Yesterday Microsoft surprised us when they announced Crackdown 2 for the Xbox 360 at their E3 2009 conference.  At the time there were very few details of the game available, and we were unsure if the co-op mode would expand beyond the first's two player drop-in/drop-out. 

The Official Crackdown 2 page has popped up on Xbox.com and it appears that the game will indeed have four player co-op.  On top of that the page says Crackdown 2 will have 16 player multiplayer modes, which we assume would be team based death match and objective style games.  

All it took was one sound, and the crowd went wild.  Visions of Agency tower climbs filled our heads, and then we heard a familiar voice.  The agent in all of us suddenly sprung to life as Microsoft announced what has long been rumored, Crackdown 2.  While no gameplay was shown, we did get a trailer.  It looks like Crackdown is going down a darker path as agents clean up the city from some sort of disease or infection.  Perhaps this big guy comes out of the sewer at the end?

The game is being developed by Ruffian Games, who are comprised mostly of Crackdown vets.  We don't know how many cooperative players the game will support, but it will support co-op.  For now, feast your eyes on the trailer and pray that 2010 comes very very soon.

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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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...Crackdown.  Maybe?  I'm not sure.  That big red ugly dude up there is called the Goliath and that's the only piece of concept art we have from Ruffian Studios.   Ruffian is of course the developers rumored to be working on something related to Crackdown.  The concept art doesn't exactly exude some of the things we saw in Crackdown, save perhaps the mutant people.  

I would have liked to see a few agents giving each other the high five, or maybe having a friendly game of toss the agility orb; something to show off Crackdown 1.5's co-op mode.  Perhaps it's just all a ruse to throw us off the trail, Big Red there is really just a way to get people to want to apply for a job at Ruffian.  

"Work here and you'll feel as awesome as this guy."

It just might work.

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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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Congratulations Ruffian Games!  You may have just become Co-Optimus.com's new favorite development house!  If the name of the studio sound familar, that's because we talked about them during our Crackdown 2 rumor spree a month back.

Now things are official, and more talent from the studio has been unveiled.  To say things show promise is an understatement.  Members of the studio have games like Fable 2, Grand Theft Auto, Crackdown, Too Human, Moto GP, and Project Gotham Racing on their resume.  Impressive to say the least.

And now for the rumor portion of our post.  According to the official website Ruffian is already signed on with "one of the world's biggest and most successful publishers."  Better yet?  They are already hard at work on the project.  Crackdown 2?  Perhaps.  Whatever it is it sounds like there will be some great co-op - so we'll be keeping a close eye on these ruffians.  OH!  I get it.

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