I'm surprised there isn't an official thread for this up yet - so - here it is!

I'm incredibly excited to play this game - the co-op is going to be amazing and I haven't seen anything in any of the trailers to concern me!

Who else will be picking this up over the weekend - and does anyone know if it's going to be "full" co-op which will include the entire campaign?

-JR

Not sure why you're surprised...the game isn't out for three more days. :)

I and two of my friends already have this pre-ordered. I was a HUGE fan of the first game. Every preview I've seen in the last month showing the amazing co-op has only gotten me more stoked.

I like to blow things up, that is what I am saying.

I have it pre-ordered and have Sunday free, so I'll be picking it up in the morning then blowing **** up all afternoon :D

I played the first one and it was okay, but I wasn't in love with it. I'll be keeping an eye on reviews for the sequel regardless.

I loved the making of trailer on ebgames.com. If you haven't seen it, do so. Rather funny to say the least.

One of the best games on the original Xbox. Pre-ordered and ready for Sunday. The pre-order comes with a redeem code for both 360/PS3 for exclusive clothes.

Here's a little review I wrote for another site I visit. I will say upfront I haven't tried any co-op stuff myself as I was trying to learn the controls and the game before venturing online.

-----

I now have about 3 or 4 hours into it. Not sure how much I'll keep playing. Just not feeling it at the moment.

Shooting and aiming is terrible. Wait, aiming is fine, it's just that you'll only hit your target 1 out of every 10 bullets. I don't care if the guy is 5 feet in front of you. It's awful so far.

Respawning enemies annoy me. Stand there, and they will just keep coming wave after wave.

Pressing a button to pick up ammo on the ground is another thing that annoys me nowdays.

Graphics are ok, but nothing that's going to win awards. Neither are the framerate dips and tearing that goes on quite often (although it's not as bad as I've seen in other games; it's pretty much like the gameplay clip currently on the web).

Story is somewhat corny and a bit confusing. There's a ton of stuff going on and it doesn't do a very good of explaining things. Not a deal breaker for me, but slightly annoying. I also think it's silly to write a script for a video with cursing and then bleep it out in the final product. Guess they wanted to keep a Teen rating.

Killing civillians costs you money. I shouldn't say kill because that's impossible; more like hurt them. Drop a bomb on a bunch of civilians and they will walk away.

Not sure if I don't like the game or I'm just not in the mood to play it. Tried it again today and I'm still not thrilled with it. I was looking forward to this one and was pretty excited to start playing. But, that all pretty much died down after the opening scene/mission. Just didn't do much for me.

I'll give it a few more hours sometime soon. For now, I think I'm going to throw Tiger 09 back in.

Don't think I'm saying this is a bad game. I just don't think it's my cup of tea at the moment. I haven't tried the online stuff yet which may be pretty cool. I think they had some cool ideas and tried like to hell to get the game polished. But, I suppose there's a time and place you have to just wrap it up and get it out the door. After a year delay, they did what they could and put it out. I think they needed another year.

I broke down and put this on pre-order with IU when I picked up Tales of Vesperia today. Not sure I liked what I heard in rdanks little write-up but I did have some fun with the first one (though listening to a friend talk about his well thought out experiences with it was even more fun). My expectations for this game are for it to be like a JUST CAUSE, run aroung and spam bullets at people while making the occassional nice explosion....so I guess thats kind of like the first Mercenaries too. I just hope its fun enough for the $60... I got mercenaries one when it was $20 and that was definitly worth it.

Well if this one is like an upgraded mercs1 ill be happy. I loved the 1st one! Ive got it preordered and will be the first one to pick it up on sunday.

Here's a little review I wrote for another site I visit. I will say upfront I haven't tried any co-op stuff myself as I was trying to learn the controls and the game before venturing online.

How did you get a copy before the street date?

I'm certainly interested, but I'll wait to see if rdank's review is what everyone is saying. I just wished there allowed more players online. Those chinese troop carriers with like 16 seats sure get lonely with only one person in them

I've heard many positive reviews from people that were able to get the game early, and only a few negative ones.

Overall though it seems that people are finding this game to be just plain fun, so I can't wait to get my hands on it. It'll be nice to play a fun game again, GTAIV was the last game I played, and while it was fun, it was also a chore at some points. Weather it was a repetitive mission, or taking friends out bowling for the millionth time, it just wasn't fun at times.

Mercs1 was a great game, and was one of the last Xbox games I played, so my hopes are high for Mercs2.

rdanks, thanks for the heads up on your pre-review!

I'm assuming you played the first game in depth - how do you feel it compares to that one?

-JR

I've heard the game is just buggy as sin. I think I am going to wait for a patch, and if one doesn't come out, oh well. I don't want to support unfinished games.

I played the first one for 10-20 hours. Thought it was ok, but never finished it.

I know I harped on a bunch of the stuff I didn't like so I hope folks looking forward to it don't take it as me saying it's complete garbage. It's certainly not. Everyone likes different things and some will 'put up with' or 'see past' or not care about some of the items I listed, which is great.

Might start playing it again this afternoon to give it some more time. One thing I do like is the actor voicing the mohawk dude. He's the mob guy from Prison Break (among lots of other movies). I've liked him for a few years now.

Perhaps once I get multiple factions partnering with me and lots of resources to give me options of destruction I'll like it better. We shall see.

What is the co op like?

Just picked it up from my local Houston blockbuster. They had several copies for buy or rent.

Just picked it up from my local Houston blockbuster. They had several copies for buy or rent.

Nice! Any thoughts on the game so far?

-JR

Just picked it up from my local Houston blockbuster. They had several copies for buy or rent.

Lucky! I just got back from my local Best Buy - they were making space for it on the shelf, but aren't putting it out until after close tonight. :( (and the wife's going to be gone tonight too...)

picked my copy up last night at the local Blockbuster here in SoCal.

I'm really digging it.
explosions are out of control!!

waiting for a friend to buy it so I can try out Co op.

picked my copy up last night at the local Blockbuster here in SoCal.

I'm really digging it.
explosions are out of control!!

waiting for a friend to buy it so I can try out Co op.

IGN's review is up. They gave it a 7.9 - said it's fun but buggy and bad AI. (not that that's gonna make me change my mind about picking it up...)

Put it this way if you enjoyed the first one you will enjoy this one as well. I know for a fact I'm going to enjoy this one because I enjoyed the first one and it also has Co-Op.

I just picked it up and it has an update for it. I am going to play it without the update to see what the issues are with the bugs. I am assuming the reviews were done prior to the release of an update.

So far I finish the first scene coming to the beach and getting double crossed. This is without the update.

No slowdowns since starting from the guided bomb explosions to the tank shooting it has been smooth.

Rdank mention the aiming is fine but you get 1 out of 10 hits. I have shot from distance and close up(AK-47 from what it looks like which isn't supposed to be an accurate weapon) I had no issues taking down my targets. As I shot I kept thinking about the post for Rdank and I was able to get head shots from a distance with the weapon which is an instant kill. Close up kills were not an issue either.

Some ammo it will ask if you want to pick up and some items when you walk over are automactic.

Story so far. I can quite honestly give a damn about the story for a game like this. I didn't buy it for the story to begin with.

Civilian kill is just like the first game basically not an issue.

Again, this is prior to the update. I am now starting the game after the double cross that happened. So far so good for me. Will do the update pretty soon. Haven't seen what the update actually does.

I've been enjoying it. The game has a good sense of humor.

Accuracy really isn't an issue so long as you are not too far away.

There is so much stuff to unlock! Should keep people busy for a while.

