http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/102/1023255p1.html
A recent issue of GameInformer gives us the first concrete details on Crackdown 2, the sequel to the surprise hit from Realtime Worlds. This one is being made by Ruffian Games, a studio born from people that worked on the first game and then left to start a new company. Got that? Good. Now on to the juicy details.
As the teaser trailer suggested, The city that you first cleared of organized gangs has succumbed to a nasty viral outbreak, causing ordinary citizens to turn bloodthirsty. Not even the shadowy Agency could control it, and so sections of the idealistic metropolis have been abandoned to riots and revolt. For the sequel, you'll return to Pacific City, but it won't be the same place you got to know during the first go around. Familiar sites will be present, but many will be in disarray and shambles, while new buildings have sprung up amidst the chaos.
How did all of this happen? Creative Director Billy Thomson is quoted by GameInformer as saying "One of the Shai-Gen missions actually had a research lab that hid all of these freaks inside of it." That's right. Your actions caused the outbreak. The Agency was driven back to control only its hulking tower while a group called the Cell filled the power void. This underground group is described as one that exists on the fringes, piecing together rubble into safe houses while fighting back at the maniacs.
The Agency wasn't destroyed, however, and it's at this low point that you'll step in. Or rather, it is at this point that you and three friends will step in for a little four-player co-op. The game is described as being designed around this concept.
Crackdown 2 once more follows the central goal of cleansing the city, but the repetition is said to be less prevalent. Ruffian told GameInformer, "Your influence in the world has effects across the rest of the city." And your influence will be made apparent through a more varied set of missions. You'll even head underground to tackle the infected as they hide from the light. And once night hits, you can expect the entire city to be a nightmare.
The same five skills that could be leveled up in Crackdown make a return, though each offers new abilities this time. The agility skill is said to offer a dash move, while driving can unlock a special helicopter. Depending upon who you're fighting, you might wish you had specific talents. GameInformer reports that the Cell will come at you like your typical gang from Mad Max: rough around the edges and loaded with weapons. The zombie-esque freaks, meanwhile, will naturally use their numbers to the best of their ability. Thomson is quoted as saying that, "The top level freaks are almost on par with the player-controlled agent."
To deal with these new challenges, new weapons will naturally make an appearance. GameInformer describes a few of these, such as a UV Shotgun that blasts the infected with light, a better sniper rifle, and the "mag" grenade that will stick whatever it hits to another "mag." These magnetic weapons also are said to work on cars, enabling players to do wacky things with them.
GameInformer also got a try at the competitive multiplayer mode being made for Crackdown 2. 16 players will join up online to battle, using a new and more skill-based aiming mechanic. Powerups, gadgets and weapons are strewn about waiting for any intrepid player to grab them and use them against other chumps.
Given the big blowout in GameInformer, it looks like Microsoft is ready to start lifting the veil on Crackdown 2 to the public. Expect more from IGN soon.
