User Score
8.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 798 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 50 out of 798

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  1. Dec 27, 2012
    10
    The most beautiful world you could possible be stranded in, The story line was amazing and the side quests as well. I give this game a 10 for its amazing work on keeping the gamer fully engaged in a world filled with nature and wilderness. The characters were really well done and loved how unique each one was, i tip my hat to you Ubisoft, thank you for making such a great game!
  2. Dec 28, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The allure of Far Cry has always been the open-ended tactical choices available during each encounter, and the variety of ways you could take down targets. With dynamic variables like aggressive wildlife and roaming pirates, your stealth and aggro options open up more than ever. Expand
  3. Dec 29, 2012
    10
    Far Cry 3 happens to be one of my favourite games of 2012. The game combines the best aspects of its sequels whilst adding more creating an epic and imaginative world for you to roam around in and explore. The campaign has a dark and twisted storyline that keeps you coming back for more and additionally creating a very atmospheric scenario for the player.
  4. Jan 2, 2013
    9
    Far Cry 3 is awesome, and in my opinion easily game of the year. There is so much to do in this game, so ill start with the singleplayer. You are Jason Brody, an over privileged kid, when you and your friends are captured by crazy, slave trading pirates you have to escape and find a way to rescue your friends and escape the island. The story is excellent with Vaas being one of the best video game villains in recent memory. That's not to say it doesn't have its shortcomings, at time the narrative can become a bit cliche, and slow, but that is my only gripe. apart from the main quest there are radio towers, which once climbed reveal areas of the map, grant you free weapons and reveal all the enemies forts in the area. Once you clear an enemy fort, you gain access to side missions in that region, as well as a fast travel point. This is a great system where one thing leads to another and you can easily waste hours just screwing around. on top of that there is hunting, which is very fun to do, you have animals ranging from tapirs to tigers, deer to crocodiles and even sharks! Hunting also has a purpose as you hunt for animal skins to upgrade your equipment, like your rucksack, wallet and weapon holster. The open world is a large, beautiful, tropical island, filled with ruins caves and wildlife, the gameplay is solid, and takes a page out of RPG's where as you level up you can spend skill points to further customize your play style, my only problem with this is that it is possible to get every skill, i wish it was a little more specialized so if i wanted to be a ninja, i would have to play like one. Overall the single player is not one to be missed and easily the best experience of the year. Muliplayer however, while not fantastic is not bad. It is a typical FPS style multiplayer, build a class, unlock as you progress etc. My favourite game mode was firestorm, where you have to simultaneously ignite your oppositions barrels. Fire then spreads throughout the map cutting off certain routes. It is a fun and interesting game mode to play, and i recommend you give it a go. Then there is even Coop, which is fun and takes place 6 months prior to the singleplayer. Overall the Coop is a solid addition, which can be a bit tedious if you have less than 3 players. Then you have the map editor, which is awesome, the options are extremely robust, and you can create almost anything you can imagine. My only gripe being the controls being a little difficult at times to use. (But that's consoles for ya!). Overall Far Cry is an amazing game, i couldn't give it more praise, a few hiccups sadly prevent me from giving it the 10, but however this is easily the best game released this year, and i recommend it to anyone and everyone. Expand
  5. Jan 9, 2013
    9
    I really enjoyed playing through this game. While the story was weak it was presented so well I didn't care.
    My gripes were all small ones, such as the sliding hills, slow response to the heal button at times, tiny things like that.
  6. Jan 15, 2013
    10
    Best game in the series !! What a surprise ! I couldnt stop playing this game . I am an assasins creed fan and the similarities between these two game is unreal but it works and it realy is brilliant . Biggest surprise of 2012 and most overlooked !
  7. Jan 16, 2013
    10
    I can think of only one thing about this game that I would change, and it's not a game breaker, it's being able to store your looted items (and in all honesty I may have just missed a place where you can do this).

    Farcry 3 has me absolutely hooked. I cant turn on my Xbox now without sticking the disc in and going on an adventure. Whether it;s carrying on with the brilliantly written sto
    ry or side quests, or just liberating a camp or two this game has me in its clutches.

