If you’re dead set on playing, try to track down a copy of Far Cry Instincts: Predator, which includes the features of all the different versions as well as a more open map. Far Cry was re-released as Far Cry: Instincts, Far Cry Instincts: Predator, and Far Cry Evolution – these are altered version of the game that were made to run on different hardware and provide different gameplay experiences. I recommend watching a Let’s Play on Youtube if you’re very interested. This game was actually developed by Crytek, not Ubisoft, so it’s perhaps interesting in that retrospective sense as well. It’s very much the epitome of the mid-2000’s string of “buff white military man with big guns power fantasy.” Again, these graphics were really impressive in 2004, but today… well, we’ll just say they haven’t aged as well as we’d have liked. You’ll follow former Spec Ops officer Jack Carver to an unnamed tropical island to rescue a journalist who’s gone missing, and take down a mad scientist conducting horrific genetic experiments.

Impressive at the time of release in 2004, and pushing the Cryengine to its limit, Far Cry set up the franchise’s tentpole features (like exploration, upgrades, and biomes) in a solid way, but the clunky gameplay just isn’t worth the admittedly interesting story. While it presented a lot of neat ideas, and the basis of what would become the “Ubisoft open world formula,” it hasn’t aged well. Unless you are already a fan, do not bother with Far Cry 1. This is one of my favorite franchises, and I’ve put several hundred hours into it over the years, so below is a quick recap of what each game offers in terms of story and gameplay, followed by a summary of my thoughts on where you should get started.

What’s up with Far Cry? Is it just a game series about shooting dudes and climbing towers? Whether it’s because of Giancarlo Esposito’s (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian) starring role as the villain of Far Cry 6 or your hunt for a new checklist game to grind out listening to podcasts, if you’re new to this long-running franchise, we’ve got you covered.

Fusion 360 for beginners youtube