Playing A Game Crackdown 3 XONE

Crackdown 3 isn't terrible.

Okay, maybe that's a little too reductive. But it's really not difficult to sum up Crackdown 3 in a few words. For instance, these words: it's a sequel to Crackdown.

No, I mean, that's really all you need to know.

Let me quote some of my previously-posted thoughts on Crackdown, written ten years ago:

  • "This is a sandbox game where you can become a supercop that leaps over buildings, and tosses SUVs at gang members."
  • "... there's (almost) never a dull moment."
  • "... the fun of exploring the city, and the essentially-nil penalty for death (you go back to a respawn point) ..."
  • "... driving sucks."
  • "The game is not without flaws; sometimes the aiming gets caught on things you don't want to aim at, sometimes a target is unreasonably difficult to find and takes some wandering around to get to."
  • "... once all the criminals are gone, the city really isn't as interesting anymore."

All of these statements are still descriptive of Crackdown 3. Hell, even my endgame state - my driving stat is low, but the others are close to maxed - is pretty much the same as when I'd finished the first game.

That Crackdown 3 feels so faithful to its forebear is simultaneously remarkable and disappointing. Its collectible-driven gameplay loops are fun, and the incredibly-bombastic combat can be a real treat. But the game is also structurally simple, with very few twists or surprises in its missions/challenges, and a story that sounds like it was written over a weekend.

The worst part is, I doubt that someone who hadn't played Crackdown before will be able to enjoy this third iteration. Compared to its contemporaries, Crackdown 3's controls are clunky, and its world is a bit bland.

But, for someone who enjoyed Crackdown, this is the same thing again. With Terry Crews in it.

Better than: Yooka-Laylee
Not as good as: Saints Row IV
More thrilling, but less mechanically fascinating, than: Agents of Mayhem

Rating: Good