Just Cause

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Game Information
Name: Just Cause
Genre: Third-person shooter, Open world
Release Date: September 22, 2006
Developers: Avalanche Studios
Publishers: Eidos Interactive
Age rating: 16+
Modes: Single-player
Console(s):


Plot
The game is set on a small island called San Esperito which is controlled by a man named Mendoza. Mendoza has taken over most of the island and is rumoured to have weapons of mass destruction in his possession. The game begins with Rico Rodriguez parachuting onto a beach to back up his commander in a gun fight against some of Mendozas men. They kill the men and drive across the island to a rebel base where Rico Rodriguez agrees to help the rebels fight against Mendoza. They set out on missions to save prisoners, kill corrupt officials and free areas from Mendozas reign. Eventually Rico Rodriguez is flown to the island Mendoza is on to assassinate him but Mendoza attempts to escape on a jet, however, Rico manages to get on the jet and kill Mendoza before he can escape and liberates the whole island.

Gameplay
Just Cause is third-person, free roam game which allows the player to explore the island when tired of playing to campaign. Players can play through the campaign when they like to complete the main story-line and also play through in side missions to become friendly with local faction and groups. Whilst exploring the island players can unlock new and better weapons to become more skilled in combat as well as finding new vehicles such as cars, boats and even airplanes. Gameplay is very similar to most other free roam games with only one main storyline. The overall story is very short and consists of only twenty-one missions, however there are over a hundred side missions, so players should be advised to make the most of side missions as they are very beneficial to exploring all aspects of the game which the main storyline does not expose the player to. Side quests include racing, taking down drug gangs and liberating towns.

Graphics
For a game made nearly seven years ago the graphics were acceptable then but definitely not anything special. They are quite choppy and definitely not very detailed. One major problem with the game is the outrageous graphical glitches which can even hinder gameplay and force the player to restart the game losing any work not previously saved. However for a game which such a large free roam area the graphics would not of been expected to be much better but overall they were quite a disappointment.



Controls
The controls of Just Cause are very simple to pick up and are very similar to most other third-person shooters on consoles, however they proved a problem on PC for being very different to most configurations that most gamers were used to. Some PC gamers gave up trying to play through the game due to the awkward controls however, not many issues were reported with the console controls. Changing weapons can prove to be slightly difficult but overall they are very easy to pick up for most console gamers.

Ratings (Personal)
Plot: 7/10
Game play: 7/10
Graphics: 5/10
Controls: 6/10
Overall: 6/10