Just Cause

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 65
  3. Negative: 9 out of 65
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  1. NisseJ.
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    One of the coolest games I've played in recent years!
  2. Jobadkins
    Mar 4, 2012
    10
    Let's break this down,nice and neat,real very real.This game was made in 2006 where games wish they could be as versitile,as amazing,as a game with infinite replay value.The map is bigger then most open world racing games excluding Fuel of course.This is kinda the ground work of how they produced Just Cause 2 after it being in production for 4 years.Get this,even though just Cause 2 tookLet's break this down,nice and neat,real very real.This game was made in 2006 where games wish they could be as versitile,as amazing,as a game with infinite replay value.The map is bigger then most open world racing games excluding Fuel of course.This is kinda the ground work of how they produced Just Cause 2 after it being in production for 4 years.Get this,even though just Cause 2 took everything awesome about the first one and exploded on the scene as an out of this world game,the game is just merely bigger than the first game.Just a little bit bigger,can you believe that,that is why you have to look back on the first Just Cause and think that it is nothing less than a masterpiece and a step in gaming that shows you how serious gaming really is.To this day ,(almost 7 years later),I still play this game here and there but I admit that I play part 2 more now but to all you gamer's,play this,love this,live this!… Expand
  3. BaronMonaco
    Apr 23, 2016
    4
    Just Cause was one of those game that came out between the release of the Xbox 360 and the PS3 therefore it is interesting to see how those games did and if they are worthy of this generation of consoles or if they could have stick to the old-gen.

    Just Cause had a simple goal: be an entertaining sandbox game, so don't expect much from the story, it's a simple parody of movies like Rambo    Just Cause was one of those game that came out between the release of the Xbox 360 and the PS3 therefore it is interesting to see how those games did and if they are worthy of this generation of consoles or if they could have stick to the old-gen.

    Just Cause had a simple goal: be an entertaining sandbox game, so don't expect much from the story, it's a simple parody of movies like Rambo that will last about 6 hours straight which is very short and you'll have to do the side activities, that will unlock weapons, vehicles and safehouses to make the game last 20 to 30 hours depending if you want the 100% or if you'll get bored of doing approximately the same thing over and over, because yes the side activities are very, very repetitives.

    Concerning the gameplay, the driving really sucks and you'll thank god for the fast travel options, the gunfights are soulless and really easy and so the game, while playable, is really not very fun.

    Finally the game looks okay for the time and considering it was also developed for PS2, the map is huge and without loading times or framerate issues.

