Crackdown 2 - Hands On Impressions
By Downtown Jimmy (05.31.10)
Microsoft welcomed the gaming media to a high rise condominium in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ontario to experience their upcoming super-hero simulator, 'Crackdown 2.' If you are familiar with the first 'Crackdown,' you probably have a smile creep across your face as you remember fond moments of mayhem in 'Pacific City.' 'Crackdown' is one of those rare games that came out of nowhere, surpassing expectations to become a sleeper hit-- and thanks to Microsoft, 'Crackdown' is getting another run by the newly formed 'Ruffian Games,' and we're getting a sneak peak!
Coinciding with the original 'Crackdown,' sitting down with a controller is the best way to experience the game. In our time with 'Crackdown 2' we had a chance to run around the city, grand-theft-auto style, blowing up everything that moves. With the controller in hand, 'Crackdown 2' feels much like the original. 'Ruffian' takes the "if its not broke, don't fix it" approach, and it works. Even after all the titles that have successfully "emulated" bits and pieces of 'Crackdown' since its hiatus, it feels good to be back in the city that matters the most, 'Pacific City.'
In terms of the narrative, 'Crackdown 2' isn't going for some overly dry drama, or a dreary overhanging of morality, it is all about having fun without too many worries, the true basis of run-and-gun gameplay. Similar to the original you will be running from objective-to-objective gunning down the enemies as you see fit. 'Crackdown 2' now sports an improved way point navigation system making the game flow quicker then before. No word was given to the alignment of your soldier in the 'Agency,' which will be one of the more alluring parts of the storyline. Expect a few twists because I am. Expanding the idealism past the rival-gang approach of the original, your enemies include a group a super-mutants called 'The Freaks,' and another group of rag-tag mercs called 'The Cell.' We didn't get too much incite into any other intricacies of the plot, but it seems like things will be a little more interesting for an 'Agency' employee.
The look of 'Pacific City' hasn't changed too much. 'Crackdown 2' still sports that cel-shaded cartoonish style with a flair for big explosions. The city itself has the same architecture that seems built for the parkor. I wasn't overly concerned with the high and dynamics of each building, since most of my time was spend running and driving through the streets, although it did seem like variation was more diverse. One cool addition to 'Crackdown 2' are indoor and underground environments, which should provide some nice spice to the game world. In our first outing in 'Pacific City' we managed to fight across a good chuck of the city, cross a river, climb up some cliffs, surface on a beach-- only to fight through hundreds of 'Freaks' who must have been on picnic sabbatical. 'Crackdown 2' was filled with surprises and easily got your adrenaline pumping.... and that was only fifteen minutes-- imagine an hour!
One difference we noticed in our time with 'Crackdown 2' was a lack of ammunition. In a matter of minutes I was hearing the clicks of empted chambers. It could be that I was a little trigger happy, or I could be a more diligent ammunition system in play, but bullets seemed like they where a little more harder to come by. Sure, being surrounded by enemies is fun, but with no bullets, not so much. When resorting to hand-to-hand skills, 'Crackdown 2' looses a its pizzazz, and is a little sloppy compared to other beat-em up games. It is a shame because super-kicking mutants in the head is supposed to be fun. The physics engine helps along the kicks-and-punches, but nothing beats a rocket to the head.
It should be also noted that the enemy count has been increased making even more fun to blind fire into a crowd. At night the infected freaks come out in bigger numbers like their are multiplying by the moonlight. These zombie-monsters might not have the brains, but they are consistent and up for a fight. Their A.I. wasn't too bright from what we experienced, however, the game is still in beta stages. I didn't have too much time fighting with other faction, so lets hope they have a better plan of attack when you rain fire down on their unlucky souls.
Making everything sweeter in 'Crackdown 2' is the co-op play. Up to four people can run around 'Pacific City' shooting it up. Co-Op is super fun and the best way to experience 'Crackdown 2.' Given are surroundings at the event (basically a bar and some videogames) co-op came down to horsing around. Messing around with a buddy, or a few, seems like way to go, and even though we didn't have the best atmosphere to gain a deep incite into the co-op play in 'Crackdown 2,' it was still a whole lot of fun.
Lastly, we had a chance to play the much talked about 'Rocket Tag' multiplayer. The multiplayer matches are fast and extremely exhilarating. Rocket Tag is all about shooting rockets at one player who wears the bulls eye, a suspicions looking halo-crown. This type of tag is obviously a little more dangerous then the type you played as a kid, and a lot more fun. I guess I should mention, "unlimited ammo." Yip, it gets messy.
'Crackdown 2' looks like it is sure to please all the fans of the original by offering "more" of everything. All the basics have been covered, as 'Crackdown 2' retains that same feeling of unabandoned fun. For more on 'Crackdown 2' check out our interview with lead producer "Jim Cope". 'Crackdown 2' drops this July.
What's Hot: Co-Op Multiplayer, Rocket Tag!, More enemies- More variety. Orbs-Orbs-Orbs! Fast and easy to get into.
