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The Far Cry series has evolved significantly since its 2004 debut, transforming from a discarded NVIDIA tech demo into a blockbuster franchise and a cash cow for Ubisoft. With five main installments and numerous expansions across PC and consoles, the arrival of Far Cry 6 was highly anticipated. After a lengthy marketing campaign and a delay to ensure a polished experience, the sixth installment finally launched in October 2021, marking the series’ debut on next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. But does Far Cry 6 live up to the legacy of its predecessors?

Far Cry 6 – Dani Rojas in Yara

Preserving the Core Values

Far Cry 6 successfully retains the core elements that define the series: cutting-edge graphics and open-world freedom. Recalling the original Far Cry, born from Crytek’s ambitious decision to transform the X-Isle: Dinosaur Island tech demo into a full-fledged AAA title, the focus on stunning visuals and unparalleled player agency within a tropical paradise set a precedent for the franchise.

Far Cry 6 – Lush Environments

Far Cry 6 delivers on this visual promise. Trading the snowy mountains of Kyrat and the vibrant landscapes of Montana for the fictional Caribbean island of Yara, players are immersed in a visually stunning world ruled by the tyrannical Antón Castillo. Unlike some previous Ubisoft titles, Far Cry 6’s in-game graphics closely match the pre-release trailers. The game boasts significant graphical upgrades, pushing hardware to its limits with features like an optional 40GB HD Texture Pack capable of displaying on 8K TVs. The implementation of ray tracing for reflections and shadows adds another layer of realism, particularly evident in the reflections of the setting sun on rain-soaked streets.

Far Cry 6 – Detailed Environments

However, this graphical fidelity comes at a cost. Even high-end GPUs like the MSI RX 6600 XT struggle to maintain 60fps at 1080p with maximum settings. Consequently, ray tracing features were omitted from the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions due to performance limitations. Fortunately, the inclusion of AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution helps older hardware achieve playable framerates at high settings.

Far Cry 6 – Exploring Yara

From dense jungles to bustling 1960s-inspired Caribbean towns and opulent tobacco farms, Yara offers a diverse and visually captivating playground for exploration. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, meticulous attention to detail enhances the graphical experience. Suppressed weapons heat up and become louder with sustained fire, tires can be shot out, and even improvised weaponry, like modified nail guns, offers realistic variations in range, accuracy, and damage based on modifications.

Far Cry 6 – Weapon Customization

Far Cry 6 – Environmental Interactions

Further enriching the experience is the integration with Corsair iCUE software, allowing in-game effects to synchronize with compatible peripherals.

Far Cry 6 – Dani with a Weapon

Corsair iCUE Integration

In terms of gameplay, Far Cry 6 embraces the series’ signature freedom. Players can traverse Yara using various vehicles, from cars and horses to tractors and even airplanes. While completing main missions unlocks new areas and progresses the story, exploration remains a key element of the Far Cry experience.

Far Cry 6 – Open World Exploration

A Confused Gameplay Stew

Despite excelling in visuals and open-world traversal, Far Cry 6 suffers from a confused gameplay identity. Ubisoft’s attempt to incorporate numerous trendy features results in a jarring experience. The inclusion of pet companions, typically suited for smaller-scale games, feels out of place in a vast open world. The absurdity of a rocket-powered crocodile chasing the player across the map highlights this disconnect.

Far Cry 6 – Enemy Encounter

Far Cry 6 – Combat Scenario

This lack of focus extends to the gameplay itself. While the game initially encourages stealth, players are simultaneously equipped with overpowered weaponry, like a reloadable rocket backpack. This dissonance undermines the intended gameplay experience and contributes to a poorly implemented AI system. Enemies exhibit illogical behavior, often ignoring fallen comrades, showcasing a level of incompetence reminiscent of titles from a decade ago.

Far Cry 6 – Urban Environment

The overabundance of features, coupled with repetitive mission objectives, dilutes the narrative and diminishes the impact of key story moments. Mini-games like cockfighting and dominoes further distract from the core gameplay experience.

Far Cry 6 – Character Interaction

Ultimately, Far Cry 6 exemplifies Ubisoft’s struggle to maintain a clear vision for its flagship franchises. While the game delivers a visually stunning and expansive world, its confused gameplay identity and technical shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential.