GameNow Review

Far Cry review

8.6Critic average / 10
81.7%Steam positive reviews · 12K
No player reviews yet

Release date
Developer
Crytek
Publisher
Ubisoft, Buka Entertainment
Genres
first-person shooter, science fiction video game
Systems
PS3 · Windows · Xbox 360
Image credits

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At a glance

Far Cry is a must-play for fans of first-person shooters who appreciate technical innovation and immersive gameplay. While it may frustrate players with its steep learning curve and lack of quick save options, the game's visual and gameplay advancements make it a landmark title in the genre.

Full review ↓

What works

  • Innovative graphics and technical achievements
  • Highly adaptable gameplay and AI
  • High replay value with varied strategies

What doesn’t

  • Challenging difficulty in later stages
  • Lack of quick save feature

GameNow review

Far Cry review: A Technical Marvel in First-Person Shooters

Far Cry, released in 2004, is celebrated for its groundbreaking graphics and immersive gameplay, though it faces criticism for its challenging difficulty and lack of quick save features.

Review updated ·

This summary reflects the cited sources, which may describe earlier versions. The update date does not confirm a new playtest or the current patch.

Graphics and Technical Prowess

Far Cry is renowned for its visually stunning graphics, which were a result of the game's use of the CryENGINE, originally developed for NVIDIA's graphics card demonstrations. Critics praised the game's ability to render expansive environments without significant loading times, allowing players to explore vast open-world areas freely. The game's technical achievements were widely acknowledged, earning it recognition in various awards, including runner-up placements for GameSpot's 'Best Shooter' and 'Best Graphics, Technical' awards.

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Gameplay and AI

The gameplay in Far Cry is praised for its flexibility and the high level of artificial intelligence in enemy characters. Players can choose from multiple strategies to progress through the game, whether it's engaging in direct combat, stealthily avoiding enemies, or utilizing vehicles to outmaneuver foes. The AI's adaptability to player actions adds a layer of realism, making enemies seem unpredictable and human-like. However, some players noted that the game's difficulty spikes significantly in later stages, particularly due to the introduction of more resilient enemies, which can make the game frustratingly challenging.

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Replay Value and Commercial Success

Far Cry's combination of open-world exploration and dynamic AI contributes to its high replay value, as players can discover new strategies and outcomes in repeated playthroughs. Despite facing competition from other major titles like Half-Life 2 and Doom 3, Far Cry achieved significant commercial success, selling over 730,000 units within four months of its release. It also received multiple awards, including a 'Gold' certification from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland, indicating sales of at least 100,000 units in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

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What works

  • Innovative graphics and technical achievements
  • Highly adaptable gameplay and AI
  • High replay value with varied strategies

What doesn’t

  • Challenging difficulty in later stages
  • Lack of quick save feature

Verdict

Far Cry is a must-play for fans of first-person shooters who appreciate technical innovation and immersive gameplay. While it may frustrate players with its steep learning curve and lack of quick save options, the game's visual and gameplay advancements make it a landmark title in the genre.

Sources

This review was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed here, then checked automatically so that no source text is copied. Scores from outlets are facts recorded on Wikidata.

Source publications: wikipedia.org

  1. Far Cry (video game) — Wikipedia (en) en.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. Far Cry — Wikipedia (ja) ja.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0

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