    So in conclusion I was very disappointed by the first entry of Just Cause, even if it was a solid technical performance and a good parody of the genre (in theaters or video games) the lack of original content and most of all a clunky gameplay puts the overall experience to boring if not painful sometimes, I do not advise any of you to buy it, Just Cause 2 or 3 are far better choices (where Avalanche actually succeed where they failed in this game) and given the fact that each stories are independent you really don't need to put up with this one.    … Expand
  4. Eli
    Oct 14, 2006
    6
    I must give Just Cause some credit it has some really cool ideas. The grappling hook and parachute are awesome and just all the crazy stuntst you pull off this game are a ton of fun and the game is very nice looking as well. Alas the game fails in every other area. The shooting is downright awful and the missions are nothing but a series of constant repetition. Everything about the I must give Just Cause some credit it has some really cool ideas. The grappling hook and parachute are awesome and just all the crazy stuntst you pull off this game are a ton of fun and the game is very nice looking as well. Alas the game fails in every other area. The shooting is downright awful and the missions are nothing but a series of constant repetition. Everything about the gameplay, besides the grappling/parachute, is crap which is a damn shame. If there is a sequel there have to be some major changes. Overall it's worth trying but the flaws in Just Cause make it a rental at best.… Expand
  5. FPSMaster
    Sep 28, 2006
    8
    Don't let the average reviews fool you. This game plays great and looks pretty good to boot. Yeah, the controls feel a littlle weird such as the swimming and trying to parachute and land perfectly on top of a specific vehicle, but like Saints Row it still beats the ever living Hell out of any of the GTA games controls. The graphics look like Farcry, but there is quite a bit of pop-up Don't let the average reviews fool you. This game plays great and looks pretty good to boot. Yeah, the controls feel a littlle weird such as the swimming and trying to parachute and land perfectly on top of a specific vehicle, but like Saints Row it still beats the ever living Hell out of any of the GTA games controls. The graphics look like Farcry, but there is quite a bit of pop-up and texture swapping but since this is probably the largest game world ever made (somewhere around 1000 square miles or something) it isn't as bad as it could be. But it makes me wonder how they ever got it to work on Xbox, or the seriously outdates PS2 for that matter. Your character's running animations do look like Syphon Filter on PS1 though. The missions do kinda all feel the same, but if I remember correctly every single game like this, including all the GTA games, have you doing the same repetitive missions over and over throughout the entire game also. There are tons of things to see, drive (such as choppers and boats..for those closet Bloodwake fans out there) and even Jet fighters. If you can't wait for Merceanries 2, and are tired of thug simulators like Saints Row, which I still love to boot, this is your game until those AAA sandbox games come out. This is one of those semi-sleeper hits with the magintude of games like Freedom Fighters and maybe even Full Spectrum Warrior. Mark my words.… Expand
  6. DaveRosandblume
    Sep 9, 2006
    9
    The game is overall excellent. Realistic scenery and impressive graphics to go along with preftect direction and smart missions is the least to say of it. I have seen much better demos that show off even more than this game does, but the versatility of this demo is supurb and it definityly leaves you wanting more. Some demos show you everything the game has so when you buy the game it hasThe game is overall excellent. Realistic scenery and impressive graphics to go along with preftect direction and smart missions is the least to say of it. I have seen much better demos that show off even more than this game does, but the versatility of this demo is supurb and it definityly leaves you wanting more. Some demos show you everything the game has so when you buy the game it has nothing more than that. However, this demo almost unintentionally promisies to have more than it shows off. The downsides: needs more things in the forest that can entertain you when you are not near a vheachle...the big upsides that stick out are: amazing amount of vhicles to use (unrealistically yet usuefuly and helpful), there are helocopters, busses, trucks, suv's, cop cars, jeeps, cadillacs, boats of all sizes and speeds and much more...that is just great...i can't wait till the game expands with full release and online capability but the only reason i give it a 9 not a 10, is that the game will fall under the radar in fame and will probobly have much greater flaws than the demo… Expand
  7. DarrenD.
    Oct 1, 2007
    7
    Would have scored an 8 if it wasn't so repetetive and the car handling didn't suck.
  8. DavidN.
    Apr 22, 2008
    7
    This game is really fun, but it could have been much better. The main missions seem like just somewhat random missions. The side missions are tedious. There could have stores to buy different clothing and hair styles, etc.
  9. DanielRodriguez
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    A instant classic. A gamers dream come true. A supurb gem. Undescribible, Unbelievable, Outstanding, and perfect. I can't imagine what the actul game will be like. For such a small amount of land, this game excels with vhicle option and supurb visuals as well as smartly craften missions and beautiful sights. This game rocks. Possibly better than Vice City. This game is sure to stir upA instant classic. A gamers dream come true. A supurb gem. Undescribible, Unbelievable, Outstanding, and perfect. I can't imagine what the actul game will be like. For such a small amount of land, this game excels with vhicle option and supurb visuals as well as smartly craften missions and beautiful sights. This game rocks. Possibly better than Vice City. This game is sure to stir up some gaming history conversation. 100 out of 1.… Expand
  10. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2017
    2
    Mouais, même pour un jeu de 2006, on constate une génération de retard : un jeu pensé pour la PS2 avant tout. Mais le pire est dans cet immense flou et ces couleurs affreusement criardes sans parler d'un clipping assez important. Le monde est très (et inutilement) grand mais a été généré aléatoirement ou alors conçu par une bande de crétins : les montagnes obligent à des détoursMouais, même pour un jeu de 2006, on constate une génération de retard : un jeu pensé pour la PS2 avant tout. Mais le pire est dans cet immense flou et ces couleurs affreusement criardes sans parler d'un clipping assez important. Le monde est très (et inutilement) grand mais a été généré aléatoirement ou alors conçu par une bande de crétins : les montagnes obligent à des détours incessants, des falaises au cul des plages empêchent par exemple de revenir sur la route...

