Far Cry is a series that revels in itself. That may sound like a strange way to start off a review, but it truly is the best description of the series in one line. The third game is considered a true high point for gaming and it only got better from there, with the DLC going beyond what most DLC does, and instead bringing in entirely new kinds of experiences. Far Cry 4 and Primal both pushed the series even further and I was eager to see what the fifth entry would hold. I can safely say that I was not disappointed with the results.
Far Cry 5 feels bigger and better than the previous entries, while also being down to the earth at the same time somehow. To give a brief summary of the plot, a villainous cult led by Reverend Seed has taken control in Hope County, Montana and it is up to you to stop him and end the conflict between his group “Eden’s Gate” and the rest of Hope County that has not joined up. Brief I know, but the truth is that the story is best experienced on its own and is never a major point in the Far Cry series despite what some say. The villains are well written and the Reverend is perhaps the best villain in the series since Vas, but it is the gameplay that is the real draw here, and I feel that every previous Far Cry game has just been preparation for this entry.
Far Cry 5 builds on ideas introduced in past entries and expands on them beautifully. The buddy system and guns for hire system of previous entries make an appearance here, but much more refined and more immersive. This time, recruitment is done by building relationships with other characters and getting to know them and to trust you. It is more involved, but also a much easier system to understand and use than previous entries. In fact, almost everything brought in from previous entries is improved and made easier without being dumbed down. Taming animals like in Primal, is back but with more options and strategy involved to make things more interesting.
Far Cry 5 is probably the most innovative the series has been in terms of open world design, but it does have a couple of flaws. At times it feels like the world has simply too much going on. I realize that sounds off to have as a complaint, but it reached a point where I felt the game was trying to do too much. Another issue was that visually the game looks washed out in a couple of areas. This doesn’t seem to be an art style choice, as it is random if the washed out look happens at times in the areas I encountered it, leading me to suspect it is a minor glitch.
Overall though, I loved far Cry 5. There was so much to this game and I am still finding more to do, even if I am a bit overwhelmed at times. The story is dark but not anymore than it needs to be and retains the lighthearted goofy moments the series is also known for. With great gameplay and refinements to the formula, I feel Far Cry 5 is a triumph of modern gaming and highly recommend it!