The disguise system is really nice and fun. Can get whatever side your playing for at the time to hop in and help.

is the ai really that stupid? Ign makes it sound like everyone in the game has down syndrome

is the ai really that stupid? Ign makes it sound like everyone in the game has down syndrome

I'm not really sure. I don't pay attention long enough to notice as i am blowing things up and shooting them.

The way I see it, this is the movie Commando. The fodder doesn't need to be smart.

For an interesting take, read the old 2005 review of Merc and note the differences/similarities!

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/578/578647p1.html

I have my copy sitting next to me, but I won't be able to play it until tomorrow. I can't wait!

-JR

For an interesting take, read the old 2005 review of Merc and note the differences/similarities!

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/578/578647p1.html

I have my copy sitting next to me, but I won't be able to play it until tomorrow. I can't wait!

-JR

hmm great point. The enemies in the first one weren't anything either

renteed this from blockbuster. It's a solid meh. The graphics are decent though the bloom is oevrdopne and makes certian scenes and camera angles darker than they need to be. Controls are a bit stiff. Overall there's lots of cool ways ot destroy thing. The new all inclusive world map is a nice touch but it just makes you realize that it's just a barren landscape for you to destroy(compared to the living breathing liberty city in GTA4. Glad I rented it as a way to pass time til rock band 2.

I still can't connect to the EA servers, no co-op for me since I got it!

I'm still loving the single player, but I'd love to play with my buddy who just picked it up....

I just started playing this game Co-op with my buddy and he screwed up by ticking off the first faction you come to before they gave us missions. Now we can't do anything. How the hell do you get make your rep better with a faction so you can do contracts for them?

I just started playing this game Co-op with my buddy and he screwed up by ticking off the first faction you come to before they gave us missions. Now we can't do anything. How the hell do you get make your rep better with a faction so you can do contracts for them?Did you try talking to Fiona?

Ya, well my buddy tried talking to her since he was hosting, but that didn't really help. I had a friendly rating with them and he had a hostile and I had no control over anything. He couldn't figure out what to do to gain their favor and since they were the first faction, there were no missions we could do. I guess he also could not load a previously saved game, but like I said, he was in control of all that crap.

I think all he could do when talking to her was do some of the training missions at the mansion.

Ya, well my buddy tried talking to her since he was hosting, but that didn't really help. I had a friendly rating with them and he had a hostile and I had no control over anything. He couldn't figure out what to do to gain their favor and since they were the first faction, there were no missions we could do. I guess he also could not load a previously saved game, but like I said, he was in control of all that crap.

I think all he could do when talking to her was do some of the training missions at the mansion.

The instructions say you can go take out High Value targets for factions that you have ticked off. I am not sure how you know where they are though, if you haven't done anything with said faction.

EA servers, man what is up with that? People reporting problems again with this game. First Battlefield, then madden, then this

THIS GAME IS GREAT. I forgot how cool it was to set up your own tactics. Rambo with machine gun and RPG? Get on the hill and call in airstrikes to soften up the base? Whatever, its fun!

THIS GAME IS GREAT. I forgot how cool it was to set up your own tactics. Rambo with machine gun and RPG? Get on the hill and call in airstrikes to soften up the base? Whatever, its fun!

I'm surprised there isn't a mortar.

EA servers, man what is up with that? People reporting problems again with this game. First Battlefield, then madden, then this

I reset my clock on the 360 and I was able to connect.
Having a blast playing co-op!!

So I got this game, and the opening level (that the tutorial is part of) is really fun, driving the tank through all the shacks that the enemies are standing on and watching them crumble is great. I've got the UP opened up, and got a helicopter pilot and a mechanic..... and I'm already 27% through the game?! I've barely played it, so either its short or the percentage meter sucks.

I don't know though. I mean, its okay, but everything feels not right. And as I'm setting up the cellphone trackers or whatever for the UP mission I did, theres a ton of enemies that seem to just be spawning out of nowhere, alarms going off, etc etc... except I'm pretty much able to run in, drop the thing, and then run away with a few kills in there. Pretty bad AI is an understatement.

Driving feels really loose. I mean I understand the cars aren't nearly as realistic as GTA (thank god) but I don't know if I like this feel either. Especially flying the helicopter, its ridiculously stupid. (At least for the Winch Challenge). It basically stops on a dime, and you can't crash it as far as I can tell. I mean, it strafes in midair without even tilting on its horizontal axis. Way too dumbed down.

Killing people with melee is way too easy. In fact, its almost easier to kill them that way (one hit) than it is shooting them (usually 3-4 hits without a headshot).

It has some potential in there, but it doesn't come together all that well to be a great game as far as I'm concerned.

I think the % meter is a bit strange. I think I am ~20% and have done more factions than the UP, but do not have the mechanic.

The cell phone trackers is not difficult, except for the one rocket house (for me). It gets a little rougher as there are tanks and air units to deal with. But with superior firepower, it isn't hard... just fun :)

than it is shooting them (usually 3-4 hits without a headshot).

It is called bulletproof vest :D

It is called bulletproof vest :D

It gets quicker, as the Automatic Rifle (LMG maybe?) you can pick up is a bit more powerful. Of course, the guys wielding them bring you down faster too.

Loving it, so far. It feels like exactly what it is: the next iteration of the franchise. Unlike GTA IV, I'm actually having FUN playing Mercs 2. I loved the first game and I'm loving this one. The visceral thrills of blowing up everything you can see is still there. I'm not really sure what the complaints about AI are, exactly. This isn't Half-Life or Gears of War, that's true. But it's not meant to be. The enemies give you a challenge from time to time, but this isn't meant to be a 'barely survives every encounter' type of game. It's a 'blow crap up' game, which it delivers soundly. I certainly didn't think the AI was busted when the PLAC revolutionary shot the water tower out from under me with an RPG last night. It's not the AI's fault that the game let's me attach C4 to a fuel tank and detonate it, triggering a chain reaction that levels the building he's in. I'm not really sure what he options he has, there. :)

The guns aren't that accurate at range, but they do the job. I've already gotten the '20 headshots' achievement in a couple of hours. Just go into aiming mode at a reasonable distance. Eagerly waiting for a sniper rifle, though. Coop is buttery smooth. I was just walking around when suddenly a friend dropped in. We did two quick missions and had a blast. He took care of a helicopter while I called in our copter for a drop-off. Then he held off ground fighters until I jacked an armored APC.

Those looking for ultra-realism best look elsewhere. That's never been the franchise's goal and nothing here has changed. (Hell, if you've seen how the driving physics works...) Personally, one thing I found distracting about GTA IV (other than being bored with it) was that it was so realistic in some ways that it highlighted how unrealistic it was in others.

Loving it, so far. It feels like exactly what it is: the next iteration of the franchise. Unlike GTA IV, I'm actually having FUN playing Mercs 2. I loved the first game and I'm loving this one. The visceral thrills of blowing up everything you can see is still there. I'm not really sure what the complaints about AI are, exactly. This isn't Half-Life or Gears of War, that's true. But it's not meant to be. The enemies give you a challenge from time to time, but this isn't meant to be a 'barely survives every encounter' type of game. It's a 'blow crap up' game, which it delivers soundly. I certainly didn't think the AI was busted when the PLAC revolutionary shot the water tower out from under me with an RPG last night. It's not the AI's fault that the game let's me attach C4 to a fuel tank and detonate it, triggering a chain reaction that levels the building he's in. I'm not really sure what he options he has, there. :)

The guns aren't that accurate at range, but they do the job. I've already gotten the '20 headshots' achievement in a couple of hours. Just go into aiming mode at a reasonable distance. Eagerly waiting for a sniper rifle, though. Coop is buttery smooth. I was just walking around when suddenly a friend dropped in. We did two quick missions and had a blast. He took care of a helicopter while I called in our copter for a drop-off. Then he held off ground fighters until I jacked an armored APC.

