Crackdown (video game series)

{{Video game timeline

| 2007 = Crackdown

| 2010 = Crackdown 2

| 2019 = Crackdown 3

}}

{{main|Crackdown (video game)|l1=Crackdown (video game)}}

Crackdown was released on February 20, 2007, for the Xbox 360 console. Originally in development for the Xbox console in 2002, Microsoft suggested in 2004 that Realtime Worlds release the game for the then-upcoming Xbox 360. A demo was showcased at the 2006 E3 Convention. Due to the waving interest in player testers during the game's late development, Microsoft decided to release it with access codes to the Halo 3 multiplayer beta to help its sales during release.{{cite web |url=http://www.developmag.com/news/28421/Realtime-Worlds-chats-about-Crackdown-creation-challenges |title=Realtime Worlds chats about Crackdown creation challenges |author=Michael French |publisher=Develop |date=September 6, 2007 |access-date=September 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910225605/http://www.developmag.com/news/28421/Realtime-Worlds-chats-about-Crackdown-creation-challenges |archive-date=September 10, 2007 |url-status=dead }}

The game takes place in Pacific City, a dystopian metropolis that is suffering from an increase in crime rate. Criminal syndicates - namely Los Muertos, The Volk, and The Shai-Gen Corporation - have taken control of its three main territories, and they are armed with military-grade weapons that make it difficult for law enforcement to combat them. A secret organization known as the Agency took it upon themselves to eliminate the city's organized crime using their wide resources and genetically modified human beings called Agents. The Agent successfully brought down each criminal syndicate but it was later found out that it was the Agency itself who supplied the criminals with weapons. They planned for the city to go down in anarchy so that they can step in, stop the criminals, and be hailed heroes when they take over.{{cite video game | title = Crackdown | year = 2007 | developer = Realtime Worlds | quote = Agency Director: Who do you think supplied Los Muertos? Who do you think turned a blind eye to the Volk's activities? Who do you think was Shai-Gen's biggest supporter? Who do you think ran organized law ... And ran it into the ground? The people had to experience firsthand absolute anarchy before they would accept unconditional control. You are the portent of a new world order, Agent. Pacific City was only the beginning.}}

{{main|Crackdown 2|l1=Crackdown 2}}

Although Realtime Worlds confirmed that they would create a series to follow the success of the first Crackdown, delays with budgeting between Microsoft and Realtime resulted in the developer cancelling the sequel.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/28421/Realtime-Worlds-chats-about-Crackdown-creation-challenges |title=Realtime Worlds chats about Crackdown creation challenges |first=Michael |last=French |magazine=Develop |date=September 6, 2007 |access-date=September 6, 2007}}{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/54095/crackdown-2-still-possible-says |title=Crackdown 2 Still Possible, Says Developer |first=Aaron |last=Linde |work=Shacknews |date=August 7, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2008}} Microsoft however still owned the intellectual property of Crackdown, and they hired fellow Scottish development company Ruffian Games to create the game.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2008/02/interview-shane/ |title=Interview: Shane Kim Talks Xbox In 2008 |magazine=Wired |first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=February 22, 2008}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/david-jones-miffed-at-microsofts-ruffian-decision |title=David Jones "miffed" at Microsoft's Ruffian decision |work=Game Industry.biz |first=Phil |last=Elliot |date=June 17, 2009 |access-date=June 25, 2009}} A trailer for Crackdown 2 was released at the 2009 E3 Conference.{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/988/988356p1.html |title=E3 2009: Microsoft Press Conference Live Blog |date=June 1, 2009 |work=IGN |access-date=July 19, 2010}}

