Crackdown
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Crackdown: more fun than a bag of grenades
We just spent the last 2 hours playing the Crackdown demo and so far we're impressed. Crackdown immediately offers players with several possible objectives, and multiple paths to complete them. We played through the demo twice and found new and different things each time, even with objectives that we had completed before. The gameplay is fairly simple, it's your job to take out local gang leaders and eventually each gang's kingpin. In what manner and in what order you do this is entirely up to you. There are multiple weapons and skills available to you, and each one of them is useful (though we were particularly fond of the agility and explosives skills). The demo tasks you with eliminating leaders of the Los Muertos gang.
Crackdown demo assaults Xbox Live
The day has finally arrived. Today is the day that all of us can finally try out that free game that comes with the Halo 3 beta. We keed, we keed. We're actually genuinely excited about Crackdown and even woke up early to get the demo downloaded. We'll be playing it as much as possible and updating you with our impressions later today. The demo is over 1 gig so you'll want to get started with the download as soon as you can. Anyone manage to play this already? What do you think?
Crackdown demo coming Tuesday
Yup, the Crackdown demo was delayed to an uncertain future, but no longer must we wait in the darkness. Microsoft announced that the promised Crackdown demo will be available to download from the XBLM on Tuesday, January 23rd at 2AM PST. And you thought their certification process would take longer ... silly you. Remember, this demo will allow you and a buddy (or fierce rival) to try out the co-op nature of the game and see if the game is worthy enough to carry the Halo 3 beta key.[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Crackdown gold, you know what that means...
Crackdown is gold and on schedule for release February 20. Microsoft has made a point to highlight Crackdown's apparent pre-release popularity, citing a "significant number of pre-orders" purchased in advance. Excited as we may be about David Jones' twisting of his own Grand Theft Auto creation, Microsoft's tying of Crackdown to the Halo 3 Beta should not be understated. It's likely that many pre-orders were placed to secure an invitation to the beta, which will only be bundled with Crackdown for a limited time. Those who haven't pre-ordered are likely holding out to play the demo, which, according to ads posted on Xbox Live yesterday (now removed), was supposed to be released yesterday. As announced Tuesday, the demo has been delayed (guess marketing didn't get the memo). But Microsoft is sticking to its promise that the demo will be delivered before the month is up -- hopefully in time to consider Buy.com's slight discount.
Crackdown goes gold, demo not so much
Microsoft announced today that Crackdown, the much anticipated sandbox action game (and golden ticket to the Halo 3 beta) has gone gold. In other words, Crackdown has been certified and is ready for production. Microsoft notes that interest in the game is high, citing the game's significant number of pre-orders. While we don't doubt that the game will be a lot of fun, we imagine the high number of pre-orders has something to do with the Halo 3 beta invite. Maybe just a little. Still we're excited to get our hands on the demo, which 360 Fanboy readers will know is not certified yet, and should arrive some time this month. Crackdown is scheduled to hit shelves February 20.Full press release after the break.
Crackdown demo slips through a slight crack
Microsoft PR has informed us that the Crackdown demo has entered the final certification process, but will miss its scheduled release on Thursday. A press release states the delay will only span "several days," but IGN cites several weeks (anytime before the end of the month). The retail version will ship February 20 as expected. Microsoft also confirmed that the demo will not support "jump-in" co-op gameplay, a major feature of the retail version. Instead, players will have to organize co-op games through the demo's pre-game interface -- a slight, but notable nuisance. The demo is set in one of four major gang-held territories and gives players an opportunity to enjoy some of the game's advanced abilities through enhanced leveling. In related news, Buy.com is offering Crackdown, plus Halo 3 Beta invite, for $58.39 (includes S&H). [Via press release]
Doh! Crackdown demo delayed
We just got word from Microsoft that the Crackdown demo, scheduled to hit the Marketplace on Thursday, has been delayed. The certification process is taking longer than expected, but Microsoft says the demo will only be delayed a few days and will be available in January. Microsoft also touched on some differences between the demo and the retail version of Crackdown. The demo will feature a dumbed down version of the "jump in Live co-op" gameplay, where you'll have to setup a game with a friend prior to starting the demo. But don't worry, the full version will implement jump in Live co-op just like Gears of War has. They also mentioned that the Agent leveling system has been enhanced for the demo to allow players a chance to try out the advanced abilities. Sorry guys, we'll just have to wait a little longer to try out Crackdown. Curse you certification process!