Those looking for ultra-realism best look elsewhere. That's never been the franchise's goal and nothing here has changed. (Hell, if you've seen how the driving physics works...) Personally, one thing I found distracting about GTA IV (other than being bored with it) was that it was so realistic in some ways that it highlighted how unrealistic it was in others.

Good post Wizard, it really captures the game! You'll find a sniper rifle eventually, I did last night. :)

I was able to finally sit down for a few hours last night and sink my teeth into Merc 2. It truly does feel like the next version of Merc 1 on the Xbox. For the complaints listed above, these are elements that were present in the first game and are present here, but are just a part of gameplay. Accuracy feels just as it did in the first game - which I enjoy. The graphics may seem lackluster at first, but if you pop in the original Merc you'll see that it definately took a jump for the better. With the sheer amount of action that can occur on-screen, it looks good.

I've yet to come across any actual issues that effected me, but I have come across two "bugs" that didn't impact gameplay. At one point I threw a grenade into a mix of baddies, and when they blew-up one was somehow caught standing in a crater. Obviously dead, but standing up as if he was taking aim to fire. I couldn't shoot him, but I was able to knock him down with my jeep.

In another instance I had a jeep get caught on top of some plants (I jumped off the top of a hill, flew about 50 yards, and bounced of a rock to land on top of some plants), and it did a bit of jitterbugging before popping off the side. I like these to typical issues most of these larger sand-box games have.

I can't wait to play this with a buddy co-op to get a sense of that and how it changes the dynamics of the game!

-JR

OK I played the first mission with all three people trying to decide which one I want to play. I would lean toward Chris but one review said "you will want to play Mattias" because of how he delivers the lines with the access. Anyone play a number of missions with each and which did you prefer?

So far I think this game is much like, but superior then the first one. Graphics may not be the greatest but they are better then the first one and the bullet spamming and explosions are much better then the first Mercs and even then Just Cause. I think this will be pretty fun when I get to play it full time.

OK I played the first mission with all three people trying to decide which one I want to play. I would lean toward Chris but one review said "you will want to play Mattias" because of how he delivers the lines with the access. Anyone play a number of missions with each and which did you prefer?

So far I think this game is much like, but superior then the first one. Graphics may not be the greatest but they are better then the first one and the bullet spamming and explosions are much better then the first Mercs and even then Just Cause. I think this will be pretty fun when I get to play it full time.

It gets better as the game goes on :)

I went with Chris, seems fine to me.

Enjoy the Devestator ;)

I'm playing as Mattias but all I see is this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ83wUhXoL4) when he talks.

Peter Stormare kinda sucks as a voice actor.

Heh. That's pretty funny...I never saw those commercials. I loved him as Lucifer in 'Constantine'. He did a better job, I think, in the first game...I suspect that's more to do with the voice direction this time out than the actors. That said, I think the voice acting's fine.

Yeah I like his acting in movies, its just almost every line in the game seems a bit forced.

OH NO YOU DIDNT!!

..sucka tried to play me

Okay, so I've been playing this for a while, and my impressions are improving. Its not my favorite game or anything, but its pretty solid.

I just wish there were more building destruction missions and less HVT missions, since those are the most fun.

I finally got my hands on the game and got to play for a little bit last evening. I agree with most that this game reminds me a lot of the first iteration on the original Xbox. That being said some of the controls are a bit wonky but nothing that cannot be dealt with. I hate the idea of respawning enemies! It drives me nuts, I feel like I have to keep up a frantic pace in order not to get ambushed. I enjoy taking a look around at the scenery especially like the "Villa." All in all the game is growing on me, and my complaints are few and not overly detrimental to the gameplay.

I finally got my hands on the game and got to play for a little bit last evening. I agree with most that this game reminds me a lot of the first iteration on the original Xbox. That being said some of the controls are a bit wonky but nothing that cannot be dealt with. I hate the idea of respawning enemies! It drives me nuts, I feel like I have to keep up a frantic pace in order not to get ambushed. I enjoy taking a look around at the scenery especially like the "Villa." All in all the game is growing on me, and my complaints are few and not overly detrimental to the gameplay.

To stop the respawning enemies in most missions, you need to blow up the barracks buildings that are a red symbol on the map to stop them shooting RPGs at you from the windows, and blow up the siren to stop more reinforcements from showing up.

There were some huge explosions in the refinery area, which were pretty nice.

The instructions say you can go take out High Value targets for factions that you have ticked off. I am not sure how you know where they are though, if you haven't done anything with said faction.

Exactly. That's the problem I was having. If I have a trigger happy co-op buddy every time I meet a new faction, am I going to keep running into this?

Hey Guys,

I've been playing co-op with a buddy of mine and every now and then we see a blue maker with the #2 pop up. We've gone to it but it doesn't allow us to do anything. Anyone know what this is?

Exactly. That's the problem I was having. If I have a trigger happy co-op buddy every time I meet a new faction, am I going to keep running into this?

You can talk to Fiona and bribe a faction into liking you.

Had to bribe PLAV back in my favor, I accidently wiped them out at their base camp cause I thought they were stinkin' VZ's.

Cost me 4.9 M

Im at 62% so far and am still having a blast. Im playing this more than I did with GTA4 for some reason. Its addicting to me ha ha. The only things currently that irritate me is the bushes and the weapon aiming. I did recently find a bullpup that is much better than the m4 i was opting for. Its not miles better but I can get more bullets on target at longer distances. Where in the F is the damn MOAB, closest thing ive found is the daisy cutter.

Im at 62% so far and am still having a blast. Im playing this more than I did with GTA4 for some reason. Its addicting to me ha ha. The only things currently that irritate me is the bushes and the weapon aiming. I did recently find a bullpup that is much better than the m4 i was opting for. Its not miles better but I can get more bullets on target at longer distances. Where in the F is the damn MOAB, closest thing ive found is the daisy cutter.

It seems, from google, that the MOAB (and maybe a nuke) is available from the AN faction?

I've yet to play this co-op, I'm guessing that it's online co-op only?

Does anyone know if this'll run split-screen off of one box?

-JR

You can talk to Fiona and bribe a faction into liking you.

Ah, Ok. Thanks for the info. I wasn't hosting so I didn't see that option.

Wow, I love this game. So freaking fun. Just an excellent game play.

My negatives are the AI. Horrible, they are so stupid, I have seen them stuck on a small piece of something on the road or building and just running in place. They rarely can come even close to killing you, even if you have like 2 health.

Also the game is buggy. Frustrating how your main guy can get stuck on a small fern. I've had twice now that he was stuck so bad that he could only turn in a circle. No jumping, firing or moving. I had to turn off the 360, which you then loose everything.

Other then that, it is a blast to blow things up, hijcak vehicles, helicopters, etc. Excellent game with a very high replay value.

Looks like I'll be picking this up based on the feedback here.

I don't think anyone on my friends list has this game and I really want to try out some co-op, so if you are in the same boat as me send a friend request so we can blow some stuff up.

Be sure to add a message so i know where you're from and what game you want to play.

Still loving the hell out of this game. Had to bribe the PLAV into trusting me again, after an incident at a roadblock and a few HTVs...we weren't on good terms. :)

Funny thing is that I got an achievement for playing when a friend dropped in coop...turns out he'd played with a developer on Sunday, and you get the 'Everybody Wants Some' achievement when you play with a dev or someone else who already played with a dev and has the achievement.

Sweet achievement.. lol

I sure wish there was a faster way to travel across the map. If you do not have a landing pad it takes forever. I would think a helicopter would get you there fast but it sure seems to fly slow.

That church mission blew chunks. I died and had to start again sooo far away and find a vehicle to get there, etc. Game sure has a lot of bugs, but it just shows you how incredibly fun this game is because even with the bizzare bugs, I can't stop playing it.

one thing I miss from the first one unless I just dont know how to do it is being able to place multible C4s on a car then jumping out while driving and blwing it up when it reaches its target. Now it only seems like you can use 1 C4 at a time...unless I am missing something

one thing I miss from the first one unless I just dont know how to do it is being able to place multible C4s on a car then jumping out while driving and blwing it up when it reaches its target. Now it only seems like you can use 1 C4 at a time...unless I am missing something

If you change your explosive weapon you can go back and select the C4 again.

If you change your explosive weapon you can go back and select the C4 again.

sweet..thanks!

I have my people who can join set to anyone and last night I someone finally joined. I have got to say playing co-op is awesome!!! I had fun before by myself but another person there makes it even better.

Plus I got 2 achievements out of it :cool:

I've yet to play co-op but am really looking forward to it! It seems like every boat/tank/UPC/jeep...etc. that I get in is just itching to have a second person in it with me!

-JR

So I'm about 24% through but I don't have a jet pilot yet for many of the air strikes or a mechanic for the Jen's grapple. Can anyone tell me how I can get these? I also fired about 15 anti-air rockets at enemy chopers after getting the solid green "lock" but every shot just curved past them... how do I get a real lock on them?

thx:o

So I'm about 24% through but I don't have a jet pilot yet for many of the air strikes or a mechanic for the Jen's grapple. Can anyone tell me how I can get these? I also fired about 15 anti-air rockets at enemy chopers after getting the solid green "lock" but every shot just curved past them... how do I get a real lock on them?

thx:o

Do you have your helicopter pilot yet? If not do that mission right away (you get it from Fiona). Once you get him in your base, talk to him and he will have a mission for you to get the mechanic. Once you have the mechanic in your base talk to her and she will have a mission for you to get the jet pilot. Just like the pilot, mechanic, etc. the jet pilot has a simple mission you must complete and he will join you.

I found that for locking on the reticle changes color when I get a real lock on, can't recall the color, you have to fire right away a slight pause and the copter or you will have moved off the lock. It isn't a perfect science. I said screw it and I just stock up on the air strike which destroys all copters in the area. Much much easier and you don't have to equip the air missile, you can use it for something else. Get your jet pilot right away!!!

Do you have your helicopter pilot yet? If not do that mission right away (you get it from Fiona). Once you get him in your base, talk to him and he will have a mission for you to get the mechanic. Once you have the mechanic in your base talk to her and she will have a mission for you to get the jet pilot. Just like the pilot, mechanic, etc. the jet pilot has a simple mission you must complete and he will join you.

I found that for locking on the reticle changes color when I get a real lock on, can't recall the color, you have to fire right away a slight pause and the copter or you will have moved off the lock. It isn't a perfect science. I said screw it and I just stock up on the air strike which destroys all copters in the area. Much much easier and you don't have to equip the air missile, you can use it for something else. Get your jet pilot right away!!!

Hmm I must have missed something then because I do have the choper pilot but last I remember the only thing he had for me was a winch challenge. I'm sure I just overlooked something. I'll check tonight, thanks!

Hmm I must have missed something then because I do have the choper pilot but last I remember the only thing he had for me was a winch challenge. I'm sure I just overlooked something. I'll check tonight, thanks!


If he doesn't have it, look at your map for blinking bases. When there's something that needs to be done at a location before the story can progress, it will blink.

Hmm I must have missed something then because I do have the choper pilot but last I remember the only thing he had for me was a winch challenge. I'm sure I just overlooked something. I'll check tonight, thanks!

Yeah, look at your map for a blinking icon and when you cursor over it, I believe it says the ladies name.

Also, if you go back to talk to your helicpoter pilot, the option at the bottom that says just talk, will re-tell whatever the last mission was. It might already be on your map though.

It seems, from google, that the MOAB (and maybe a nuke) is available from the AN faction?

The MOAB = not as awesome as I thought it'd be.

Throw smoke to call it in = can't do it from far away and just watch :(

haha, the MoAB is called in with smoke? geez... that would be fine if you could throw the smoke further than 20 feet... what were they thinking.

My two biggest negatives so far for this game are:

1. as mentioned above, not being able to throw smoke far at all, and most of the air strikes I've gotten so far are all smoke. I either end up getting hit by my own airstrikes, or miss the target since I couldn't get close enough.

2. You can't access your 'quick menu' to call in airstrikes while running! So not only do you need to run into the middle of a base to throw smoke (which you can't throw far), but you also need to stop, stand still, access your menu, get shot a bunch of times, throw smoke, then run away.

Because of these two things I haven't used many of my airstrikes, it's far easier just calling in a tank or chopper and taking things out. Or once I'm already in a fight, just to battle it out with my gun/RPG/C4/grenades, instead of calling in an airstrike.

This is a pretty poor design choice.


Though overall the game is still really fun!

haha, the MoAB is called in with smoke? geez... that would be fine if you could throw the smoke further than 20 feet... what were they thinking.

My two biggest negatives so far for this game are:

1. as mentioned above, not being able to throw smoke far at all, and most of the air strikes I've gotten so far are all smoke. I either end up getting hit by my own airstrikes, or miss the target since I couldn't get close enough.

2. You can't access your 'quick menu' to call in airstrikes while running! So not only do you need to run into the middle of a base to throw smoke (which you can't throw far), but you also need to stop, stand still, access your menu, get shot a bunch of times, throw smoke, then run away.

Because of these two things I haven't used many of my airstrikes, it's far easier just calling in a tank or chopper and taking things out. Or once I'm already in a fight, just to battle it out with my gun/RPG/C4/grenades, instead of calling in an airstrike.

This is a pretty poor design choice.


Though overall the game is still really fun!

Thats one of my gripes as well, but this game is insanely fun still. Playing co-op is one of the best features in this game, if you are playing single player only grab a partner and do co-op. It made the game go from mediocre to fun.

Well if anyone wants to do some co-op sometime feel free to add me as a friend. GT: mooseb0x (that's a zero in the b0x)

I also would like to run through the Level 3 Challenges at the PMC that unlock the outfits. I just can't get the pistol, sniper or emplacements ones.

I'm about 48% through the game and have lots of HVT to get for the UP and PLAV, I need to get them alive and not piss off anyone. So I think this will be a good challenge in co-op, one guy grabs the HVT, the other takes out those trying to Report. :) Blowing **** up is a must.

Hmm, not sure why the issue with smoke. I throw it when I am REALLY far away from my target and they take out all tanks in the area. I even tossed some smoke once and a tank that was so far away I couldn't even see it on a 60" TV was destroyed. I had to zoom in with a sniper rifle to see what happened. I saw the bomb drop from the sky and the smoke in the distance. It destroyed three tanks in my area. Pretty cool. I don't think you have to be next to the target you want to destroy, unless you want to fine tune it like to destroy a building in a city.

haha, the MoAB is called in with smoke? geez... that would be fine if you could throw the smoke further than 20 feet... what were they thinking.