    - Great visuals. The graphics themselves are lovely and the small touches like the fact that if you sprint and jump into water, you end up diving, healing yourself with no meds still makes me cringe.
    - The vehicles work well too. With a good variation and great driving mechanics
    - a good selection of weapons, and they're upgradeable
    - the story line has me gripped, a tense thrill ride with more ups and downs than you can count
    - The hunting is great fun, as are all of the side quests and little bits to do here and there

    Whoever you are, and whatever you are into. Buy this. Buy it, treasure it and never let it out of your sight.

    The only downside to this is that other games that I was really enjoying are now going to be nowhere near as good... which will be a shame.... If I ever get back to playing them....
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  8. Jan 18, 2013
    10
    One of the best games of 2012 . Farcry 3 has improved quite a bit well at least i thought it did. It was really really fun. The Environment was beautiful and the storyline was amazing. It has everything u would want in a open world game. I would seriosuly recommend this game for gamers who love open world games.
  9. Jan 22, 2013
    9
    Farcry 3 is almost the best game ever. the reason for 'almost' is for all the bugs and glitches(like disapearing characters, dying from the wingsuit when your like 3 feet in the air).
  10. Jan 26, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Far Cry 3 is such a good game, even if theres a not so good end, because of his grat gameplay, bloody story, and an amazing open world game, i recomended Expand
  11. Feb 5, 2013
    10
    GAME OF THE YEAR 2012 this game is amazing great graphics great game play great story and the best video game villain ever this game is amazing every one should play it a ton of content and amazing characters get this game
  12. Feb 7, 2013
    9
    Where do i start off with this spectacular game??? First off, the graphics are the greatest I have ever seen on a console based game! The surrounding area on the massive open world maps really makes you feel like you are in the game as yourself. The story is one of the best told stories ever with all the turns and suprises. The Far Cry franchise has really over done itself and made major improvements from game to game. The more you play it, the more it pulls you in. The online is the only reason why the game has not been rated as a 10. The gameplay could have been faster and smoother but thats not really a major part of the game. The game was made for the story. Overall, one of the bes games i have ever played in my life! Expand
  13. Feb 10, 2013
    9
    Having played several other of the Far cry titles, it's clear that they have learnt a lot. While the past games had a lot of positive points, they had a lot of negative features which put a lot of people off, e.g. the heavy handed game play. However in Far cry 3 they have addressed almost all the issues and have created one of the best campaigns I've played to date. The characters, cut scenes and voice acting, (especially Vaas) are unexpectedly amazing thus creating a very strong story. There are also top notch hunting mechanics linking to a well designed crafting system, and with a bunch side quests and activities, sure to give you your moneys worth in the campaign alone. On top of all this though you have a good multi player with a surprisingly good level progression and unlock system and it kept me entertained right to the max level of 75. There is also a co-op mode which is quite generic but is refreshingly difficult and there is a more than decent amount of content. Finally you have the map editor. It gives you the tools to make some truly amazing looking map even if the controls are difficult on xbox and PS3. However, on the negative side while you can place vehicles down, don't expect to be able to use that map on multi player, even private matches. The same story is for placeable AI as neither can be used in multi player. In my opinion this is a huge wasted opportunity to create some unique online mechanics, e.g. example an online game mode with AI pirates and hostile wildlife, (assuming the engine could handle it). Overall a great game and definitely worth your money. Expand
  14. Feb 13, 2013
    9
    Amazing game, it takes me back to the original Far Cry with the beautiful tropical island surrounds. After the let down that was Far Cry 2, this reinvigorates the series. While it definitely isn't perfect, its one of favourites for 2012 releases.
  15. Feb 15, 2013
    9
    This game is going to have to be a favorite for me. The graphics are beautiful, good story, and there is just so much to do. So many side missions to play and unlock. Over 30 animals to hunt! This game deserves a 10 but I rated 9 because there could've been a little more to it. The multiplayer is kinda worthless and not worth paying 10 bucks to play (Yes you have to pay for multiplayer after you payed for the game...) So don't get it used! If I had know the multiplayer was terrible i wouldn't of gotten it. People are barely ever on and it takes forever to get into a game. The CO-OP is ok but could've been better. But other than that this game surely is amazing! Expand
  16. Feb 21, 2013
    9
    Nice graphics, imaginative story, good gameplay, open world.
    Unfortunately, it is difficult in many parts of the game. For example, to be shooting at the enemy, and they are coming from the three, and even a man must also be protected. I found there forever. But really, it's a very good game.
  17. Feb 24, 2013
    9
    OUt of every shooter i have every played, none have drawn me in and made me feel for the charactors and the world so much then Far Cry 3. This game is Excellent. The world is beautiful, the voice acting is stellar and the story is fantastic. Jason brody isnt really the most Pleasant protagonist to play as you could say. He is pretty whiney and says things sometimes that bother you. but thats generally only towards the beginning. you really feel for the people in this story and it only gets better and better. I spent (and still spend) most of my time in this game just running around with my recurve bow hunting animals and sniping bandits. This game is huge. Climing up the radiotowers like altier and ezio and synching the world to find optional quests is very entertaining.

