Impeccable FPS game (Far Cry (PC))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Far Cry (PC)
Date:	04/09/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb graphics and nuanced gameplay

Disadvantages: None

While many FPS games do not age very well, Far Cry, due to its extremely high technical specification upon release in 2004, still looks great, and in my opinion, is a far better game than its weak and uninspired sequel released almost a year ago. Schlock maestro also adapted it into a film recently (which was utterly dreadful), and thus the only thing connected to the series that was in fact any good was the original game.

You play Jack Carver who, if you can't guess from his name, is an ex-U.S. Special Forces operative who becomes miraculously stranded on an island, where numerous unnatural scientific experiments are taking place - chiefly murdering the island's citizens and turning them into hulking, slobbering monsters that would like nothing more than to rip you to shreds. Through numerous locations, from sun-kissed beaches, to creepy underground cellars, you'll have to fight for your life with an array of weaponry at your disposal, with little idea of every terrifying beastie that's just creeping around the corner.

The game is made by Crytek, who also produced the visually lavish game Crysis - therefore it's no surprise that this is a living, breathing world that's absolutely stunning visually, with no loading times needed due to some very advanced buffering techniques. Also, there's a huge draw distance as you stare out of the beach, meaning you get very minimal pop-in. The game also borrows a lot of ideas from films like Predator, such as allowing you to mask yourself in the vegetation to avoid detection from enemies. Also, the AI is among the most sophisticated ever devised in a game, as they will not needless fire at you, and instead retreat and wait for you to move forward, as they can also remember your last movements.

This is a smart, visually stunning game that still holds up incredibly well five years later. I say, leave the naff sequel where it is and stick with this - an impressive Doom-on-a-beach tale that's got plenty of brawn and some brains to boot!

Summary: In a word, stunning.