Far Cry 2
Preview
Gaming freedom has never been so close
by Patrick Steinmann
previewed on PC
My, my, what an engine! (cont.)
Seeing how hard Ubisoft is trying to make this game as realistic as possible, medpacks just won’t do. Keeping it mercenary-style, if you’re injured, you’ve gotta help yourself. Yes, you’ll be the one digging the bullet out if you’re shot, or wrenching that shoulder back in place after a car crash. Luckily, the developers have shown some sense so all you have to do to heal yourself is press the right button (phew, imagine having to play impromptu bouts of Trauma Surgeon while under fire from a horde of bloodthirsty Africans…).
Where’s my gear?
Being an FPS, you’d expect a host of guns in Far Cry 2, and the game delivers. Around 30 firearms, ranging from rocket launchers to sniper rifles, from submachine guns to flame-throwers, stand at the player’s disposal. Some other gadgets like grenades will round off the arsenal. According to Ubisoft, the weapon’s performance will change depending on use, as they get damaged and beat up, weapons in need of service will even sound different.
Seeing how large the map is, vehicles are a must. A large variety of jeeps, trucks, bikes, a hang glider, and other vehicles are featured in the game; all equipped with realistic damage models.
Friends...
The Serengeti can be very lonely at times. Luckily, the dozen or so characters you didn’t choose at the beginning will populate the war-stricken area as mercenaries. You can befriend them, alienate them, kill them – but remember that in dire situations, a good friend might be quite useful...
And foes
According to Ubisoft, the game’s AI will be aggressive to say the least. But of course, that’s just a generalisation. The AI won’t always be aggressive, only in situations where it’s good for them, e.g. if you’re trapped in a building. In other situations, for example if you’re sitting on a hilltop with a machine gun and plenty of ammo, happily plugging away at anything that approaches you, don’t expect your foes to come rushing. Again, realism is the word. Your enemies will choose the strategy that best fits the situation, equip themselves accordingly, and go after you in a realistic fashion.
One impressive example of this was shown at GC ’07: the player had just attacked a small camp, and the enemies were about to give chase. According to creative director Clint Hocking, the fact that the AI chose a small truck (complete with machine gun) to give pursuit wasn’t scripted, but based entirely on the circumstances and the player’s behaviour.
Wrapping it up
When previewing or reviewing a game, objectivity is a must. And yet I find it hard not to cheer for Ubisoft’s Far Cry 2, which is shaping up to be an absolute killer title. The realism and open world of this game, seconded by the gorgeous graphics, might well win over the hearts of the gaming community, and make this title one to remember.
