Just Cause 3 takes a tastefully artistic route for Avalanche Studios’ “Firestarter” trailer.
Just Cause might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of sandbox games, but it is arguably one of the most fun. Between it’s action-packed gameplay, insane explosions, and the ability to hookshot any moving vehicle (including aircraft), Just Cause 2 quickly became a fan-favorite game that’s still actively played today. Naturally, that sets a high bar for Just Cause 3, which is due to launch later this year. That’s why Avalanche Studios released a new trailer, and while there’s no gameplay to speak of its message is clear: Sometimes, explosions can be art.
The Just Cause series follows Rico Rodriguez, a CIA operative who infiltrates hostile dictatorships and destabilizes them single-handedly. It’s a premise that glosses over the darker historical implications to present the ideal video game sandbox – an island where you’re literally encouraged to sow chaos wherever you go. Players can complete quests to support various anti-government factions, or just ignore the story and go on a cathartic rampage.
Just Cause 3 is set in the fictional Mediterranean island of Medici, where Rico hopes to depose the brutal dictator General Di Ravello. But this trailer isn’t interested in dissecting a plot – instead you’ll watch a variety of slow-motion explosions tear Medici’s infrastructure as Ravello’s posters and statues burn. Eventually, the view pans back to reveal it’s happening within Rico’s mind as he skydives into the country.
It’s a slightly more artistic approach than you might expect: Imagine a Just Cause 3 TV show with a True Detective-styled intro, and it would probably look like this. But it’s a nice way to get excited for the finished game, which is expected to launch in the “Holiday 2015” release window.
