The first thing that’ll strike you about Just Cause is the sheer size of it. We’re talking massive. There are no levels here: you’ve got an enormous tropical island to explore, complete with jungles, cities and long sandy beaches. Gameplay revolves around completing a series of missions dotted around the island in order to advance the plot. Gaming veterans will recognise that this kind of structure places the game firmly in the same camp as the recent Grand Theft Auto titles, and the comparisons are mostly well-deserved.

The looks of the game, particularly on Xbox 360 are very impressive. The Caribbean island setting is beautiful whether you walk around it on foot or see it from the 30,000 feet, as you skydive out of a stolen helicopter. Stylistically, the game is very refreshing – the Cuban-inspired visuals and soundtrack, together with intense gunfights and massive explosions add up to make Just Cause feel like a cross between James Bond, Scarface and Buena Vista Social Club.

One of the most impressive features is the ‘stunts’ system. This clever addition allows you to routinely pull off action-hero style exploits, such as jumping between moving cars and parachuting directly onto speedboats. It’s all completely over-the-top, but it’s also brilliant fun and adds another dimension to the game that goes beyond the standard driving and shooting.

Just Cause has loads to offer, but it’s not without its flaws. The controls can be sluggish, which is a serious problem – especially since some very precise driving is called for at certain points. Some of the missions can be a little one-dimensional, too, and they don’t really offer anything that you haven’t played before in at least one of the last three Grand Theft Auto games. The music is atmospheric but you’ll find yourself wishing they’d included radio stations in the vehicles, and it feels like the developers really missed a trick by not including a few tunes from the likes of Delinquent Habits or Orishas.

Overall, Just Cause comes up with a few great ideas, but only about half of them are properly implemented. Having said that, with Grand Theft Auto 4 not due out until October next year, gamers looking for an original take on the crime-spree game could do worse than this little enchilada. Viva la Revolución!