Crackdown w/ Halo 3 beta for $53.99 (sort of)
Buy.com currently has Crackdown (including a certain beta invite) for the low, low price of $53.99. It's a decent price, sure, but shipping will add $4.40 to the transaction, bringing the total up to $58.39. Still, you'll grab the game (and the beta invite) for a dollar off and tax free to boot. You could certainly do worse. And don't forget, if you're still unsure of Crackdown's non-beta related merits, a demo is expected to drop this Thursday. You can bet we'll be checking it out. How about you?[Via 360-Deals. Thanks, Fargo]
Crackdown achievements: 100 points missing
The achievements for Crackdown have been revealed by Achieve360Points.com. There are currently 43 achievements totaling 900 points -- falling 100 short of the standard 1000. It is assumed that more achievements will be added after the game ships (probably via downloadable content). The achievements in Crackdown mirror the sandbox nature of the game, asking players to do things they were bound to try anyway. One of our favorites is "Car Juggler," which requires you to juggle a car in the air for at least 7 seconds with explosives (like a rocket launcher). Other achievements ask you to perform certain stunts in your vehicles (not unlike some of the Dead Rising achievements), kill gang members in creative ways, or just show off your skills (kill 5 gang members in one jump). We have to admit, we're getting pretty excited about Crackdown. A sandbox game with Live co-op sounds like just what the doctor ordered.And no, there is no achievement for unlocking the Halo 3 beta invite.
Another casualty, Germany won't rate Crackdown
Simply put, Germany's video game rating board is strict. They're the same group that refused to give a ratings to both Dead Rising and Gears of War which means these games cannot be openly sold on store shelves in Germany. Now it looks like Crackdown has become the third 360 victim of the German ratings board's wrath as they refuse to rate it too. It could just be us, but Crackdown is no Gears of War in terms of violence. True, we have yet to play the game, but from the videos and screenshots that we've seen, it doesn't look all that violent or twisted. Personally, we think the German ratings board just gets tired after months and months of non-stop game rating sessions. So, they randomly decide to not rate a game to make it a short work week. In their eyes not rating Crackdown for some quality vacation time ... it just makes sense. (Note: This isn't how Germany decides to rate games as their vacation time doesn't depend on how many games they rate ... or so we think.)[Via Joystiq]
Crack down on Crackdown, Germany refuses to issue rating
The German ratings board has refused to issue a rating for Crackdown, marking the third instance in which an Xbox 360 title will be ostensibly blacklisted in the country. This peculiar circumstance does not make Crackdown illegal, but its sale to minors is. In addition, the game cannot be displayed or advertised by retailers, and all purchases of Crackdown must be made in person. The ratings board was likely turned off by the game's violence, which has yet to draw attention from other critics. See also: Dead Rising banned in Germany Germany says NEIN to Gears of War German states mull violent game ban
Real Time Worlds Crackdown interview
Xboxyde posted a Q&A session they had with developer Real Time Worlds about a little game called Crackdown. In the interview Real Time Worlds talks about how development on Crackdown has progressed, how co-op was implemented, various multiplayer tidbits, and how games in the genre are sometimes unfairly labeled as Grand Theft Auto clones. After reading through the interview we can't help but feel that Crackdown may be able to stand on its feet without the help of a little Halo 3 surprise in the box. Is anyone a little more interested in the game after reading the Q&A session and possibly willing to take Crackdown for a ride?[Thanks, Boff]
Xbox 360: The Best of 2007
2006 was a great year for the Xbox 360. We saw tons of great games -- Oblivion, Gears of War, and Dead Rising just to name a few -- Xbox Live Arcade showed signs of maturity, Xbox Live grew by leaps and bounds, and overall 360 sales are closing in on the 10 million mark. Yes, it was a good time to be a gamer if you had a 360. What about the future? What does 2007 hold for the Xbox 360? Read on and join the discussion.
Buy Crackdown, get Halo 3 beta invite
In the most recent issue of Gamepro magazine is an ad for Microsoft's Crackdown ... but in the lower right corner is a dirty little secret. The fine print clearly states that with purchase of Crackdown you'll receive a key code to get into the (wait for it) Halo 3 beta this Spring! Microsoft's marketing team must have thought, "what would be the best way to sell this damn game? Wait, I got it! We'll use our top franchise to spur game sales in a co-branded venture ... genius!". Though, we're still betting the bank on being randomly selected for the beta from Halo3.com. But if you have Crackdown on pre-order or were going to purchase it anyway, it looks like you'll be beta testing Halo 3 next year (crosses fingers hoping this isn't a photoshopped Gamepro ad). [Via Joystiq]
Buy Halo 3 Beta invitation, get Crackdown (for free!)
