The game with no mercy
While there are many new games on the market, Mercenaries 2 is a top pick. Electronic Arts published “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames” on Aug. 31 for PC, Playstation 2, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
The original “Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction” was published by Lucas Arts for the Xbox and Playstation 2 in 2005.
The original game took place in Korea while the sequel takes place in Venezuela, where factions are fighting for control of the country and its oil supplies.
The graphics and effects of the game are acceptable for the most part during gameplay; however, just like most games there are some unrealistic parts such as being able to take out a full-grown palm tree by running into it on a motorcycle. Driving the large array of vehicles is one of the most enjoyable parts of the game and the ability to hijack them only adds entertainment.
Shooting the enemy is not about using bullets efficiently because single shots are hardly ever on target. The chaos and fun of the more effective spray and pray tactics makes up for the lack of development with the main character Mattias Nilsson.
The contracts that are available through the different factions are fun and are less repetitive than those featured in similar open world games such as GTA4, although the lack of simplicity can leave the gamer confused and frustrated because the game will say what to do but not where or how to do it.
Another great part of this game is the ability to find and hire other mercenaries with special skills who will help the gamer. These assisting characters allow the player to earn fun extras to use in combat such as ammo, vehicles, and even a jet pilot who can help deliver airstrikes in some particularly hairy situations.
The plot is interesting and rather controversial, as was the case with the original. The three differing characters allow for the game to be replayed with different endings and with a different game experience each time.
Overall this game had a large number of benefits but leaves room for improvement. The horribly inaccurate shooting requires improvement if there will be a third installment to the series.
The game also lacks customization.
“They should have allowed the gamer to customize his or her own Mercenary,” said Chris Hogberg, a senior finance major.
This game is not worth the full price but would be an interesting game trade proposition on Craigslist.com.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Andrew Nute at Nute@colorado.edu.
