Cert: 16+
Platform(s): PS3, PS2, X360
Genre: 3rd Person Shooter
After the original sandbox classic (GTA III) came out there were a host of copycats. Most were mediocre knock offs, but one or two stood out. One of these was Mercenaries. I loved it, it had elements of GTA 2 (bizarrely) as well as a solid storyline and tones of vehicles and weapons.
This latest incarnation of the game is more like last years Just Cause then GTA - a mistake I fear. Set in a war torn South America you play a betrayed Merc out for revenge... and really, that's it plot-wise! It's still a sandbox platform, you can destroy most of the environments and rob all the vehicles. New additions include artillery and air strikes, which can be a lot of fun.
It just doesn't have the flare of the first game, the clever deck of cards is gone, and the different governments are replaced with factions, which just isn't the same. The setting just does nothing to inspire - the first games setting of North Korea was much more interesting.
I am sad to say this doesn't hold a stick of dynamite to its predecessor.
Rent or Buy: RENT
Graphics: 4/5
Game Play: 3/5
Replay Value: 2/5
Review by Eamonn Cleary
