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'Crackdown 2' is free on Xbox One ahead of updates to its sequel
Just because you're playing Crackdown 3 doesn't mean you've played its predecessor -- in fact, that's not too likely when the second game launched nearly nine years ago. The developers want to plug that hole in your gaming history. In addition to teasing some updates to the current game (more on those in a moment), they've revealed that Crackdown 2 is now free as an Xbox One backwards compatibility title. It's not the revelation that the first game was, but it will show you how the series evolved before its big hiatus.
'Crackdown 3' multiplayer test begins February 7th on Xbox and PC
You won't have to wait until February 15th to see if Crackdown 3 is worth its protracted development process, although you might want to temper your expectations. Microsoft is launching a stress test for the game's Wrecking Zone mode at 3PM Eastern on February 7th (installations are available at 12PM) to see how well its cloud-based destruction fares in real-world conditions. It's "not a beta," Microsoft emphasized -- this is about collecting data and feedback based on a slice of the finished game. You'll be limited to the Agent Hunter mode on one map, but there will be multiple play sessions, including two on the 7th and others on the weekend.
'Crackdown 3' launches February 15th, 2019 on Xbox One and PC
Yes, Microsoft really has been hinting at some big Crackdown 3 news by giving away the original game. The company has confirmed that the repeatedly delayed open-world game will be available on Xbox One (including Game Pass) and Windows 10 PCs on February 15th, 2019. It also premiered its talked-about competitive multiplayer mode, Wrecking Zone, that has two five-player teams fighting each other in "fully destructible" venues.
'Crackdown' is available for free -- and playable on Xbox One
The original Crackdown was an early hit for Xbox 360 -- packed-in access to the Halo 3 beta didn't hurt -- and now Xbox players can revisit 2007 for the low, low cost of nothing. With no explanation or fanfare the game has had its digital price zeroed out, although it's possible this could be tied to the XO18 event in Mexico this weekend where Xbox chief Phil Spencer will appear. It will include a two-hour Inside Xbox stream on Saturday at 4 PM ET with news about Crackdown 3, Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2 and Forza Horizon 4, a dozen Game Pass announcements and "a surprise or two." It's been a while since we've heard from Crackdown 3 and giving folks a taste of the original could help drum up hype for a new entry in the series that's now due to arrive in 2019. After delays and some lackluster showings, it certainly can't hurt. Anyway, agents, Crackdown has been available in backwards compatibility for Xbox One -- and upgraded once again on the more powerful Xbox One X -- since February, so just hit the link and give it a download.
Microsoft’s E3 2018 show: Our verdict
Microsoft's E3 keynote is in the rear-view. Join editors Billy Steele and Nick Summers as they break down the most important announcements. Or, if you haven't got 11 minutes, here's an even shorter rundown:
'Crackdown 3' officially pushed back to 2019
An already thin library of Xbox One exclusives for 2018 just lost one more entry, as Microsoft confirmed that the Crackdown 3 release is scheduled for February 2019. Following a rumor from Kotaku yesterday, Microsoft said in a statement given to Windows Central that "To ensure we deliver the experience they deserve, Crackdown 3 will be launching in Feb 2019. We look forward to sharing more on Crackdown 3 this Sunday during the Xbox E3 2018 briefing." Originally announced as a summer of 2016 release, Crackdown 3 has had a troubled development process, as evidenced by its repeatedly slipping date projections. What we played last year at E3 seemed desperately in need of more polish, and anything that can help avoid a Mass Effect: Andromeda-like misstep is probably a good thing. The question now is what Xbox One owners can look forward to in the meantime, but with E3 starting this weekend we will find out more soon. Microsoft's press conference will kick off Sunday, June 10th at 4 PM ET.
Xbox's lack of compelling games won't be fixed next year
Microsoft's 2017 started six months early. At E3 2016, Xbox chief Phil Spencer closed out the company's keynote by teasing the "most powerful console ever." At this year's show, he finally revealed the Xbox One X, and in November, the hardware was at retail. In the time it takes to earn a bachelor's degree, Microsoft addressed one of the internet's loudest complaints about the Xbox One: that it wasn't powerful enough compared to the PlayStation 4.
'Crackdown 3' lives in the shadow cast by 'Agents of Mayhem'
Microsoft's biggest hurdle with Crackdown 3 isn't its rumored troubled development cycle, it's that Agents of Mayhem exists and is coming out first. Both share a similar premise: You're a superpowered human given free reign over a cartoony open world. There are plenty of physics-based shenanigans that result from shooting harpoon rifles at snipers and black hole guns at gang members in both, and each has a familiar structure of taking out a crime syndicate from the bottom up. The difference lies in the execution: There are a lot of cooks working on Crackdown 3 -- some brand new to the franchise -- while Mayhem's team is a group of seasoned open-world veterans.
'Crackdown 3' delivers cel-shaded destruction with Terry Crews
It's a year late, but Crackdown 3 is finally landing on November 7th, right alongside the Xbox One X's launch. Just like before, the focus is on teaming up with friends and causing plenty of destruction in huge, open environments. This time around though, you've got Terry Crews by your side. The game looks great, with a cyberpunk-heavy cel-shaded style and more mayhem than we've ever seen before in a Crackdown game. But most importantly, it features some gorgeous explosions.
'Crackdown 3' hits Xbox One in 2016
Crackdown is back and as boom-tastic as ever. The first gameplay video for Crackdown 3 shows off a futuristic, neon-tipped city that acts as a sprawling sandbox once players dive in. The game features online co-op and competitive play -- that's up to four players for co-op. Crackdown 3 hits the Xbox One, and only the Xbox One, in summer 2016.
