It was clear months ago that Crackdown 2 was going to be pretty repetitive and that it wasn't going to bring anything particularly new over the first title, so I think there was always going to be some backlash from critics for this (hence the very disappointing 71 Metascore) - though obviously Sterling is often unnecessarily extreme just to get his point across.

Dtoid shouldn't review games, or rather their reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.

look at deadly premonition for example.

I thought the same thing when I saw that comment.  It's hard to believe that a when a game gets an average score of around a 7, which by most reviews standards is a good game but with some flaws,  is now a bomb and a POS by many gamer's standards.  

The new Prince of Persia and The Force Unleashed are a couple of other games with scores in the lows 70's that were also quite a bit of fun. 

Another point I don't understand is if a game was fun, why does it have to reinvent itself for the sequel.  Sometimes I purchase a sequel because I want more of the same.  If I'm looking for a different exerience I'll go to another game.     

I also enjoy the fact the OP posted the second worst score for the game.  Where are all the threads that represent what the majority of the reviewers have to say (The one's in the mid 70's)?  I'm not saying by any means that this is going to be a mind blowing experience.  I think most people who played the first understand it's meant to be a giant sand box to play around in and just have fun.  Every game doesn't need to be an epic experience. 

It just sucks that when people see yellow on Metacritc, they automatically assume the worst.

I don't care either way. I'll find out for myself. Some games can be retreads and get a free pass, this game obviously didn't but that doesn't make it an unfun/poor game to play. I know I can extract at least 30 hours of fun from this title because I like open world games so im getting it. I may play it and then sell it on but IMO its worth the risk as I enjoyed the first so more of the same doesn't bother me.

I played the Crackdown 2 demo. From what I experienced, I agree with every detail of this review completely, except for the rambling about Ruffian Games.

The game was no different than the Crackdown 1 demo & game, and the C2 demo did nothing to make you feel like it was an improvement.

The reviewer is completely right.

This review or any of the others for that matter aren't going to hamper my decision to buy CRackdown 2. I had loads of fun with the first and the 2nd looks to be even more fun with 4 player co-op. All those gripes about story don't matter to me as the real fun in Crackdown is all the mayhem you can start. Add three friends to the mix and this is a must buy for me.

u are such a boots licker :p

i did play the original and i got a bit bored from the start tbh, i played the demo of this and found it much more fun in a quicker time. Personally Crackdown 2 is a big improvement on crackdown 1

From the demo...

i'm going to buy this no matter what the reviews say, i love crackdown 1 and i think its the best game on the box. But after playing the demo this games does not look day 1 worthy. Anyway, the good news is that with these bad reviews the price will probably drop really fast, like  1 - 2 months fast.

I haven't played the game yet I feel Jim is full of crap.

As long as it plays like the original I'll have a blast.