Far Cry 3 Game Review: There’s a Jungle Out There!
Welcome to the jungle baby! The PS3 game, Far Cry 3, is a tropical paradise and a nightmare, all wonderfully mixed into one riveting gameplay. Whether it’s fighting the militia, dodging Komodo dragons and tigers (which will definitely ruin your day), diving into the ocean only to be attacked by a shark, Far Cry 3 is an open-world sandbox that beckons to be discovered.
On your journey, as the main protagonist Jason Brody, your main objective is to rescue your other wealthy friends from a psychotic pirate named Vaas. Vaas, by the way, is one of the most fascinating antagonists I’ve come across in a game. He practically steals the show, just as the Joker has done in the Batman Arkham games. Over time, this journey becomes much, much more; and an almost spiritual path of reckoning. While investigating parts of the island, Jason meets the Rakyat tribe, who offer him guidance. Through various trials and achievements, you can level up your journey by acquiring tattoos … thus becoming a true hunter.
In essence, the essence of Far Cry 3 is to liberate enemy outposts. By defeating all the enemies in these areas, they become safe zones that allow you to upgrade, reload ammunition, acquire side missions, etc. Outposts can get started pretty easily … see the bad guy and shoot. Later on, however, stealth may be key. It is imperative to locate an outpost alarm system and disable it; otherwise enemies will sound the alarm calling for reinforcements and ruining your day. Or, you can shoot a tiger cage, thus freeing the animal to attack enemies as it enters and turns off the alarm. Just keep in mind that the tiger or any other animal has no problem attacking you in the process. Another key component is locating, climbing, and activating radio towers (18 total). In doing so, Jason opens up more of the world map, allowing him to get more clues from his missions and areas to go to.
At first, many compared Far Cry 3 to a Skyrim with weapons. While the game doesn’t necessarily enter the 100 hour arena; it may take more than 30 hours to complete most parts of the game. When you add hunting animals, side missions, discovering various plants to make medicinal syringes, playing poker (a fun detour by the way), time flies by.
As an open world game, Far Cry 3 does almost everything right. There are very few bugs to speak of; the combat is fierce and the exploration fascinating. Provide just the right amount of challenge when needed, allow for stealth, or fire weapons when the time is right. It is surely a unique cross between FPS action with a touch of RPG formula. This is one not to be missed!
