The original Just Cause gets a long-overdue controller and interface upgrade on PC
Image credit: L3DZEPP3LIN; Just Cause artwork belongs to respective rights holders Creator-uploaded project screenshot; no MNC gameplay testing.
The original Just Cause came out in 2006, back when Rico Rodriguez was still finding his feet as gaming's favorite one-man demolition crew. The explosions were already there, the ridiculous stunts were already there, and the whole idea of turning a tropical island into your own personal action movie was pretty damn entertaining.
What hasn't aged quite as gracefully is the PC version's controller support and interface.
L3DZEPP3LIN's JC1 SloppyPatch tackles those problems with XInput controller support, remappable controls, automatic button-prompt switching, and several interface improvements. You can choose Xbox-style prompts or even the old PlayStation 2 presentation, adjust the HUD for PC or television displays, and bring back some of the original Xbox menu videos and visual touches.
There's also an experimental TV-style interface mode that rearranges the HUD and enlarges the PDA, although the creator warns that some things may not behave perfectly yet. The patch supports the Steam and GOG releases, requires Ultimate ASI Loader, and works alongside the recommended widescreen fix.
It's not a complete remake, and it doesn't need to be. Sometimes getting an old favorite comfortably playable again is reason enough to celebrate. Especially when that favorite involves parachuting out of aircraft, stealing vehicles, and causing an absolutely unreasonable amount of property damage.