My two biggest negatives so far for this game are:

1. as mentioned above, not being able to throw smoke far at all, and most of the air strikes I've gotten so far are all smoke. I either end up getting hit by my own airstrikes, or miss the target since I couldn't get close enough.

2. You can't access your 'quick menu' to call in airstrikes while running! So not only do you need to run into the middle of a base to throw smoke (which you can't throw far), but you also need to stop, stand still, access your menu, get shot a bunch of times, throw smoke, then run away.

Because of these two things I haven't used many of my airstrikes, it's far easier just calling in a tank or chopper and taking things out. Or once I'm already in a fight, just to battle it out with my gun/RPG/C4/grenades, instead of calling in an airstrike.

This is a pretty poor design choice.


Though overall the game is still really fun!

I'm with ya on both! They had this working perfectly on the last game, they should have left it the way it was.

Still having a blast with this game though, I finally got my jet pilot and mechanic. I sure hop I can get some satellite air strikes, those were the best of the first game IMO.

haha, the MoAB is called in with smoke? geez... that would be fine if you could throw the smoke further than 20 feet... what were they thinking.

My two biggest negatives so far for this game are:

1. as mentioned above, not being able to throw smoke far at all, and most of the air strikes I've gotten so far are all smoke. I either end up getting hit by my own airstrikes, or miss the target since I couldn't get close enough.

2. You can't access your 'quick menu' to call in airstrikes while running! So not only do you need to run into the middle of a base to throw smoke (which you can't throw far), but you also need to stop, stand still, access your menu, get shot a bunch of times, throw smoke, then run away.

Because of these two things I haven't used many of my airstrikes, it's far easier just calling in a tank or chopper and taking things out. Or once I'm already in a fight, just to battle it out with my gun/RPG/C4/grenades, instead of calling in an airstrike.

This is a pretty poor design choice.


Though overall the game is still really fun!

I agree with you and Kenobi. It really was done so well with the first one, you had your smoke, you had your laser designator, you had your satellite to pinpoint the strike, very cool stuff. I wonder why they didn't include that, I can't imagine it was a development issue.

So far I've only seen smoke, and I'm around 64% through the game (although it seems like there is a ton of stuff left to do).


I also would like to run through the Level 3 Challenges at the PMC that unlock the outfits. I just can't get the pistol, sniper or emplacements ones..

I'll add you Moose, I'm also struggling with those. All the other challenges were incredibly easy, but the pistol and sniper ones are driving me nuts.

-JR

So far I've only seen smoke, and I'm around 64% through the game (although it seems like there is a ton of stuff left to do).

You must've forgotten the training mission where you use the satellite maps to pinpoint a strike, and the early mission where you use a laser designator for I believe it was the bunker-buster.

I'm not saying I disagree about too many things using smoke, but there are a few that don't.

You must've forgotten the training mission where you use the satellite maps to pinpoint a strike, and the early mission where you use a laser designator for I believe it was the bunker-buster.

I'm not saying I disagree about too many things using smoke, but there are a few that don't.

You're right, I did forget! What mission was that first one?

For the bunker-buster mission you're correct - you did use the laser designator, but it still required you to be (at least I had to do it this way) right on top of the target. I tried to laser designate from far away and the strikes kept missing - even though my pointer was directly on the bunker. I finally got it to work by standing on top of the bunker and aiming down at it.

I haven't used bunker-busters since then (like Moose, I've really started to just call in vehicles instead of airstrikes), so perhaps I'm just missing out on some of the specific ordanance that doesn't use smoke. If someone has the time, it'd be cool to see a list of each air-strike and what method is used to target it. :)

-JR

Rocket Artillery and UP Tank Attack are pretty sweet airstrikes.

Both are smoke, but with the Rocket Artillery it brings up a satellite view where you can move the target about another 100 feet or so (at a cost) but this airstrike does a ton of damage.

The Tank attack is smoke, but it will destroy any tank you can see pretty much. This helped a lot in the 'defend the church' mission.

UP Air Attack and ground attack are similar to the tank attack, so those are probably pretty handy to. Better go stock up before I start killing UP guys :P


Oh, and 1 more negative, HVT getting killed by their own men while subdued. I'm trying to take them all alive, so I gets pretty frustrating when they die by their own men...guess they weren't that important after all.

Rocket Artillery and UP Tank Attack are pretty sweet airstrikes.

Both are smoke, but with the Rocket Artillery it brings up a satellite view where you can move the target about another 100 feet or so (at a cost) but this airstrike does a ton of damage.

The Tank attack is smoke, but it will destroy any tank you can see pretty much. This helped a lot in the 'defend the church' mission.

UP Air Attack and ground attack are similar to the tank attack, so those are probably pretty handy to. Better go stock up before I start killing UP guys :P


Oh, and 1 more negative, HVT getting killed by their own men while subdued. I'm trying to take them all alive, so I gets pretty frustrating when they die by their own men...guess they weren't that important after all.

I'd given up on that after getting a couple killed and not wanting to quit and start over. I haven't tried the tank buster or missle artillery yet but guess I should start using them. I figured I'd get myself killed before I could get out of the blast radius so I was just hijacking tanks to defend the church.

I'm going to stock up on some UP gear... expecially chopers before I start wiping them out and wrecking their buildings.

I've tried to grapple a couple chopers but got knocked off both times... guess I need to hit up on the left stick;)

Rocket Artillery and UP Tank Attack are pretty sweet airstrikes.

Both are smoke, but with the Rocket Artillery it brings up a satellite view where you can move the target about another 100 feet or so (at a cost) but this airstrike does a ton of damage.

The Tank attack is smoke, but it will destroy any tank you can see pretty much. This helped a lot in the 'defend the church' mission.

UP Air Attack and ground attack are similar to the tank attack, so those are probably pretty handy to. Better go stock up before I start killing UP guys :P


Oh, and 1 more negative, HVT getting killed by their own men while subdued. I'm trying to take them all alive, so I gets pretty frustrating when they die by their own men...guess they weren't that important after all.

That tank attack is awesome. I was having all kinds of problems with the church until I used this. While I stood there on the stairs, I watched 4 tanks get destroyed at the same time. Went to the back of the church, rinse and repeat, mission over. I really like how if you throw smoke, it is anything that you can see, not just what is by the smoke.

For the bunker-buster mission you're correct - you did use the laser designator, but it still required you to be (at least I had to do it this way) right on top of the target. I tried to laser designate from far away and the strikes kept missing - even though my pointer was directly on the bunker. I finally got it to work by standing on top of the bunker and aiming down at it.

I discovered in Misha's wager challenge that you need to continue to hold down the trigger until the air strike is delivered. Initially I was just holding down until the crosshair stopped moving and Misha announced he was on his way, but this always led to an airstrike that was off target. Once I started holding the trigger down until the air strike was actually delivered, I found I could hit any individual barrel I wanted from quite a distance away in his wager challenge. Maybe this was what was happening to you in the bunker buster mission.

You're right, I did forget! What mission was that first one?

The very first one, before any of the backstabbing or anything like that. I believe you first came up on a boat, and then killed 3 guards, and then there was a giant gate in the way, that you used the satellite map to call in a strike to destroy.

It forced you to go in that way, so you might not even have considered it.

The very first one, before any of the backstabbing or anything like that. I believe you first came up on a boat, and then killed 3 guards, and then there was a giant gate in the way, that you used the satellite map to call in a strike to destroy.

It forced you to go in that way, so you might not even have considered it.

I remember that now, right near the start of the game. I wish it was utilized for other more common strikes!

