Just Cause 3 Review

Just Cause 3 is the perfect game to play while taking a break from intense RPGs. In fact, Just Cause 3 could almost be considered a zen-like game. There is something peaceful and relaxing about running around and destroying everything in sight. It feels like there isn’t much direction in Just Cause 3, but like the 2nd game, it sure is fun and full of distractions.

Once again, Rico is tasked with freeing some people on an island with a oppressive dictatorship. Rico is coming back home to help with a few friends. That sums up the story in a nutshell; the game doesn’t get more complicated than that. In some ways, Just Cause 3’s story is a lot like Just Cause 2. But the story isn’t the selling point of the game; it's the open sandbox world where gamers can destroy anything.

This is what sells me on this game. Although I like open sandbox games such as Saints Row 2 and 3, GTA IV and V, Red Faction Guerrilla, Metal Gear Solid 5, the Fallout series, etc. all of them really push the story as a part of the game. Although this exists in Just Cause 3, the story can be ignored.

Graphically the game has improved from the last one. Explosions are bigger, the water and the beach look fantastic. The towns have some detail; everything gamers could want in a next generation game.

The gameplay is the strongest point. Rico has a lot of fun ways to destroy stuff. Gamers start with unlimited c4 which is fantastic for dropping buildings and structures on the enemies. The tether and grapple has improved as well. Rico can connect up to 4 people, structures, vehicles, or other items together and force the tethers to zip together. This can make for some interesting situations as there is potential to connect planes with trains, multiple people to explosive barrels,

Problem is, c4 and grenades share the same button and this can make for some interesting situations. Rico is tasked with freeing the island from the dictator. This means going from point to point and freeing towns. These can be handled in a certain of ways. Gamers could go in stealthily and plant some c4 or go in with allies gun blazings. I prefer the latter, which ends up being more fun.

There is also the side missions. These include blowing things up, doing races, or traversing the world in a wingsuit as well as a handful of others. It doesn't feel as in-depth as the side missions of Saints Row 3. The fast travel and wingsuit make it easy to get around the islands.

The overall game itself is short at around 15 hours, according to Howlongtobeat gamers spend an average of about 30 hours finishing everything. The best part of the game is the distractions. Gamers will spend most of the time in Just Cause 3 running around and exploring the island.

Score 4 out of 5