Far Cry 4

I'd never played one before but my friend insisted I had to buy this one so we could play together -- he wanted to take advantage of the co-op. Truthfully, I went expecting to hate it. Just didn't seem up my alley. In reality, I ended up really enjoying myself. Not a masterpiece but still a great time!

Far cry 4 took everything good the previous installment had had and made it better. It's bloody, funny and serious at the same time, with charismatic characters and beautiful locations.

'Far Cry 4 (2014)' uses pretty much the same gameplay systems as its immediate predecessor, for the most part simply swapping out its story and its location. Those two factors are fairly major in setting it apart, though. This time, the thing loses all pretences of being a satirical look at the complicity in violence of its player-base, instead focusing on delivering a relatively nuanced story with more straightforward narrative theming. It also removes the 'white saviour' aspect of prior titles by having its protagonist return to the place of his birth at the start of the game. Of course, he gets caught up in a civil war, participating in bringing down a local regime simply to find some personal closure. The thing does a great job of tying these two aspects together, especially as it reaches its conclusion. It also features branching mission paths that don't change the overarching story so much as emphasise the 'give and take' aspects of each route. For example, whether you blow up a drugs farm or reclaim it - a choice between morals and money - will have ramifications for the next generation far after your time here is over. Obviously, the game and its world don't continue when you turn off your console, but they almost feel like they do; the choices you make may not have all that much impact - they don't affect the gameplay, for instance - but they still feel important. The game itself consists of clearing out bases, climbing up towers, finding hidden caches, hunting to make equipment, delivering arms to resistance fighters and working your way through the story, ultimately aiming towards a clear goal outlined at the very start of the campaign. It's highly enjoyable and doesn't get dull. The ending is actually satisfying, too. Overall, this is probably the best game in the series. 8/10

A few months ago I played and finished Far Cry 4, from the beginning to end I was loving it! Now, voice acting isn't spot on as well as animation, but what can you fully expect from a game of 2014? All and all amazing!

After being pleasantly surprised by Far Cry 3, my anticipation for Far Cry 4 was high. This installment takes place in a fictional country inspired by Nepal, where you return to pay your respects to your late mother, only to encounter Pagan Min, the game's main antagonist. What follows is a tense encounter that leads you to join the resistance and embark on a quest to overthrow him.

Gameplay-wise, Far Cry 4 feels very similar to its predecessor. While there are some improvements and new abilities, the core mechanics largely mirror those of Far Cry 3. This isn't necessarily a bad thing-if you enjoyed the previous game, you'll likely appreciate the familiar feel of combat, exploration, and crafting. However, it's hard not to notice that Ubisoft seems to be sticking to a well-worn formula, raising questions about the series' innovation.

The game features a variety of content, including a main narrative, side quests, and numerous activities. These activities range from base capturing and animal hunting to racing and arena combat. The action set pieces are engaging, and the main missions deliver thrilling moments, though they include more exposition than in the past. While this adds some depth to the story, it can also slow the pace at times.

Technically, the game performs well, with improved graphics that enhance the visual experience. However, it's worth noting that a jungle environment generally offers more vibrant visuals than the mountainous landscapes featured in this game. The soundtrack is serviceable, though it may not leave a lasting impression. The voice acting is strong, particularly Troy Baker's performance as Pagan Min, which adds a compelling dimension to the character.

The addition of new gameplay elements, such as flying a gyrocopter and riding elephants, injects some fresh excitement into the experience. These features allow for engaging gameplay moments and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game.

In terms of story, while I found the narrative in Far Cry 3 to be more compelling, Far Cry 4's story is still worth engaging with. It has its highlights and twists, but I won't delve into specifics to avoid spoilers.

I spent about 30 hours completing the game, and while I enjoyed my time with it, I couldn't shake the feeling that the sequel curse was in play. The experience lacked the same sense of novelty that I felt during my playthrough of the previous installment.

Overall, I'd rate Far Cry 4 an 8/10. It offers a solid gameplay experience with familiar mechanics and engaging set pieces, but it doesn't quite capture the same magic as its predecessor. If you're a fan of the series, you'll find plenty to enjoy; just don't expect a groundbreaking leap forward.