There is a lot of talk about how the initial shipment of Crackdown will include an invite to the Halo 3 beta. It seems like a plot to encourage sales, but if you've played the Crackdown demo that went on Xbox Live last week, you may agree that the game might be good for more than just an invite. You take on the role of an Agent, a genetically enhanced supercop with several special abilities. Your goal is to restore order to crime infested Pacific City through the use of brute force. Your agent's abilities will improve throughout the game, allowing you to jump farther, run faster, and throw larger objects.
The demo allows you to roam one of Pacific City's islands, run entirely by a single gang. To start, you pick one of three agency vehicles. The supercar (my first choice) is very fast and has excellent handling. Its low profile design causes other vehicles to slide over it and fly into the air after a collision. The Agency SUV easily rolls over vehicles and other obstacles. The Agency Truck Cab plows though obstacles. I'd only recommend this one if you're planning on causing a lot of collateral damage.
As your strength skill increases, you'll be able to pick up and throw heavier objects like cars. If you work on jumping, your acrobatics skill will increase, allowing you to jump up to the roofs of high rise buildings.
Once you increase your skills a few times, a countdown begins, giving you thirty minutes of sandbox time. After the demo ends, you can load it up again for more. If you try it out, post your comments.
This game is going to be really cool.