I discovered in Misha's wager challenge that you need to continue to hold down the trigger until the air strike is delivered. Initially I was just holding down until the crosshair stopped moving and Misha announced he was on his way, but this always led to an airstrike that was off target. Once I started holding the trigger down until the air strike was actually delivered, I found I could hit any individual barrel I wanted from quite a distance away in his wager challenge. Maybe this was what was happening to you in the bunker buster mission.

I didn't realize that, thanks for the info. On the Misha challenges my wife was watching me, and we were both noting that he was off-target often. I just figured it was part of the gameplay! :) I eventually got through his challenges by luck I suppose. Those were fun challenges - more fun than the weapons challenges which I'm still struggling with!

-JR

How do you throw smoke/nads farther? I can only 'cook' them and only throw them about 10-15 yards. I can't get away fast enough for the airstrike and 'waste' them on targets. Any help? (rental..no instuctions booklet)

I'd given up on that after getting a couple killed and not wanting to quit and start over. I haven't tried the tank buster or missle artillery yet but guess I should start using them. I figured I'd get myself killed before I could get out of the blast radius so I was just hijacking tanks to defend the church.

I beat the chuch the same way - jacking tanks (and used the emplaced weapons).

In the first game I was constantly using airstrikes because between the laser/satellite guidance and having the limits of my arsenal depend only on cash and things I'd unlocked, it was soooo convenient. But this time the majority of strikes being smoke irritates me. And having to buy/steal additional strikes irritates me even more - especially in cases where there's a strike that I need but don't "own" yet. I much preferred the "Merchant of menace" setup in #1.

I've got no problems earning/spending the cash to pay for strikes as needed like in #1, but I don't want to have to REMEMBER to have to buy them time after time at outposts.

I'm also bugged by how when I die I restart only with a pistol. Especially when you've dropped supplies specific to a mission. So then you have to remember to drop those supplies again - and that's assuming you actually own more of the drops and don't have to go buy more just for that mission.

I'm finding that most of the time it's just me, my gun/grenade launcher/semi-useless sniper rifle and a crotch-rocket (since you can sprint faster than most vehicles anyways) and then I jack a vehicle during combat if needed.

I'm AM really enjoying the game, but I just wish they'd have kept some of the stuff that worked well in the first one. It seems like there were a lot of changes just for the sake of making changes.

How do you throw smoke/nads farther? I can only 'cook' them and only throw them about 10-15 yards. I can't get away fast enough for the airstrike and 'waste' them on targets. Any help? (rental..no instuctions booklet)

You can't really throw them further, especially since grenades are on the Left Bumper, and smoke on the A button, which are not pressure sensitive. The only way to throw grenades slightly further, is to be running forward and aiming a little higher. Nothing more you can do then that.

I'm AM really enjoying the game, but I just wish they'd have kept some of the stuff that worked well in the first one. It seems like there were a lot of changes just for the sake of making changes.

I agree that some of the changes they made were just for the sake of changing things up, otherwise the game would've been very similar to Mercs1 with just updated graphics.

I think they should've used Fiona more in this game, instead of just having her repeat the same lines over and over again. Allow us to call her up at anytime to purchase airstrikes (she would be the new merchant of menace), and get her to contact the other factions shops and buy things through them. There's no reason why I need to fly out to a shop just to purchase a few things, just pickup a phone and call it in, that would've been a far smarter design choice.

It's nice that they give you tips for what airstrikes to bring before a mission, but it's always nice to have the ability to adapt to a situation, instead of being stuck with you thought you would need.

Now I just load up on airstrikes buying 4-5 of each so I don't have to keep going back to shops.

Now I just load up on airstrikes buying 4-5 of each so I don't have to keep going back to shops.

I've started doing the same - loading up whenever I can. I wish that when you accept a mission you weren't kicked outside. If you want to shop, you have to wait for the load screen to appear outside, then load again when you go back inside. I don't get why they don't just kick you back to the "Shop/Exit" screen.

I've seen random tips appearing across the web, but I thought I'd share one that I've started doing quite a bit. I've been tossing C4 onto the hood of my jeep, driving full speed into a base and aiming it at the barracks. I jump out early, let the jeep roll into the barracks, and then blow the C4. Helps keep you out of harms way. You can do this with any vehicle (I've done it with motorcycles & choppers as well).

On the airstrike note - when you select your airstrike from the list - you can see what method it uses to call it in (beacon/smoke/laser/sat). Just an FYI.

-JR

WellI finished the game. I was a little dissapointed in the ending. It was just a button press, jack the copter mini-game. Weird. Oh well, this game begs to be played through multiple times, siding with different factions, etc.

WellI finished the game. I was a little dissapointed in the ending. It was just a button press, jack the copter mini-game. Weird. Oh well, this game begs to be played through multiple times, siding with different factions, etc.

Awesome, thanks for the spoiler. :(

I suppose it's better to know that it ends in a mini-game with a helicopter than...uhm...something else?

-JR

I bought the game and beat it pretty fast. I was pissed that I couldn't get all the achievements after I finished the story without re playing the game. I thought about if I was going to play it again and decided to trade it in while it was still worth something and buy NHL 09...good decision as far as I am concerned...

Have any of you been getting weird achievement glitches? For the life of me, I couldn't get the "Holy Smoke" achievement (destroy 50 objects with grenades). I spent 45 minutes blowing up cars, boxes, and anything else I could find to no avail.

I've got a buddy that booted up his 360 the other day (not the game, only the system), only to be greeted by 250 gamer points for achievements including Snipe 50 Enemy Drivers (which he hadn't done), Capture All HVT's Alive (despite not having unlocked the Allied Nations faction), and the Beat the Game achievement (despite not having beaten the game!).

I've discovered many gameplay glitches on my own which, despite causing me endless frustration, didn't "break" the game for me. However, errors in coding the achievements just seems lazy to me.

Have any of you been getting weird achievement glitches? For the life of me, I couldn't get the "Holy Smoke" achievement (destroy 50 objects with grenades). I spent 45 minutes blowing up cars, boxes, and anything else I could find to no avail.

I heard G4 mention something about some glitches with achievements, but I haven't noticed them myself. I did get the 50 objects with grenades achievement, fwiw.

Have any of you been getting weird achievement glitches? For the life of me, I couldn't get the "Holy Smoke" achievement (destroy 50 objects with grenades). I spent 45 minutes blowing up cars, boxes, and anything else I could find to no avail.

I just mysteriously got an achiement for blowing up 50 _____ with an RPG - and I was driving a tank at the time. Oddly enough, I was also blowing up one of the RPG barracks. :D

I like the glitch (?) where you talk sloooooooowly when you're almost dead. :D

Awesome, thanks for the spoiler. :(

I suppose it's better to know that it ends in a mini-game with a helicopter than...uhm...something else?

-JR

Trust me, that is no spoiler. There is a LOT, and I mean a LOT more involved in the end that that. You just do no fighting, just a mini press game involving a helicopter. The rest are cut scenese that reveal a lot and has a few surprises. In saying that in the last 10 minutes you have to jack a helicopter ruins the story for you, then I don't think you are following the story.

Trust me, that is no spoiler. There is a LOT, and I mean a LOT more involved in the end that that. You just do no fighting, just a mini press game involving a helicopter. The rest are cut scenese that reveal a lot and has a few surprises. In saying that in the last 10 minutes you have to jack a helicopter ruins the story for you, then I don't think you are following the story.

That's good! I was thinking that you were just sent on a mission, you jack the helo, and voila - game over - no ending sequence or cut-scene!

I can deal with the final boss battle not being crazy!

