Rico Rodriguez

Overview

Rico Rodriguez is the protagonist of the Just Cause series. He is a former operative for a mysterious organization simply referred to as the Agency, which is supposed to be a splinter group of the CIA.

Rico Rodriguez was born in Mexico on January 25th 1968, and raised in Medici. Originally a semi-professional race car driver, he was forced to flee from Medici after a coup which killed both of his parents. At the age of 21, Rico met CIA agent Tom Sheldon and was soon introduced into the Agency as an operative specializing in guerilla warfare.

Just Cause

The first game in the series, Just Cause, takes place in 2006 on the fictional Caribbean nation of San Esperito. In this game, Rico is assigned with the disposal of corrupt President Salvador Mendoza. Rico is dressed in a black jumpsuit and wears a chain with a cross on it. In the game you will frequently use Rico's signature weapons, the Holot R4 Pitbulls. They are revolvers that pack a relatively significant punch, and feature infinite ammo.

Just Cause 2

Just Cause 2 takes place several years later sometime between 2009 / 2010 on the fictional island nation of Panau - located in south-east Asia. In the sequel, Rico appears to be older, with some gray hairs visible. He wears a black jumpsuit, like in the previous game. However, players will not be using his signature revolvers as much anymore, owing to the fact that they only appear in the game as a pre-order bonus, under the name "Rico's Signature Gun". The Signature Gun also lacks infinite ammo; in fact, the only way to replenish its ammo is to buy it at great cost from the Black Market.

During the early moments of the story, Karl Blaine says he will spread the word that there is a 'foreign gun for hire looking for work'. He then says he will mention a 'Mr.... Scorpion'. After this, the factions you work for will refer to Rico as either Scorpio, or Scorpion. The name 'Scorpion' was likely used as a reference to the appearance of a scorpion on both game boxes. For some reason the scorpion has become something of a logo for the game, leading to the popular scorpion made of guns appearing at the end of every Just Cause 2 trailer.

Just Cause 3

Five years after the events of Just Cause 2, Rico returns to his hometown of Medici - which is ruled over by General Di Ravello. He rejoins with childhood friend Mario Frigo, who acts as the de facto leader of Medici's resistance. After reclaiming several territories from the militia, Rico is soon noticed by Di Ravello who orders for a number of towns to be burned to the ground using specialized weapons powered by a rare compound called bavarium.

Just Cause 4

In 2018, Rico arrives on the South American island of Solís to dismantle Project Illapa, a system which has the ability to manipulate the weather. Project Illapa is personally supervised by the de facto ruler of Solís, Oscar Espinosa - and the Black Hand group.

Other Appearances

Sleeping Dogs

Protagonist Wei Shen can wear the outfit worn by Rico Rodriguez in Just Cause 2 can be used if the player has save data for Just Cause 2 on the same console (or PC) as their save in Sleeping Dogs. In addition to looking rad, the outfit grants players a bonus of being able to perform vehicle hijacks from further distances than normal, referencing the Just Cause franchise's signature "Stunt Position" hijacking.

Trivia

• The original concept for Rico Rodriguez was inspired by several action star heroes. Including James Bond, Ethan Hunt and Indiana Jones.
• Rico is voiced by Robin Atkin Downes in Just Cause & Just Cause 2, Kevin Collins in Just Cause 3, and Orion Acaba in Just Cause 4.