Just Cause 3, Xbox One and PS4 review: excellent explosions, frustrating frame rate

Rico Rodriguez returns with jaw-dropping action sprinkled with technical issues
Deadly but beautiful: venture to the island of Medici in Just Cause 3
Avalanche Studios
Talal Musa1 December 2015

Welcome to Medici - an island boasting crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. But don't let its stunning looks fool you – it’s every bit as deadly as it is beautiful.

Enter flamboyant protagonist Rico Rodgriuez, tasked with toppling Medici's fearsome dictator, General Di Ravello.

Playing very much like its 2010 predecessor, missions in Just Cause 3 often see Rico destroying or liberating enemy bases dotted around the impressive 400 square mile sand box.

Although it's the same size as the last game, Avalanche studios have increased the volumetric terrain, resulting in more mountains and hills. Thankfully, the trusty grappling hook and parachute make a welcome return, acting as the perfect tool to access some of islands higher expanses.

But that's not their only use. Similar to the previous instalment, you're able to grapple on to nearly everything - from buildings and moving vehicles, to people and aeroplanes. It's incredibly responsive and, with a bit of practice, soon becomes a viable way to traverse the map.

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Some of the most thrilling uses of the hook and parachute come when dealing with aerial attacks. A quick shot will send Rico flying towards any helicopter or plane, before booting the pilot out and taking control. If you need to make a quick escape, the new wing suit can see you cruise away from the danger on air currents - but, be warned, it does take some practice.

If more traditional modes of transport are more your thing, Just Cause serves up a host of vehicles - from cars and tanks, to mopeds, helicopters and planes. All can be used to 'Stunt' - resulting in some of the most outrageous scenes you'll see this year.

For a game that boasts frequently spectacular explosions and physics, the engine often struggles with the frame rate

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Highlights include firing a rocket launcher while standing on a plane mid-flight, to 'surfing' cars during high-speed chases. Each vehicle feels unique, and tight handling helps keep chases thrilling.

On-foot gameplay is much more of a mixed bag though, and it’s here where imperfections start to make themselves known. Character models - especially enemies - all look the same, hit detection is erratic, and the camera can sometimes get stuck during tighter shootouts.

On the plus side, the new 'tethering' option is fantastic. Whether used to attach an explosive barrel to a plane or a person, or hooking up several cars only to sandwich them together, it offers a spectacular way to add flair to a somewhat repetitive mission structure.

Avalanche Studios

Challenges such as escaping with a high value target, and liberating enemy bases also add variation - with the latter leading to vehicle and item unlocks.

Sadly, for all Just Cause 3's brilliance, it serves up equal amounts of frustration - particularly regarding its performance. For a game that boasts frequently spectacular explosions and physics, the engine often struggles with the frame rate.

This is most noticeable when firefights are in full flow, but can also creep in during driving sections. Then there are the incredibly long loading times which pull you away from the action.

There's a lot to love with Just Cause 3 - and those looking for action will certainly find it here – but it's a shame the technical issues are a real cause for concern.

Just Cause 3 is available on PS4, PC and Xbox One

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