Grappling with the Just Cause sequel

I was a little late to the whole Just Cause scene, picking up a copy only recently - some three plus years after its release. Back then, sandbox games weren't ten a penny so this showed some really innovative ideas. Having invested quite a few hours in this over the past few weeks, I'm of the impression that it's stood the test of time pretty well.

Set on some fictional tropical islands spanning a staggering 400 square miles, you take on the role of Rico - your typical special agent type - who has to make his way about the place completing missions and taking on the local militia.

The graphics now look a little rough around the edges and more than a little reminiscent of those seen on the last generation of consoles but it's really not a big deal as the fun element of the game wins through. The controls are simple to grasp, the missions varied enough to keep you interested and the scope for exploration is enormous. All in all, I'd recommend anyone to get hold of a copy - especially as it's available for a paltry £5 if you look hard enough!

Aptly-named sequel Just Cause 2 promises to take this winning formula by the scruff of the neck and give it a much deserved makeover. Due for release March, it promises more of the same but looks awesome.

Thankfully, the parachuting element (more recently employed in the Grand Theft Auto DLC, the Ballad of Gay Tony) makes a welcome return and allows Rico to traverse huge areas in a single swoop. Besides his basejumping abilities, grapple hooks allow him to make some pretty impressive looking leaps of faith and grab hold of vehicles, buildings and bad guys.



As is the nature of the sandbox genre, players can tackle the various missions and objectives in pretty much any way they like - in any order and adopting a plethora of strategies. Scale the icy hills, patrol the lush rainforests, or venture into the towns and villages dotted about the map - it's entirely up to you.

Anyways, another trailer emerged recently that showcases some of this freedom... Any of you remember the Choose Your Own Adventure and Fighting Fantasy books where you reached the end of the page and then had to make a decision about your next move? Well those clever fellas behind Just Cause 2 have pulled together a rather nice video showing just that... watch the trailer and decide what you want to do next when prompted...