Let’s take a trip back to 2012, when Ubisoft was still that cool game developer we all loved, and the idea of “open world” hadn’t yet become synonymous with “copy-paste side quests.” Enter Far Cry 3, the game that made us all realize that tropical islands aren’t just vacation spots—they’re playgrounds for psychotic villains and endless chaos. Now, I’ve been around the block with the Far Cry series, having dabbled in the original game, Far Cry 2, and even the overlooked gem Far Cry Instincts. But Far Cry 3? This one was different. It wasn’t just another shooter. It was an experience.
The Story: What the Hell Have I Gotten Myself Into?
The premise of Far Cry 3 is simple: you’re Jason Brody, a guy whose vacation goes straight to hell when he and his friends are kidnapped by a bunch of pirate assholes on a lawless island. The game wastes no time letting you know that this isn’t going to be your typical shooter experience—no, this is survival of the fittest, with a twisted narrative thrown in for good measure.
The first thing that hits you is Vaas Montenegro, the game’s antagonist, who is basically the poster child for chaotic evil. The dude is unhinged in the best (and worst) ways possible, and he quickly sets the tone for what you’re about to endure. It’s not just about shooting bad guys; it’s about unraveling the insanity of this island and trying to keep your own sanity intact in the process.
Gameplay: Open World Done Right
Far Cry 3’s gameplay is where it really shines. The island is vast, open, and ready for you to wreak havoc upon. Whether you’re stealthily taking out enemy outposts, hunting wildlife to craft better gear, or just causing general mayhem with a flamethrower, the game offers a variety of ways to tackle any situation. And unlike some of the cookie-cutter open-world games we’re bombarded with today, Far Cry 3’s world feels alive and dangerous.
The freedom to approach missions in multiple ways is what keeps the game from feeling repetitive. You want to snipe from a distance and pick off enemies one by one? Go for it. Prefer a more up-close-and-personal approach with a machete? Have at it. Or maybe you’re like me, and you enjoy luring a tiger into an enemy camp just to watch the chaos unfold. The possibilities are endless, and the game rewards you for thinking outside the box.
Weapons and Combat: Suck it, Call of Duty
Let me get this out of the way: I’m not a fan of Call of Duty. I’ve never understood the appeal of running around tiny maps, getting headshotted by 12-year-olds who have nothing better to do with their lives. But Far Cry 3? Now, this is how you do combat in a first-person shooter.
The weapons in Far Cry 3 feel weighty, and there’s a tangible satisfaction in pulling off a headshot from 300 yards away with a bow. There’s a great selection of firearms, but the game really shines when you embrace the more unconventional weapons. Flamethrowers, explosives, and bows give you a feeling of creativity that’s sorely lacking in the Call of Duty franchise. Plus, the game’s stealth mechanics are top-notch. Nothing beats sneaking through the jungle, taking down enemies silently, and feeling like a total badass in the process.
The World: A Character All Its Own
One of the most impressive things about Far Cry 3 is how the island itself feels like a living, breathing character. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s an active participant in your story. The lush jungles, sprawling beaches, and treacherous cliffs are more than just eye candy—they’re integral to the gameplay. You’ll find yourself using the environment to your advantage constantly, whether it’s hiding in foliage to ambush enemies or scaling cliffs to get the drop on an outpost.
The wildlife also adds an unpredictable element to the game. Sure, you might be planning the perfect assault on an enemy camp, but what happens when a Komodo dragon suddenly decides you look like lunch? Or when a pack of rabid dogs interrupts your stealth mission? The island is dangerous, and it keeps you on your toes at all times.
A Few Gripes: The Map of My Dreams… Or Nightmares?
As much as I love Far Cry 3, I’d be lying if I said it was perfect. The map, while expansive and beautiful, can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. There’s so much to do, so many collectibles to find, and so many side missions to complete that it can be easy to get distracted from the main story. But hey, if you’re the kind of person who loves ticking off every box on a map, this might not even be a complaint for you. For me, it occasionally felt like I was drowning in content—but in a good way.
And then there’s the protagonist, Jason Brody. He’s fine, I guess, but he’s also kind of bland. He starts out as this rich, spoiled kid who transforms into a hardened warrior, but his character development feels a bit forced at times. I found myself more invested in the villains than in Jason’s journey, which is both a testament to the game’s fantastic bad guys and a critique of its main character.
Final Thoughts: Does It Hold Up?
Absolutely. Far Cry 3 remains a shining example of how to do an open-world first-person shooter right. The combination of a compelling story, diverse gameplay mechanics, and a richly detailed world makes it a standout in the genre—even all these years later. While I haven’t played the newer Far Cry games yet (and, honestly, I’m a little hesitant given the current state of Ubisoft), Far Cry 3 still holds a special place in my heart.
If you’ve somehow never played this game, do yourself a favor and dive into the insanity. Whether you’re a fan of shooters, open-world games, or just love a good story, Far Cry 3 has something for everyone—except maybe those Call of Duty fans who wouldn’t know a good open world if it smacked them in the face. But for the rest of us? It’s a must-play.
Stay snarky,
~Rita 🖤