When the New Xbox Experience was released last year, one of the greatest features of the update was the ability to install games to your Xbox 360 hard drive to help decrease loading times.  Sadly, not all games benefited from this.

Most older titles were designed to be played from the disc and developers optimized data on the discs, often duplicating it in various regions on the disc, to stream loads.  Games like Halo 3 and Crackdown were actually slower when installed to the hard drive.  

The Crackdown team though recently released an update for the game that will remedy the situation, making loading from the hard drive a more optimized experience.  It's a good time to give the game another go to get yourself hyped for Crackdown 2. 

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They don't just look menacing...
 

Crackdown means a number of things to a number of different people. To me, it means super-hero physics in an open gang war. Matrix-style jumping across rooftops can get especially interesting if you add a little co-op to the mix. Hand to hand combat with a physically enhanced "agent" can add a little spice to your life, too.

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Honestly we couldn't have timed our Crackdown review any better.  Today Microsoft has released a premium NXE theme for Crackdown called "Play More Crackdown."  

And we couldn't agree more.

You can preview the theme here.  It'll set you back 240  - but really - that's a small price to pay to support a totally awesome game.  One in which we hope will have a sequel really soon.  Perhaps an E3 announcement?  We'll know in 2 weeks.

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To do something a little different here at Co-Optimus, we decided to go back and review one of our favorite co-op games.  We have two perspectives for you too.  Jim is a newcomer to Crackdown, having never played it.  Nick on the other hand gives his perspective after two years with the game.  Does it stand the test of time?  Is it still a game for newcomers?  Find out in our review.

If for some reason you still haven't tried out the co-op goodness that is Crackdown, now is your chance to get in on the action for only $10.  Amazon.com is having their deal of the day and Crackdown is marked down from it's normal $30 price point.  

Crackdown features two player online co-op through the game's story mode.  Along with that there's various races, mini-games, jumps, orb collecting, and just general tom-foolery to be had.  Yes, the game has tom-foolery - it's a bullet point on the box.  

Update:  And it's sold out!

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The Top 5 Ways to make Crackdown 2 not suck?

1. Make it like Crackdown 1
2. Make it like Crackdown 1
3. Make it like Crackdown 1
4. Make it like Crackdown 1
5. Make it like Crackdown 1

Ok, in all seriousness, there's room for improvement.  And whoever is making the game, well they might do well to listen to some of Blend Games actual list.  

Topping the list they'd like to see the co-op extended to eight players, and while that might be pushing it, that could really take this game over the top.  Other improvements they'd like to see include a better melee systems instead of the roundhouses and donkey kicks the game provided.  Personally, nothing was more satisfying than round housing someone off a roof, but I wouldn't mind a little beat em up combo system.

Wrapping up the list is unique powers per agent character and an enhanced physics engine.  But the cherry on top is a new campaign mode with some mission variety and depth.  We'll agree with that last sentiment whole heartedly, just as long as they keep the co-op.

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I was pretty surprised last night when I signed onto Xbox Live and joined a party of folks playing Crackdown.  Three separate co-op groups were playing and I wondered if I missed some memo.  How did this impromptu session of one of the most fun co-op games start? They said it only took one person playing before the rest wanted to join in, that just shows the longevity and great co-op fun that game has.  They wanted more!

Thankfully the Crackdown 1.5 or whatever it's going to be called rumors haven't stopped.  In fact two more developers of the original game have joined Ruffian Studios.  If you haven't heard, Ruffian is a new development house comprised of a lot of members of the old Crackdown team as well as developers of co-op friendly titles Too Human and Grand Theft Auto.  Ruffian's focus is said to be on co-op and multiplayer gaming which of course, makes us very happy.

One of these projects is what VG247.com calls Crackdown 1.5.   At least that's what their Bothan spies told them.  In fact, in the latest piece on the upcoming whatever it's going to be - the source called it more of a 1.25.  Their man did verify that the game has a "lack of single player" and set for a 2009 release.

Whatever the fraction the game is going to be called - we want official details.  I'm sure VG247 is tired of losing so many Bothans as well.  

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So lets recap the Crackdown 2 rumors first, then we'll get to the Crackdown 1.5 ones - ok?

It started back on August 8th, 2008 when original Crackdown developer, Realtime Worlds, stated that a sequel was most definitely a possiblity.  Months later Microsoft Game Studios boss, Phil Spencer, added fuel to the fire on a Major Nelson podcast; Microsoft still retains the Crackdown rights.  A mere days later Ruffian Studios began to form from ex members of the Crackdown team, and rumors were already in play that they were working on Crackdown 2.

This didn't make Realtime Worlds very happy, so they released a statement.  In it they denied anyone else would be working on the game because "Microsoft wouldn't want to harm their relationship with them (Realtime Worlds)."  

Finally a few weeks ago Ruffian Studios officially came out of their shell and announced that game production was already underway for...something.

And now for Crackdown 1.5.  What is it?  We aren't quite sure but according to VG247.com the game is in development for a late 2009 or early 2010 release and will take place in the original Crackdown city but with a renewed focus on multiplayer.  I have a feeling this isn't the last we've heard of Crackdown sequel rumors.

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We've gone from wish, to rumor, to more rumors to smack talk.  That's right, it appears Realtime Worlds is raising the pimp hand in regards to the recent rumors that the newly formed Ruffian Studios is working on Crackdown 2.  Realtime Worlds boss and GTA creator Dave Jones has this to say in an email to VideoGaming247.com.

In the unfortunate event that there isn’t an agreement with RTW reached, Dave said he would “be gutted not to be involved, but if it had to be that way, I would want to see it done justice – by an established, renowned developer that had the track record of delivering the quality gaming experience Crackdown players would demand.”

In any event, I also very much doubt that Microsoft would harm an otherwise fruitful existing development relationship by gambling on funding Crackdown 2 with a startup on RTW’s doorstep, for obvious reasons.

Oh snap.  

Also from the article it appears that there have been "on going discussions" regarding the sequel.  Whatever happens, whenever it happens, I hope it happens soon.  After putting a few hours into Crackdown again this weekend a sequel would be most welcomed.

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We sparked some rumors a few weeks ago in regards Crackdown 2, and now Gamasutra has thrown some fuel on the fire.  Key members from the original Crackdown team have formed a new studio in Scotland called Ruffian Studios.   In fact, Crackdown lead designer Billy Thompson, is part of the trio of founders and the unconfirmed rumors state a sequel is already in development.

Realtime Worlds doesn't own the rights to the franchise, Microsoft does, so they can assign any developer they choose to create the surprise hit's sequel.  Since the original developer is busy with massively multiplayer APB,  all the ducks seem to be a row to make this a reality.  Of course, because the studio is now new, the game would be very early in development so I wouldn't count on seeing it for some time.

All this talk about Crackdown makes me want to fire up my copy for some good ol' fashioned co-op play.  In fact, I think I'll add that to my agenda.

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