The sequel takes place 10 years after the events of the first game. While organized crime has been quelled in Pacific City, a terrorist group calling themselves 'Cell' started a revolt to overthrow the Agency, which has taken control of the city. Cell's leader and former Agency scientist, named Catalina Thorne, released a deadly strain of the "Freak" virus that infected many citizens and turned them into mindless monsters called Freaks. The Agency tried to stop this epidemic by building Project Sunburst, a weapon that used sunlight to destroy Freaks. However, Cell took control of Project Sunburst's generators before the Agency could use the weapon. This forced the Agency to send out their newest and better-equipped Agent to combat both the terrorists and the Freaks.{{cite news |last1=Cowen |first1=Nick |date=2010-07-12 |title=Crackdown 2 video game review |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/7880285/Crackdown-2-video-game-review.html |work=The Telegraph |language=en |issn=0307-1235 |oclc=49632006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250505034549/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/7880285/Crackdown-2-video-game-review.html |archive-date=2025-05-05 |access-date=2025-05-19 |quote=Crackdown 2 lets players loose in its expansive playground with lots of new guns, vehicles and enemies to enjoy. But is that enough, asks Nick Cowen.}}

{{main|Crackdown 3|l1=Crackdown 3}}

A third game was developed by Sumo Digital, with directions from the original game's creator David Jones.{{Cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/take-a-look-at-how-microsoft-claims-the-cloud-will-chan-1557822675 | title = Take a Look at How Microsoft Claims the Cloud Will Change Gaming | first= Evan | last = Narcisse | date = 2014-04-03 | access-date = 2014-06-12 | publisher = Kotaku}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.developer-tech.com/news/2014/may/20/cloudgine-microsofts-secret-xbox-one-sauce/ | title= Cloudgine is Microsoft's secret Xbox One sauce | first = Ryan | last = Daws | date = 2014-05-20 | access-date = 2014-06-12 | publisher = Developer Tech }} The game was revealed as Crackdown 3 during Microsoft's Gamescom 2015 press conference on August 4, 2015. The original reveal showcased the ability for players to destroy the skyscrapers of the game world, and cause them to collapse dynamically. Crackdown 3 takes the series back to its roots of fighting criminal syndicates, with Microsoft Studios' creative director Ken Lobb asserting that the game will be set in the future of the first game but represents an alternate timeline from what Crackdown 2 provided.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-17-dont-call-crackdown-on-xbox-one-crackdown-3 | title = Don't call Crackdown on Xbox One Crackdown 3 | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = 2014-06-17 | access-date = 2014-06-17 | publisher = Eurogamer }} Previous developer Ruffian Games provided additional assistance for the game's development.{{cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-06-19-clearing-up-confusion-surrounding-crackdown-3-destruction|title=Clearing up confusion surrounding Crackdown 3 destruction|website=Eurogamer |date=19 June 2017 }} However, this was changed in 2019 prior to release, making the third installment take place a decade after the second one.{{cite web|url=https://press-start.com.au/reviews/xbox-one/2019/02/15/crackdown-3-campaign-review-the-little-sequel-that-could/#:~:text=Crackdown%203%20takes%20place%20ten,a%20corporation%20called%20Terra%20Nova.|title=Crackdown 3: Campaign Review – The Little Sequel That Could|website=Press Start|author=Berich, James|date=14 February 2019 |access-date=2025-03-10}} The game was originally set to be released for Xbox One and Microsoft Windows on November 7, 2017, but was delayed to 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/crackdown-3-is-coming-to-pc-but-not-until-2017/|title=Crackdown 3 is coming to PC, but not until 2017|publisher=PC Gamer|author=Chalk, Andy|website=PC Gamer |date=14 June 2016 }} June 14, 2016

With the intent of going beyond the sandbox gameplay made popular by Grand Theft Auto III, developer Realtime Studios spent time with various testers, as well as former developers from the Grand Theft Auto series, in experimenting and refining the genre, with the use of additional content, items and rewards.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16630 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071215152127/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16630 | url-status = dead | archive-date = December 15, 2007 | title= MIGS: Realtime Worlds' Wilson Talks Tense Times For Crackdown | publisher= Gamasutra | first1 = Mathew | last1 = Kumar | first2 = Leigh | last2 = Alexander | date = 2007-12-14 | access-date = 2008-04-03}} Creator David Jones described the concept of the game as "how do we reward somebody for just having fun?" In each game, players assume the role of super-powered law enforcers called Agents who protect Pacific City with the use of high-tech vehicles and weapons. Players can choose different races for their Agents, and the sequel added the ability to customize their armor's color.{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/features/gta-creator-talks-crackdown | title = GTA Creator Talks Crackdown | publisher = Next Gen Biz | date = 2006-12-08 | access-date = 2008-05-11 | first = Kris | last = Graft | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120905133257/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/gta-creator-talks-crackdown | archive-date = 2012-09-05 | url-status = dead }} Using a third-person camera, the Agent can dispatch enemies by shooting them with firearms, blowing them up with explosives, or in melee combat.