    Une pauvre grille est infranchissable et indestructible en voiture comme bien des éléments du décor.... la conduite des véhicules est moyenne. La maniabilité à pied est par contre satisfaisante, bien meilleure que dans n'importe quel GTA. Bien que le ton du jeu soit léger et la VF sympathique, l'impression qui s'en dégage est une grande stupidité. Enfin, l'interface des menus est aussi laide que peu pratique et le grappin ne s'agrippe à rien à part les bagnoles ! rien à faire, Just Cause est une cause perdue.    … Expand
  11. RedXIII
    Oct 9, 2006
    7
    A fun game, with lots of things do to, stunts are nice, missions though can be repititious are fun, I enjoy riding around in a helicopter and fighter jets, grapple hook very nice addition, if you want a vast free roaming, do what you want kind of game with loose structure this is for you, if you like the structured only one way to do things then this game is not for you. On the downside A fun game, with lots of things do to, stunts are nice, missions though can be repititious are fun, I enjoy riding around in a helicopter and fighter jets, grapple hook very nice addition, if you want a vast free roaming, do what you want kind of game with loose structure this is for you, if you like the structured only one way to do things then this game is not for you. On the downside though, side missions repititive and riddled with bugs, some side missions are impossible due to bugs (blowing up building that you can walkthrough, hence they dont exist except graphically) racing missions are for the most part impossible. And it takes forever if you dont have a helicopter to get around. But on the whole a very fun game definitly worth checkin out if you dont already have saints row, or the godfather.… Expand
  12. JohanA.
    Jul 2, 2008
    7
    The best part about this game is the way stunts work. Allowing me to drive off a cliff in a burning car, narrowly escape the explosion by jumping to and commandeer a nearby military helicopter all the while the chasing police cars fly by, both plays and looks great. It really makes you feel like a super secret agent. Unfortunately it's not all good, the main story is somewhat dull, The best part about this game is the way stunts work. Allowing me to drive off a cliff in a burning car, narrowly escape the explosion by jumping to and commandeer a nearby military helicopter all the while the chasing police cars fly by, both plays and looks great. It really makes you feel like a super secret agent. Unfortunately it's not all good, the main story is somewhat dull, and the side missions get repetitive real quick. Some side missions you can't even complete because of bugs.… Expand
  13. Mr.Review
    Nov 11, 2006
    8
    After just completing every achievement offered in this title, I have become completely satisfied with my "Just Cause" experience. To begin, the graphics are simply stunning, in the brush, in the character (Rico) himself, and in the sheer size of what Just Cause allows you to explore. It can take one a half hour in plane to transcend the map in this game! Which can also hurt, for a map so After just completing every achievement offered in this title, I have become completely satisfied with my "Just Cause" experience. To begin, the graphics are simply stunning, in the brush, in the character (Rico) himself, and in the sheer size of what Just Cause allows you to explore. It can take one a half hour in plane to transcend the map in this game! Which can also hurt, for a map so large can keep a player overwhelmed and often frustrated. I have promised to make no grand Theft Auto references here, for Just Cause undoubtedly remains in that genre. But it does enough new things and daring escapades to remain memorable and sequel-worthy. Just Cause allows you to do stunts impossible in any other titles, and gives the player a sandbox so reminiscent of a fantastic island journey. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this world is to explore. When approaching Just Cause, you must realize its flaws. We have an entirely frantic targeting system, which for some apparent reason is a constant problem in current games. The music is appropiate, but boring for large periods of exploration. The story, indefinitely, is so shallow its almost incomprehendable and just repetitive. Even Rico himself is a drone in this open world where he has failed to be exploited by any developers. Rico is a dork and a shame of a main character, as is this story, as is a large portion of this title. What makes Just Cause oddly exceptional, is its unique take on what this genre can accomplish. Just Cause is simply fun, with a host of tasks to complete. I am sure a sequel, indirect or not, can expand on what was lacking in Just Cause due strongly to what I can only assume was a time crunch.… Expand
  14. JaceN.
    Dec 30, 2006
    5
    I'd say this game is more like the XBOX/PS2 game "Mercenaries"...with ten times the explorable land...half the terrain detail...and a quarter the things to do! The fact that its a multi-platform title also breaks it legs in the graphics department!
  15. JugsterJams
    Oct 4, 2006
    8
    FABULOSO, good experience. Graphics textures are very strong (doubled for 360 version). Huge island like fry-cry or testdrive unlimited, day-night time changes, many automobiles , can take any like GTA, free rooming environment. Overall gives you something new for half the game then you might get bored but until then this is a good ride.
  16. NathanSmith
    Aug 31, 2006
    9
    This is a third person shooter with a very GTA feel although i have not played the actual game the demo gives me a good idea for whats in store. You are able to do rediculous stunts that range from hanging onto the back of a helicopter in flight to jumping from ontop of one car to another while pushing 80. overall it looks like lots of fun.
  17. Addyb
    Sep 28, 2006
    6
    I can only give this a 6 due to the repetition of the game. The auto aim feature basically kills off any challenge the game has. Sure the island is huge, but this isnt necessarily a good thing!! Most of the island looks identical so there is a real bad sense of deja vu when wandering around. Gfx look nice and some of the stunts are fun at first but once the novelty of them wears thin your I can only give this a 6 due to the repetition of the game. The auto aim feature basically kills off any challenge the game has. Sure the island is huge, but this isnt necessarily a good thing!! Most of the island looks identical so there is a real bad sense of deja vu when wandering around. Gfx look nice and some of the stunts are fun at first but once the novelty of them wears thin your left with a very average game. IMO nowhere near as good as GTA or Saints row. I suggest a rental before you take the plunge!… Expand
  18. gamingisgreat
    Aug 17, 2016
    6
    The original Just Cause is a decent game that gets mundane after a while.