I like the glitch (?) where you talk sloooooooowly when you're almost dead. :D

I like that too - not a glitch - but the way they designed it to make it appear you're stunned and things are slowing down to slow-motion! Very cool.

-JR

That's good! I was thinking that you were just sent on a mission, you jack the helo, and voila - game over - no ending sequence or cut-scene!

I can deal with the final boss battle not being crazy!



I like that too - not a glitch - but the way they designed it to make it appear you're stunned and things are slowing down to slow-motion! Very cool.

-JR

Also, the mission before this that gets you to the final boss is freaking awesome. You have to do one thing that lets you go after him. Awesome.

so... is it just me.... or the optoma.... or does this game look like a ps2 game?

so... is it just me.... or the optoma.... or does this game look like a ps2 game?

It's just you or the optoma.

so... is it just me.... or the optoma.... or does this game look like a ps2 game?


Just you.

Well, the game is filled with jaggies. When things explode it becomes even more apparent. Would I say that it looks like a PS2 game? No, but possibly an XBOX 360 launch titles. Couple the jaggies with the constant pop-in and texture loads, and the game clearly wasn't optimized properly.

For what it's worth, the jaggies are prevalent on my 32" LCD hooked up via VGA as well as my Panasonic AE900U hooked up via component. Actually, it's pretty fugly when viewing it on my projector.

-Brad

Still loving the hell out of this game. Had to bribe the PLAV into trusting me again, after an incident at a roadblock and a few HTVs...we weren't on good terms. :)

Funny thing is that I got an achievement for playing when a friend dropped in coop...turns out he'd played with a developer on Sunday, and you get the 'Everybody Wants Some' achievement when you play with a dev or someone else who already played with a dev and has the achievement.

I got that achievement with my friend today.

For what it's worth, the jaggies are prevalent on my 32" LCD hooked up via VGA as well as my Panasonic AE900U hooked up via component. Actually, it's pretty fugly when viewing it on my projector.

Odd. What resolution are you running the 360 at?

I'm at about 60% and looks like I still have lots to do but I wanted to ask if anyone could tell me what challenge I need to complete to get the Street Bike added to my support items?

thx:p

I'm not sure Kenobi - I know that you can unlock the chopper by finding spare parts.

I saw that the demo is up, does anyone know if it's MP or just SP?

Thanks!

-JR

Well, the game is filled with jaggies. When things explode it becomes even more apparent. Would I say that it looks like a PS2 game? No, but possibly an XBOX 360 launch titles. Couple the jaggies with the constant pop-in and texture loads, and the game clearly wasn't optimized properly.

For what it's worth, the jaggies are prevalent on my 32" LCD hooked up via VGA as well as my Panasonic AE900U hooked up via component. Actually, it's pretty fugly when viewing it on my projector.

-Brad

Somthing doesn't sound right. I have seen a couple of pop-in from flying a copter but jaggies I haven't seen on my display.

Odd. What resolution are you running the 360 at?

Based on his projo res 1280 x 720

I'm at about 60% and looks like I still have lots to do but I wanted to ask if anyone could tell me what challenge I need to complete to get the Street Bike added to my support items?

thx:pI'm pretty sure you get that from the pirates.

My projector at 84" with component cables: 720p
My Westinghouse LCD at 32" with VGA: 1360x768

I need to be more clear about what I said earlier. Firstly, I've never liked the way games look on a projector. I find way too many flaws with games and have constant issues due to the lack of any type of standard when it comes to a games brightness and contrast. I find that, more often than not, that a game is either too dark or washed out. I do monthly calibrations with DVE on both my sets.

I don't see aliasing everywhere, but jaggies are incredibly apparent to me on every single tree in the game. One of the best examples I can think of is blowing up a building with an airstrike and walking away so the camera is facing the front of the character with the explosion in the background. Every time I've done this, there is severe stair-stepping all around the character. If that isn't aliasing, I don't know what is. I've seen it on many games to date.

The graphics are certainly sub-par to me, there is no denying that. They are vibrant, though, which is nice, but they lack polish.

-Brad

I'm having trouble on the Wench Challenge for the helicopter pilot. I raise the box past 5 meters, but it still says I lost the wager. I am staying in-bounds. What am I doing wrong?

Also, I'm having trouble with the jet pilot's mission. I have the 3 bunker busters and get to the bunker, but I don't have a laser designator and cannot call in bombs.

I'm having trouble on the Wench Challenge for the helicopter pilot. I raise the box past 5 meters, but it still says I lost the wager. I am staying in-bounds. What am I doing wrong?

Also, I'm having trouble with the jet pilot's mission. I have the 3 bunker busters and get to the bunker, but I don't have a laser designator and cannot call in bombs.

Hey Sundull! For the Wench Challenge, you have to stack and release the box. The easiest way is to pick up the box and move it outside the ring. Then, pick up a crate and put it inside the ring. Pick up the box and place it on top of the ring, release it, and just fly away. The challenge will then be completed. In order to beat higher levels, you'll need to stack crates on top of each other and then place the box on the top of the pile you make.

For the bunker buster, you are probably just not seeing it in your support cycle. Press up on your D-pad repeatedly to cycle through your supports, and you should eventually come to your Bunker Buster. The moment it's selected, hit A and pull and hold your right trigger. That should start the laser designation. Hold it on the target until you get a confirm.

Good luck!

-JR

I tired the demo last night...BLAH!

The fact that they don't have right trigger gas and left trigger brake for vehicles just makes it 10 times worse.

I tired the demo last night...BLAH!

The fact that they don't have right trigger gas and left trigger brake for vehicles just makes it 10 times worse.

+1 First thing I thought when getting in the vehicle right at the start of the demo. Disappointed with the controls/graphics. Was expecting a lot more, loved the first game on the PS2. Actually got kinda bored with the demo pretty quickly. :(

I'd say the driving mechanics is on par with GTAIV. I'm not sure if you noted that you can also use the left stick for gas.

-JR

Well I finished the game finally... put about 40-50 hours into it so I'd say I got my monies worth. However all the glitches and lack of real content will see this game being quickly traded in after I try for a few missing achievements.

Decent game overall, but very unpolished. Glitches are rampant a ruined a lot of the fun, plus many of the contracts feel like filler: lots of racing/delivery and outpost missions. However blowing stuff up never got old so that was enjoyable.

7 out of 10

I ran into some major glitches last night with supply deliveries. I lost about 5 helicopters, a motorcycle, and a few weapon deliveries. It would look like he was coming and then would just disappear when he got close and no item:mad:

One thing I really miss about the last game and would probably be my biggest complaint yet as to why this game feels a little weak is that there are no real boss fights. In the last game you were delivered to a separate island or something to capture some of the major HVT's. So far I have not seen anything like that and I that really broke up the monotony and added a fun factor to the last game.

In the plus column the Fuel Air RPG is freakin sweet!

I'd say the driving mechanics is on par with GTAIV. I'm not sure if you noted that you can also use the left stick for gas.

-JR

Thanks for the heads up. I will have to try this tonight.

I just beat it today and still have contracts to finish. Was fun as hell with co-op. Nuclear the rest of the way.

Thanks for the heads up. I will have to try this tonight.

Sure thing. The left trigger is the "e-brake" which is pretty much all I every use for braking. You can brake over gas to slide and keep up your speed.

-JR

Sure thing. The left trigger is the "e-brake" which is pretty much all I every use for braking. You can brake over gas to slide and keep up your speed.

-JR

I loved this part of the game. Hitting the emergency brake throws you into a slide. If you do it right, just enough brake, you can take corners at high speeds and keep going after the turn at high speeds. Felt and controlled awesome on the screen.

