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CRITIK

Crackdown 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Crackdown 3
Item: Crackdown 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Crime, Open World, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 15, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One

DeveloperSumo Digital, Elbow Rocket

Overview

Stop crime as a super-powered Agent of justice in Crackdown 3's hyper-powered sandbox of mayhem and destruction. Explore the heights of a futuristic city, race through the streets in a transforming vehicle, and use your powerful abilities to stop a ruthless criminal empire. Developed by original creator Dave Jones, Crackdown 3 delivers cooperative mayhem and an all-new multiplayer mode where destruction is your ultimate weapon.

Elsewhere

5.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Crackdown 3 are quite varied. Some critics, such as Gamer.nl and Game Over Online, praise the story as the best in the series, drawing players into the world and the battle with an evil organization. They appreciate the familiar journey of collecting orbs to become stronger and conquer the world, as well as the engaging plotline that involves taking down a mysterious and despicable organization called Terra Nova. Additionally, Variety highlights the game's exploration of themes such as income inequality and propaganda, adding depth to the story. However, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the story of Crackdown 3. Critics like App Trigger and Gaming Age find the story lacking in character and charm, with cutscenes that feel unnecessary and fail to grab attention. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Escapist consider the story underwhelming and irrelevant to the overall experience, with the latter even stating that it sours the game. Furthermore, critics like CGMagazine and The Daily Dot criticize the story for being uninteresting, shallow, and lacking depth, with the former describing it as barely even there. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Crackdown 3 is a mixed bag. While some critics appreciate the engaging plotline and exploration of themes, others find it lacking in depth, character, and charm. The story is often described as forgettable, unremarkable, and not the focus of the game. However, there are also those who consider it the best in the series, drawing players into the world and the battle with the evil organization. It is clear that the story's impact and effectiveness vary greatly depending on the individual critic's perspective and preferences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on Crackdown 3's story. Some praise its engaging plot and themes, while others find it lacking in depth and charm. Overall, opinions range from best in the series to forgettable and unremarkable, making it a divisive aspect of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Crackdown 3 are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics praise the freedom and satisfying progression offered by the gameplay. COGconnected notes that the open world allows players to tackle objectives and fight bosses at their leisure, while Critical Hit commends the well-structured campaign and fun-to-use weapons and equipment. The gameplay is also described as addictive and enjoyable by GamingTrend, with a Variety of abilities to unlock. The combat is often highlighted as fast-paced, chaotic, and fun, as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy and TrueAchievements. The ability to jump high, air dodge, and interact with the environment is refreshing, according to Wccftech. On the other hand, there are several criticisms regarding the gameplay of Crackdown 3. Some critics mention repetitive missions and lack of Variety in gameplay, such as Stevivor and Screen Rant. The traversal and platforming mechanics are described as frustrating and confusing by Attack of the Fanboy and App Trigger. The driving mechanics are also criticized as outdated by App Trigger. IGN and The Daily Dot mention the repetitive nature of the gameplay, with missions becoming background noise after a while. The combat is considered enjoyable by some, but the gameplay as a whole is seen as lacking excitement and feeling repetitive by Game Informer and The Escapist. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the gameplay of Crackdown 3. While there are positive aspects such as the freedom, satisfying progression, and enjoyable combat, there are also criticisms of repetitive missions, lack of Variety, and outdated mechanics. The Sydney Morning Herald highlights the gameplay loop as "stupid fun," but also mentions repetitive missions and basic controls. Variety describes the gameplay as archaic and brutish, but praises the power fantasy elements and rewards system. It is clear that while some critics find the gameplay to be chaotic and satisfying, others feel that it doesn't do enough to stand out in the modern era and feels outdated.