    The only downside of this game is the multiplayer. The coop is fun but only for a little while. And its made to be played with 4 people. if you play with 2 you will die, alot. i promise. the competitive multi player is general. and i diddnt relaly find it that fun. the map editrior is awesome! but i wish they had gone to more of a forge mode letting you play with more people and mix ideas. but all in all. BUY far cry 3. its incredible and you will waste your life playing it.
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  18. Feb 25, 2013
    9
    Excellent game The game Far Cry 2 should 've been.
    It takes the best elements from Red Dead Redemption, GTA and Far Cry and melds them together into a wonderfully enjoyable romp through the Jungles, roads and seas. Plenty of bad guys, animals and missions to keep you interested. Also the combat is very good, they must 've sacked the guys from Far Cry 2 and employed some competent program
    mers Well done! Expand
  19. Mar 15, 2013
    10
    An amazing game with a great story and awesome graphics! This was the first Far Cry game I have played and I wasn't sure how fun it would be when I got it. After a few hours I couldn't stop playing. It was so fun! I especially love the large map that you can explore and have hours of fun on. And if you don't feel like playing the main story, you can play side quests and take over outposts. This game can provide hours of fun. I would definitely recommend this game to a friend. Expand
  20. Mar 19, 2013
    10
    I'm not the kind of gamer who can play at 10-15 hour game and keep interested. Far Cry 3 proved me wrong. The story was interesting and I really felt like the main character. I usually stick to main story quests to finish the game quick but I quickly found myself exploring the island, hunting, and doing optional quests. Overall, a beautiful game and engaging story. Must buy!
  21. May 1, 2013
    9
    Awesome Great graphics, very well done realistic touches,great villain Vaas, tons of content and a massive world and there is a ton of extra stuff and multiplayer and a level editor which isn't amazing but still good a must have and now £14.99 on xbox live a must buy
  22. Mar 26, 2013
    10
    Great first person shooter mixed with open world environment. It does get a little repetitive, but there are many different tasks, side missions, etc to follow along with the main story line to keep you entertained. The story line alone was enough for to keep me going.
  23. May 9, 2013
    9
    Fantastic game, absolutely loving it without a doubt. I'll be honest, when I heard about it initially, I wasn't too keen on getting it due to Far Cry 2 being so terrible and frustrating. However, I did decide to rent the game and upon playing it for quite some time, I felt like an idiot for not buying it sooner.

    I'm going to take a dig at a few people writing reviews complaining about t
    he graphics for a start, people have stated that "for a 2012 game it's graphically terrible". What? Graphically, I think the game does pretty well, if you want to see terrible graphics? Head on over to whatever game shop you like and buy The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct. Now THAT game is beyond awful when it comes to graphics.

    Anyway, Far Cry 3 A very sound storyline. Not a lot of games have well scripted voiced storylines nowadays but this game does it pretty well. It's interesting too, and the villian is pretty awesome. Hunting, now that is something that I like. Love the feel of being in the wilderness with a bow, picking off animals and then skinning them to help me craft materials that benefit my gameplay. There are a good amount of things to do, meh they can be repetitive but what game isn't nowadays? Customization is decent, the scenery is nice to look at and the game has quite a lot to offer especially for an FPS.

