An Island Cause

Sky-diving into a tropical island nation in the midst of violent political upheaval may not seem like most people's idea of fun, but for Rico Rodriguez, it's the ultimate in adventure vacationing. In Just Cause for Xbox® and Xbox 360™, you take control of an agent working for a spooky, unnamed agency.

Rico has all the makings of a legend.

Your mission involves dropping in on the local revolution and stirring up trouble. It's los Federales versus los underdogs with both sides armed to the teeth, and you jump gleefully into their midsts. Mucho fun!

Sizzling Story
A mature title developed by fast-growing Sweden-based Avalanche Studios, Just Cause brings together high definition graphics, clever mission premises, and thrilling action gameplay in one politically charged package. After only two weeks the demo has already been downloaded more than 350,000 times on Xbox Live® Marketplace.

The game breaks exciting new ground on the free-roaming action genre as you follow missions or freely roam more than 250,000 square acres of living, breathing environment as butterflies and bullets fly past. The tropical terrain include mountains, cities, villages, jungles, and beaches.

Jump out of planes to reach isolated target areas or
parasail behind vehicles by snagging them with
your grappling hook.

Encounter the various peoples of the island including innocent villagers, guerilla fighters, drug magnates and their henchmen, federal soldiers, and many more. Choose how you want to approach your missions. Your tactics, whether direct or underhanded, will be your own.

See it, explore it, live it.

Hot Action
When you've got a gun in your hand, feel free to commandeer any vehicle for your use. Take your pick from a wide variety, each with their own unique physics. As a highly-trained field agent, you know how to take control of anything, including motorcycles, sedans, jeeps, and armored cars.

Pick up an abandoned vehicle or stand in the middle of the road and wave your gun to get a drivers' attention. Then just ask for the keys. People are very accommodating when you're armed. Hop behind the wheel and go.

Viva la revolucion!

Rico carries a parachute with him at all times, and it comes in handy often. Jump out of planes to reach isolated target areas or parasail behind vehicles by snagging them with your grappling hook. Release the hook to drift on the air currents, controlling your fall with the position of your body.

Torrid Shootouts
Although stealth and savvy can get you close, at some point you'll have to open fire. Guns and other weapons play an important role in the success of your missions. You may even have to perform an assassination or three before you're done. Weapons and ammo are never in short supply in Just Cause.

The game has an auto-targeting system that makes plugging your enemies a snap. You'll often fact a lot of opponents at you at once, though, which balances the ease of aiming. You won't get out of here alive without some fast action, quick wits, and lots of empty shell casings.

Look for vehicle mounted or free-standing guns for some extra firepower. Take control of a heavy machine gun mounted on the back of a jeep with the touch of a button, and take out your enemies in droves. Grenades are also available from very early on, and the mechanic for landing them in a pocket of enemies is easy to master as well.

Don't think that Just Cause is a cakewalk, though, because it is not. Whether you're hardcore or casual, it has a challenge just for you. Rico roams where you send him, and through his eyes, you discover the secrets and mysteries of gorgeous San Esperito.

All screenshots from the Xbox 360 version of the game.

Article by Angel Leigh McCoy