Whether you’ve played it or not, the first Far Cry is widely considered one of the best action-adventure games of all time. While many sequels have tried to capture the magic of that game, they’ve never quite managed it. That is, until now. With Far Cry 5, developer Ubisoft Montreal has crafted a narrative-driven action-adventure that preserves the spirit of the original while also taking inspiration from modern gaming trends such as realism and progression systems.
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The Game Is Set In An Open World
One of the first things you’ll notice about Far Cry 5 is its breathtaking open world. Similar in scope to the Grand Theft Auto series, only on a much smaller scale (for now), the game’s expansive environment is a sight to behold. The game’s creators described it as a “hybrid” between a traditional RPG and an action-adventure, and it certainly lives up to that description. Traveling from point to point doesn’t just mean you’re restricted to main story missions or that the world is populated by NPCs either. Like most modern video games, Far Cry 5 allows for a tremendous amount of freedom in terms of how you want to explore and experience the world.
A Rich Cast Of Characters To Meet
One of the many appealing aspects of Far Cry 5 is that it doesn’t skimp out on character interaction. The game features a host of quirky and memorable characters that you’ll meet along the way, and it embraces the idea of gaming as social experience. One of the writers of the game, Marcin Ilear, described it as being “like a comic book come to life.” Even when you’re not talking to other characters, you’ll frequently find yourself immersed in smaller conversations with individuals as you explore the environment. This element alone makes the game stand out from many other open world titles.
Realism In Every Area
Another way in which Far Cry 5 distinguishes itself from other games is the level of realism in every area. It doesn’t just include the gameplay elements either โ everything from the environments to the characters’ mannerisms and facial expressions are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail.
The game begins in the Pacific Northwest, where you assume the role of Ethan, a man who has broken away from society and is living a life of solitude in the wilderness. While wandering around the expansive world, you’ll notice that many of the environments, creatures, and characters seem surprisingly lifelike. Whether you’re in the snowy woods or wandering around the streets of Seattle, you’ll frequently find yourself immersed in believable world-building.
Progression System That Provides A Sense Of Progress
In terms of gameplay, Far Cry 5 continues the series’ focus on providing the player with a sense of progression through various gameplay systems. The game features several milestones that you can achieve, from destroying certain amounts of enemy vehicles to shooting certain types of creatures. Completing these tasks and reaching the relevant milestone will earn you a reward that you can use to purchase items from a vending machine or upgrade your weapons and outfits.
This progression system acts as an important part of the game. As you gain experience, you’ll be able to upgrade your character’s attributes, which in turn will provide you with a distinct advantage in battle. In addition to this, the game also features a resource called Fish, which you can use to purchase more powerful equipment and gain access to additional areas. As you collect more fish, you’ll also gain the ability to purchase more effective weapons and armor. You can also use the resources you gather to buy things from the vending machine, including useful items like health restorers and radar detectors.
An Interesting Mix Of Old And New
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Far Cry 5 draws on many different gaming influences to craft what is essentially a traditional 2D side-scrolling action-adventure game with a strong narrative thread. The game draws inspiration from cinematic titles like Mad Max and Fallout while also incorporating more modern concepts like first-person shooter gameplay and level design. What this means is that while many elements of the gameplay are drawn from the more traditional sides of the gaming spectrum, the story and characters will remind you of something from the latest Triple-A blockbuster.
In short, if you’re a fan of the original Far Cry, or if you enjoy story-driven gameplay with an emphasis on social interaction, then Far Cry 5 is well worth your time and attention โ especially now that it’s gone gold and will likely appear on many “best of” lists for 2019.