Mercenaries 2: World in Flames

When there's dirty work to be done and you're looking for a hired gun, looks and originality don't matter much-all that matters is whether they can get the job done. You can approach Mercenaries 2 in the same way, letting it do its thing instead of obsessing about its shortcomings. Sure, it isn't exactly pretty and it doesn't reinvent the wheel but it does pack a nice satisfying punch.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Don't let its shortcomings get you down: Mercs 2 may have its faults but it's still a pretty fun title that kicks a fair amount of ass.

Pain In The Ass

After completing a job for an Venezuelan oil tycoon with illusions of political grandeur you're predictably betrayed and shot in the butt as you flee the scene; worst of all, the jerk stiffs you on your bill. You refuse to take the situation sitting down-well, you actually can't sit down at all-and decide to go after the wanna-be dictator. As one of three characters-the heavy metal Mattias, the buff Chris, or the slinky Jennifer-you wander the streets and jungles of Venezuela to slowly undo your rival's nefarious plan.

As in the first Mecenary title, various factions pop up and offer you contracts; complete them and you can shake up the balance of power while also lining your pockets. That's not to mention the fact that blowing up buildings and shooting at bad guys is its own reward, especially because the paper-thin story isn't that great. Cinematically speaking, it's more Bruckheimer than Scorcese, meaning it leans on big explosions and flashy set pieces rather than a well developed plot and characters.

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Summer Blockbuster

And yet, much like a Jerry Bruckheimer movie, Mercenaries 2 is entertaining in an over-the-top action but suffers from some faults that keep it from being more than just another mindless shoot-em-up. Not only is the story shallow, but the main campaign missions, which almost always involves knocking someone off, saving a hostage, or obliterating a building, aren't as compelling as they could be. The optional side missions, however, are great thanks to their unscripted nature-you never know exactly how things will turn out and that makes for exciting gameplay-and it's disappointing that this sort of unpredictability didn't extend to the core missions.

The game's focus on action does lead to some intense moments but the rest of the game doesn't instill the same sense of excitement. The gameplay is there but fundamental aspects like the presentation and graphics are fairly mediocre, which cuts into the fun. Still, while it isn't the prettiest game or the most original, it does get the job done when it comes to delivering some cheap thrills.

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames

PROS: Loads of action; great setting and plenty of cool things to do; lots of different weapons and vehicles.
CONS: Mediocre presentation; paper-thin story; derivative open-world design.

Comments [28]

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monkbaine

Seems like they didn't take as much time on this title as they should have. I'll still buy it though,because I thought the 1st game was great. Graphics and design don't bring me to a game,gameplay does.So if it can deliver on that note then I'll be fully satisfied with a purchase.

BajaDog

I loved the 1st so im definatly bying this 1, but i sounds not that great.

monkbaine

32X wrote:

the game has better graphics then gta4, the game is way better then gta4, the game is way way more fun then gta4 but it scores lower then gta4....wtf

Have you played this game yet? Just curious because so many people say one game is better than another without even playing that game 1st.

mwendel


This game is alot of fun, and I'm enjoying it much more than GTA IV..... minus the online vs. which this game SHOULD'VE had. I plan on asking the devs this question in a couple days, when they'll be on XBL. For most, this will be a rental though.

Pattons_Elite

sonyboy69 wrote:

socom and LBP come out next month so F this game and its WASTE of 60$

Yeah. Im saving my money for probably Socom, Resistance and/or Killzone. And I'll still probably only get one unfortunately.

graphiteink

The first one was better, his one i can look past the graphics but during one mission my HVT got stuck in the air very far in the sky above me. Not as good as the first but worth renting.

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