Crackdown for the Xbox 360 is all the fun of the acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series, but on the side of justice.
Crackdown
Publisher: Microsoft
Platforms: Xbox 360
Rating: M — Mature 17+
Game type: Action
**** (out of 5)
• What’s the premise?
It’s time to get tough on crime — really, really tough. Take control of a genetically enhanced ‘supercop’ with a mandate to eliminate Pacific City’s three crime organizations by any means necessary. Basically, it’s all the fun of the Grand Theft Auto series, but with a badge.
• This game is most similar to…?
GTA series, Saints Row.
• Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
You probably shouldn’t even let them look at the box.
• One player or more?
The online experience is terrific as you and one other person can team up in the same sprawling city. You can do the same if your friend brings their 360 over and you use a systemlink.
• What’s missing?
A warning label. Other than a fun (and spectacularly violent) game, the other big sales feature of Crackdown is a link to download the beta version of the highly anticipated game, Halo 3. Unfortunately, it’s not until you read the fine print inside the box that you realize that the download isn’t activated yet and is listed as coming “Spring 2007”.
• The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Take the time to explore the city, try some minigames and you’ll quickly start to build up some of those spiffy genetic enhancements — meaning before long you’ll be leaping buildings like Spider-Man and throwing cars like the Hulk.
• And in the end?
As long as you’re not in too much of a tizzy over the wait for that Halo 3 tester, you should enjoy one of the best action/driving hybrid games ever made.
