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Just Cause 4, revealed at E3 2018, marks the return of Rico Rodriguez after a three-year hiatus. Like its predecessors, Rico once again embarks on a mission to liberate a population from an oppressive dictator, this time in the South American nation of Solís. While the core gameplay loop remains familiar, Just Cause 4 delivers some of the most explosive action in the series, but also some of the most disappointing narrative choices.

Just Cause 4

Unparalleled Freedom of Movement and Destruction

Just Cause 4, true to the series’ legacy, offers unparalleled freedom within its vast open world. This installment boasts an even wider playground, packed with more weapons, vehicles, and gadgets than ever before, allowing players to unleash chaos on an unprecedented scale. One of the most significant enhancements in Just Cause 4 is the evolution of Rico’s iconic Grappler. Avalanche Studios has transformed it from a simple grappling hook into a versatile toolkit with numerous upgrades and attachments.

These upgrades unlock by completing side missions from NPCs like Javi, Sargento, and Garland. Players can customize their grappling experience with boosters, airlifters, and retractors, offering endless possibilities for creative destruction and traversal.

“Just Cause 4 offers an even wider playground, packed with more weapons, vehicles, and gadgets than ever before…”

The Booster, now integrated into the Grappler, provides customizable options like timed activation, directional control, and adjustable speed. Airlifters, inflatable balloons, can attach to objects of any size, from small items to tanks, allowing players to lift and manipulate the environment to their advantage. Returning from Just Cause 3, the Retractor allows players to pull objects together, creating explosions and launching them outwards upon impact. This combination of tools empowers players to orchestrate spectacular stunts and tactical maneuvers, unlike anything seen in other open-world games. For instance, attach an Airlifter with directional controls to a tank, then add a Booster for aerial propulsion, turning the tank into a flying fortress of destruction.

Just Cause 4

A Narrative Letdown

While the Just Cause series has never been known for its compelling narratives, previous entries managed to deliver a cohesive story with memorable characters. Unfortunately, Just Cause 4 falls short, presenting a rambling and illogical plot with forgettable characters. The game attempts a more serious tone, delving deeper into Rico’s character. However, the poorly written script and forced dialogue hinder this attempt. One noticeable issue is the change in voice actors for some characters, impacting their emotional delivery and making some feel less engaging compared to their previous iterations. Rico’s voice, in particular, lacks the dynamic range of Just Cause 3, remaining monotonous even during humorous exchanges.

“Just Cause 4 presents a rambling and illogical plot with forgettable characters.”

The supporting characters lack depth and connection with Rico. The plot events feel contrived and illogical, like the Army of Chaos, formed in mere minutes, yet possessing advanced weaponry and technology.

Just Cause 4

A Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Despite its emphasis on player freedom, Just Cause 4 hides its potential behind repetitive missions and restrictive design choices. Escort and defense missions are prevalent, often overwhelming the player with waves of enemies, tanks, and helicopters. While the game offers checkpoints and increased health for protected targets upon failure, it highlights the imbalance in difficulty.

Just Cause 4

The enemy variety, while extensive, suffers from inconsistent power levels and questionable placement. Snipers, for example, possess extreme range and accuracy, even in dimly lit caves. Unlocking Grappler upgrades requires completing side missions, but some of these tasks are poorly designed. Retrieving vehicles for Garland’s film shoots can range from trivial to frustratingly obscure.

“Just Cause 4 hides its potential behind repetitive missions and restrictive design choices.”

The heavily advertised extreme weather system, including tornadoes, blizzards, and sandstorms, while visually impressive, is limited to specific areas and story moments. Worse, blizzards are used to block off areas until players complete specific missions, a disappointing limitation on exploration.

Just Cause 4

Conclusion

Just Cause 4 delivers on its promise of explosive action and unparalleled freedom of movement. However, its narrative shortcomings, repetitive missions, and questionable design choices hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the enhanced Grappler and vast open world offer exciting gameplay possibilities, the underwhelming story and frustrating limitations prevent Just Cause 4 from being a truly exceptional open-world experience.

Just Cause 4