Rico. Suave. Yep, I remember that song. Oh, hi, let's talk about Just Cause 3, starring Rico Rodriquez and his band of merry misfits. Cheesy intro? Well, you better get used to it because that's what this game is all about. If you happen to be one of the poor souls who missed Just Cause or it's sequel, I'm sorry. You've missed out on a whole bunch of fun including: guns, parachutes, explosions, cars, explosions and a sharp dose of cheese and humor.
Did I mention explosions? Honestly, the third entry in the series starts out even more cheesy, over the top and insane than ever. A bad thing? Nope. Just be prepared for it. Also, the first few hours seem extremely disjointed as it introduces different mechanics and the crazy political stereotypes you are about to blow away. If you like big and dumb but fun action games or flicks, this is definitely for you. If you want a serious story, deep characters and reality, you better check out now.
All that being said, this game is pure, unadulterated fun in every sense of the word. Nothing can top climbing a friggin' mile into the air via your gadgets and RPGing the crap out of a huge satellite tower, or taking out a huge concrete bridge and watch it crumble into pieces. Or... I don't want to ruin any more surprises as you explore the gorgeous island and test this huge playground as you see fit.
Graphics and Sound
I remember being blown away at the draw distance and incredible scale of the first Just Cause game oh so many years ago. Well, if you crave a huge, gorgeous world to blow shit up in, you are going to love this action. Maxed out in 4K, this game is an absolute treat to behold. Akin to a sun bleached island in the Mediterranean, you'll have to stop several times (I did a dozen or so) and just behold the blue ocean, the sandy beaches and amazing fields of flowers and fauna.. before you blow it all up. Special note: the explosions are the best and biggest of any game ever. Period. This is seriously a gorgeous game! If your playing on PC, just make sure you get the latest graphics drivers or your performance will suffer.
Sound is solid from the rapid machine gun fire, jet engines and said huge explosions. Surprisingly, the music is lush, deep and quite stunning in areas, reflecting the geography and major Italian influence throughout the game. That being said, the voice acting is.. cheesy. I can't think of another term to describe it, but I don't know whether to knock it or just shrug my shoulders and go along with it. It's kind of like a Michael Bay movie: Eye and ear candy, but not without compromise.
Fun and Value
Besides the knockout graphics, the best thing Just Cause 3 has going for it is the sheer amount of fun to be had. Between the physics, loads of air/ground/sea vehicles, and the amount of weaponry in the game, you will never run out of things to do and see. The islands are massive and possibilities endless. Like any open world game as of late, if you follow the bread crumbs you might get bored fast, but if you find yourself on a small scooter shooting RPGs you will have a blast. I promise you that. Props to Avalanche and the crew for going out on a limb and making a game so huge and crazy, not to mention, extremely politically incorrect. I love it.
