Rumors: Crackdown 2

Edge has some interesting information about a new Microsoft game developer team being created in Scotland. Apparently the team is made of members who created Crackdown, the sandbox game where you play as a supercop.

For now it is all speculation that the team will be working on Crackdown 2. It stands to reason that Crackdown will have a sequel since the first one was well received after players realized the game was tons of fun and not just a source to get the Halo 3 beta. And since Realtime Worlds is busy working on APB, which should be awesome, there is a need for another team to work on the sequel in order to get it out sooner.

I'm hoping this rumor is true because I love Crackdown. I would like to see them improve it by fixing the driving controls and maybe come up with some cool fighting combos, so I can really beat the crap out of people. I say steal the grab and throw mechanic from Saints Row II.

No Crackdown 2?

At least not for the foreseeable future. Sadly, Realtime Worlds is not hard at work on a sequel to one of the most enjoyable sandbox games in a while. Microsoft would like Crackdown 2, but Realtime Worlds is currently too busy with other projects.

Crackdown sold over 1.5 million copies. Many credit the Halo 3 beta keys included with the game, but the game won over many fans with its go anywhere, become a crazy super agent style of play.

Its downloadable content packs sold over 700,000 units proving that it wasn't just a Halo 3 Beta key for many gamers. Fans have just assumed that a sequel would be on the way. After all, the ending of Crackdown kinda demands it.

But Realtime Worlds is busy working on APB and another unnamed project. APB is a cops and robbers MMO where players worry about customizable characters and vehicles. And the unnamed project is due in stores in 2009.

So yes, Realtime Worlds is busy. But all hope is not lost. It just might be delayed...

Crackdown New Content is Live

The new downloadable content for Crackdown went online yesterday. There are three different sets of downloadable content, the free title update, the free Free-for-All Pack and the 800 MS($10) Getting' Busy Bonus Pack.

The title update lets you completely reset the gangs in campaign, orbs now make more noise the more orbs you gather, new ground strike attack for 4 star strength agents, improvements to explosives, improved targeting and stunt rings are now more visible among other things.

The Free-for-All Pack adds a cheat mode, a vehicle impound option and co-op trophy sequences.

The Getting' Busy Bonus Pack introduces three new vehicles, five new weapons, street racing and four new game types. Personally, I look forward to roasting Josh in Rocket Tag.

And one cool thing: you can preview the new content without buying it by joining someone's game who already has it. Sweet.

Crackdown DLC

Team Xbox has a screenshot of some of the new downloadable content for Crackdown. Looks like a new car. Is this a new game type? Is it more than a new vehicle? Will this content be coming out too soon?

XYBA Podcast Ep 03

Here is XYBA Podcast 03, where we are joined by Jeff and Bryan. We change the format a little to give some room for some Crackdown talk. This is the longest podcast so far clocking in at one hour and 23 minutes. Here is the breakdown.

0:00 - Open and Intros (Johnny Cash)
0:01 - Games we are playing
0:07 - Video Game News
0:24 - Bryan and Jeff talk about Wii's VC content not transferable to a new Wii
0:30 - Round table discussion about achievements and entitlements and how it has changed gaming
0:45 - Crackdown review
0:57 - Games we are looking forward to
1:05 - Rants start here
1:19 - Shout outs and outro (Rick Ross)

Thanks to Jeff and Bryan to for coming out. You can be their friend on X-Box live at:

I'd post their Wii friend codes, but we've run out of room. Enjoy.

powered by ODEO
Download XYBA Podcast03

Crackdown NOW!

Some people are playing Crackdown right now. Not the demo, the real deal.

The game has already shipped to many stores around the country. The stores are supposed to keep the games off the shelves until Tuesday.

But of course, we all know that what is supposed to happen and what usually does are two seperate things. Some stores have already put the game on the shelves. Other stores have not, but if you know the right person at said store, you've probably gotten your copy early.

Sadly, I do not have any friends locally who are working in the gaming retail industry so I'll have to wait until Tuesday. But another option for those dedicated fans: Mexico!

That's right. It's been reported that a number of gamers have been streaming across the border. Not for their drugs or prostitution or cheap fireworks, but for Crackdown. Mexican stores have already put their copies on the shelves, and Americans have been buying them off of those shelves.

Border Guard: "How was your trip to Mexico? Anything to declare?"

Me: "Just that I'm going to get so many orbs I'll be jumping over buildings as soon as I get home!"

Border Guard: "Sir, you're going to have to come with me..."

And that's why I don't go to Mexico anymore... Anyway, if you've got some free time, check your local stores this weekend. Crackdown might already be there waiting for you.