Just Cause 3 Review Round-Up

Well as the year is closing out we’re arriving at the final big releases of 2015, and perhaps amongst the most anticipated multiplatform games is Avalanche Studios’ Just Cause 3. The open-world explodathon places players back in the boots of operative Rico Rodriguez, who is attempting to liberate his birthplace of Medici from the evil General Di Ravello.

Arriving on Xbox One, PS4 and PC, the game looks to build on the series’ signature explosions and grappling, whilst utilising the power of the current generation. Based on the critic’s responses it seems as though, while it’s a successful entry in the franchise, the push to craft such a gorgeous-looking world has come at a price.

TheSixthAxis – 7/10

“Just Cause 3 is a wonderfully constructed open-world, that successfully builds on its predecessor’s legacy with humour and aplomb. The key problem however is that at the moment there are too many technical problems which hamper play. You’ll want to be wild and free, blowing everything to hell in a variety of ways, and so often you can be, but that only serves to emphasise those moments where Just Cause 3 struggles to keep up.”

Polygon – 8.5/10

“If you can judge a game based on the moments that make you put it down for the night, Just Cause 3 is hard to criticize: I only stopped when I needed to sleep, not because I wanted to put the game down. The “did you see that?!” factor seems unlimited here, and it kept me coming back to discover what unexpected domino of explosions I could start next with a single grenade. The formula of the Just Cause series hasn’t been expanded, but it has been improved. And it’s rare that a game is so comfortable in its own skin.”

Destructoid – 8/10

“I’m sure you’ll be seeing a ton of animated GIFs of Just Cause 3 for a while to come, due to all of the wacky things that can happen within the game. It truly is an insane, explosion-filled romp through a beautiful nation chock-full of cheeky humor. It provides some of the best open-world tools ever. This is definitely a case of “it is what you make of it,” and for those with intrinsic motivation to make it the best will be greeted with just that.”

IGN – 8/10

“Just Cause 3 is a playground where you get to be a physics-defying force of destruction, and its loop of liberating dozens of towns across this enormous scenic world would’ve gotten old much quicker if the combat wasn’t so full of options for free-form mayhem. Getting the most out of it requires some creativity and tolerance for performance bugs on your part, so come expecting to make at least some of your own fun.”

Digital Spy – 3/5

“​From its intense firefights to its wanton destruction and carmageddon, Just Cause 3 ​has all the hallmarks of a classic action movie – it’s just a shame the end result is more Van Damme in quality than vintage Schwarzenegger​ or Stallone.”

Gamesradar – 3/5

“A chaotic action romp, tragically let down by repetition and padding. There’s fun to be had, but all too little variety in its huge open world.”

Gamespot – 8/10

“Despite the explosions and instant gratification throughout, Just Cause 3 also encourages experimentation and foresight, planning and careful approaches. The results are as rewarding as they are entertaining.”

God Is A Geek – 8/10

“Rico is going home, back to where it all started for him, and that’s a weird reminder for video games. Games can just be fun without all the drama, and that’s what Just Cause 3 is. If you love open world games that are ridiculously over the top, or if you want to grapple to the underside of a helicopter before stealing it, or perhaps call an airdrop of a tank onto the top of a destructible tower, then this is the game for you – and honestly, who doesn’t want to do all of that? It’s a crying shame that such a fun experience is marred by technical issues and poor choices when it comes to gating progress.”