Being a genetically enhanced human being gives the Agent various skills, namely "Strength" (punching and lifting power), "Agility" (jumping and movement speed), "Driving" (handling vehicles), "Explosives" (creating explosions), and "Firearms" (shooting ability). These skills can be upgraded by collecting specific orbs and killing enemies. Upgrading strength and agility increase the Agent's physicality. While upgrading Driving, Explosives and Weapons unlocks new vehicles and weapons. The Agent is also covered in high-tech armor that has a rechargeable shield that protects him from damage. The armor also evolves as the Agent upgrades his skills, becoming more thick and bulky. Crackdown 2 improved upon this gameplay by allowing the player to unlock new armor abilities, such as a Ground Pound ability that causes powerful shockwaves, a Charge ability, a wingsuit, and thrusters that gives the Agent the ability to glide.{{cite web|url=http://www.xboxachievements.com/game/crackdown-2/review/|title=Crackdown 2 Review|publisher=Xbox Achievements|author=Walker, Richard|date=6 July 2010 }} July 05, 2010 The player can also play various minigames such as on-foot and vehicle racing as well as street and aerial stunts.

Multiplayer is also available in every game that uses the same gameplay elements in single-player. The first Crackdown game offered players cooperative gameplay of up to 2 players. The second Crackdown game improved the coop mode to accommodate 4 players while also adding new modes such as Rocket Tag, Vehicle Tag, Capture the Orb, Deathmatch, and Team Deathmatch.{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/59078/crackdown-2-gets-4-player |title=Crackdown 2 Gets 4 Player Co-op, 16 Person Multi |first=Chris |last=Faylor |date=June 9, 2009 |access-date=June 9, 2009 |publisher=Shacknews}} Crackdown 3 further expanded the series' coop by allowing over 8 players to participate, as well as being the first to have a fully destructible sandbox environment in multiplayer.

The series is known for its artistic use of cel-shading visuals together with its rich color palettes, stylized ambience, and crisp and strong real-time shadows.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/postmortem-realtime-worlds-i-crackdown-i-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509052655/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132515/postmortem_realtime_worlds_.php|url-status=live|archive-date=May 9, 2012|title=TPostmortem: Realtime Worlds' Crackdown|publisher=Gamasutra|author=Wilson, Phil|date=7 September 2009 }} September 7, 2009 Developer Realtime Worlds was heavily influenced by comic books in creating the first Crackdown game and they used highlighted ink-like outlines to give it a comic feel.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/crackdown/review.html?sid=6165795 | title = Crackdown | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | date = 2007-02-12 | access-date = 2008-02-22 | publisher = GameSpot}} The game was also praised for its use of large draw distances that was seldom seen in other open-world games of its time.{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/763/763635p1.html | title = Crackdown Review | first = Douglass | last = Perry | publisher = IGN | date= 2007-02-12 | access-date = 2008-02-22 }} Crackdown 2 had a more dilapidated and post-apocalyptic setting but still with the use of the same engine. Ruffian Games used a more advanced crowd system, which allows more NPCs to be in the game while not affecting its play flow.{{cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-crackdown2-demo-blog-entry|title=Tech Analysis: Crackdown 2 demo|publisher=Eurogamer|author=Leadbetter, Richard|newspaper=Eurogamer.net |date=22 June 2010 }} June 22, 2010 Ruffian further tweaked Crackdown{{'}}s draw distances by rendering the engine to allow the display of a larger vista of Pacific City.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/interview-ruffian-games?page=0%252C0 |title=Interview: Ruffian Games |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=June 25, 2009 |magazine=Edge }}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Each game soundtrack is made up of licensed music from a variety of commercial, independent, and video game musicians. Crackdown{{'}}s music supervisor Peter Davenport was allowed by Microsoft to select music from any source for the game. Deciding to give it an electronic "dark and ominous" vibe, he selected music from Amon Tobin, Atlas Plug, Celldweller, and Hybrid that he put in each mission and premise.{{cite web | url = http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=150 | title = Interview with Crackdown Music Supervisor Peter Davenport, Music Acquisition and Editorial Manager, Microsoft Corporation | publisher = Music4Games | date = 2007-06-18 | access-date = 2008-04-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080325045450/http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=150 | archive-date = 2008-03-25 | url-status = dead }} In Crackdown 2, music from Public Enemy, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, R.E.M., and Whodini were used to give the game a rebellious feel.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/07/01/crackdown-2s-rebellious-soundtrack-revealed|title=CRACKDOWN 2'S REBELLIOUS SOUNDTRACK REVEALED|publisher=IGN|author=IGN Staff|date=July 2010 }} July 6, 2010

