Far Cry 3received a re-release withFar Cry 3: Classic Editionback in 2018. This has left some long-term fans of theFar Cryfranchise wondering ifFar Cry 1orFar Cry 2would ever get their own re-releases - or better yet, remasters - in the not-too-distant future.
It seems unlikely that either of the first twoFar Crygames will ever get the same treatment asFar Cry 3, however.
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Finding Far Cry’s Formula
Far Cry 1and2made huge contributions to the series' formula. Both were praised for the level of freedom they gave the player to explore the game’s settings and ally with its different factions, as well as their impressive visuals and dynamic combat. However, neither drew particular attention for their story. The plots didn’t get much negative attention, but compared to the graphics and world they didn’t get much attention at all.
The firstFar Cry’s herowas an ex-Special Forces operative, while the villain was a stereotypical German mad scientist named Dr. Krieger who was performing human mutation experiments.Far Cry 2’s hero was an assassin sent to kill the Jackal, a shadowy arms dealer profiting off of both sides in a war-torn African nation. In both cases, the story starred a burly soldier fighting a bad guy that felt pulled straight out of a James Bond movie, albeit from slightly different eras. When it came to story, it wasFar Cry 3that seemed to find the missing piece of the puzzle.
Far Cry 3’s Secret Weapon
It’s no secret thatFar Cry 3was a huge success for Ubisoft.Michael Mando’s groundbreaking performance as Vaas became one of the most lauded motion-capture performances in gaming even beforeFar Cry 3released. Vaas' scenes were central to Ubisoft’s promotional efforts years before the game released. Future fans had already heard the character’s famous “definition of insanity speech” when an early version of the cutscene was unveiled during Ubisoft’s press conference at E3 2011.
The focus on the villain inFar Cry 3was a noticeable change of tack from earlierFar Crygames.Far Cry 2’s marketing material mentioned the Jackal, but because the Jackal was supposed to be so mysterious the character made no appearance in the trailers. Even his in-game debut was underwhelming compared to Vaas', with Mando’s performance leading to significant shifts in the focus ofFar Cry 3’s storyduring development.
The hero ofFar Cry 3was also very different to the first two games.Far Cry 1and2’s protagonists are highly trained operatives, butFar Cry 3’s “hero” is spoiled twenty-something Jason Brody. While visiting the Rook Islands - a rough analogy to Indonesia intheFar Cryworld- Jason is kidnapped by Vaas as part of an attempted ransom plot, along with his girlfriend, brother, and friends. Over the course of Far Cry 3 Jason transforms from a petulant rich kid into a capable warrior, and, arguably, a bloodthirsty maniac.Far Cry 3can end with Jason killing his friends and submitting to the belief that he is the “Ultimate Warrior” before being killed himself.
Jason may not be as memorable as Vaas, but the dynamic between Jason and Vaas inFar Cry 3was completely different to what fans had seen in the series so far. Vaas begins the game as a terrifying presence, mentally torturing Jason and his brother in a bamboo cage. As the game goes on, it becomes clear that he is, asVaas' sister Citrasister describes him, a coward.
Jason starts as a vacuous vacationer, but ends up living a life that’s just as bloody as Vaas' ever was.Far Cry 3’s story is far from perfect, but as Vaas and Jason circle each other throughout the game their dynamic keeps the story compelling. WhileFar Cryhas had some greatvillains since Vaas, the series has struggled to totally replicate the same hero-villain dynamic that broughtFar Cry 3to life.
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Far Cry 3’s Legacy
Far Cry 1and2may have established the sort of setting and mechanics the series would have, butFar Cry 3transformed expectations aboutFar Cry’s storytelling. At the same time, it locked down a storytelling formula thatUbisoftwould attempt to fulfill again and again in the following games.
SinceFar Cry 3, the series has not always enjoyed the same success.Far Cry 4was well-received, but didn’t feel as revolutionary asFar Cry 3in either its mechanics, graphics, or story.Far Cry Primaltook the series is a very different direction, and was seemingly punished for it when it received mixed reviews.
Far Cry 5went back to the classic charismatic villain - this time in the form of cult leaderJoseph Seed. With a voiceless player character, however, the game could not capture a relationship between the protagonist and Joseph that was as compelling as Vaas and Jason’s.Far Cry New Dawnonce again tried to take the series in a new direction, this time exploring the same setting asFar Cry 5, seven years after a nuclear apocalypse. Once again, however, deviation from the formula first solidified inFar Cry 3was met with mixed reviews.
Far Cry 6will take players to a tropical island as they face down a central charismatic villain, and will see a return to the rough level of realism found inFar Cry 3. There has not been a major successful change to theFar Cryformula since 2012. AFar Cry 3remaster or remake may even be more likely thanFar Cry 1or2getting the same treatment. Many fans are hoping that the introduction of Diego - the son of antagonistAnton Castillo- will add an interesting three-person dynamic that has not been seen before. Whether or not it does remains to be seen, but for nowFar Cry 3remains considered the high-point of the series so far.
Far Cry 3is available now on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
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