Just Cause
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Just Cause 2 pre-order bonuses revealed in latest trailer
Listen, we're pretty sure we're only going to need two things to complete our first playthrough of Just Cause 2: A hookshot and an arm on which to attach it. Still, we admit that the bonus equipment that the game's pre-orderers will have access to looks pretty intriguing: A skull-emblazoned parachute? An outrageously powerful handgun? A hovering deathtank? Yes, please. (Check out the trailer above to see these bonuses in action.) Even if you're vehemently opposed to pre-ordering a game, you need to watch this trailer, if only for the last 20 seconds. It's a real -- wait for it -- drag. %Gallery-65577%
Just Cause 2 visits small island, kills everyone
The acquisition of Eidos by Japanese publisher Square Enix earlier this year brought with it some strange consequences. Aside from the obvious Tomb Raider/Final Fantasy crossover that we all know is bound to happen, the above trailer for Just Cause 2 ends with a glaring Square Enix logo that still feels a bit out of place to us. Maybe it's the theme of deposing a South East Asian dictator, the pronounced "Engrish," and the musclebound American protagonist in the trailer -- or maybe it's just us being weird! Who knows?! We do know that the gameplay itself looks like a ripe barrel of monkeys and we're looking forward to its release on March 23, 2010. %Gallery-78125%
Just Cause 2 grapples onto March 23 release date
A recent Square Enix press release has dropped some rather unfortunate news in our laps: Just Cause 2 won't be hitting North American store shelves until March 23, 2010 (or March 26 for Europe, Australia and the Middle East). That's quite a ways past the title's original Q3 2009 launch date -- in fact, that's two whole Qs later than we initially hoped. Oh, well. It's difficult for us to get in a huff about the game's distant launch date. See, as soon as we feel the huff approaching, we simply watch a bit of Just Cause 2's grapple-and-parachute-centric gameplay, and then we feel inexplicably soothed to our very core. %Gallery-65577%
Hands-on: Just Cause 2
Action movie sequels always aim to be bigger and better than the original. Having played two missions from Just Cause 2, we can unequivocally say it's bigger than the first game, a cult favorite open-world romp starring a South American super-agent with an inexhaustible supply of parachutes. But better? That would require much more playtime to answer.We've posted no fewer than six videos of Just Cause 2 to date, but this week I had my first chance to actually get behind the controls of the Avalanche Studios developed title, which reintroduces us to Rico Rodriguez, who's bringing his Desperado-era Antonia Banderas looks (sans the long locks this time) to the massive -- yet fictional -- island sandbox of Panau.%Gallery-78125%
Just Cause 2 trailer calmly explains why grappling hooks are awesome
We've seen a great deal of media for Just Cause 2 which shows the protagonist's physics-defying grappling hook in action, but the latest Avalanche Studios mini-doc really displays the tool's destructive properties. Here's just a few uses for the game's grapple-arm, as demonstrated in the video above: You can use it to stick two enemies together, forcing them in an eternal bro-hug. You can whip an enemy into the air, then juggle him with bullets. You can pull down giant statues of presumably evil dictators. You can attach a man to the back of a small, personal jet, like a can fastened to the back of an automobile carrying a newlywed couple.
Just Cause 2 trailer has fun with the grappling hook
In this new trailer for Just Cause 2, you can see a helicopter tow a speed boat into a factory. How badass is that? You can also see protagonist Rico Rodriguez attach an unsuspecting individual to an airbound plane as it's taking off. It's this kind of inventive grappling that really gives the game a flavor all its own and makes this latest trailer necessary viewing for any self-respecting Joystiq reader. %Gallery-76895%
Hitman 2 may recast lead, Kane and Lynch still coming
Though it was sniped by critics, Hitman was a smash at the box office, raking in $100 million in theaters plus another $80M on DVD. Emboldened, producer Adrian Askarieh has a full slate of Eidos films in the works, projects that he recently discussed with GameDaily. His main focus right now is a Just Cause film, which he's producing independently, so don't be surprised if it doesn't quite hit that same level of Hitman polish. Look for that to start shooting next year. Also next year, Kane and Lynch is finally set to start filming in March -- after plenty of false starts -- with Bruce Willis in the Kane role. Finally, there's the Hitman sequel, which Askarieh said may need a new lead, as star Timothy Olyphant is filming a new show for FX. Though Askarieh said he'd like to get Olyphant back, we can't imagine why when Richard Moll is right there.
