Just Cause 2

 Xbox 360
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 74
  3. Negative: 0 out of 74
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  1. Edge Magazine
    70
    Just Cause 2 can hardly be called an average game. It's a good one undermined by a selection of mediocre elements, and it's all the more frustrating this time around because Avalanche shows us glimpses of just how much fun two weeks on holiday with Rico should be. [Apr 2010, p.96]
  2. games(TM)
    70
    This politically moribund playground plays host to many guilt-free, brainless hours of insanity. Just be prepared to put the ground work in. You've got to learn to walk before you can run on the wing of a biplane. [Apr 2010, p.110]
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  3. Metro GameCentral
    70
    An improvement on the first game but despite the joyful carnage this is still a pretty shallow sandbox.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    70
    Just Cause 2 is undoubtedly an improvement on the first game. The grappling hook is still enormous fun - even more so this time around - and there's generally more variety in the missions. Sadly, it still follows its predecessor in regularly reaching points where none of the challenges on offer seem even remotely interesting.
  6. Level7.nu
    70
    As far as technical achievement and pure playfulness goes, this is a massive accomplishment for Avalanche Studios. If you're into blowing stuff up and wreaking havoc in a open free roaming environment, this is the game for you. If you're looking for a clever story driven experience, look elsewhere.
  7. GameCritics
    65
    Although it's hard not to fall in love with the landscape, the grappling hook, and the parachute, their combined appeal just isn't strong enough to override the bloated playtime, the dull cast of characters, and missions that are only mediocre at best.
  8. GamePro
    60
    While it's insane stunts and action-packed firefights ooze their own brand of explosive charm, Just Cause 2 falls victim to an unwieldy mission structure and unfortunate lack of variety.
  9. The Escapist
    60
    Open letter to the designers of Just Cause 2: Thank you for making me drive 2 kilometers each time I die. It really makes me appreciate your big open world.
  10. Telegraph
    60
    Just Cause 2 is not without its flaws, but it offers a highly satisfying, if hardly unique, open-world adventure in which players are encouraged to indulge in as much mayhem as possible.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
19
#19 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
10
#10 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 313 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 230 out of 313
  2. Mixed: 59 out of 313
  3. Negative: 24 out of 313
  1. MikeE
    Mar 30, 2010
    9
    I am actually surprised the critics have not rated this game higher merely on the technical brilliance of this game. Yes the game is a bit I am actually surprised the critics have not rated this game higher merely on the technical brilliance of this game. Yes the game is a bit unfocused and yes the dialogue and voice acting is campy at best but the sheer size and beauty of the island they have created for us to play on is amazing. I have played about 17 hours and I still find something that blows my socks off in this game. Has anyone actually dived in the ocean? I mean that experience in itself was awesome. I really hope more developers use the engine that was created for this game because it does absolutely amazing things. A better story and more focused gameplay is the only that keeps me from giving this a 10. I would say its more like a 9.3.… Full Review »
  2. JackG
    Mar 29, 2010
    9
    The overall fact of this game is if you do exactly as your told without thought, you wont enjoy this game. If you get past this idea and The overall fact of this game is if you do exactly as your told without thought, you wont enjoy this game. If you get past this idea and start being creative with the tools the game gives you then you will love it. A prime example would be early on in the game you are faced with going into an enemy base and dealing with a powerful boss. instead of just going in and shooting i decided to crash a plane into the base and activate pre placed c-4's which is much more interesting,… Full Review »
  3. Bogdan
    Mar 29, 2010
    10
    This is one of the most entertaining games I have ever played! It's pure fun, the freedom you have is incredible, the graphics are This is one of the most entertaining games I have ever played! It's pure fun, the freedom you have is incredible, the graphics are stunning (most of the time) and you just can't let the gamepad down. The first time I played for 6 hours continuously, exploring the islands and wow-ing evey minute.The missions can sometimes be repetitive but fun nevertheless. I can't believe that there are people giving it low(0 even) ratings. Try this game, it's worth it! Good job Square Enix!… Full Review »
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