On November 18, Ubisoft released their long-awaited sequel to the storied Far Cry franchise, Far Cry 4. This new title is one of the first major releases for the newest generations of consoles, setting the bar for newer games to come.
For those who don’t know, Far Cry is first-person, action-adventure, open-world sandbox, “shoot-em’-up” video game. That is a mouthful, but this means that the game offers complete reign over what a player can do and when they do it. It gives players control over landscapes, characters, equipment and gameplay. The game is sure to keep players on the edge of their seats in anticipation, but it still has good fun in store for those who play it. It’s a video game for the control freak in all of us.
Players play as Ajay Ghale, a native from the fictitious Kyrat, based off of an area near Nepal. He is there to spread his mother’s ashes in a Hindu temple. However, since Nepalese officials have taken over the country, this act of gratitude is unable to be completed. Things get worse for Ajay when he is captured by the Royal Army, but with help from a rogue commander and a huge array of weapons, Ajay sets out to fulfill his mother’s wish and set Kyrat right, one step at a time.
Being set in a country near Nepal, a country famous for its mountains, the landscapes, backgrounds and details are absolutely stunning. Plus, with the newer graphics engine running in next-gen consoles, Far Cry 4 is a definite feast for the eyes. Gameplay is smooth but can lag at times if you have an older console. The game is in first person, so stunts and action are so immersive, the feeling of being in the video game is more real than ever. One can feel the adrenaline of skydiving but can still feel serenity while watching the skyview. Weapons are plenty, but as soon as gameplay starts, players may notice something: there are animals running around.
Animals in video games are a surprisingly new concept, but interactivity with animals is what Far Cry 4 brings to the theoretical video game party. Players can be killed or even ride animals. Forget cars or trucks; if players want to ride around Kyrat in style, show up on an elephant. This small detail is huge for the series since it adds just a little bit more autonomy in a video game full of independence. For action-adventure, open-world sandbox video games, one small feature goes a long way with fans and gamers alike.
With amazing graphics, great gameplay, plenty of stuff to do, and the newfound ability to ride animals, players might find the game hard to put down. One thing is certain; with all of these new features, Far Cry 4 is not too far from Game of the Year.