    I'd recommend this game to all of my friends, and especially people I don't know. Buy it, rent it You'll enjoy it.
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  24. Apr 12, 2013
    10
    So here's the thing. I've just created this account on metacritic with the sole purpose of telling you all how absolutely epic, farcry 3 is. I've played games my entire existence from mario, to resident evil to portal to gears of war etc. but nothing comes even close to this game. From start to finish, the game is completely flawless. Not one bug, not one stupid bit, not one moment of frustration, just pure entertainment value from a absolutely incredible game. For me this has to be the greatest game of all time. I'm on my 6th play through of it and I am still enjoying it, and I never usually go back and play games. All I'm saying is, Vass is a cult legend of gaming. This game is epic. Expand
  25. Apr 23, 2013
    10
    Mother of God this is a fantastic game. Mechanically, it is the best FPS I've ever played. Short of a few story missions that require you to use a direct assault method, the game is as tactical as you want it to be. A lot is made of good IA or bad IA or clever IA, but I'd say this game has the most fun IA I've ever experienced. The games rules work, consistently, all the time. This seems like it should be easy, but almost all other games fail. What I mean in this case is that you can accurately predict the outcome of your tactics and attempts to manipulate the IA and it is incredibly rewarding. If you are 500 yards away from an enemy base with a sniper rifle, you can wreck havok on them. If you are properly concealed by forest or bushes, they will not be able to spot you. I'd say the best comparison I can make for this game is Crysis 1 Just Cause 2, but better. There are a million things to do and all of them feed into XP or equipment, so everything is both fun and rewarding. The gun play, on top of fun IA and stealth options, is spot on as well. I'd give the PC version a 10 and the console version a 9, just because of the framerate (which is poor, but playable). Really, truly the best shooter of this generation. I can't decide if it beats Half-Life 2, since that is a bit of apples vs oranges. Expand
  26. Apr 24, 2013
    9
    Farcry 3 is a amazing experience and probably one of best games of 2012. The story of Farcry 3 is amazing and Jason main protagonist grows as he is on the island. While the real star of the game is probably Vaas who is one of the main villians the game. The voice acting and the way he acts in the game really makes the player want to kill him. Furthermore, the gameplay of Farcry 3 is also amazing with a variety of ways a player can complete the game. You can complete the game stealthy or run and gun throughout the game. In addition, there are many weapons that a player can choose from which can help you be stealthy or help you mow down you enemies. Also the what makes this game different from other games is that you can also hunt animals. There are also many skills that a players changes the pace based on what players choose. Hunting animals actually have a impact on the game and you can create different things from materials found from animals. Even after you complete the game there are many things such as side quests to finish. Another addition the developers added was mulitplayer which wasn't even necessary but a welcome addition. Overall, the game is great with additional content the will make the game last. Expand
  27. May 14, 2013
    9
    The best game of 2012, yeah just like that, the question is why the hell it wasn't even a contender ta VGA's, probably because vga is full of crap! PS Just what the did to Deus Ex Human Revolution
  28. Apr 27, 2013
    9
    I'm not going to lie, I love Far Cry 3. Everything in the single player is perfect. I didn't want to stop playing it! It took over 20 hours for me to complete everything in it. And you know what, it was well worth it. Hell, this game was so good, I would have payed extra for it. Yet that was just the single player. The game falls apart when it comes to co-op and multiplayer. I won't even mention how awful they are. But, the good parts about the game heavily out weigh the bad parts. This game is a definite buy. I might even buy it for PS3 and PC, even though I already have the game on Xbox! Expand
  29. Apr 27, 2013
    10
    This is by far one of the greatest games I have played in my past years. It has everything you could want from animals and plants you use the resources of to survive to a great storyline and its open world so you can continue playing the game even after you have completed the main story.
  30. Apr 29, 2013
    9
    When I first looked at this game,I thought it would be decent.But after really fun combat,Great story and lots of exploring,it was way better than I expected.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Apr 8, 2013
    80
    Far Cry 3 reaches for greatness, but falls short at merely being really fun. It has a few hiccups here and there and the story is very thin, but the exploration and combat really shine. It's a worthy addition to any collection.
  2. Mar 6, 2013
    90
    Almost everything about Far Cry 3 speaks to the game’s skilled, confident and tightly interwoven design, and players are free to seek their specific flavour of gratification and victory as Jason becomes the most dangerous animal on the island.
  3. Feb 11, 2013
    80
    The freeform combat, gorgeous locations, and excellent multiplayer are strong, and Far Cry 3 does a fantastic job of putting the player in the middle of a lawless, chaotic world and letting them get up to whatever they please. Yes, video games are capable of achieving much more than Far Cry 3 does, but it makes a persuasive argument that there's nothing wrong with a guilty pleasure now and again—especially when it's as slickly presented as this is.