"You'd Better Rico-gnize..!"

Imagine all the action movie-makers of the 90s came together, had a party decided over an enormous cigar to make a game where anything goes, and every explosive cliche you can think of is encouraged? This also includes attaching animals to windmills and firing bazooka’s at 60mph sat comfortably atop the bonnet of a gardener’s truck. Well, you’re in luck sonny Jim, because Just Cause 3 has landed and its pretty tremendous.

Meet Rico Rodriguez; Dictator Removal Specialist. He's the hero of this open world third person adventure game comparable to the hispanic Nathan Drake, dipped in tabasco, and carrying all the masculine characteristics a Chuck Norris/ Jean Claude Van Damme hybrid baby would have, with Hot Shots’ Topper Harley playing its surrogate mother (*pats himself on back for the most ludicrous analogy of all time).

Swooping in as the third instalment in a series which began back in 2006, you may question whether or not you need to revisit JC3’s predecessors to make sense of its narrative. The answer is no. You really needn’t worry, because it won’t be the story that grips you. What will, is the adrenaline-fuelled nuttiness of the explosive action sequences and traversing around the large fictional mediterranean islands of Medici; Rico’s hometown, and a beautifully vibrant and colourful playground for him to become King of the Climbing Frame.

The plot revolves around dictator, General Sebastiano Di Ravello; the Dr. Evil of our story. Hellbent on world domination, it’s your job to round up the rebels and put a stop to the chaos bubbling underneath the islands surface. What you’ll REALLY want to do though is put the handful of island environments to the test by using your incredible array of gizmos, as adventurously as you can.

The parachute is back from JC2 and remains your answer to any last minute aerial ejections or infiltrating militant areas unseen. Praise be to the wing suit which you'll have available now too; one of the most welcomed additions to the series as you soar over the ocean, glide underneath bridges and into people’s washing lines. But, the piece de resistance, is the new and improved tether; a small but surprisingly sturdy grappling hook. Whether you’re ascending huge mountains, swinging from buildings Bionic Commando-style, or fastening a man to a goat to a car to a billboard to a fire, and pressing the action button to see what happens; it’s incredible the things your mind will suddenly manifest whilst using it. Apologies again to that helicopter pilot and small family of cows.

You may want to compare its open world vibe to the likes of GTA but in all honesty it’s a lost cause - JC3 understandably has far less depth and intricate detailing in comparison, especially once you venture past the first hour or so. 

But, I’m nitpicking. Just Cause 3 has bundles of character, some seriously tasty looking graphics and smashing tongue in cheek humour - it’s the perfect action game if you’re looking to unwind over a side-mission involving a quad-bike with a bomb strapped to it which you’ll have to inadvertently fling at a lighthouse to destroy it, because it’s blocking someone’s view.

Just Cause 3 receives 4 out of 5 Macho Man Randy Savages because it makes one appreciate that life ain't easy being a goat.