The Just Cause video game series, developed by Avalanche Studios, was once under the ownership of Eidos Interactive and later Square Enix Europe. It consists of four games: Just Cause, Just Cause 2, 3, and 4. These open-world games primarily feature islands and archipelagos as their setting in which players must overthrow the governing body. By June 2018 over 15 million copies of the series had been sold globally.
The series gets its name from the real-life United States invasion of Panama, which was code-named “Operation Just Cause”. As mentioned in the title, we will be listing down all Just Cause games in order of their release date. Now without any further chit-chat, let’s directly jump to the ‘main course’.
Table of Contents
Just Cause Games In Order of Release Date
1. Just Cause
| Release Date | September 22, 2006 |
| Engine | Avalanche Engine |
| Platforms | PC, PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox |
The first Just Cause is set on the island of San Esperito, which is inspired by the Caribbean islands. Just Cause’s first edition invites you to an open-world, third-person shooter adventure that features free-form gameplay. As a Latin field operative, you are tasked with fighting for world peace.
The gameplay involves components from third-person shooting and driving games in a spacious environment. Players are able to walk, swim, jump, use weapons, and engage in basic hand-to-hand combat when on foot. Vehicles available for control include cars, boats, airplanes, helicopters, and motorcycles; stunts can also be performed with cars. Alongside this are parasailing (using a parachute to grapple onto a moving vehicle) and skydiving.
The primary benefit of open-world games is the freedom to complete missions as desired; however, if that option isn’t your preference, there are more than 250,000 acres of land to explore away from the game’s main story.
2. Just Cause 2
| Release Date | March 23, 2010 |
| Engine | Havok, Avalanche Engine 2.0 |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox 360, PS3 |
Just Cause 2 surely stands as the most outstanding of the Just Cause series. It offers an incredible range of thrilling stunts, high-flying escapades, and exciting gameplay with parachutes and dual grapples. Even though it was released nine years ago, it still has its fans thanks to its immersive and enjoyable experience. The storyline of this game takes place four years after the events of the previous title where Rico is sent to Panau to look for his former handler Tom Sheldon who is suspected of going Rogue.
For its development, a new version of Avalanche’s Apex game engine was used which enabled developers to feature extreme weather effects, such as blizzards, sandstorms, and tornadoes. Upon its release, the game met with mixed reviews and did not reach Square Enix’s sales expectations. But still, if you haven’t tried this game yet, it is well worth a try!
3. Just Cause 3
| Release Date | December 1, 2015 |
| Engine | Avalanche Engine |
| Platforms | PS4, Xbox One, PC |
Just Cause 3 had a long wait time to get released, but it proved to be worth it. Although there was criticism regarding its speed on game consoles and the graphics downgrade, Just Cause 3 still outperformed its competition. To begin with, the open-world setting was significantly larger. Players were able to soar through the skies in their wingsuits, carjack vehicles, skydive from high altitudes with parachutes, or race across oceans in speedboats which gave them the freedom to traverse the huge open world of the game.
The South American action-adventure setting was unbelievably immersive and offered players countless possibilities to let loose their insanity. The combat was finely tuned, much like in a movie, which allowed them to battle with ease. Additionally, an array of weapons and missiles were available for those who needed extra firepower to overthrow a ruler. Graphically, the game was remarkable; its colors, textures, and attention to detail made all the activity come alive effortlessly. You guys can also check out the 10 Greatest Stealth games that make you feel like an assassin.
4. Just Cause 4
| Release Date | Platforms |
| Engine | Avalanche Open World Engine |
| Plaforms | PS4, Xbox One, PC |
Just Cause 4 managed to keep the best elements of the Just Cause franchise while introducing new features. It takes a delicate balance to make an excellent game with cinematic elements, yet still maintain engaging gameplay mechanics; you may enjoy its presentation more than in past games, yet be slightly let down by functionality within the game’s mechanics such as the grapple feature._
You again assume the role of Rico Rodriguez (the dictator eliminator XD) as he goes on his quest one more time to restore world peace. The open world in this game is huge, with plenty of madness and chaos to explore. You have a wide array of weapons and gear that can be tailored to your liking. The downside is that the game doesn’t quite live up to its hype; it could’ve been more engaging if the developers had incorporated more creative ideas into the gameplay. Just Cause games are renowned for their action-adventure style, so it’s a shame that this aspect wasn’t executed as well as expected.
5. Just Cause: Mobile
| Release Date | 2022 |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4 |
| Platforms | IOS & Android |
Just Cause: Mobile is a spin-off game that brings the wild antics of Just Cause to mobile phones. Players can choose to play with up to four people in the Co-Op and PvP modes or take on thirty players in the multiplayer. The only downside might be the shift from third-person to top-down gameplay, putting gamers slightly farther away from all the explosive fun. On a more positive note, it’s free-to-play and has in-app purchases available. Although not quite up there with other Just Cause games, it’s still worth playing!
So that is it, lads, all Just Cause games in order of their release date but before you go, did you notice that in neither of the pictures above, is Rico on the ground? Seems like the guy just loves air. Now we will answer some FAQs down below for you guys.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the best Just Cause game?
According to us the best Just Cause games in order of worst to best are –
4) Just Cause
3) Just Cause 4
2) Just Cause 3
1) Just Cause 2 -
Is Just Cause 5 coming out?
The CEO of Square Enix, Yosuke Matsuda has confirmed that the developers are actively working on the title, and Just Cause 5 is surely coming out.
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What is the Just Cause 5 release date?
The CEO of Square Enix, Yosuke Matsuda has confirmed the development of Just Cause and has also told us not to expect the game before late 2023 or even in 2024.
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Where does Just Cause 3 take place?
Just Cause 3 is the third entry in the Just Cause franchise and it takes place on the fictional Mediterranian island of Medici which is also supposed to be the homeland of the game/series protagonist Rico Rodriguez.
Conclusion
This was it for all the Just Cause games we hope that by now you guys have a better understanding of the Just Cause games and if you guys have any doubts regarding the information that we have provided above then feel free to write them down below.