I loved this part of the game. Hitting the emergency brake throws you into a slide. If you do it right, just enough brake, you can take corners at high speeds and keep going after the turn at high speeds. Felt and controlled awesome on the screen.

I agree! It's tough on the crotchrockets to get that perfect slide going, but when you do it's pretty sweet.

I still enjoy strapping C4 packs to a dirtbike or crotchrocket and hauling full speed at an enemy or barracks - jumping off in mid slide and detonating it when that bike reaches them. Good stuff. :)

-JR

I rented it from Blockbuster for 5 days, I'm really glad I didn't buy it. I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st one on the PS2, but this one just has too many issues. It has got to be one of the top 5 glitchiest games I've ever played.

I'd say the driving mechanics is on par with GTAIV. I'm not sure if you noted that you can also use the left stick for gas.

-JR

Maybe you can with the full game but I couldn't with the demo. (shrug)

I'd say the driving mechanics is on par with GTAIV. I'm not sure if you noted that you can also use the left stick for gas.

-JR

If you mean they both use "Y" to get in and out, you'd be right. Other than that, there's no similarity in the driving mechanics.

You can only use the left stick for gas in the tracked vehicles, and in those it's mandatory.

Thread back from the dead

So, I remember i tried this game back when the demo came out, but I tried it on the PS3. I hated it. Total let down. Bad controls, aiming was bad, vehicles felt odd, and the voice acting was ....ick

So, I get the chance to swap a game with a buddie of mine, and i took another stab at this game, 360 this time, not that it matters mind you.

First couple of hours, still hated it. All the original complaints still there. I swear to god I got so fed up with the aiming and trying to do the practice drills in the beginning I darn near tossed the stick at the plasma....but I never.

About 20 hours later, I'm hooked. Can't put it down. Sure, the aiming isn't great, there are a few bugs but for a mindless "blow everything up" type of game it is tons of fun. And, once you stop playing with the bad vehicles in the beginning, some of the other stuff works great. This is the first time in a long time that helicopters and tanks actually control like they should. I've actually had quite a few dog fights in heli's against other heli's with no issues. try that in GTA4. And the amount of vehicles is mindblowing, not to mention there are multiple ways to use them with mounted guns or missles on board.

And the world is HUGE. Even before you open up the other side of the map, it's bloody huge! Sure GTA4 had lighting, weather, and some other stuff to make the world more lively and real, but I swear it seems merc's is a LOT bigger.

As for aiming, as you start to find better guns, it becomes less of an issue. And of course, use more bombs, well, precision isn't needed.

Solid 7.8-8 /10 for me. no idea on multiplayer, as I don't care for MP at all. But for a single player purchase, you'll get a solid 40 hours out of it for sure.

Thread back from the dead

So, I remember i tried this game back when the demo came out, but I tried it on the PS3. I hated it. Total let down. Bad controls, aiming was bad, vehicles felt odd, and the voice acting was ....ick

So, I get the chance to swap a game with a buddie of mine, and i took another stab at this game, 360 this time, not that it matters mind you.

First couple of hours, still hated it. All the original complaints still there. I swear to god I got so fed up with the aiming and trying to do the practice drills in the beginning I darn near tossed the stick at the plasma....but I never.

About 20 hours later, I'm hooked. Can't put it down. Sure, the aiming isn't great, there are a few bugs but for a mindless "blow everything up" type of game it is tons of fun. And, once you stop playing with the bad vehicles in the beginning, some of the other stuff works great. This is the first time in a long time that helicopters and tanks actually control like they should. I've actually had quite a few dog fights in heli's against other heli's with no issues. try that in GTA4. And the amount of vehicles is mindblowing, not to mention there are multiple ways to use them with mounted guns or missles on board.

And the world is HUGE. Even before you open up the other side of the map, it's bloody huge! Sure GTA4 had lighting, weather, and some other stuff to make the world more lively and real, but I swear it seems merc's is a LOT bigger.

As for aiming, as you start to find better guns, it becomes less of an issue. And of course, use more bombs, well, precision isn't needed.

Solid 7.8-8 /10 for me. no idea on multiplayer, as I don't care for MP at all. But for a single player purchase, you'll get a solid 40 hours out of it for sure.

If you were able to get past all of Fiona's training missions, two thumbs up! I could never get those things completed.

I finally finished the game, but if you're looking for some coop gaming, let me know, it'd be fun to join you and play as the backup teammate!

-JR

Solid 7.8-8 /10 for me. no idea on multiplayer, as I don't care for MP at all. But for a single player purchase, you'll get a solid 40 hours out of it for sure.

I'm about at the end. I have three missions left, and I'm just going through and finishing all the side-missions for each faction, as I'm making a stab at getting all shop items unlocked for the achievement. Multiplayer is a gas and one of the games strongest points...virtually every vehicle seats two players and most military vehicles has a gunner position. Some missions are LOTS easier when you have a person running the .50 cal, grenade launcher or recoillless while you drive. Since you can split up over a large area, you can cover a lot of ground...and your partner can revive you if you go down, like in Gears of War.

This is, by far, the buggiest game I've ever played on a console. But the bugs aren't serious enough for me to give up what I consider to be such a fun 'blow stuff up' game. Calling in a satellite strike or the Mother Of All Bombs is awesome. =)

Also, I'm experiencing one bug that's actually beneficial: somehow one of the Chinese missions has set it so that whenever I pass a place with a toolbox of spare parts, I auto-open it. I've nearly unlocked all the PMC items in the store because of this (which is why I'm bothering with the achievement). I think I have 1 PMC item, 3 pirate, 1 Allies and 1 Chinese item left, which I'll get for completing the remaining missions (or for the pirates, side-missions).

For anyone who hasnt bought this yet target will have this on sale for $39 on black friday.

Played a little of this Co-op over the weekend and had a lot of fun. Yeah, it's a flawed game in many ways, but it is still fun to blow stuff up.

You can find this game new for as little as $10 now. It was $10 at Best Buy, but you had to use a "rewards zone" card to get the price at checkout.

I tried some of the cheat codes, but still can't seem to use the nuke. I guess you still need to go through all the missions to use it?

Anyway, for $10 or $20 I think this game is lots of fun.

Played a little of this Co-op over the weekend and had a lot of fun. Yeah, it's a flawed game in many ways, but it is still fun to blow stuff up.

You can find this game new for as little as $10 now. It was $10 at Best Buy, but you had to use a "rewards zone" card to get the price at checkout.

I tried some of the cheat codes, but still can't seem to use the nuke. I guess you still need to go through all the missions to use it?

Anyway, for $10 or $20 I think this game is lots of fun.

I still can't get the nukes even after finishing the game. I don't think that cheat works or if there is another cheat to unlock it.

I was wondering if you maybe had to have a larger fuel capacity in order to use the nukes or something?

I've been having a lot of fun with this game over the last month or so. Encountered a few glitches -- in mp teammate got stuck in a building and occasionally resource pickup helicopter will just hang over the fuel tank -- and they can be annoying but haven't been frequent enough to be game breaking. Pretty sure you can find it for <$20 and I would enthusiastically recommend it.

theres always a side mission where you have to destroy a building, but every time, i can just walk through the walls of the building, and shooting it with rockets or whatever is pointless, they just fly through the invisible building.

havent ran into anything else like that though, great game for $10

I was wondering if you maybe had to have a larger fuel capacity in order to use the nukes or something?

This may be correct, I've also finished the game and seem to recall that I could use the nuke afterwards. I'll check when I get home!

-JR