Initially I wasn't very interested in this game, but since I've learned more about it and seen the demos, it goes right to the top of my list of most anticipated games. I know some people find open environments boring, but I really like them, because I enjoy exploring in FPS games. I really get tired of being constrained to a single path, which is apparent in so many shooters these days.
I'm glad they ditched the mutant angle for this sequel. While it was okay in the original Far Cry, I thought that the further I went in that game it just become a bit ridiculous, the level design became more lazy and they just threw hordes of dumb monsters at you. By contrast, I really enjoyed the first half of Far Cry when you were mostly fighting mercs, using stealth if you wanted to etc.
When it comes to Far Cry 2 I think this is a good example of where graphics can really impact how the game is played. That is how I feel graphics (which in this example includes animations and environment interaction) should be utilised. It's pointless having lots of shiny bling all over the place if you can never affect the environment and the gameplay ends up being a mediocre linear experience where you will always do the same thing. If you can change the game dynamics through the visuals and environmental interaction it makes for a much better experience, and this is where many games fail.
I'm getting pretty tired of on-the-rails linear closed environment shooters, so another open environment 'choose how you play' type shooter is right up my alley. I think the really key issue they need to nail for FC2 is the AI. If they can get some realistic enemy behaviours in there, and deliver the game with as few bugs as possible then I think it will be a great game.
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