Highlights

  • Far Cry 2, released in 2008, introduced a highly-realistic open-world sandbox experience unlike any other at the time.
  • The game was built on the Dunia engine, offering state-of-the-art physics systems and visuals for a more grounded feel.
  • While some fans desire a return to a more realistic Far Cry game, others prefer the familiar, less challenging formula of the modern entries. With divisive mechanics like weapons jamming, another experience like FC2 would be risky.

Released all the way back in 2004, the first Far Cry saw players take control of a former US Spec Ops operative thrust onto an unknown tropical island. Being the first game ever to use Crytek's renowned CryEngine, the first Far Cry was a truly groundbreaking game, and one of the earliest first-person shooters to let players freely explore a more open-ended environment. But four years later, Far Cry 2 would rear its head, eclipsing its predecessor in every way.

Hitting store shelves in 2008, Far Cry 2 delivered one of the most impressive FPS experiences to date, offering up a highly-reactive, highly-realistic open-world sandbox unlike any other at the time. Built on the Dunia engine - a modified version of the original CryEngine - Far Cry 2 was able to offer some state-of-the-art physics systems and visuals, giving the game a more grounded feel. Though it wasn't everyone's cup of tea, there's no denying that Far Cry 2 was unique, and there's an argument to be made for another game like it in the Far Cry franchise.

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Making Another Realistic Far Cry Game Would Be a Double-Edged Sword

The Case For Another Realistic Far Cry Game

One of the biggest arguments for the Far Cry franchise to return to its more realistic roots is that it would significantly shake up the franchise's current formula. The pioneer of the now-infamous Ubisoft open-world formula, the Far Cry franchise has remained largely the same since Far Cry 3's release back in 2012. Though the settings, faces, weapons, and vehicles have changed, the last four mainline Far Cry games - and the remaining three spin-offs - have all followed the same general structure, dropping players into a vast open-world and tasking them with helping out locals, hunting animals, upgrading gear, liberating outposts, and activating radio towers all in an attempt to eventually defeat the big bad.

After over a decade of experiencing this same formula over and over again, many Far Cry fans are desperate for a big change, and following in Far Cry 2's more realistic footsteps could offer just that. With more of a focus on state-of-the-art physics systems and graphics, Far Cry could once again stand out as the juggernaut AAA franchise it once was. Though a more realistic approach might result in a more challenging game, that would hopefully be counter-balanced by the sense of reward that players get from overcoming these well-designed challenges.

A more realistic approach would also fit Far Cry 7's rumored premise well. According to various leaks over the last year or so - most of which have come from Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson - Far Cry 7's story could see players having to rescue their kidnapped family members within a time limit. A more realistic approach to gameplay would suit this time-limit premise perfectly, adding a much grander sense of stakes, with each intense, challenging battle feeling like a hard-fought step towards freeing loved ones.

The Case Against Another Realistic Far Cry Game

While some Far Cry fans are pleading for a change in the franchise's formula, there's still a good portion of the player-base that is simply content with the familiar style the series has embraced time and time again. With a simple yet compelling gameplay loop, a story that often stays in the background, and fairly non-challenging combat encounters, Far Cry has become a sort of comfort food for some gamers. And if those fans are suddenly presented with a more challenging, more realistic Far Cry game instead of an easily enjoyable, comforting experience, then it's going to feel a bit alienating. Additionally, while features in Far Cry 2 like managing the player character's disease and weapons jamming were seen as immersive to some players, others found them tedious and could be unhappy to see their comeback.