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Crackdown 3's gameplay. Positive aspects include freedom, satisfying progression, and fun combat. However, criticisms include repetitive missions, lack of variety, and outdated mechanics. Some find it chaotic and enjoyable, while others feel it falls short in the modern era.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Crackdown 3 are varied. Several critics praised the game's visual aspects, highlighting its rich color palette, neon lights, and comic book-inspired art style. App Trigger commends the game for creating a "neon dream" with its graphic novel design, while Attack of the Fanboy mentions the beautiful cell-shaded visuals and impressive character models. The Escapist also appreciates the diverse and lush locations, stating that they give the game a distinct character. Additionally, Variety praises the game for its HDR-sizzling night skies and sections of the city that have their own identity. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Crackdown 3. Critics such as CGMagazine and GameSpew express disappointment with the game's visuals, describing them as embarrassing, flat, and lacking detail. The Sydney Morning Herald criticizes the minimal graphical detail and lack of impact in the destructible environments. Gaming Age and GamingTrend both mention that the game feels dated visually, with simple textures and character models. Furthermore, TrueAchievements criticizes the lack of density and character in the city, while Video Chums considers the graphics forgettable and generic, with subpar visuals for a current-gen game. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Crackdown 3 are mixed. While some critics appreciate the game's art style, color palette, and distinct locations, others express disappointment with the lack of detail, dated visuals, and generic character models. The positive aspects of the game's visual design seem to be the use of vibrant colors, the comic book-inspired art style, and the distinct character of certain locations. However, the negative aspects include the lack of graphical detail, dated visuals, and generic character models. It is important to note that while some critics have positive opinions, others have more negative views on the game's visual presentation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed feelings about Crackdown 3's Graphics and Visual Design. Some praise its rich colors and comic book style, while others find the visuals lacking in detail and dated. Positive points include vibrant colors and distinct locations, but negatives focus on generic character models and minimal graphical detail. In short, opinions on the game's visuals are divided.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Crackdown 3, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Starting with the positives, Game Over Online and Xbox Achievements both praise the sound design and voice acting in the game. Game Over Online specifically highlights the exciting electronica soundtrack mixed with rock, which adds to the overall experience. Xbox Achievements also mentions the praise for the soundtrack and voice acting, including the notable performance by Terry Crews. These positive reviews indicate that the sound design and music in Crackdown 3 successfully immerse players in the game world and enhance the overall gameplay experience. On the other hand, there are some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Crackdown 3. COGconnected mentions that while the audio is serviceable, the music is not particularly memorable. This suggests that the soundtrack may lack standout tracks or fail to leave a lasting impression on players. Video Chums also expresses a negative opinion, describing the music as droney and the sound effects as generic. Additionally, they criticize the guns for making goofy "pew pew" noises. These negative reviews indicate that the sound design and music in Crackdown 3 may not meet the expectations of some players, potentially detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Crackdown 3 is somewhat mixed. While Game Over Online and Xbox Achievements praise the sound design, voice acting, and soundtrack, other critics such as COGconnected and Video Chums express more negative views. Press Start Australia provides a more balanced perspective, mentioning that the soundtrack is strong and blends different genres to create a frenetic and fast-paced atmosphere. Taking into account the positive and negative opinions, it can be concluded that the sound design and music in Crackdown 3 have their strengths but may also have room for improvement to meet the expectations of all players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are divided on Crackdown 3's sound design and music. Some praise the exciting electronica soundtrack and voice acting, while others find the music lackluster and sound effects generic. Positive reviews highlight the immersive experience, while negative opinions mention forgettable music and goofy sound effects. Overall, the game's audio has strengths but also room for improvement to satisfy all players.