Super nice graphics. Console-like save games. Yet another FPS?!? Geez! Is it fun though?
Yes. Far Cry gives the first impression that it is a technical demo but after about an hour of playing, you actually do care about what happens next. Not bad for a $20 game. I eventually finished it but only using the save-anywhere cheats. Unless you're some FPS badass, Far Cry will get under your skin. So please, unless you're really good, make use of the save anywhere feature (which can be activated by Far Cry cheats). The game's AI is very intelligent although somewhat too intelligent and they seem to have an uncanny aim. The other enemies that you will meet in the game (which are your typical hybrid-human baddies) give you a pretty good adrenaline rush, especially if there are a couple of them after you.
One of the reasons why I like Far Cry is how it rivals the graphics of Half Life 2 not only because it looks pretty but it runs very smoothly. I'm not sure if Crytek just has really cleaver artists that know the engine well but my PC has a humble GeForce 6800 GT and it seems to be more than enough even when my character is viewing over an island and its many subtle details, the game does not slow down even with maxed out details and sliders set at "maximum" or "highest". Even at higher resolutions, the CryEngine is very impressive. It makes you wish that an engine like this can power some of the other FPS games you enjoyed.
Far Cry does not have many puzzle elements, nor does it have a unique story. What it lacks in this area it makes up for in several areas: Sheer graphic power, super-intelligent AI, and just feeling sneaky. Far Cry also has some of the most outrageous but funniest in-action dialogue you'll hear. This happens often when trying to sneak up on an enemy. Far Cry also makes use of vehicles like jeeps and hand gliders. It has nice waters, neat blood spills on enemies, especially if shot in the water. Crytek went pretty far with some of the details making games like Soldier of Fortune look like crap. It has your typical weaponry and like most weaponry, the sniper rifle rules all. The sounds are well conceived especially for a game which takes place mostly on islands.
The game also gets more interesting once you pair up with another character in the game. Overall, Far Cry is a good game (as long as you can save anywhere). Not great but good. It doesn't warrant playing again but it is definitely worth the bargain money.
I wish they would do something about its lame box art though.
radcastro.com