Crackdown (Xbox 360, 2007)

Review c/o http://gnadegames.blogspot.com

Crackdown is one of the most recent high profile releases for the Xbox 360. Not so much because of the game itself but the fact that buying Crackdown enables gamers to participate in the Halo 3 Beta. Many scoffed at Microsoft’s audacity to package the Halo 3 Beta with a game that many gamers viewed as poor. This is not the case (no surprise given my first impressions) and while Crackdown is by no means a memorable, epic, or innovative game, it does get one thing right- Fun. The game is just an all out blast to play- plain and simple.

Gameplay: 9/10
Pros: Game is absolutely amazing in Co-op. You and your friend (or enemy) can do whatever you want and be wherever you want in the game world. Goof around and enjoy at your own will! The superhero attributes that your character receives is also genius and makes the game more and more fun as you jump higher, get stronger, and blow things up bigger.
Cons: The “sandbox” lacks some of the diverse mini-games and missions of the Grand Theft Autos, Saints Rows, etc. You Race, Jump, and Kill bad guys- that’s it. If played solo, the single player game can be beaten relatively quickly and with less enjoyment.

Graphics: 8/10
Pros: A unique- comic book style look that is by no means as sharp as most games on the 360. However, the streaming engine/world is much more impressive than the old GTAs on PS2/Xbox and there’s no draw issues or anything. The Physics and explosions are what really save the graphics from dipping further.
Cons: Not nearly as impressive or wowing as most Xbox 360 games…except when a pile of cars explodes from your rocket.

Sound/Music: 8/10
Pros: Explosions, guns, and all the other sound effects work great. The announcer is fun and catchy in a campy, lame way.
Cons: Music and radio stations in the cars is a skimp and a joke- the standard has been set as far as realistic radio stations go in these games. Announcer is very…informative and talks a lot…I don’t mind him, but I can see where if you don’t like the campy feel- you’ll be very annoyed.

Lasting Appeal: 7/10
Pros: Co-op probably has near infinite replay value…especially since you are free to come up with any antics you like. The game’s playability and great gameplay makes it hard to put down.
Cons: Lack of variety in missions and what you do in Pacific City hurts. As a solo experience, Crackdown is definitely not worth the pricetag.

Average: 80.00%
Tilt: + 5.00%

Here’s where the Halo 3 effect comes in…for me playing the Halo 3 Beta was definitely a selling point (well done Microsoft). Luckily, Crackdown is not a total bust and actually a game that captures being a super-hero a lot better than some of the Marvel and D.C. titles out there. It’s a blast to play…and Halo 3 with it just bumps it up another notch.

Verdict: 85%