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In terms of positive opinions, it is clear that Terry Crews' involvement in the voice acting of Crackdown 3 is widely appreciated. Critics such as Stevivor, COGconnected, FANDOM, Game Over Online, and Xbox Achievements all mention Crews and describe his performance as entertaining, amusing, memorable, and great. This indicates that Crews' presence in the game adds enjoyment and brings a level of humor and action that is well-received by players. Additionally, Critical Hit praises the dialogue delivered by the handler over the radio, describing it as badass and inspiring. These positive comments highlight the strengths of the voice acting in Crackdown 3, particularly when it comes to the performances of Terry Crews and the delivery of impactful dialogue. On the other hand, there are a few negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Crackdown 3. Press Start Australia mentions that Terry Crews' involvement feels flat, suggesting that his performance may not have lived up to expectations. The Sydney Morning Herald also notes that Crews' presence in the game is underutilized, which could be seen as a missed opportunity to fully showcase his talents. The Escapist expresses disappointment in Crews' absence, but does highlight the positive contribution of another voice actor, Goodwin, whose color commentary adds to the overall experience. While these negative opinions are not as prevalent as the positive ones, they do indicate that there may be some room for improvement in certain aspects of the voice acting in Crackdown 3. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Crackdown 3 is generally positive. The inclusion of Terry Crews is widely appreciated, with his performance being described as entertaining, amusing, and memorable. Additionally, the dialogue delivered by the handler over the radio is praised for being badass and inspiring. While there are a few negative opinions regarding Crews' involvement feeling flat or underutilized, these criticisms are outweighed by the positive feedback from other critics. The voice acting, including Crews' performance, is generally praised and adds to the enjoyment and immersion of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Terry Crews' voice acting in Crackdown 3 receives widespread praise for being entertaining and memorable, adding humor and action to the game. While some critics feel his performance fell short of expectations, overall, the consensus is positive, with many highlighting the impactful dialogue and the positive contribution of other voice actors.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PC, Gamer.nl encountered bugs that prevented progress in missions. This indicates that there were some issues with the game's stability and functionality on this platform. However, no other critics specifically mentioned playing the game on PC, so it is difficult to determine if this was a widespread problem or an isolated incident. For the Xbox One platform, the overall sentiment among critics is mixed. AusGamers mentioned that the performance was smooth and stable for the most part, but there were issues with the net code when playing online, leading to stuttering and dropouts. On the other hand, Game Over Online praised Crackdown 3 for its technical performance and stability, with no slowdown or stutter even during real-time destruction of the world. TheSixthAxis also mentioned that the game ran smoothly on Xbox One X, with no frame rate issues. However, GamingTrend and Xbox Achievements noted that the game suffered from frame rate issues on lesser Xbox machines, such as the vanilla Xbox One and One S. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Crackdown 3 has solid technical performance on Xbox One X, with no frame rate issues and stable gameplay. However, there are concerns about the performance on lesser Xbox machines, with reports of frame rate drops and audio/menu bugs. It is important to note that some critics did not provide a detailed analysis of the technical performance or stability, so their opinions may not be as informative in this regard. Nonetheless, it is clear that the game's technical performance varies depending on the gaming platform, with Xbox One X being the most favorable option.

