Verdict: Just Cause 2

Rico jumping from a jet

Verdict is a review column where the latest games are put to the test. There is no single, determining list of factors that can rate all games, so a general number between 0-10 will be used.

Just Cause 2 takes place on a fictional southeastern Asia island of Panau. You play as Rico Rodriguez, a hardcore gunman who aims to stop the dictator from taking the nation.


The first thing I noticed when I was thrown into the game were the amazing graphics. I haven't seen such a nice looking game since Bad Company 2. I had a steady framerate during my playtime of around 60 fps. Note this is on the PC version. Consoles are limited to 30 fps.

Apart from the graphics, there are plenty of cutscenes. Square Enix did a great job with the character animations as well. Unlike the visuals, audio seemed to come up short. Sound effects are well done, but the voice acting and dialogue is pretty poor. Acceptable, but poor.

When it comes to game play, that is where this game really excels. The grappling hook allows you to become a Spiderman-like hero and zip around towns. The parachute allows for quick get aways and high falls.

Flying is an alternative to hijacking a trike

There is also a vast amount of vehicles you can buy with money you earn from quests such as boats, motorcycles, cars, helicopters, and even jets. All can be purchased from the black market dealer.

This game to me is how the Mercenaries sequel should have been. If I would add something, I'd want to be able to save vehicles similar to the parking spots in GTA.

The missions in Just Cause 2 are really repetitive and there is an obvious amount of lack of work that the devs put in. For example, the cutscenes rarely show mouth movements so that they can be recycled for every mission. Some missions use nearly the exact same dialogue and objectives as well. Those faults aside, there is plenty of game play to be had. This game has a long story and the fun abilities gives it plenty of replay value.


As for the characters themselves, they are lacking. There is hardly any emotion at all and none of the characters are memorable. Just Cause 2 really could have used a better character base as many of the relationships in RPGs keep players coming back.

The story also is lacking. There are no twists and nothing unique. This game is just one to enjoy when you want to kill time and not get something accomplished.

The AI are very predictable as well. Rico's health, combined with the grappling hook and parachute make him as powerful as a superhero. It is not hard at all to stand around and cut everyone down while being shot up. To compensate for this strength, the NPCs begin wearing ridiculous amounts of body armor as the game progresses. Towards the end of the game it looks like you're shooting football players.

Just Cause 2 is truly a game that is meant for its replay value. There's always something to do. Though it lacks story, it has a lot replay value because of its open world nature. If you want a game to keep you occupied on your own, then Just Cause 2 may be it.

Verdict: 7.5