Just Cause 2 trailer wants to destroy something beautiful
Clearly appealing to our more destructive impulses, a new trailer on Videogamer.com for Just Cause 2 is inviting us to the beautiful island paradise of Palau, only so we can tear it asunder in a hail of bazooka fire and trucks tied to helicopters. We're a little ashamed to admit how well the approach is working.We're holding out hope that when it drops in 2010 Just Cause 2 will be able to deliver on the promise that games like Mercenaries 2 and the original Just Cause were unable to fulfill, because the trailer really does look like a lot of fun. One quibble: Are we the only ones who miss Rico's Banderas hair?
Hollywood producer snags rights to Just Cause
The exploits of Rico Rodriguez managed to captivate the attention of producer Adrian Askarieh, as Variety reports he's secured the film rights to Just Cause. Askarieh's no stranger to Eidos properties, as he also produced 2007's Hitman (and is apparently returning for the sequel) and is still working on bringing Kane & Lynch to the big screen.Of course, this could all be moot. Askarieh is financing the picture independently and looking to get together $35 million in funding. We're not saying he can't do it, just that it's significantly harder to make a movie when you don't have a studio backing you. Hopefully Askarieh has a lot of friends, because we totally wouldn't mind seeing The Scorpion (played by Antonio Banderas, obviously) hijack a helicopter at our local cinema.
Just Cause 2 looks amazing in developer walkthrough video
Now you can see why our preview of Just Cause 2 was so glowing ... it has 62% more chutes! Yes, it looks this good. Lead game designer Peter Johansson from Avalanche Studios takes us through the game with his sexy accent, and base jumping / parachuting alone looks like a hell of a lot of fun. Seriously, why has no one developed a skydiving game? (Mention Go! Sports Skydiving and we'll hurt you.)Watch the entire video above (it's long) and you'll see why Spider-Man has nothing on Rico. After all, he didn't carry a gun. The original Just Cause was a slightly buggy mess that was caught up in the changeover from the Xbox to the Xbox 360, although it featured some enjoyable and innovative gameplay. This sequel looks much, much better and we'll be keeping our eyes open for more info before it comes out in 2010.
Avalanche Studios lets 20 more employees go
Avalanche Studios CEO Christofer Sundberg confirmed to GI.biz that the studio has had to hand 20 employees their walking papers, following the 77 employees the studio let go back in October. Sundberg says that these layoffs will not affect the games the studio currently has in development. Just Cause 2 is still set to appear at E3 next month, and the company is even looking to reveal a new game it's been working on with a publishing partner, though any further details on the project could not be revealed at this time.Excuse us while we pour one out for the latest homies that have fallen victim to Joystiq's dreaded layoffs tag.
Just 'cause you should know: Just Cause 2 coming in Q3 '09
Because it's important news, sandbox action title Just Cause 2 is scheduled to free-fall to retailers sometime during Q3 2009. It isn't quite the 2008 release window Eidos was targeting, but whatcha gonna do? Eurogamer Germany broke the news (translated), confirming the release in the wake of developer Avalanche Studios' layoff announcement and subsequent promise to put more focus on the anticipated (?) sequel. As long as Just Cause 2 gets ample time to cook in the developer oven, the title could soar from mediocrity to something special. Know that putting care into the development cycle is always a just cause.[Via VG247]
Avalanche Studios developing 'open-world fantasy' AionGuard
Open-world fantasy news now, with Edge's latest issue taking a first look at "AionGuard," a new Lord of the Rings-inspired project from Avalanche Studios. According to the British mag, AionGuard follows the exploits of an army intent on capturing land that is otherwise "occupied by numerous mythical and magical creatures." As any band of armor-clad warriors will tell you, that's by far the worst kind of land to capture. It inevitably leads to violence, which is probably why narrative director Odd Ahlgren says it's like "God Of War, but it's a lot more open and you have lots more choice in how to tackle these situations." He insists that the game isn't an RPG, however, and allays fears that action will revolve around grinding. The folks at Avalanche, who previously parachuted into the jungle with Just Cause, have yet to announce a publisher for the Xbox 360 and PS3 title.Not that they should have trouble finding one -- it says here you'll also be able to pilot dragons. We'd be lairs liars if we said that didn't excite us.
GameTap Thursday: On the GRID
GameTap drives in its first update of the new year with the addition of GRID. Fans of Codemaster's DiRT might find it worth their time to check out the high-speed arcade style races found in GRID. GRID (Windows) - There's something magical about playing this game while sitting in a cardboard box with the top open. We also recommend turning off the TV sound and making your own car noises. Magic Academy (Windows) - It's a hidden object game. The digital version of a Where's Waldo book. This week, GameTap adds Just Cause to the free games list. Why? You know, just 'cause. Ouch! We sprained a finger forcing that joke through. Check out the full gratis list after the break.
Avalanche Studios sliding 77 employees pink slips
Avalanche Studios is preparing to terminate 77 of its 160-member staff following the loss of two publishing contracts worth $34 million. The Just Cause developer is currently working on a sequel to that game for Eidos, which it says will receive a "stronger focus" after the layoffs, and some other game called The Hunter.Avalanche Studios' CEO Christofer Sundberg is "positive" the company will get back on its feet, but he doesn't believe the studio will grow to 160 employees again. He says the company became "industrialized and impersonal," and plans to keep the studio smaller from now on.
Some Just Cause 2 details, just 'cause
PSW magazine has the revolutionary skinny on the sequel to the stylish -- but ultimately blah -- Just Cause. Rico Rodriguez is now ready to overthrow the government in the South East Asian country of Panau and developer Avalanche is using a new engine for Just Cause 2, which will focus more on exploration and experimentation than the original according to the developer. The original Just Cause benefitted from a huge world, tropical setting (green and blue is so much better than modern gaming's brown obsession), and the stunts Rico could perform -- it failed on almost every other level. The game's lead designer Peter Johansson says the sequel will enhance the stunts and improve combat. As long as Avalanche takes the time to polish Just Cause this time around it might make for a great alternative to every other sandbox game's gritty urban settings -- well, almost every other sandbox game.
Just Cause 2 will do away with side-missions, say devs
PSW Magazine got some details about the sequel to developer Avalanche's game Just Cause. Titled, who would've thought, Just Cause 2, will carry on the surprisingly decent legacy the first sandbox title delivered to fans. Lead designer Peter Johansson explained the process in creating the second title: "We identified the key areas we wanted to improve for Just Cause 2. We wanted to make better use of our huge game world, enhance the stunts, improve the combat and reward exploration more." Sometimes more is better.You still play as Rico Rodriguez, but your setting has changed from the island of San Esperitio to an undisclosed (for now) location in Southeast Asia. Another shift from the original title is the complete dismissal of side-missions. This might make the game different enough from the clogged sandbox market to stand out, or it might make it terribly short and rather mediocre. We'll see the game on PS3, 360, and PC at an unspecified date.
Low install base to blame for no Eidos titles?
Eidos is, of course, referring to itself in the subject line. See, most of their PS3 titles aren't planned for release until 2008. That sucks. Why? They blame the low install base of the new console. Eidos may have new Tomb Raider, Hitman, and a possible Just Cause sequel in the works for the mid-2008 fiscal period.Eidos CEO Jane Cavanagh made these comments: "We believe that PlayStation 3 will be a successful platform, and are developing technology and products for this console...However, as we do not believe that the installed base will be high enough until the second half of our 2008 financial year, most of our major product releases on the PlayStation 3 platform are not scheduled before that date."To me, this says that Eidos doesn't have much faith in its games. They don't think they'll sell well, or they don't think they'll be nearly enough to move systems. Granted, they shouldn't think too highly of themselves, but no game developer should be complacent enough to make games that are "just okay". They need to work on something that will move systems! Something every dev should strive for! Revolution! ...Or, you know, get pumped up and stuff.
Sequels! Eidos announces more Tomb Raider, Hitman, Just Cause
Rest easy, there will be more Tomb Raider, more Hitman, and another Just Cause. And just 'cause, Eidos has also confirmed that a new edition of its perennial footie sim Championship Manager will hit the pitch for (at least) one more go'round. Although development is currently underway for the follow-up foursome, release dates have yet to be issued. The expected sequels will be joined by Kane & Lynch and Crossfire, new IPs (they still bother with those?), along with Battlestations: Midway, which is due out next month.
Eidos announces 4 franchise sequels for 360
Eidos Interactive announced new gen sequels are currently under development for 4 of its franchises. Titles include Championship Manager, Hitman, Tomb Raider and Just Cause, which had its sequel announced in October. These games are expected to be released on both the Xbox 360 and the PS3, though specifics as to when are still vague. Eidos stated that they are "assessing" the proper time for release, mentioning the equally vague "Spring 2007" European launch of the PS3. On top of the sequels, Eidos still has new IPs in the works as well, namely Crossfire and Kane and Lynch: Dead Men. So in light of this, which of these would you anticipate the most? Tomb Raider: Legend and Hitman: Blood Money were quite enjoyable on the 360. [Via QJ.net]