TL;DR

technical performance

Crackdown 3 runs smoothly on Xbox One X, but has frame rate issues on lesser Xbox models. PC version encountered bugs affecting mission progress. Mixed reviews about net code and stability for online play. Overall, Xbox One X offers the best technical performance for the game.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Crackdown 3 are varied. Some critics, such as GameSpew and TrueAchievements, mention the presence of side content, collectibles, and multiplayer modes, which suggest potential replay value. Guardian describes the game as moreish, with an ever-escalating sequence of exciting gameplay moments that can make hours disappear. Additionally, AusGamers highlights the fun moments that can be had in co-operative play, particularly with the Singularity Grenade. However, there are several negative opinions regarding the replay value of Crackdown 3. Critics like Game Informer, Gamer.nl, Stevivor, Wccftech, App Trigger, Attack of the Fanboy, CGMagazine, Critical Hit, The Daily Dot, The Escapist, and ZTGD express concerns about the lack of incentive to try new tactics, limited multiplayer modes and maps, minimal differences and bonuses between agents, lack of progression in multiplayer, short campaign, lack of extensive endgame activities, lack of motivation to keep playing, and repetitive gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a lack of substantial replay value in Crackdown 3. While some aspects, such as side content and collectibles, multiplayer modes, and co-operative play, offer potential for replayability, the negative opinions regarding limited content, lack of Variety, and repetitive gameplay outweigh the positives. Critics like Game Over Online and IGN specifically mention the lack of meat on the bones in the main campaign, while Screen Rant fails to provide enough information about the replay value. Ultimately, it seems that Crackdown 3 may not offer enough incentives or varied experiences to keep players engaged in the long term.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Crackdown 3. Some praise its side content, multiplayer modes, and co-op play, while others criticize its lack of variety, repetitive gameplay, and limited incentives for replay. Overall, the consensus leans towards a lack of substantial replay value, with concerns about the game's content depth and lasting appeal.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Crackdown 3, according to several critics, has received mixed reviews. There are some positive aspects of the game that have been highlighted by certain reviewers. GameSpew describes it as a "fantastic sequel" that expands upon the original game and provides a fun and engaging experience. Xbox Achievements praises the game for its fun mechanics and the ability to keep players busy for around 10 hours. TrueAchievements also acknowledges the game's fun moments and stable performance. These positive reviews indicate that Crackdown 3 does have enjoyable aspects and can provide a satisfying gameplay experience for some players. However, there are also several negative aspects that have been pointed out by critics. Many reviewers mention the lack of innovation in the game, with Gamer.nl, Stevivor, Wccftech, and App Trigger all highlighting this issue. The repetitive missions, thin story, and tiresome jokes are also criticized by Gamer.nl. The lackluster multiplayer component is deemed uninspiring by both Gamer.nl and App Trigger. The outdated feel of the game is mentioned by Stevivor, CGMagazine, and Game Over Online, with the latter describing it as feeling like a "soft reboot" of the 2007 game. The lack of content and graphical detail are also criticized by The Sydney Morning Herald. These negative reviews suggest that Crackdown 3 fails to bring anything new or exciting to the table and may not live up to the expectations of fans and critics alike. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Crackdown 3 falls short of being a groundbreaking or essential game. The lack of innovation and outdated gameplay are recurring themes in the negative reviews. While some reviewers, such as GameSpew and Xbox Achievements, find enjoyment in the game's mechanics and campaign mode, the overall sentiment is that the game fails to deliver a truly memorable experience. The availability of the game on Xbox Game Pass is seen as a potential saving grace by Attack of the Fanboy and The Daily Dot, but it doesn't seem to be enough to outweigh the game's flaws. Ultimately, Crackdown 3 seems to have disappointed many critics who were hoping for a more innovative and engaging experience.

TL;DR

Crackdown 3: Some critics praise its fun gameplay and mechanics, but many criticize its lack of innovation, repetitive missions, and outdated feel. While it may offer enjoyment for some players, overall, it falls short of being groundbreaking or essential. The availability on Xbox Game Pass is seen as a potential redeeming factor, but it doesn't outweigh the game's flaws.

CRITIK

Reviews

164 reviews found

GameSpew

Xbox One

Feb 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Crackdown 3 is a fantastic sequel that expands upon the original game and provides a fun and engaging experience.

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GamingTrend

Xbox One

Feb 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crackdown 3 may not make sense on paper, but its over-the-top gameplay and memorable moments make it a must-play.

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Wccftech

Feb 16, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crackdown 3 is a fun and satisfying experience, but it may not be essential or groundbreaking. It is recommended for fans of the original game.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Feb 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Crackdown 3 is exactly what the reviewer wanted and brings them back to what made the original game special. It respects the source material and is recommended for those with Gamepass, but the $60 price tag might be a bit much.

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Press Start Australia

Xbox One

Feb 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crackdown 3 is a great game and the best in the series so far, but it doesn't break any new ground.

Critical Hit

Xbox One

Feb 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crackdown 3 is a fun game with addictive gameplay and a well-structured campaign. However, it lacks in graphics and additional content, which may affect its overall appeal.

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TheSixthAxis

Xbox One

Feb 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as pretty good and enjoyable, with some underwhelming aspects in the multiplayer mode.

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Video Chums

Xbox One

Feb 19, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as not doing anything fresh or exciting, with frustrating controls. However, it is still considered a solid sandbox game that is worth checking out for those nostalgic for sandbox games from a decade ago.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Feb 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crackdown 3 is praised as a fun game with great mechanics that will keep players busy for around 10 hours. The achievements are considered decent but lack creativity.

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Variety

Xbox One

Feb 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crackdown 3 is described as a game that works by doing the minimum. It is praised for its enthusiasm for exploration and its unique identity, but criticized for feeling patched together and lacking in surprises.

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