According to an ad in the latest issue of Gamepro, Microsoft will start selling Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta invitations for $60 beginning February 20 -- oh, and each golden ticket comes with a game called Crackdown. Fine print reads: Limited time offer -- look for specially marked boxes. [Thanks, zewone]
Crackdown in stores Feb. 20, demo on Jan. 18
Microsoft's crack at the Grand Theft Auto crown, from Grand Theft Auto creator David Jones and his Real Time Worlds studio, is set to hit streets February 20. Admittedly, Crackdown shares more in common with Mercenaries than it does with any of the GTA titles, as it's less structured than Rockstar's series and not mission-based -- you're charged with taking down three criminal organizations however you see fit. Of course, the ability to become a 'super freak' (leap buildings, transform vehicles, throw semis, etc.) puts Crackdown in a niche of its own -- if not the superpowers, then the cel-shaded visuals. It's totally like being inside a graphic novel! Right?... For those of us still concerned that Crackdown lacks some of the cohesive elements necessary for a mainstream hit, Microsoft is offering a demo, set to hit Xbox Live Marketplace on January 18. The demo will include -- for Xbox Live Gold members -- a preview of Crackdown's full-scale online co-op, which gives the game a huge boost over its competition. Free-form gang-stomping with a buddy? Yes please. [Via press release]
Crackdown demo hits XBLM Jan. 18th
Crackdown, the anticipated title from Grand Theft Auto creator, David Jones, is hitting retail shelves on February 20, 2007. On January 18, 360 owners will be able to download a demo of the game from Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo will feature both single-player and online cooperative modes, giving players a chance to experience what Crackdown has to offer. We've been covering as much Crackdown as possible in the last several months -- Joystiq even got a chance to play it -- and we're very excited to give the demo a try.Anyone else raring to get a crack at Crackdown?[Thanks, Tony]
Realtime Worlds gets $31m in funding
Realtime Worlds, developer of upcoming Xbox 360 action-cop shooter, Crackdown, has secured $31 million in funding from New Enterprise Associates. Two members of NEA have joined the board of directors at Realtime Worlds, suggesting that the companies expect the partnership to be a long-term collaboration. Founded in 2002, Realtime Worlds has yet to ship a product, although Crackdown is due in 2007. Unless Realtime Worlds has developed expensive tastes -- and we remember watching that happen to dot-com companies -- we expect the funding to keep it strong well past any Crackdown success or failure. (From our look at the game, we're betting on "success.") See also: Joystiq hands-on: Crackdown (Xbox 360)
Joystiq gets a crack at Crackdown
The dapper gentlefolk at Joystiq recently got a chance to play the latest from GTA creator, David Jones, Crackdown. You may recall that we brought you a super great video of the game recently. So, go watch that video and then come finish this article. We'll wait ... and ... good. So, the question is, of course, did Joystiq find the game fun? The answer is yes. Crackdown is a sandbox game with a heavy bent towards action. As Joystiq puts it, "the game's frenzied pace doesn't pause for soul-searching or deep social commentary; gamers will pick it up for its action, not nuance." Naturally, we can't speak for everyone (though we do try), but that sounds like our kind of sandbox game. The co-op in particular sounds like a great way to spend time with a buddy over Live, just tearing around the city doing whatever you want. Rest assured, we're keeping our eye on this one. Hit the read link to check out Joystiq's hands-on with the game. It's chock-full of information and pretty, pretty pictures.
Joystiq hands-on: Crackdown (Xbox 360)
Future-cop shooter, Crackdown, prides itself on nonlinear, sandbox play. It's set in a sprawling city with many areas to explore, and I had fun wandering through a pre-release version at a recent meeting with developer, Real Time Worlds. The game is violent and visceral; you play a Judge Dread Dredd-style super-cop with no moral ambiguity. Every criminal you kill is a victory, and any bystanders that die between you and the baddies were just doing their part for their city. This premise is sure to appeal to the adolescent boy in all of us (and actual adolescent boys). But for a game that gloats about its open, let-the-gamer-decide play-style, I thought that the violence was sometimes too mandatory and too realistic. I had fun with Crackdown, and I want to play more. I enjoyed the sandbox elements -- blowing up parts of the city, jumping between rooftops, and driving cars -- but those activities didn't always help me progress. It seemed like I needed to keep killing thugs to advance through the game, and that repetition may violate the sandbox ideal. To Crackdown's credit, the Xbox 360 game doesn't take time to dwell on its blunt-instrument kill-the-enemy-gangs premise -- it even approaches it with a crooked smile. And the game's frenzied pace doesn't pause for soul-searching or deep social commentary; gamers will pick it up for its action, not nuance.
