The Far Cry series turns 20 this year. Time to take a look back to the history of the iconic series – ranking all ten main games from worst to best!
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There can only be one first place, and I'm sure you know which it is!
Originally released as Far Cry: Instincts for consoles and one year later adapted as Far Cry: Vengeance for the Nintendo Wii, these games follow the story of Jack Carver, a former Special Forces operative stranded on a remote tropical island. You'll navigate treacherous terrain, encounter mercenaries, and battle genetically enhanced creatures.
Both versions received mixed reviews, primarily due to their linear level design, repetitive gameplay mechanics, and lackluster storytelling compared to other entries in the series. Additionally, Far Cry: Vengeance faced criticism for its motion controls on the Wii, which were seen as gimmicky and imprecise.
While these games introduced some interesting ideas and mechanics, they ultimately failed to capture the same level of innovation and excitement as other Far Cry titles, resulting in their lower ratings among fans and critics alike.
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Set seventeen years after the events of Far Cry 5, New Dawn takes players back to the post-apocalyptic landscape of Hope County, Montana. Decimated by nuclear fallout, the world has undergone drastic changes, giving rise to a new breed of survivors known as the Highwaymen.
As the protagonist, you must navigate this harsh and transformed world, forging alliances, scavenging for survival, and confronting the ruthless leaders of the Highwaymen. Despite its attempt to infuse the series with a colorful aesthetic and RPG elements, Far Cry: New Dawn often falls short of its predecessors, criticized for its recycled map and lackluster narrative, ultimately earning its place as one of the lower-rated entries in the franchise.
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Far Cry 6 takes you to the fictional Caribbean island of Yara, where you step into the shoes of Dani Rojas, a guerrilla fighter determined to overthrow the tyrannical dictator, Anton Castillo, and free the oppressed people of Yara. As you traverse the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Yara, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, engage in intense guerrilla warfare, and uncover the dark secrets shrouding Castillo's regime.
Despite boasting stunning visuals, immersive storytelling, and dynamic gameplay, Far Cry 6 has received mixed reviews. While some appreciate its thrilling journey through a world on the brink of revolution, others criticize its formulaic approach and lack of innovation compared to previous entries in the series, resulting in its placement as one of the less favorably received Far Cry games.
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Far Cry Primal thrusts you into the Stone Age, where you must endure the challenges of a brutal and untamed wilderness teeming with prehistoric predators like saber-toothed tigers, mammoths and cave bears and rival tribes. Taking on the role of Takkar, a skilled hunter and member of the Wenja tribe, you must fight your way through this perilous landscape, scavenge for resources, and forge alliances to ensure the survival of your people.
While Far Cry Primal offers a unique and immersive glimpse into humanity's primal past, its reliance on survival mechanics and limited progression options leaves it ranked lower among the Far Cry series. Don't get me wrong, Primal is a great game with a fantastic, unique approach and setting. It just doesn't feel like Far Cry, so it fails to captivate audiences to the same extent as its predecessors.
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Far Cry 5 is set in the heart of rural Montana, where you face off against the fanatical doomsday cult known as the Project at Eden's Gate, led by the charismatic yet dangerous Joseph Seed. As a deputy sheriff, your mission is to rally the resistance and free the besieged citizens of Hope County from the cult's oppressive rule.
With its expansive open world brimming with diverse wildlife and captivating landmarks, Far Cry 5 provides a rich narrative to explore. The game is highly regarded by fans for its memorable characters, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking storyline that challenges your beliefs and values.A love letter to 1980s action movies and retro sci-fi aesthetics, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon throws you into a neon-soaked dystopian future filled with cyborgs, mutants, and over-the-top humor. As Sergeant Rex "Power" Colt, you must battle your way through hordes of enemies, uncover a sinister conspiracy, and save the world from total annihilation.
With its tongue-in-cheek humor, explosive action, and nostalgic references, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon offers a unique and unforgettable spin on the Far Cry formula.
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Far Cry 2 drops you into the heart of an unnamed African country torn apart by civil war and political upheaval. As a mercenary tasked with assassinating an arms dealer known as "The Jackal," you must fight your way through a vast and unforgiving landscape, forging alliances, battling rival factions, and contending with the harsh realities of war.
With its emphasis on player choice, dynamic gameplay, and immersive storytelling, Far Cry 2 offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of conflict in a war-torn world. Its stunning graphics bring the African landscape to life with breathtaking detail, from the shimmering heat of the Savannah to the lush jungles teeming with life.
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Far Cry 1 takes you to a remote tropical island overrun by mercenaries and genetically modified creatures. As Jack Carver, a former Special Forces operative, you must cross the hazardous terrain, uncover the secrets of the island, and survive against overwhelming odds.
With its groundbreaking graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and immersive atmosphere, Far Cry 1 set the standard for the modern first-person shooter genre, delivering an unforgettable adventure filled with action, suspense, and unexpected twists.
Its sprawling open-world design encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing you to approach each encounter in your own unique way, further enhancing the sense of immersion and freedom that defines the Far Cry experience.
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Set in the fictional Himalayan country of Kyrat, Far Cry 4 introduces you to Ajay Ghale, a young man returning to his homeland to scatter his mother's ashes. Upon arrival, Ajay becomes embroiled in a civil war between the oppressive regime of Pagan Min and the rebel forces seeking to overthrow him. You will have to forge alliances, battle wildlife, and engage in intense guerrilla warfare.
With its breathtaking landscapes, complex characters, and morally ambiguous choices, Far Cry 4 offers a captivating experience that pushes the boundaries of open-world gaming. Its richly detailed world and immersive storyline invite you to explore every corner of Kyrat, uncovering hidden secrets and confronting difficult moral dilemmas along the way, ensuring an unforgettable journey through a land torn apart by conflict and ambition.
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Surprise! In Far Cry 3, you step into the shoes of Jason Brody, a young man vacationing with his brother and friends on the Rook Islands. What begins as an adventure soon turns into a nightmare when they're captured by pirates. As Jason, you're thrown into a world of survival, where you must confront ruthless mercenaries and unravel the mysteries of the island.
With its compelling storyline, memorable characters like the unhinged villain Vaas Montenegro, and a sprawling open world filled with activities and challenges, Far Cry 3 solidified its place as a modern classic in the first-person shooter genre.
Its seamless blend of action, exploration, and narrative depth immerses you in a gripping tale of survival and self-discovery, offering unparalleled freedom to explore and conquer the exotic yet perilous world of the Rook Islands.
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The Far Cry series turns 20 this year. Time to take a look back to the history of the iconic series – ranking all ten main games from worst to best!
© Ubisoft
The Far Cry series turns 20 this year. Time to take a look back to the history of the iconic series – ranking all ten main games from worst to best!
© Ubisoft