Far Cry 4

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.