Crackdown!
So after precisely fourteen days of absence, I received a newer Xbox 360 back from Microsoft. They didn't send me a brand new one, as the one I have is obviously a refurbished model. But it runs, so I'm more than happy.
I didn't even manage to get it set up and play it, on the night I got it back, but the next evening, I was sure to enjoy some electronic goodness. The first order of business was finishing up Lumines. I got down to business and obtained the last two achievements I was missing. Although my achievements tell me that there is no higher to go, I know that Jerry has a higher 60 second time attack score, so I know I'm not done yet.
The real blessing of the return was being able to enjoy the launch of Crackdown. After the demo I was pretty excited to get my hands on the game for periods longer than 30 minutes, and when I got the retail version, I definitely was not disappointed.
In a nutshell, you play a genetically modified human that 'evolves' at a heightened rate and you work for the Agency, attempting to stamp out crime.. Right from the onset of the game, you can jump higher, lift more and punch harder than the common scum on the street, but as you play, the actions you take boost your skills in certain areas. Already my crime fighting avatar can leap two storeys up, throws cars, and has a never ending arsenal of guns.
The game satisfies some long lost video game needs. The leaping is just great fun, and you don't have any problems getting around. There is something about leaping rooftop to rooftop while avoiding fire, that just seems....fun! Thus far the only drawback I can see is that the game is quite short on story. I've only played it for two evenings and already I've destroyed over 15 of the 21 gang leaders that you need to 'complete' the game. I'm sure there is some re-playability in the time trials, but for $60 I was hoping for a bit more to be there.
