Liberate the province!
As we understand there are approximately 21 core missions with approximately 300 side objectives in Just Cause, ranging from pick up and drop objectives to intercepting and killing drug runners. The missions are clearly labelled on the detailed map ensuring that you shouldn’t get lost and the main objectives can also be found by following a red arrow pointer that you’ll see in the sky. The arrow points you in the general direction, but without checking the map regularly we found that it was far too easy to take a wrong turning and then have to re-trace your steps. The full map takes far too long to load which is why we often just followed the red arrow in the sky. We think the use of waypoints would have been far more effective.
Click for larger imageThere is also a PDA where you’ll find the finer details of your missions and all of the political information on the region. This allows you to ‘call in’ an extraction if the action’s getting too hot or summon a new vehicle if you’re stuck in an isolated area.
The amount of side missions and bonus objectives can often be overwhelming. There’s just so much to do in Just Cause we were often standing about wondering what we should do next. It’s so easy to get side-tracked, and while heading towards your objective, you’ll often stumble across a bonus mission or spot something that catches your eye, such as a jet ski on the beach or an island that might hold a hidden secret; the lure of this beautiful land and what secrets it may hold is often so strong that we often became disorientated (it doesn't take much).
Some side missions allow you to work for various guerrilla cartels where you’ll ultimately be rewarded with prestige points. These points elevate your rank in the army and unlock new weapons and military vehicles. Whether you’re delivering a drugs package, liberating a province or assassinating a set target, the missions in Just Cause are explosive and fast-paced and by completing them you'll unlock safe house which acts as a save point, provides you with more ammo, weapons and vehicles and unlocks the liberation missions.
Click for larger imageThe liberation missions are where you’ll find the most action. If you want to liberate a province simply head to that area, push back the government officials with your arsenal of weapons and capture the flag to take over that area. Rebels will also join you on the assault, and with grenades flying, machine gun fire whizzing past your ear, and enemies attacking from every angle, each fight is lively, energetic and explosive.
Although these fights are fun and engaging, the A.I doesn’t always respond exactly how you’d expect. Occasionally they don’t focus on the action and will shoot into walls or stand on the spot doing the ‘running man’. We’ve only noticed these problems during some liberation missions and although this is quiet rare, it's fairly ugly once experienced.. For the most part the A.I, whether on foot or in vehicles will pursue you relentlessly and you’ll need to be quick witted to survive. When not locked in battle the A.I. are consistently impressive. The persistent world that Just Cause creates sees the inhabitants of the island going about their own business and you’ll often stumble across an unconnected police chase or gang war whilst on your way to another location (feel free to join in at this point, it's one of the beauties of a free-roaming game.)