The 10 Biggest Gameplay Features In ‘Just Cause 3’ Unveiled

Developer Avalanche Studios has had a whirlwind few weeks, unveiling trailers for open-world survival game “Mad Max” as well as a trailer for “Just Cause 3,” a new entry in the franchise that helped make the studio’s name. The return of Rico Rodriguez was hailed with a bombastic trailer that showed off the incredible graphics possible in the new Avalanche 2.0 engine. However, hidden within the trailer were a number of important gameplay elements the developer has now revealed.

Details of the features come from the official “Just Cause 3” blog, which kicks things off by introducing the new Wingsuit, shown off in the opening seconds of the trailer. Rico already possesses both a parachute and a grapple hook, the Wingsuit complements them by allowing him to swoop and dive rapidly through the air. The grapple hook as also received an upgrade with the addition of a new Reeled Hang, which allows Rico to attach himself to the underside of any object in the world and engage in combat.

Next up is an introduction to a revamped version of the classic “Just Cause” tether. Where the original would only allow gamers to attach two objects, the new Multi-tether lets Rico connect up to five objects. In the original games, the Tether allowed for a world of imaginative gameplay possibilities, from using passing cars to get a boosted launch into the air to attaching explosive barrels to guards. Speaking of explosions, Avalanche promises even bigger explosions than ever before, a statement borne out in the footage shown thus far.

Of course, where there are explosions, there’s destruction. Avalanche says a new physics-based destruction system allows buildings and environmental objects to crumble and fall apart dynamically in real-time, adding to the insanity. The new system also allows Rico to strategically take down structures like bridges, by placing C4 on vulnerable struts.This level of destruction extends to vegetation, as trees, sunflowers and grass can be plowed down or blown away.

The studio has also added a Monorail system to the beautiful island setting of Medici, hinting at the fact that gamers might find some creative destructive uses for the new form of vehicular transport. Rico also has access to a new weapon - a minigun, which the studio promises will allow him to cut through just about anything like a hot knife through butter.

Finally though, the developers have revamped Rico’s stunting ability, allowing him to move freely across the tops of any of the vehicles in the game. As noted in an interview with Game Informer, the open-world of “Just Cause 3” isn’t actually larger than the world in the previous game, but Avalanche has focused on creating a denser, richer experience. The game will be released on PS4, Xbox One and PC some time in 2015.