2010: Year Of The Sandbox

19 Feb 2010 at 00:00:00 by Andy Alderson

While the game of the year lists for 2009 may well have been dominated by top quality, cinematic but pretty linear action games, it seems like 2010 may turn out a little differently. A brief glance at the release schedule for this year reveals a wealth of open world titles that promise to deliver some real gaming freedom. Will 2010 be the Year of the Sandbox? Check out what’s on offer:

Red Dead Redemption

What it is: Rockstar’s biggest open world to date, encompassing three massive areas, each with a unique style and aesthetic.  You take on the role of John Marston, a former outlaw who is ‘persuaded’ by the federal government to hunt down his former gang members. 

Why you should care: It’s an open world Western! Have you no soul? Despite Neversoft’s efforts with Gun and Techland’s with the Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood, the world of gaming is yet to see the open world western it deserves. Moreover, Rockstar seems intent on avoiding many of the classic western clichés by setting its game at the turn of the century as government and technology threaten the very nature of the frontier. Not only is Rockstar’s open world one of the most beautiful we’ve seen to date (at night, especially) it also feels incredibly alive with some intriguing AI at work. With a gritty storyline to boot and the promise of some innovative multiplayer modes, RDR looks set to be one of the sandbox hits of the year.

Just Cause 2

What it is: Avalanche Software’s sequel to its promising-but-flawed OTT action-fest Just Cause. JC2 sees the return of CIA agent/uber-stuntman Rico Rodriguez as he hunts down a rogue Agency operative on the fictional Southeast Asian Island of Panau.

Why you should care: As anyone who played the first game will know, Just Cause 2 is all about the action. With new weapons and vehicles on offer, there’s potential for huge amounts of destruction, but it’s the new dual grappling hook that excites the most. It allows you to tether objects together – like car and helicopter or, more amusingly, enemy and aeroplane – and we can’t wait to indulge in some chaotic experimentation. Which, on the PS3 at least, will be made all the more fun with the addition of a video capture feature, allowing you to record up to thirty seconds of footage from the in-game menu. PC gamers will also be happy to know that their version of the game will be no simple port, and Squenix has told them to “expect great things.”

Mafia II

What it is: The sequel to one of the best, and most overlooked, sandbox games to date. The game follows the story of Italian-American WWII veteran Vito Scaletta as he returns to America determined to make a name for himself.

Why you should care: Mafia was a great open world game (at least on PC) and managed to combine a gritty, engaging narrative with quality gameplay and the sequel looks set to improve on  the formula. 2K Czech has  crafted a beautiful city in Empire Bay -it not only looks nice, it will evolve over time as the game charts ten years in Vito Scaletta’s life, from the dour post war period to the jumping, colourful rock n’ roll years. Atmosphere, it seems, will be Mae dE resistance.u ; oLl seans. In gameplay terms, Mafia fans can look forward to improved combat with a new cover system and an emphasis on flanking as well the series’ customary adherence to realism. If base jumping and superpowers are your thing, you might want to look elsewhere. If you ‘re a fan of dark, atmospheric gangster tales, however,  Mafia II might be the sandbox title for you.

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