With it's mix of amazing graphics and intense firefights, Far Cry is one of 2004's best shooters.
This game looks absolutely breathtaking. It's tropical setting is a nice change from the usually grim post-apocalyptic or slick alien corridor backdrops FPS fans have become accustomed to. There are some interior levels, but the graphics shine best while sniping from a mountaintop and being able to see enemies from what must be over 1000 metres, or while hang gliding over a chain of islands as gunfire tries to bring you down. To complement the graphics engine, Far Cry has some fantastic level designs. One level has you driving a speedboat down a river with enemy encampments lining the banks. Another has you fighting on a pathway amongst the treetops. Many others have you sneaking (or shooting, your choice) through lush jungles which all feel different. There are no levels that feel like rehashes, which is a good thing, since there are a lot of levels here compared to your standard shooter.
The story is really the only average part of the game. You end up on an island surrounded by mercenaries, and later mutants, and you need to fight your way to the man responsible for it all. The only saving grace of the story are the cut scenes, which sport dialogue that's obviously not taking itself seriously.
The gameplay is well done. Your movement and weapons are pretty standard, but your enemies are not. Prepare to be outsmarted by the AI when you play this game. In open areas you will be flanked. In corridors you will be flushed out with grenades. Enemies will take cover and provide supporting fire for each other. Prepare to be killed numerous times in certain levels.
The music in this game, while nothing special, does seem to turn it up a notch in heated battles. At the same time, it knows when to die down and let you focus on ambient sounds and dialogue around you, which are all well done. The weapons all have really characteristic sounds, from the blast of the shotgun to the hiss of the rockets, and hearing the growl of a group of mutants you can't see will be enough to put you on edge.
One of the great things about this game is the level of detail that has been put into it. Magazines and posters litter the barracks. Conversations can be heard from afar with the binoculars. Fish hang on hooks near the shore, and believe me when I say you'll know when a flashbang grenade backfires on you.
To be quite honest, the only problem I had with this game was its almost insane level of difficulty. I played at the 3rd of 5 difficulty settings, and I still don't understand who thought it was a good idea that the stronger mutants take 50 machine gun rounds to the head, at point blank range, until they go down. At the same time, 2 hits from the first mutant I encountered ended my game. If you want my advice, save yourself hours of frustration. Play Far Cry on the easy setting.
Far Cry is both a technical marvel and a thrill to play. Anyone with an interest in shooters should play it. It's every bit as important to the genre, and games in general, as any FPS out there.