The next Grand Theft Auto may be a few years away, but thankfully there’s another ultra-violent open world game that’ll keep you occupied until then.
It’s called Agents of Mayhem – a a third-person shooter developed by Volition, the same team behind GTA’s biggest rival, Saints Row.
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Set in a futuristic Seoul, South Korea, you play a team of killers from an organisation called M.A.Y.H.E.M. on a mission to stop baddies L.E.G.I.O.N. (the League of Evil Gentlemen Intent on Obliterating Nations) from destroying the world’s nations.
Here’s what makes it so much fun.
Destruction
Agents of Mayhem borrows a lot from other games – but that’s no bad thing.
There’s clearly a strong influence from Crackdown – another open world game with a focus on destruction.
Levels are littered with explosives, guns pack a satisfying punch, cars explode in a flurry of fire and debris. Seoul may be pretty to look at, but amongst the towering skyscrapers and quaint botanical gardens, there’s plenty to blow up and destroy.
What do you expect from the makers of Red Faction, eh?
Customisation
As with any good open world game, a character skill tree is a must.
Thankfully, there are 12 agents to get your hands on – and you can customise each one how you see fit – from special abilities (the ‘Mayhem’ power ups are incredible) to health and weapon power.
Each character has their own set of skills – from stealthy Japanese hit men to heavy duty, shotgun wielding football hooligans.
Mission design may be a bit ‘samey’ but given the varied tools at your disposal, it helps stave off monotony.
Plus, some skyscrapers can be scaled – allowing you plan your attacks from above.
Graphics
For an open world game, Agents looks surprisingly good.
Seoul is a sprawling futuristic metropolis that delivers both an impressive sense of scale and character – despite not having streets bustling with civilians.
What’s particularly impressive is the art style – which blends Saturday morning cartoons and superhero films.
You’ll often be treated to comic-style cut-aways when new characters are introduced or during key moments in the game’s story.
Nice touch.
There’s so much to do
As well as the usual campaign missions, there are plenty of side quests to get stuck in to.
Some of these simply revolve around defending an area for a certain period of time – others unlock parts of the characters’ back stories.
Completing these rewards you with experience points you can use on fresh armour, cars, weapons and cosmetic character customisation – all from the safety of your trusty Arc base.
All in all, it’s just a lot of fun.
CHECK OUT THE GAME IN ACTION BELOW.