of frame-rate and pop-up issues though.

Ruffan games haven't pushed the boat out too much in terms of change, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Crackdown 2, like the first title, doesn't take itself too seriously with a lot of havoc thrown in to the mix.

Rating: 7.5/10

 

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