A webcomic titled the "Pacific City Archives" was also released by Microsoft to accompany the worldwide release of Crackdown 2. Containing over 5 episodes, the webcomic series bridged the gap between the first and second Crackdown games by expanding character backstory and game lore.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/crackdown-2-gets-cartoon-potentially-reveals-big-baddie/|title=Crackdown 2 gets cartoon, potentially reveals big baddie|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Meikleham, David|date=24 May 2010 }} May 24, 2010 The Agent is also an unlockable character in the Xbox Live Arcade game Perfect Dark.{{cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/perfect-dark-has-crackdown-2-treat|title=Perfect Dark has Crackdown 2 treat|publisher=Eurogamer|author=Purchese, Robert|newspaper=Eurogamer.net |date=2 July 2010 }} February 7, 2010

Dynamite Comics released a four-issue comic book tie-in to Crackdown 3, simply entitled Crackdown, in May 2019. The series was written by Jonathan Goff and drawn by Ricardo Jaime. It tells the story of several Agents sent to pacify a city riddled with crime and violence, with the team losing members in every issue, before ultiamtely meeting their objectives.{{cite news|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/exclusive-preview-crackdown-3/|title=EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: CRACKDOWN #3 tests the agents in the penultimate issue|publisher=Comic Beat|author=Deanna Destito|newspaper= |date=23 July 2019 }}

Besides comics, the series was also included or mentioned in several literature. The games were cited in the non-fiction book "The Post-9/11 Video Game: A Critical Examination" by Marc A. Ouellette and Jason C. Thompson.Ouellette, M. A., Thompson, J. C. (2017). The Post-9/11 Video Game: A Critical Examination. United States: McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. p. 186 The series was also mentioned in another non-fiction videogame-themed book entitled "Games' Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Players, Pawns, and Power-ups" by Ben H. Rome.Rome, B. H. (2013). Games' Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Players, Pawns, and Power-ups. United States: Potomac Books. p. 55

The first game was both a critical and commercial success, becoming the top-selling game of February 22, 2007, during its first release week in North America, Japan, and the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12850|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311010608/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12850|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2007|title=Supreme Commander, Crackdown Storm Real-Time Charts|publisher=Gamasutra|date=2007-02-23| access-date=2008-02-23|first=Danny|last=Cowen}} The game was the top-selling game in North America for the month of February 2007, selling 427,000 units.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-03-16-video-game-sales_N.htm|title=U.S. video game sales jump in Feb.|publisher=Reuters|date=2007-03-16|access-date=2008-05-13}} Ultimately, by the end of 2007, the game sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. The game also won numerous awards such as the "Best Action and Adventure Game" and "Best Use of Audio" in the 2007 BAFTA,{{cite web | url = http://www.bafta.org/awards/video-games/nominations/?year=2007 | title = Games Nominations 2007 | publisher = British Academy of Film and Television Arts | access-date = 2008-05-13 | year = 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080322071818/http://www.bafta.org/awards/video-games/nominations/?year=2007 | archive-date = 2008-03-22}} "Best Debut" award at the 2008 Game Developers Choice Awards,{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6186460.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3 |title=Portal BioShocks GDC Awards |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=2008-02-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104224043/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6186460.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews%3Btitle%3B3 |archive-date=2012-01-04 }} and the Innovation Award at the 2007 Develop Magazine Awards.{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6916277.stm | title = Crackdown wins innovation prize | date = 2007-07-26 | access-date = 2008-02-23 | publisher = BBC }} Game Informer listed it as one of the top 50 games of 2007, citing its unique experience and several other elements, as well as listing the Agents as the number eight "Top Heroes of 2007" and listing climbing the tallest building in the city as the number nine "Top Moment of 2007."{{Cite magazine| date= January 2008| title= The Top 50 Games of 2007| magazine= Game Informer| publisher= Cathy Preston| issue= 177| pages= 32–45}}

