I’ve always been a big fan of the Far Cry series, ever since the first Far Cry games were released. While the games have had some mixed reviews, especially the spin-off games, I’ve always appreciated the tried and tested format of evil villains, vehicle chases, explosions, and carnage.
Far Cry 6 had me hooked within minutes. Although I didn’t feel the same impact from the initial meet with Castello that I did with Vaas, Pagan Min, and Joseph Seed, Far Cry 6 soon makes up for that in abundance.
Yara; Far Cry 6's Vast & Beautiful map
The first thing I noticed about the fictional island of Yara is just how big it is. While other maps in the series have been sizeable, they’ve clearly gone all out on making Yara.
But it’s not just the size that’s had a noticeable upgrade. The island feels alive, more than any other game I’ve played before. From beaches filled with tiny crabs to giant planes crop dusting fields, you never feel alone on the island.
For the sake of this Far Cry 6 review, Ubisoft kindly provided us with copies of Far Cry 6 for both PS5 and Xbox Series X. Even with such high levels of detail, and so much life in Yara, both consoles perform amazingly with no signs of struggle or stutters.
Yara is split up into several areas, all of which are massive and unique. It’s to the point that it almost feels overwhelming trying to get around the whole map and explore it in detail.
Yara is the perfect idyllic holiday island, sand, sun, palm trees and a egotistical dictator that want's to turn paradise into a 'Yaran Paradise' through tyranny and oppression.
Anton Castillo Far Cry 6's Dictator Antagonist
Every Far Cry game since the introduction of Vaas has featured a primary antagonist. These antagonists have become more of a selling point in the game than the protagonists themselves.
For Far Cry 6, Ubisoft stepped up their game a notch, taking on Giancarlo Esposito to play the role as the Yaran president Anton Castillo.
Antón’s son Diego also plays a large role in Far Cry 6, as you watch the emotional battle between father and son on a grand scale.
As expected Giancarlo Esposito gives an amazing performance, as he slowly watches his country defy him in his attempt to bring ‘true Yaran’s’ together to create the perfect paradise he promised them.
Far Cry 6 Gameplay
While there have been some changes and new additions to Far Cry 6, much of the gameplay feels the same as the previous games in the series. Not that that’s a bad thing necessarily.
Some of the new features include:
- Gear Perks: Gain special perks for completing gear sets
- Resolver upgrades & weapons: new improvised weapons, and upgrades
- Supremos: backpacks that shoot out missiles, these can range from explosive to gas clouds
- Customizable Vehicles: You can now add weapons, or even new parts to your vehicles as well as being able to paint them
- Cock Fighting: Collect chickens and pit them against others in the new Street Fighter style cockfights
While the new features are a welcomed addition to the series, the game does mostly follow the same tried and tested formula, which works well.
As with all Far Cry games, there are a number of impressive weapons in your arsenal. This includes both old ones making a coming back, and newer, more whacky ones, like the CD launcher that subjects its victims to The Macarena before they die.
Far Cry 6 continues to deliver high-octane action, deep and immersive storylines, and tongue-in-cheek fashion.
My only real gripe with Far Cry 6 is that I miss having a human sidekick with me. Having the animals as amigos is great, but it doesn’t compare to having a sniper or even Nick Rye and his air support from Far Cry 5.
It’s not a huge issue that would put me off playing the game, but rather something that I wish would have been included as an option to choose between some human or animal companions.
Summary: Is Far Cry 6 Worth Buying?
I could use a ton of fancy words to express why I feel Far Cry 6 is worth the money, but instead, let me just answer the question with a picture.
Look at that face, how could you not want to wander around Yara with this adorable puppy distracting your enemies while you stab them in the back.
As well as winning me over with what’s clearly the cutest puppy ever, Far Cry is a solid entry to the series that continues to deliver and excite.
There are clear political messages within the game, but at the same time, Far Cry 6 doesn’t take itself too seriously, creating the perfect balance.
