Far Cry Primal: Review

Written by: Adam "ManKorn" Korenman, CC2K Video Games Editor

Ubisoft’s standard bearer is back, but is it worth the price of admission?

Far Cry started as a decent FPS with a fun and unique dynamic. You started each game naked as a newborn, and over the course of many hours became a one-man tank. It wasn’t until FC3 that Ubisoft tapped into a gold vein, setting up a story and gameplay combo that took down many older and more seasoned titles. The game didn’t invent any new technology, or introduce some game-changing tactics. It was just a solid combination of elements from other, older games. 

Crafting had been around for years, but there was something visceral about hunting and skinning animals in order to make new equipment. 

Customization had been around forever, but working hard to afford that new scope or silencer made each of the (fairly standard) weapons feel more personal. 

Even the stealth mechanics were derivative, but they worked well in the setting. You were an American in a foreign land, hunted by all, alone but for your wits and guile.

Of course, the game also had a show-stopping protagonist in Vaas (played brilliantly by Michael Mando of Colony and Better Call Saul).

Far Cry 4, however, lost a lot of the momentum started by its predecessor. The weapons were identical, save a few visual tweaks. The setting was new, but felt just as old. All the animations, sound effects, and even the plot felt recycled and understated. It took a great formula and beat it to death. Even though the game was beautiful, it just couldn’t hold the same interest as 3. 

Fast forward to 2016, and Ubisoft is banking on a major twist to revitalize the franchise. In order to take the series forward, they are making a 12,000 year journey to the past. But is this time trip worth another $60?