    Gameplay wise,Just Cause is a fun open-world action game.The combat is decent,with a good selection of weapons and explosives to choose from.The driving is pretty bad,but there are a ton of vehicles.The missions aren't as imaginative as I hoped.They can be fun,but towards the end the game just got frustrating.The    The original Just Cause is a decent game that gets mundane after a while.

    Gameplay wise,Just Cause is a fun open-world action game.The combat is decent,with a good selection of weapons and explosives to choose from.The driving is pretty bad,but there are a ton of vehicles.The missions aren't as imaginative as I hoped.They can be fun,but towards the end the game just got frustrating.The AI on both sides are dumber than dirt.

    Graphically,Just Cause looks nice on the 360.There are occasional framerate problems but nothing serious.

    Sound effects are great,but soundtrack is bad.

    Game is too short for a open-world game.

    Overall,Just Cause is a solid game held back by generic mission design,terrible AI and vehicle physics,and it's length.It's not bad by any means,so still give it a try if you like action games.    … Expand
  19. lucasledain
    Feb 26, 2019
    7
    Just Cause isn't a great game but it lays enough foundations for a great franchise that revisiting it in 2019 doesn't prove a chore, more of a fascinating look at how much the franchise has developed along with gaming as a whole 13 years later.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2006
43
#43 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2006
23
#23 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    80
    A delicious experience, containing some of the sweetest moments in any console game. The astonishing environment alone is enough reason to give it a shot. However, it's not quite compelling enough as an adventure to make you want to see the set missions through. [Oct 2006, p.82]
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    68
    The lack of depth really comes through once you get more than about 10 hours into the game and the monotony of doing the same side quests over and over takes its toll. After that, it comes down to how much fun you can create by yourself.
    Read full review
  3. Game Informer
    73
    It is a fun game with some cool ideas, just one with its share of problems. If nothing else it tries a few new things, which is more than you can say about many games. [Oct. 2006, p.93]
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