Mercenaries 2

Raz Review: "After playing through to the second phase of the campaign, it occurs to me that while Mercs 2 has more of everything in the original (plus some interesting extras), there remain some issues that lead me to believe EA rushed this title out of the gate without allowing the designers to put the polish on. A poor decision that makes some elements annoying, like being constantly reminded to return to the PMC, and a buggy AI system that constantly greets you when in the same vehicle. "Hi! ..It's the mercenary!" .."Oh, it's you!" .."Hi!" .."It's you!" .."Hi!" Over and over. I eventually pulled over and shot him, which made a rival faction very happy (and earned me a bounty of 5k).

Nevertheless, I remain happy with the overall (if slightly unfinished) product. This is a sandbox where you don't have to think too much - just blow things up, hijack a tank, call in an airstrike, collect your cash, rinse and repeat...but then, that's the whole appeal of this IP: mindless destruction. Additions include the ability to grapple-hook copters (making them easier to hijack), swimming and boats, shops at every outpost (replaces the Black Market website), custom vehicles that you build by finding 'spare parts' around Venezuela, your own PMC and a possible roster of 3 recruits (mechanic, heli pilot and jet pilot). Only the mechanic is really optional - without a helicopter and jet on-call, you won't get far. Recommended for your collection only if you've got money to spare, or there's a discount copy at the store."

Online: Yes
Rated: 7/10