I got a chance the other day to download the new Crackdown demo. After getting over the unusually long download time (2 hours), I fired up the game. I thought I’d leave some impressions here for those of you with no internet connection or those of you thinking the Halo 3 beta code is all that this game is worth. You’re wrong. That’s the first thing I’d like to say to those with beta code blinders on.
Demo Impressions
First thing I want to point out is that Real Time Worlds made an excellent choice with the visual style of this game. In a genre that’s filled with what some would call ‘gritty’ graphics, they took a chance and introduced what I think is the perfect feel for this game. Pacific City felt like the futuristic world it’s supposed to be and I felt like the genetically altered super agent that I’m supposed to be. Crackdown does so beautifully in this game what I believe the movie Sin City did. They both take a world on paper and bring it alive in the video game and movie respectively.
You start the demo by choosing a character and vehicle. I chose the truck for massive ‘run them over’ effect. Hit the Y button to enter/exit the vehicle and R trigger to accelerate/L trigger to reverse. I didn’t play through the entire demo but I got far enough to make it to the first orange marker to secure some weapon depot. You can use anything in the game as a weapon including the enemies themselves. Just stand over whatever it is and hit the B button. Each time you come across a new weapon you have to register it so that it will be available to you for selection throughout the demo. The most interesting thing perhaps about this game is the way it allows you to target your enemies. You can choose to target any part of the body. Once you’re locked on, a small body will come up for you to select the head area, body or other part to shoot. Nice! To top things off, Crackdown will feature co-op play!
Crackdown screenshots click here
I’d write more about it but you’ll have to tune back in for a complete review when the game drops on February 20 exclusively on the Xbox 360. I was very impressed with not only the visual style of it, but with the gameplay as well. Pacific City here I come!
January 25th, 2007 at 10:02 am
I love the graphical style of this game, and the lock-on is a neat addition. Also if you had played longer you could have used some of your awesome abilities. Trust me Deacon, you haven’t played this game until you’ve upgraded your strength enough to kick a car into a group of thugs, or leaped 20 feet in the air.
I also got the chance to play some co-op last night with a stranger, and it was loads of fun going with him and taking on the bosses in the game…and just messing around blowing stuff up!
January 25th, 2007 at 10:04 am
well stay tuned for the complete review when the game ships
judging from the demo, i’m sure i’ll have plenty more to say.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:13 am
I downloaded Crackdown last night and it took about 2 hours also. I was only able to play a few minutes of it but visually it looks great. Had a problem learning the controls but with practice I can get them down. I like the lock-on targeting and the different weapons are nice!!!
I’m sure the final product will be worth it. Only problem I have with games like this and and other GTA style games are once you play through the storyline and finish it there’s nothing elso to do. I hope Crackdown offers other mini games and extras to hold the interest of the gamer.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:15 am
well we all know there’s downloadable content and the Marketplace
January 25th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I enjoy picking up a dead corpse and throwing it around almost too much…
Crackdown is the only thing that’s going to get me off Lost Planet. I love that game, and I love the Achievements for it.
January 26th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I’m finding the demo to be incredible. Beats Dead Rising for my most played demo record.
Nothing beats blowing cars up in a single shot whist stood atop a bridge being shot at from above.
January 26th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
Didn’t like it at first.
After playing a second time through the demo it definitely grew on me, and has since become one of my most wanted hits. Besides Forza 2.
January 29th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
I’m hooked on this. Its absolutely incredible. The amount of carnage I managed to create.
Keep in mind the full title will have the DLC that’ll include a replay editor. So you could record your chaos and send it to a friend!
January 31st, 2007 at 8:26 pm
ok i downloaded the game but after I pick my guy and click on play solo the game just keeps loading and i never get to play it does anyone no what I should do?
January 31st, 2007 at 9:09 pm
can you re-download it? or perhaps take a screenshot?