Far Cry 2 - The BestGN Review

I don't remember playing the original Far Cry, but from what I've been told, the sequel has reason to hate it's older brother. From what I've heard, the original did to PC graphics what no-one thought was imaginable.

When I received my copy of this much awaited game, I wondered whether or not it would live up to it's name. I'd read the odd review, with the game even being heralded by some as the "best single player experience since Half-Life". I wasn't all that confident though. I'd never been a single player fan, and thought it would be another Crysis or Soldier of Fortune 2.
Except, I was wrong.

Besides making me buy a bigger cooler for my graphics card, I am yet to find a flaw in how it is put together. Yes, it's a little big buggy, but what game these days isn't? And yes, AK47's don't jam in real life, but frankly, I don't care. This is the only single player game I remember playing where I feel like I'm actually wanting to play it, rather than just playing it for somebody elses sake.

The story.
Without blowing too much of the story away, let's just say it holds it's own against some of the best. It keeps you suspenseful, and also allows for a fair amount of deviation - there's many ways you can complete the game, and all end up in the same spot.

The gameplay.
By far the biggest element of a single player game for me. If the gameplay isn't there, the game isn't worth even installing. Far Cry 2 is admittedly a bit easy (especially on easy), but that doesn't mean there aren't challenging sections, and parts that make you want to tear your hair out. There are heaps of bodies around, all of them with guns, and they are (generally) all shooting at you. Your health doesn't appear to regenerate over time either, so the only way to heal yourself up is with a limited amount of syringes which can be found on the map.
The game forces you to be quick, and also to make your own decisions. Often you are presented with a situation, and at least 2 ways of doing it, and it's up to you which way you choose. Each method has it's own pro's and con's, and it comes down to how you want to play the game, and what sort of person you are.

So there we are, Far Cry 2. The game that surprised me, and amazingly, has bettered the expectations that so many people have held for it. It is no doubt a game that everyone should have on their wishlist. A true masterpiece.