Far Cry 4

By: Robert Murphy

Screenshots and videos have egged me on for months in anticipation over the sequel to one of my favorite games Far Cry 3. Finally being able to return a jungle fraught with danger and chaos around every corner was something that I could not wait for in Far Cry 4 and I may have gotten a little bit more than I was asking for. Chaos and danger have always been ear marks for the open world game play of Far Cry but now more than ever I feared for what would kill me next, especially when I would hear the dreaded word, EAGLE!! This fear aside, I set out in my explorer outfit and a bag full of C4 to see just what the game had in store for me this time around. 

The lovely countryside of Kyrat is where you are destined for this time around and you play a young Ajay Ghale who has returned to this land after his mother left with him as a baby. Determined to fulfill her dying wish and spread her ashes over this troubled land but things go very wrong very quickly and your transportation gets ambushed by Pagan Min, the dictator and leader of the people of Kyrat and all around nut case. He swaggers about in his odd outfits for the first few scenes of the game and then you're rescued by the Golden Path, the rebel forces trying to free themselves of Pagan Min's tyranny but have been unsuccessful for many years. But now the prodigal son has returned as little did you know you're the son of their late leader and have destiny written all over your face or so the people continually tell you over and over again. It seems like that's all people want you to be and so you settle into the role, really given no other choice in the matter as Pagan Min won't let you leave without the odd family reunion he has planned. Pagan Min isn't an all star villain that you're hoping for but he is just crazy enough to make you laugh and smile at his craziness, somewhat of a Handsome Jack or Joker style bad guy but more in the background as you don't see him again till the end of the game. No, you just hear from him once and awhile over your walkie talkie as you run around, taking down propaganda fueled radio tours, Royal army bases and forts and so on. 

The lack of a solid story or viable characters aside, Far Cry 4 still offers you a gigantic world to experience. I'll be honest, for the longest time I let the story slip by me all together, I was to busy exploring, moving from tower to bases, tearing down propaganda posters, hunting for pelts and other side mission fun to be had. I was amazed by all there was to do, Far Cry always boasts a big world with a lot to do but I underestimated just how much there actually was as I got lost for hours roaming around the land of Kyrat. New vehicles and tools also add to the joy of traveling the land, gyrocopters were especially a favorite to my list, soaring over most of the land and dropping in on enemies was always a treat or raining down molotavs in a cluster bomb fashion was gleefully enjoyable. Things of course didn't always go my way as I dropped in a karma mission (a new form of XP collecting that unlock perks such as merchant discounts) taking out all the enemies but not realizing I was in a rhino habitat and getting my butt thoroughly trampled to death. Other features such as the grappling hook were welcomed additions to the game play as well, making treacherous climbs and worrying over how I might be attacked by a damed eagle was a great little adrenaline rush. Even more fun is the added in game co-op that I pleaded for last game, don't get me wrong I enjoyed the normal co-op campaign but having someone jump in on the action and chaos of my campaign was a solid experience. 

What doesn't go over the top or improve much though comes in the way of multiplayer which still doesn't seem to have the flare that single player or co-op offers it's players. Admittedly the experience can be fun especially the new playable class that you can get in multiplayer known as the Rakshasa, who can summon animals instead of getting the regular heavy weapon perks that normal classes get. The rest though doesn't carry much wait as all the stealth assets and play-ability don't transfer over and you end up running around shooting each other or blowing something up. There is though some fun to be had in the map editor that leaves promise for the future, once some hardcore map makers get around to making a few things, there could be some challenges that await in PVP matches, if it happens that is. 

Even though the plot for Far Cry 4 can be forgettable, the experience that you can have across the nation of Kyrat is something that I truly enjoyed even with the familiar feel of Far Cry 3 that is left around it. Smashing elephants through fortresses, flying over amazing sights and so much more can await players if they choose to before or after they play through the story. Chaos is more than plentiful and all the features you love are back and then some but if you were looking for a true successor to the franchise, I don't think Far Cry 4 fits the bill.

Good:

- Campaign co-op is finally here

- The large open world of Kyrat has so much to see and do

- Chaos is everywhere from firefights to animal attacks, you never know whats around the corner for you

Bad:

- The story is a forgettable affair 

- Multiplayer isn't an engaging experience and doesn't bring with it the fun of co-op and single player

- The Far Cry 3 feel is present and doesn't make the game feel like a new experience 

Scully Rating: 8.7 out of 10