Far Cry Primal

I really struggled with my rating on this game. On one hand, I really enjoyed the adventure and how unique the game felt compared to the other Far Cry games. Sometimes the main games feel like a copy>paste with a new villain and a couple interesting side characters. The gameplay, story and environment in this game felt incredibly unique and was oftentimes a privilege to explore and immerse into. But that repetitiveness is still painfully present, emerging around the halfway point. Still, though, I played this game all the way through and even attained the platinum trophy, so I can't say that I hated it.

In summary: It's playable.

Honestly, when "Far Cry Primal" first caught my eye, I looked at its prehistoric setting, scratched my head, and thought, "How is "Far Cry" supposed to work without guns, explosions, and radio towers?" But the project intrigued me with its unusual concept. As it turns out, the developers simply took the familiar formula of the series and wrapped it - quite successfully - in a Stone Age skin, handed me a spear, and sent me off to survive.

The first thing I did in the game? I went after a mammoth. Well, why not? I'm the hero. With a spear. A minute later, I "became" the hero lying breathless under the feet of a massive beast. Fun though! Lesson learned: a mammoth is not a boar - don't charge in without a plan.

What truly impressed me was the graphics. The visuals and the detailed, ancient-world environments are stunning. "Primal's" world is rich with atmosphere - overgrown thickets, dense forests, firelit camps, fur-clad people - everything's crafted with care. Just wandering through this prehistoric land is a pleasure. It feels like you're in a living documentary about the Stone Age - only you can break, burn, or tame everything. No cars, no cities, no radio chatter - just howling beasts at night, the sound of rivers, campfires under the stars, and constant reminders that you're a snack for half the local wildlife. But that's part of the thrill - you always feel like you're living on the edge. Lose focus, and you're gone. But when you hunt smart, gear up right, and prepare for surprises - it's incredibly satisfying.

Yes, there is a plot. It doesn't aim too high, but it works. The people speak in some fictional primitive language - which, instead of being annoying, actually adds immersion. Thanks to subtitles, we understand their thoughts. The missions are fairly varied: you can go hunting, raid enemy camps, gather supplies for your village, build huts, and unlock certain perks.

Despite its Stone Age setting, there's plenty of weaponry: spears, clubs, bows, flaming arrows - everything you need for a cozy evening raid. It's all well-executed: throwing a spear at an enemy isn't just point-and-shoot - and smashing someone with a heavy club? That's pure satisfaction.

And then there's the beast taming. That's just awesome. One animal becomes your ride from point A to B. Another - a snarling, mobile attack unit. A third - an owl scout that gives you a bird's-eye view of enemy locations. It's a brilliant mechanic.

Another thing that stood out was the progression system for both the player and the village. In "Primal", you're not just some lone wanderer in the forest - you're an important tribe member, and that means responsibilities. You need to build shelters, gather resources, rescue tribe members (who'll move into your village and give you quests). As your village grows, so do your capabilities - unlocking new skills and weapons. You really feel the progress, and that's satisfying.

Resource gathering is essential. Without collecting wood, stone, and other primitive bits, you won't get far. Or rather - you won't get "anywhere", since there's no transport. But it's done organically: gather wood - craft arrows, tame an animal - boost confidence, collect animal fat - make firebombs. It's logical and intuitive.

All in all, "Far Cry Primal" is a true "Far Cry" - just without the guns and helicopters. And that prehistoric twist adds a lot of charm. Sure, it may not appeal to everyone, especially if you're into modern firepower. But if you're craving something different - wild, furry, and toothy - this is it. For me, it turned out to be a surprisingly good and memorable game. Yes, the plot's simple, but the atmosphere and uniqueness make up for it. It's a great excuse to imagine what it's like to hunt mammoths in the Stone Age instead of crouching in a trench with an assault rifle.

7 out of 10.

Really underrated. It's really fun and the weapons and pets are the best part of the game. I liked the villains and the voice acting and animations of the cut scenes where great.

Far Cry Primal takes a bold leap by transporting players to the Mesolithic Age, a time when survival was paramount, and nature ruled supreme. Set in the sprawling, prehistoric land of Oros, the game does an impressive job of immersing players in a world without modern technology, replacing guns and explosives with clubs, spears, and primal instincts. This shift in setting and gameplay gives Far Cry Primal a unique place in the series, delivering a raw, visceral adventure unlike any other.

You play as Takkar, a skilled hunter and last surviving member of his tribe, the Wenja. Your mission to unite your scattered people and defend them against rival tribes-the brutish Udam and the fire-worshipping Izila-offers a compelling narrative that resonates with the primal struggle for survival. The game introduces a fascinating "Beast Master" mechanic, allowing Takkar to tame wild animals like wolves, sabretooths, and even mammoths to aid in combat. These animal companions add a new layer of strategy and companionship, making each encounter feel both tense and thrilling.

The world of Oros is beautifully rendered, with dense forests, frozen caves, and treacherous cliffs that feel alive with the sounds of nature. Exploring this ancient world is a pleasure, and the game's use of a proto-Indo-European-inspired language adds authenticity, making it feel like a journey back in time. Every aspect, from the crafting of primitive weapons to the reliance on fire for survival, heightens the immersive experience and makes you appreciate the brutal realities of the Stone Age.

If there's a minor critique, it's that the lack of modern weaponry may feel limiting for some longtime Far Cry fans. The absence of guns and vehicles, while fitting for the setting, might make the combat feel repetitive over time.

Overall, Far Cry Primal is a daring and fresh take on the series that succeeds in creating an atmospheric and challenging survival experience. For fans of the franchise and newcomers alike, it's a beautifully crafted journey into our ancient past, offering a unique twist that's both engaging and unforgettable.

Greetings from Lithuania.

I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy "Far Cry Primal" (2016) while I was playing its story. It has a unique open world, solid gameplay and ... that is pretty much it. Graphics were OK, story - just a bit below average "Ubisoft type of tory". And everything else here is a very basic game. There is nothing original, and if you played any of "Far Cry" games before, you will be at home and probably a bit disappointed despite a cool settings playing this one.

Overall, I Platinum'ed it this game, and it was just OK to be honest. Its pretty easy one, and there is not replay ability for it. A bit unique but eventually one of the most disappointing games in this franchise.