Welcome to a return trip to Pacific City in Crackdown 2, ten years have passed since our last visit and things have gone to hell, again. A scientist of the Agency, Catalina Thorne goes rogue and creates a virus that infects the clones we knew from Crackdown, turning them into mutated freaks. The virus is also injected into the general public, further spreading the virus. In order to negate this threat, the Agency creates a version 2.0 of next generation agents.

Thorne also rallies up a group of ‘terrorists’, known as the Cell, who fight the Agency at every opportunity in an attempt to overthrow them. You will battle the Cell by day and the freaks by night. That is pretty much the story, fight the two factions, complete the repetitive objectives of clearing out Cell strongholds to regain Agency control and finally watch the second cut scene at the end of the game. Overall the story related gameplay can be completed in about 10  hours.

Singleplayer:

Each area of Pacific City is more challenging than the last as you’ll have to fight through more waves with stronger enemies. Fortunately you are aided with bigger and stronger guns in addition to developing yourself into a super soldier. Due to the freaks’ vulnerability to sunlight, a UV shotgun and grenade are also available in your arsenal. Not only can the UV shotgun obliterate the freaks, it’ll send any non-freaks (namely humans, cars, objects, etc.) flying into the air.  This is once instance where you can set your imagination free and think of creative possibilities to defeat your enemies.

Character customization is limited to four different faces and colour themes. However it serves its purpose of distinguishing yourself from your buddies for the new 4 player co-op mode. The This is where the game really shines as you and your friends can choose to do anything from actually completing the objectives to messing around, taking part in road races, rooftop races, stunt rings and even hunt orbs, some of which are only accessible in co-op mode.

Speaking of which, the orb fest from the last game is bought to the sequel too with 500 agility orbs scattered across the city.   There are new ‘renegade agility orbs’ that constantly move as you chase after them. These provide a bigger boost in agility. Agility improves speed, jumps and general power that help you transform into a one many army super agent. There are also audio logs left behind that provide insight as to what occurred in the last few years.

Multiplayer:

In addition to cooperative mode, there are also competitive multiplayer modes supporting up to 16 players. There are only three game types: Deathmatch (or Free-For-All), Team Deathmatch and Rocket Tag.

Rocket Tag in essence features 16 players equipped with rocket launchers and a single golden orb..The objective is to be in possession of the orb for as long as you can as points are awarded for the duration of possession.

This game mode is insanely entertaining but can also prove to be frustrating when there are 15 rockets being launched at you whenever you acquire the orb. Quite a bit of luck and timing is required to be able to jump into the fray, grab the orb and get away alive.

Designated parts of the city provide the arena for each game and offer diverse settings from a cluster of high-rise buildings to an underground multi-levelled maze. At the end of the day, although these multiplayer modes are fun diversions, don’t expect it to compete with the best of multiplayer titles.

Final Word:

Not a lot has been changed in Crackdown 2 when compared to its predecessor. Heck, they have even used the same world map. However, the addition of a co-op mode and refinements on the over the top combat and the ability to grow into a super soldier helps negate the repetitive campaign mode and provides a solid argument for returning to Pacific City.

Genre: Third Person Shooter / Sandbox

Platforms: Xbox 360 Exclusive

Developed by: Ruffian Games

Published by: Microsoft Game Studios