"Ugly son-of-a-bitch, we're gonna need bigger guns..." - Agency Director
Freaks are diseased and genetically modified humans species who originally orignated from Dr. Balthazar Czernenko. Behaving similar to zombies, and attacking any non-infected in sight. They appear as minor hidden antagonists in the first Crackdown, and then later on as a more supporting antagonist in the games sequel Crackdown 2.
Crackdown[]
Background[]
The origins of the Freaks can be traced back to clandestine experiments conducted by the Shai-Gen Corporation, one of the three criminal organizations dominating Pacific City. Shai-Gen, known for its advanced biotechnology and genetic research, was secretly working on a project aimed at creating super-soldiers to bolster their ranks and maintain their grip on the city but ultimately just ended up as humanoid hostile creatures instead.
The Experiments[]
Dr. Baltazar Czernenko, a brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist working for Shai-Gen, spearheaded the project. His goal was to enhance human capabilities through genetic modification and viral augmentation. However, the experiments went horribly wrong. The virus, initially designed to enhance strength, agility, and resilience, mutated uncontrollably, turning test subjects into grotesque, mindless creatures driven by primal instincts.
The Outbreak[]
The containment protocols failed, and the virus spread rapidly within Shai-Gen's underground laboratories. In a desperate attempt to cover up the disaster, Shai-Gen sealed off the affected areas, leaving the infected to their fate. However, some of the Freaks managed to escape into the city's Sewer systems and abandoned intoxicated areas, where they began to multiply after the death of Czernenko by the Agency.
Characteristics[]
The Freaks are deformed and monstrous, with exaggerated musculature, discolored skin, and various mutations such as extra limbs or grotesque growths. They exhibit aggressive and erratic mental behavior, attacking any non-infected individuals on sight. Their primal instincts make them highly unpredictable and dangerous.
Varieties[]
The Freaks in the first game don't have as many Variety subtypes when compared to their later cousins that appeared in the Sequel, but they have a total of two different variants that can be noticed in game:
- Runners Fast, slim, and agile. These Freaks can quickly close the distance to their prey, making them particularly dangerous in more close quarters.
- Brutes Larger, slower, but stronger. Brutes can withstand significant damage and deliver more powerful attacks compared to the standard Runners.
Aftermath[]
Recognizing the potential threat posed by the Freaks, the Agency began coverting operations to contain and study them after Shai-Gen was ceased out of operation. Specially trained Peacekeepers were deployed to eliminate Freak nests and gather data on the virus. These operations were kept secret from the public to avoid mass panic for what was about to come later on.
Crackdown 2[]
The Freaks in Crackdown 2 were not the result of failed experiments, But in fact the result of Catalina Thorne's revenge on the Agency and Pacific City. Catalina Thorne created the M2448 Virus while she was still a research assistant at The Agency Laboratory. After her experimentation came to light, She was fired and soon took revenge by infecting the homeless with the M2448 during the "Free Medical Consultations" as shown in the Animated Pacific City Archives. These are the Freaks, or abominations, that haunt Pacific City every night.
Varieties[]
Unlike last games, Freaks come in several varieties this time from the recently infected Ramblers and Scroungers. To the most evolved form like the Goliath, Stronger Freaks possess and equal all of the mutations developed by the preceding forms.
- Rambler
- Scrounger
- Screamer
- Slinger
- Reaper
- Pounder
- Freak Agent
- Note: Freak Agents only appear during the final mission of the game and KTTC.
- Goliath
Crackdown 3[]
The Map.
In Crackdown 3, giant statues of Freaks such as Goliaths and Reapers can be noticed in the background for one of Crackdown 3s Multiplayer Wrecking Zone Maps.
Trivia[]
- Freaks tend to sometimes noticably attack each other in Crackdown, making them the only faction in the first game to be hostile towards one another. The reason Freaks attack each other in the game is not explicitly detailed in lore, but it can be inferred from their behavior and the chaotic nature of their existence. They are portrayed as aggressive and mindless, driven by a primal instinct to attack anything that moves, which can include other Freaks. This behavior is typical of many zombie-like creatures in video games and media, where the lack of cognitive function can lead to indiscriminate violence.
