This is truly the most underappreciated game on the Xbox. I strongly believe that this deserves the five stars because as far as action, explosion effects, destruction and graphics, this game beats any Grand Theft Auto game any day. Having all of the Grand Theft Auto games on Xbox, I can tell you that Mercenaries beats it hands down entertainment wise. The explosions are actually more realistic than anything I've played or seen so far on the 360. Though the game may seem focused on the just OK storyline, there is plenty to do in other places, like blowing stuff up, go on the "side-quests" and do other things like stacking helicopters or whatever else. In the end, it is really more of a sandbox game, rather than a story-based thierd-person-shooter, and it should therefore be treated as such. I have yet to get bored of the game after playing it for 20 or more hours. Whatever you may think after reading this far, trust me, the game has plenty to offer as a sandbox-style game. If you are looking for an endlessly-entertaining sandbox game that has incredible explosion effects and intense action, look no further. After all, it is an incredible value at only twenty dollars.

Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction 8.5/10
Not any glaring weaknesess in the game other than the slight repetitiveness. It's allways a "go do this" contract but since each contract presents a diffirent challenge, it doesn't get old very quick.

It's a very fun third-person shooter, with a fairly wide aray of weapons and vehicles to use (but none of the vehicles are particularly outstanding). One of the highlights of the game: the explosions are AMAZING!!! I'm someone who easily sees explosions as tacky or poorly done or animated, but these are top-notch and very satisfying.

The free-roaming aspect makes it nice if you just want to go look for a fight or some free weapons or "health" that someone left lying around. I personally love the storyline, but the general consensus is that it's just a B+ plot.

There's not very many things that you can point to to say that it's a great game, but the fact that it's very well-balanced and has few weak points makes it very enjoyable.

I rated this game a 4 overall just because of no option for 2-player mode. Other than that, this is a no holds bar explosion fest. if it exists, you can blow it up, if it has wheels or moves, you can hi-jack it. Mercenaries has an open map much like the GTA series with side mission along the way. You work several different factions, or countries, like the Russian Mafia, China, Allies, South Korea and North Korea. You work each one against the other, without getting yourself killed in the middle. in the meanwhile, you are working on a "Deck Of 52" cards, 52 of the most wanted dictators and drug cartel. So you will have plenty of playing time, and lots to do. this game should last you a while before completely beating it. have FUNNN with this one.

Great game, easy learning curve, and rather open game play that allows you to do what you want to achieve mission success. "Nerd-Core" for the arm chair warriors at a good price. This is a good stocking stuffer for your teenager (naturally I had to test it to ensure quality). Bonus! Introduces fundamentals of Economics 101. Hey - mercenaries have to balance the checkbook too!

Hi all,
Let me just say THIS GAME RULES!!! I just got it a couple of days ago and love it. Artillery strikes, carpet bombs, RPG's, C4, ect.... This game is so fun getting the russian mafia to bring you a hummer h3 and lots of other stuff


BUY THIS GAME!!!

Peace out,
Boba Fett clone 22


P.s. try to keep the russian mafia happy :)