Crackdown 2: Time to clean up the streets once again

FULL REVIEW

For Crackdown 2 developer Ruffian Games seem to have taken the ideology “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” a bit too seriously. This obviously doesn’t work too well in their favor because Crackdown - as enjoyable as it was - had quite a few flaws, all of which have remained unchecked for the sequel. However the game’s still managed to retain its over-the-top vibe and mindless fun factor that makes it a worthwhile buy at the end of the day.

Crackdown 2 takes place immediately after the events of the first game in the very same city. The freaks you unknowingly unleashed have now grown in numbers and are overtaking the city – at night – at an alarming rate. Besides this you also have all a terrorist organization called the Cell to deal with during the day so you’ll have your hands full in Pacific City at all times. Thankfully the game now allows you to employ the services of three of your friends as Crackdown 2 supports four player co-operative play. This turns an otherwise repetitive game into explosive fun as cleaning the streets with your genetically modified cop buddies is a total blast.

Like the first game your character levels up various skills depending on your methods of enemy disposal. Run over cell/freaks in a vehicle and your driving skills improve allowing access to faster agency vehicles. Keep blowing stuff up and your Explosives skill gains a massive boost increasing the splash damage dealt out by your grenades and rockets. Pummel people to death and your agent grows stronger allowing him to literally pick up cars and go all Hulk on enemies. Of course everyone’s favorite pastime, Orb Hunting is back as well. Collecting orbs improves your Agility which in turn allows your Agent to leap over (small) buildings in a single jump.

All the above mentioned leveling up can be done co-operatively as well and I strongly suggest doing so as the game can get kind of monotonous and boring once all your skills are maxed out. If for some reason you’re a loner who has absolutely no friends you can take your skills online for a bunch of competitive modes like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and so on. It’s not something you haven’t seen before but there’s something about competitive deathmatches set in open world environment that has a charm of its own.

Visually the game looks exactly the same as its predecessor except for maybe sporting a darker and grittier tone. I personally am not a huge fan of this new art style and I most definitely preferred the light cel-shaded look employed by Crackdown. Other than the visual style, pretty much everything looks identical except now certain areas and buildings are in ruins.

Crackdown 2 is a game you don’t play for its visual fidelity or engaging storyline. It’s got a pretty crappy plot and is very similar to the first game. However if you’re the type of guy who can’t get enough of gigantic explosions, collecting orbs, jumping from rooftop to rooftop or just clobbering enemies with cars, this is the game for you.