Tips and Tricks - Crackdown 2

Whether you're a newcomer to the series or a veteran orb hunter hoping for a new challenge, the first hour of Crackdown 2 can be a little confusing. There are some new twists that are less than intuitive and could make you prematurely abandon what can be a reasonably fun gaming experience.

Here are some tips and tricks to get you started with the single-player campaign:

• If you haven't played the first Crackdown, you might want to start there. Used copies can be had for as low as $2, or you can nab a shiny new retail copy for $15. The original game is much richer in story, with actual lieutenants and bosses to hunt down as you struggle to take down three different gangs. Then again, it may ruin  Crackdown 2 for you - so, on second thought, beat Crackdown 2 first and then go back and enjoy the deeper experience of the original.
• Adjust the gamma to improve visibility. Press Start and then Back to open the Options screen. Now select Display, then Gamma and bump the meter to the right until the agency logo is at least barely visible (actually, go ahead and move it a few notches further just to be sure you can see everything in dark places). This also lets you better appreciate the game's cel-shaded graphics, which become muddy in the dark even on high-def displays.
• How to protect the #&%@ beacon.This game centers around a series of repetitive beacon drops. Your goal is to guard the beacon against damage while it powers up, which may seem nearly impossible until you really pay attention to the details of the mission. All of those freaks who walk up and wail on the beacon like they're trying to destroy it? Ignore them. Instead look for the zombies marked with yellow dots. If they're in the area and not in view, you'll still see these dots off to the side - just turn until you find them. Also, use the right tool for the job. The UV Shotgun (and UV Grenades if you've unlocked them) can really take down the freaks fast, though they're much less effective against human enemies.
• Freaks are really easy to avoid (when not protecting beacons). Just jump over 'em. Or run them over in a vehicle for some easy driving skill experience points.
• Surviving falls. Improved agility will protect you from greater falls, but if you start to freefall you may be able to save yourself anyway. We're trying to find documentation on this, but it seems that I've survived some pretty big drops by tapping the jump button and/or pushing forward on the left analog stick as I approach the ground.
• Save those renegade agility orbs for later. These are the orbs that make you chase them, but when you start the game you have little hope of keeping up as they jet away from you. Once you've bumped up your agility ranking a few notches, it's relatively easy to snag them. They'll move much slower and you'll be able to jump farther and anticipate their movements to intercept them.
• Ignore the head of the Agency - most of the time. Your leader, played by veteran voice actor Michael McConnohie, often barks conflicting orders. He'll command you to chase a renegage agility orb ("Don't let it get away") or go activate a beacon when you're in the middle of turf battle with The Cell. If you leave the area before all tactical locations are clear, the gang will move in and retake any sections that you already cleared - so be sure you're done before heading off.

Have more tips? Insights into how to survive falls? Post a comment!