If there was ever a video game representation of a Michael Bay movie, it would have to be Just Cause 3. Just Cause 3 was released on Dec. 1; the third installment of an explosive series of sandbox games that allow the player massive freedom. It boasts many forms of transportation that prove insanely fun as you wingsuit past mountains and valleys, fly helicopters into enemy bases or dominate the air in fighter jets flying across the massive map. The game’s main character, Rico Rodriguez, calls himself a professional dictator remover.

Rico has a rough homecoming as he returns to his homeland Medici in the Mediterranean. The island chain has been taken over by a cartoonish dictator that wants nothing more than global domination and to crush any resistance. Rico works to end his horrid reign by liberating towns from the dictator’s goons and generally causing chaos and massive explosions wherever he goes. The game is a massive shoot’em up, as nearly everything in the world is destructible to some extent. There are few games where I’ve had this much fun just exploring the map and blowing up enemy bases from parachutes.

The game features many vehicles that our beloved chaos creator Rico can use, like enemy warships, helicopters, tanks and cars. Nothing is safe from our hero if it’s in reach.You can go zipping along with your grappling hook from place to place, throwing enemies out of their own vehicles. Rico can also hook two enemies, whether they be helicopters or tanks, together and crash them into each other at will. The game has massive potential for unique stories, and different ways to play the game. I could take out the enemies on foot, by tank, or carpet bomb the base by jet. It really never gets old to see a massive explosion and walking away.

I hesitate to say that the game gets repetitive after a while, but it does start to wear down on the starting shock and awe that brought me into the game. The story isn’t very stellar or unique when it’s mainly just “take down the big bad guy” but there are definitely more great things than bad things. The game looks beautiful – a tropical island chain in the Mediterranean that is thriving with life, civilians and the bad guys. It’s also massive, and I spent a lot of time using my wingsuit to get from place to place, and it really gives you some time to appreciate the scenery and explore a bit. I feel like the story and dialogue could’ve been more expanded upon, but I have to agree it is a very enjoyable game. There are some blemishes in this chaotic, destructive inferno, but the game has a special place in my heart for its explosions. 8/10