Judging by the massive amount of near perfect review scores, Far Cry 3 is another contender for game of the year. It looks like Ubisoft
kept everything that was good about Far Cry 2 and added a whole lot of
great new features to the formula. Check out the review scores below,
courtesy of CVG.
- OXM UK: 9/10 - Far Cry 3 isn't too much of a departure, once you actually get to grips with the landscape that stretches behind that fidgety, histrionic exterior. It is, however, handily the best game in the series so far, and deserves to hold its head high among this winter's noisy crowd of sandbox offerings. If madness is repetition, this is one reworking of a formula I don't mind losing my mind to.
- Eurogamer: 10/10 - In the past, Far Cry's vision of a first-person shooter RPG where you explore, master and then control your environment has always been more seductive on paper than any of its developers have managed to deliver on disc. Far Cry 3 changes all that. For me, this is the new apex predator of open-world shooters. Hunt it down as soon as you can.
- IGN: 9.0 - Far Cry 3's dark story and exciting combat are equally unpredictable. Savor its incredible open world.
- VideoGamer: 9/10 - Far Cry 3 shines in its campaign, which is more layered and compelling than any game proffering a power trip through escapist ultraviolence has any right to be. You could dismiss it all as offensive macho garbage, sure, but you could also read it as a unblinking look at the primal appeal of becoming capable at dishing out violence and how the confidence this confers can both attract and repel others. It's the sort of impact that could only be made by a video game, as in this medium neither responsibility for one's actions nor risk to one's well-being are realistic concerns. It's like disconnecting one's mind from reality; nothing is real, everything is permitted and madness is the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card.
- StrategyInformer: 9.0 - Far Cry 3 is a triumph that stands out from every other shooter released this year. It'll frustrate sometimes, but hey, you can punch a shark in the face. In the face!
- 1UP: B- - Despite its heady aspirations, Ubisoft's open-world FPS remains popcorn entertainment.
- God is a Geek: 9/10 - Far Cry 3 is a resounding success, the sheer amount of things that you can spend your time doing make it a purchase that screams value for money. Add on top of that the story, the voice acting, the multiplayer aspects and all the gameplay elements which make Far Cry 3 a joy to play from start to finish, you're left with a game that will be in most people's Game of the Year nominations.
- Official PlayStation Magazine: 9 - Far Cry 3's real triumph is blending so many elements into a cohesive whole without any feeling extraneous or tacked-on. Every element works and has its place, and contributes to a narrative that may not be class-leading but certainly exceeds expectations. It also possesses the perfect balance between steadily empowering you, yet never allowing you to feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of what's on offer - something even a game as great as Arkham City couldn't manage.
- GamesRadar: 4.5/5 - Far Cry 3 doesn't need a strong multiplayer component because its single-player campaign will keep you invested for dozens of hours. You'll be eager to explore every bit of the tropical setting, to drive along the beach or hang glide over the ocean. You'll want to find lost treasures in the sunken ships that line the island's periphery and stab sharks to death for their valuable skins. You'll be compelled to save Jason's friends--even if they're super annoying--because attempting to do so means experiencing some of the most interesting missions you've likely seen in a shooter. And when tigers, bears, or other distractions randomly interrupt those missions, you'll have some pretty awesome stories to tell. That's just how Far Cry 3 rolls.
- IB Tech: 7/10 - Far Cry 3 is not quite the marriage of art and entertainment that it wants to be, but it's nevertheless packed with ideas that are unique to games, while still being lots of fun to play.
- IncGamers: 9/10 - Brutal, dark, well-written, and deeply enjoyable. Far Cry 3 takes a lot of its predecessors ideas and makes them work.
- RockPaperShotgun: No score - This new game doesn't quite manage to clinch 2012 for me, but I have awkward tastes. For most people, I suspect, this will be cocktails and barbecues on the beach. Right as the year closes, we have another reason to be cheerful.
- Kotaku: No score - Far Cry 3 is an example of the rare ambitious, big-budget game that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do-chaotic yet controlled, with a brilliantly-balanced mechanical ecosystem that challenges and empowers at every turn. It's a wild ride, and one well worth taking. Just watch out for crocodiles.
- Canadian Online Gamers: 90 - Far Cry 3 has effectively managed to bring a level of unparalleled insanity to a franchise that listens to its fans and manages to effectively redefine itself with each outing. Far Cry 3′s deep open world experience filled with its cast of unforgettably insane characters, entertaining storyline, vibrant visuals and varied gameplay makes it one of the best open world games to touch down in 2012. While the multiplayer aspects of the game are not quite as memorable and have fallen a bit behind other triple A shooters already on the market, as an entire package Far Cry is an impressive feat and one that should be under a lot of trees this holiday season.
- Digital Spy: 4/5 - Despite a surprising amount of repetition within the single-player campaign, Far Cry 3 is a wonderful shooter with lots of secrets to discover and a huge game world to explore. Taking place in a stunning environment and featuring a compelling narrative, as well as an excellent cast of characters, Far Cry 3 offers hours of enjoyment, something which is greatly extended thanks to its competitive and co-operative multiplayer modes.