Various video game websites considered the Crackdown series as one of the best open-world video games to date.{{cite web|url=http://www.gadgetreview.com/12-of-the-best-open-world-games|title=12 of the Best Open World Games|author=Bernstein, bobby|work=Gadget Review |date=28 January 2015 }} June 27, 2016{{cite web|url=https://levelskip.com/misc/bestopenworldgames|title=Top 7 Open World Games|date=15 January 2023 |publisher=Level Skip}} March 14, 2012 The Escapist included it in its "8 Awesome Open World Games" list, stating that "open world games have improved a lot since then, but Crackdown is still a stellar example of the genre."{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/galleryoftheday/13791-8-of-the-Best-Open-World-Games|title=8 Awesome Open World Games|publisher=The Escapist|author=Whitaker, Ron|access-date=2016-11-23|archive-date=2016-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124092307/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/galleryoftheday/13791-8-of-the-Best-Open-World-Games|url-status=dead}} April 17, 2015 Game Journalist Callum from Pixel Bedlam dubbed Crackdown as one of the most underrated video games of all time, adding also that the game was "more than just a Grand Theft Auto clone on steroids."{{cite web|url=http://pixelbedlam.co.uk/why-crackdown-is-one-of-the-best-games-of-this-generation/|title=WHY CRACKDOWN IS ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THIS GENERATION|publisher=Pixel Bedlam|author=Callum|date=8 April 2013 }} April 8, 2013

The games left a large impact on the open-world genre.Fox, Matt. The Video Games Guide: 1,000+ Arcade, Console and Computer Games, 1962-2012. McFarland (January 3, 2013). p. 62. {{ISBN|978-0786472574}} James Hunt of Den of Geek described the first Crackdown game as "the first in a line of original, postmodern superhero creations on games consoles, and great fun to boot."{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/heroes/11524/the-evolution-of-superheroes-in-videogames|title=The evolution of superheroes in videogames|publisher=Den of Geek|author=Hunt, James|date=14 January 2011 }} January 14, 2011 Its formula of controlling super-powered beings in a massive sandbox environment, and using their abilities to cause mayhem and destruction have influenced other video game series such as Infamous, Prototype, Saints Row, The Saboteur, and Just Cause 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-08-14-critical-consensus-saints-row-4|title=Critical Consensus: Saints Row 4|publisher=gameindustry.biz|author=Martin, Matt|date=14 August 2013 }} August 14, 2013 Game creator Brian Fleming was influenced by the climbing and parkour aspects of the first Crackdown in designing the gameplay for Infamous.{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-an-infamous-interview-with-sucker-punchs-brian-fleming/ | title = GDC09: An inFamous interview with Sucker Punch's Brian Fleming | first = Kevin | last = Kelly | date = 2009-03-25 | access-date = 2009-06-26 | publisher = Joystiq }} [https://web.archive.org/web/20090327041734/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-an-infamous-interview-with-sucker-punchs-brian-fleming/ Archived: March 27, 2009] The series' mainstay gameplay of collecting orbs in an open world environment to increase a character's abilities, was also copied by another similar game called Prototype.{{cite web|url=http://tap-repeatedly.com/2009/06/prototype/|title=Prototype review|publisher=Tap Repeatedly|author=Krljic, Meho |date=11 June 2009 }} Keiichiro Toyama cited Crackdown as a big influence in developing his award-winning game Gravity Rush, stating that he "really liked the aspect of unlocking skills and becoming more powerful, and achieving a higher level of freedom as you become more powerful".{{cite web|last=Maschke|first=Rebecca|title=Gravity Rush Coming To PS Vita As Both Download And Game Card On 13th June|date=29 February 2012 |url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2012/02/29/gravity-rush-coming-to-ps-vita-as-both-download-and-game-card-on-13th-june/?WT.mc_id=pdcticker|publisher=Official EU PlayStation Blog|access-date=February 29, 2012}}

