In the world of videogames, there are few things more satisfying than a big bastard explosion. And as Mercenaries 2 is all about razing a virtual Venezuela to the ground, theres rarely a dull moment in this dynamite quest.
Best described as GTA with airstrikes, the adventure sees players cruising across a sprawling world where absolutely everything can be destroyed, all the time playing various factions off against each other and completing missions to earn the cash for new weapons and devastating aerial attacks than can flatten entire cities. But while the game is largely the same as its explosive predecessor, a system that allows you to teleport to key areas across the map makes for faster-paced action, and a greater focus on plot and character development means youll quickly grow attached to your surly avatar.
The games underdeveloped cover system is something players fresh from the thrills of GTA IV may find frustrating, and occasionally dumb enemies that dont react in a realistic way can erode the excitement of unleashing a particularly tempestuous assault. But if all you want to do is blow shit up, Mercenaries 2 is hard to beat.