Far Cry 2

This game is great, admitedly I love Africa and the game feels very real to me.
I can understand the frustrations of having to drive from point A to point B BUT you can remove a huge junk of frustration by getting the bus. You get on the bus and voila, you are transfered to a bus depot on the other side of the map. Nick a car at the bus stop and off you go. Before I discovered the bus I got a bit frustarated (but I loved the scenary etc).
If you try getting the bus and still don't like it then fair enough, I guess it isn't for everybody, but I enjoyed it as much as COD4. In fact, probably a tiny bit more, as a bit more stealth is involved.
I especially enjoyed "bagging" a Springbok from 500yards.

Ubisofts sequel shares little with the Crytek original. The sci-fi leanings have been removed; in fact the only real similarity is the jungle setting. Controversially, the setting for Fary Cry 2 is Africa. However, its more like a safari version than anything seen on TV. The population comprises a baffling selection of nationalities, reinforcing the fact this is a fictional recreation of a country.

The plot quickly gets going, and after a few set pieces, the protagonist has been struck with malaria, and narrowly avoids murder at the hands of your intended target; arms dealer The Jackal. Various tutorials follow, explaining aspects like health and weapons.
Far Cry 2 does make attempts to innovate. Recharging health is out, replaced by an irritating syringe system. When the protagonist reaches critical health, a quick press of L2 repairs his wounds. This is done via a quick animation showing a bullet being removed or bandage getting applied. This gives weight to the character, even if they soon get repetitive.

Fire effects are where Far Cry 2 excels. Until now, this has never been realised so effectively in-game. Watching a bush fire spread, engulfing everything it touches has a truly hypnotic quality. Not only is it a fantastic visual effect, but can be used tactically in combat. Effective use of molotov cocktails prevents enemies flanking, and can also provide the means for a quick retreat.

Theres a nice selection of guns throughout the game. Ones from fallen enemies are generally in poor condition; jamming and in some cases falling apart completely. This creates a lot of tension when entering a fire fight, and treads a fine line between chaos and control. However, if combat had the same lethality as Modern Warfare, this would be a fantastic addition. Yet, headshots do not register at all, many enemies take a full clip to put down. This is unacceptable, especially considering how the odds are stacked against you. As a result, progress can feel a matter of luck than actual skill.

Vehicles are included to traverse the 50km2 landscape. This is limited to a few jeeps, trucks and the occasional gunboat. Trucks have the tendency to flip when travelling on anything other than dirt roads, and just a few bullets will cause them to smoke uncontrollably. Another problem is reading the map whilst driving. This takes a long time to get used to, and isnt helped by an abscence of map markers. It is refreshing to see Ubisoft Montreal trying a more organic approach to navigation, but like much of its innovations, isnt really appreciated.
The environment is split into sections, with the map switching upon entering a new location. This felt confusing, and an unnecessary complication, making the map seem even larger. Considering the general lack of things to do, Far Cry 2 proves that open world games shouldnt rely on size alone. Smaller, more densely populated maps are surely the future.

There are approximately 57 guard posts scattered throughout the map. When cleared of enemies the location has been 'scouted'. Sadly, this makes no difference as they re-spawn indefinitely. A very frustrating aspect, and leaves the impression that progression is impeded by poor design. Unlike the PC version, theres no quick save option. So saving is limited to safe houses, or directly after completing an objective, which can only aggravate matters. There are 221 diamonds located on the map, which act as currency. These can be used to purchase weapons and upgrades; giving some depth to a surprisingly empty game.

For everything Far Cry 2 gets right, it spectacularly fails at another.
The location is stunningly attractive and unique, yet there is a distinct lacks of things to do.
Attempts to deepen the combat system are undermined by poor basics.
Solid and boring in equal measures. A real shame, as this had the potential to be a classic.

Hi Guys,

After reading through these reviews, a couple of criticisms keep resurfacing. As someone who is currently replaying the game through again, I thought I would add my tuppence:

1) It takes an entire clip to kill someone!

Depends on the weapon you are using. Quite early on in the game, you get the chance to buy a bolt-action sniper rifle. One shot, one kill. Great at clearing out guard posts and much fun taking out the driver of an incoming jeep, then his mate on the MG in quick succession.

2) It's too hard!

If your tactic involves running in, guns blazin' - prepare to die. A lot. Plan your ambushes. Use molotovs to burn out enemies. Use grenades to take out enemy vehicles. Plant your own as a roadblock. If you're after a diablo-esque shoot em up, get something else.

3) You spend too long getting from A to B!

Can be annoying, but if the road route is too long try the river or relocate to a bus stop. Enjoy the scenery and always try to save at a nearby safehouse before the action starts.

4) There's too much repetition!

There's repetition in all games. This one is no different. Killzone 2, CODs 4-6, Assassin's creed 1 & 2. You name it.

5) There are too many bugs!

I've not found any major bugs in the game. Probably because the update fixes them all.

6) Enemies blend into the scenery and have perfect aim!

Some truth to this one in the jungle sections. Could do with fixing, but is not as much of an issue in the more open areas. Again, try to plan your ambushes.

In summary, enjoy FC2 for what it is. Most of all, enjoy the fact that it costs less than a KFC bargain bucket!