While the second game received positive reception in its release, many critics pointed that it was too similar to its predecessor. While the game was inherently good, it was ranked by many to be one of the most disappointing sequels of its generation.{{cite web|url=http://www.entertainmentfuse.com/top-3-most-disappointing-xbox-360-games/|title=Top 3 Most Disappointing Xbox 360 Games|publisher=Entertainment Fuse|author=Moody, Justin|access-date=2016-11-23|archive-date=2016-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124091138/http://www.entertainmentfuse.com/top-3-most-disappointing-xbox-360-games/|url-status=dead}} October 2, 2010{{cite web|url=http://www.xboxachievements.com/news-1943-Game-of-the-Year-Awards-2010---The-Winners.html|title=Game of the Year Awards 2010 - The Winners|publisher=Xbox Achievements|author=Webb, Dan|access-date=2016-11-23|archive-date=2016-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124025220/http://www.xboxachievements.com/news-1943-Game-of-the-Year-Awards-2010---The-Winners.html|url-status=dead}} December 31, 2010 James Stephanie Sterling, during their time at Destructoid, reviewed the game and called it "the most pointless, unnecessary, and insulting "sequels" ever created."{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-crackdown-2-178186.phtml|title=Review: Crackdown 2|publisher=Destructoid|author=Sterling, Jim|date=5 July 2010 }} July 5, 2010 John Almond from Gonevis ranked Crackdown 2 at #5 in his list of most disappointing video game sequels, stating, "[It] was panned by critics and consumers because of missing gameplay features from the first game like transforming cars, strategy-building in taking out targets, unique weapons like invisibility, and simply being able to aim a sniper rifle through a scope. Making it worse was the reusage of the first game's engine and setting, making Crackdown 2 feel more like an expansion pack than a sequel."{{cite web |last=Almond|first=John |date=16 November 2024 |url=https://johnalmond.gonevis.com/failing-at-sequeling/ |title=Failing at Sequeling |publisher=Gonevis |access-date=15 January 2025}}

The third game was also met with disappointment. Aaron Brown from WatchMojo listed Crackdown 3 in the list of "The 10 WORST Video Game Sequels EVER", commenting, " Crackdown 3 had everything going for it, but upon release, the much-touted destruction was virtually non-existent, and the gameplay was boring and lifeless with little to differentiate it from the original that came 12 years before it. When not even the energetic Terry Crews can save your game, you know you’re finished."{{cite web |last=Brown|first=Aaron |date=31 October 2023 |url=https://www.watchmojo.com/articles/worst-video-game-sequels |title=The 10 WORST Video Game Sequels EVER |publisher=WatchMojo |access-date=15 January 2025}} Writer Super Philip also added the third installment in his own "Most Disappointing Video Game Sequels" list, describing its release as a "miracle" and adding, "[It] was in the making for so long and the end result is so similar to past games. What was deemed fresh and modern back when Crackdown originally released isn't so much in the present, over a decade later."{{cite web |last=Philip|first=Super |date=15 February 2019 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/crackdown-3-review/ |title=Crackdown 3 review |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=6 August 2019}}

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{{Crackdown}}

{{Xbox Game Studios}}

Category:Microsoft franchises

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Category:Third-person shooters

Category:Video games adapted into comics

Category:Action-adventure games

Category:Open-world video games

Category:Parkour video games

Category:Dystopian video games

Category:Post-apocalyptic video games

Category:Superhero video games