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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.
Impressions: Just Cause 2
After sifting through the hyperbole of other previews for this game, we walked into our eyes-only preview of Just Cause 2 as professional skeptics. Well color us pleasantly surprised. After spending a few minutes watching Just Cause 2 in action (running on the Xbox 360) we cannot wait to see more of the game. Developed by the team at Avalanche Studios and now planned for a 2010 release, Just Cause 2 picks up where the original left off -- players once again take on the role of Rico Rodriguez, this time forced to hunt down his friend and former mentor Tom Sheldon. Sporting a completely overhauled engine and intelligent design decisions, Just Cause 2 isn't your average sandbox action game -- it's what Grand Theft Auto would be if it made sweet love to Bionic Commando.%Gallery-65577%
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.
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.
Just Cause 2 aims to right the original's wrongs
IGN UK posted a preview of Avalanche Studios' latest project, a sequel to Just Cause, aptly titled Just Cause 2. And right off the bat it's sounding like development on the sequel is moving in the right direction. Avalanche took gamers' concerns and complaints they had with Just Cause, spun the formula and is shooting for the stars with the sequel. Gone are the dull side missions and overly light gameplay and in comes a reworked targeting system, more mission variety and a new arsenal of weapons to serve destruction. Just Cause 2 promises improved AI, better vehicle mechanics, prettified graphics and a grappling hook that'll be equipped at all times. Avalanche is promising a lot when it comes to the sequel, but they wouldn't have it any other way. Just Cause was far from being horrible and with the small tweaks and improvements that are planned, we believe Just Cause 2 could end up being solid. Or maybe we're just suckers for grappling hooks.[Via EuroGamer, Thanks Boff]
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.
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]
Just Cause sequel on the way
Swedish gaming rag Kong reports (via GameSpot) that the relative success of Just Cause in the UK has inspired Avalanche Studios CEO Christofer Sundberg to announce a sequel. This time the open-world game will remain exclusive to next-gen platforms while ditching the tropical theme for a "VERY large city environment." Are you thrilled by this news, or just curious to see how they improve a flawed, but reasonably entertaining, product?
Metareview - Just Cause (Xbox 360)
Just Cause was a hit at E3. People were talking, and as Saint's Row was being written off as a shallow GTA-clone, Just Cause was said to be blazing new trails for the sandbox genre. Well, it's here now -- and it's a bore. Good idea. Poor execution. Game Informer (73/100) credits Avalanche's attempts to "try a few new things," but noble efforts don't always amount to a memorable game. [Oct. 2006, p.93] GameSpy (60/100) believes Saint's Row is the better choice for sandboxing on Xbox 360. (We agree). Eurogamer (60/100) coins the term: "poor man's Mercenaries" ... which sums Just Cause up well. Also available on: PlayStation 2 / Xbox / PC
BIH content, 9/26: Lego Star Wars edition
Another day, another batch of BIH content. See what we did there? BIH. See, it's an acronym for Bringing It Home. Pretty sweet, huh? Anywho, here's the almighty list for today: Forza 2 Physics & Damage trailer NBA 2K7 trailer Sonic The Hedgehog trailer Shrek 3 trailer Just Cause trailer NHL 2K7 trailer The Darkness trailer LEGO Star Wars II demo(!) A potent list indeed, capable of discombobulating even those of the strongest constitutions. The real winner here is of course the demo of the UK's recent chart topper, LEGO Star Wars II. On a more peculiar note, wasn't there a trailer for The Darkness up yesterday? Is this one different? We'll be back shortly with our thoughts on the LSWII demo. We're sure you're waiting with bated breath.
Don't forget your Just Cause
Poker is fun and all, but who could resist the tropical action of Just Cause. In case you've forgotten (and who could blame you? That news is, like, ten days old), the Just Cause demo is scheduled to hit Marketplace today. So, go get it and live out your fantasies of becoming the Latin version of Brock Samson. We know you want to. Grab that demo and tell us what you think. And then explain to us why you're not at work.
Reminder: Just Cause demo available tomorrow
As reported earlier, the upcoming free-roamer Just Cause will be ready for download on the 360 and PC tomorrow at 6 a.m. Pacific. Shipping on Sept. 27, gamers will be able to get a month-long head start into familiarizing themselves with the title's unique stunt technique gameplay. While the game itself is a massive 250,000 acres, the demo will take place on an island one twentieth the size of that. According to Eidos, you will be able "to liberate a village, assassinate some political leaders, and explore the beautiful island of San Esperito at top speed on a vehicle of your choice."
Just Cause demo coming Aug. 24
PC and Xbox 360 owners will be able to get their hands on a demo of the revolution-themed Just Cause starting Aug. 24. Rather than just another open-world GTA clone, Just Cause is more like GTA pumped up on steroids and injected with deep political meaning. We played this game about a month ago and were impressed with its massive size (250,000 acres and over 300 missions) and stunt techniques. We'll see if the demo can capture that same sense of scope the devs are hoping to achieve. [Via Evil Avatar]
Grab the Just Cause demo on August 24th
These days, it seems like announcing a demo is almost as important as announcing the launch date of a game. Not one to be late to the party, Avalanche Studios has come through with a date for the demo of Just Cause. In case the headline didn't tip you off, the demo should hit Marketplace (and PC) on August 24th. Starring a skydiving, carjacking, black wearing operative, Just Cause looks to give 360 owners their first non-urban sandbox game. Anybody expecting this to top Saints Row? [Via OXM]
Just Cause website launches
The official site for the upcoming open-world game Just Cause (Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2 and PC) has launched -- though not without a few bugs and sluggish load times. As of now, the site hates some of our Firefox browsers. Overall, the site is rather ho hum with interested parties only able to view videos and screenshots. But don't let the complete averageness of the site fool you, the game is actually pretty tight. We got to play and see more of it recently and definitely liked what we saw. For those that aren't familiar, Just Cause puts you in the pants of a revolutionary in a nondescript South American country. The world in which you play around in is absolutely huge -- 250,000 acres and over 300 missions. Chew on that GTA fans!
Just Cause developer interview
Mike from K1lla's Xbox Domain has a Just Cause for interviewing the Swedish guys who run Avalanche Studios -- that would be the need for more info on their upcoming open-world thriller, set in a scenic South American dictatorship. This game made a few "best sleeper" lists at E3 on the strength of the Avalanche engine and a plot that sounds like it's designed to make Hugo Chavez nervous. Just Cause has sort of been flying under the radar, but not for long: The devs say a demo will hit XBLM "very soon."
