Games

Best of 2008 | 07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Far Cry 2

EMAIL PRINT ps3

7.6 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 49 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 70 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Genre(s): First-Person Shooter

Players: Multi

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: October 21, 2008

Summary

Caught between two rival factions in war-torn Africa, you are sent to take out "The Jackal," a mysterious character who has rekindled the conflict between the warlords, jeopardizing thousands of lives. In order to fulfil your mission you will have to play the factions against each other, identify and exploit your their weaknesses, and neutralize their superior numbers and firepower with surprise, subversion, cunning and, of course, brute force. Real-time story telling, systemic auto-healing, minimal in-game interface are just few of the features that make you feel the tension of being alone against barbarous warlords that threaten thousands of innocent lives. Choose from a wide range of weapons to make your way to your primary target. Meet the fight head-on with your machine-gun, go berserk with your machete or make stealth kills as a Sniper. If you feel that the atmosphere is not warm enough, light up your flamethrower and let your enemies and everything around them feel the heat. [Ubisoft]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Far Cry

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

GameShark

This is one of the most amazing worlds in gaming and the fact that it's brimming with so much action and intrigue makes it that much better.

Read Full Review >

100

Cynamite

Far Cry 2 has its annoying quirks, no doubt. But they can be solved via patch – the quality of fights, atmosphere, graphics and gameplay still reaches a very high level.

Read Full Review >

Cheat Code Central

By adopting a laissez faire attitude to player discretion, Ubisoft has crafted a brilliant follow-up.

Read Full Review >

3DJuegos

Far Cry 2 is not a game for everybody, neither is it perfect. It requires time, patience and dedication; some will be frustrated with the long car trips - avoidable - while others will struggle with the excessive freedom. Nevertheless the little objections that can be made disappear compared to its virtues. This video game is technically impeccable, it offers a very interesting multiplayer mode, and is equipped with a campaign that should appear in the dictionary under the words intensity and immersion.

Read Full Review >

Game Revolution

There is a tremendous amount of fine detail everywhere you look. Character models are varied to the point where it seems no two people look the same.

Read Full Review >

IGN AU

Despite some flaws, Far Cry 2 is almost an essential purchase this holiday retail season. The only reason to excuse yourself from picking it up might be if you're just shootered-out, which frankly is an understandable possibility.

Read Full Review >

PSM3 Magazine UK

Challenging, immersive safari shooter with liberating tactical freedom. [Dec 2008, p.66]

Gaming Age

I really, really enjoyed Far Cry 2, and I was happy to see that it's a pretty far departure from the formula of the first title. The open world environment is absolutely beautiful at times, and the little touches in the game really help to heighten the sense that you're in a real world setting.

Read Full Review >

AceGamez

Far Cry 2 has greatly impressed me. With gorgeous visuals, high quality sound and extremely well conceived gameplay mechanics, it's a near essential title.

Read Full Review >

DarkStation

Far Cry 2 may be the surprise game of the holiday season.

Read Full Review >

Extreme Gamer

Ubisoft Montreal has done it again with another ambitious game that pushes the boundaries of what we have come to expect out of our games.

Read Full Review >

Jolt Online Gaming UK

It’s a shame that more wasn’t done with the story, as the shallow characters and lack of moral depth sits in stark contrast to the hard work spent on some of the most impressive game technology we’ve ever seen.

Read Full Review >

Gamervision

Far Cry 2’s gameplay is solid, and it works as both an open world game and a shooter. Its plot is light, but deep, and will make you rethink the way you look at real world conflicts like the ones represented in the game.

Read Full Review >

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

As a shooter, it always succeeds, with tight control, thrilling gunfights, subdued stealth missions, and over-the-top explosions. [Holiday 2008, p.72]

GameZone

Far Cry 2 is a deep and involving first-person shooter that propels the series forward to new and engaging heights. While it completely dismisses all the elements introduced in the original, this game has a lot more going for it and won’t fail to keep you hooked down to the last bullet.

Read Full Review >

TheSixthAxis

Far Cry 2 is a brilliant game, beautifully presented and intelligently executed with a few problems with the multiplayer side of things and a couple of frustrations in the story mode.

Read Full Review >

VideoGamer

And it's also through experimentation that you'll experience the magic moments you'll not find anywhere else.

Read Full Review >

Playstation Official Magazine UK

Whatever happens you'll believe it's a real world and a fantastic setting for the action. It's not as dense or as varied as, say, Oblivion - you'll go somewhere, kill everyone, every mission - but it's utterly convincing and engrossing. [Dec 2008, p.98]

Total Video Games

Far Cry 2 is a slog for the first few hours of gameplay, but you've got to stick with it because it soon turns into one of the most revolutionary FPS games of the decade.

Read Full Review >

PSW Magazine UK

Polished and innovative and extremely challenging, Far Cry 2 tests the boundaries of the FPS genre. Gamers used to exciting setpieces may find it a bit dry.

Read Full Review >

Worth Playing

It's an experience like no other, with great potential to make your own hugely memorable story line, and for that reason alone, it comes highly recommended.

Read Full Review >

Play.tm

Technically its a marvel, especially when it comes to the creation of a realistic and highly immersive world. The story too is a bold and well-executed step into unfamiliar territory for gaming. But the meat of the gameplay has its failings, and every so often it just doesn't quite live up to its epic billing.

Read Full Review >

IGN

The formula still needs work in terms of enemy AI, quest structure, and giving the player more to do to fill in all that open space, but as it is, it's still a standout achievement. More importantly, it has nowhere near as many bugs as something like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, a title that bears many similarities.

Read Full Review >

GameTrailers

The action is high-quality, free-roaming stuff, and the game earns major points for its smart way of dealing with getting shot up, patched up, and bailed out. The story does keep you on a leash and your objectives tend to repeat without too much variation, but if you enjoy this line of work, Far Cry 2's dangerous African landscape is a great place to be a merc.

Read Full Review >

GameSpot

Although you can't say the same for the plot, Far Cry 2's first-person action squeezes every last drop of potential out of the unique African setting.

Read Full Review >

PSX Extreme

But that extremely in-depth map editor is a huge bonus for those who love micromanaging the tiniest elements of the experience.

Read Full Review >

Playstation Universe

Far Cry 2 meshes high-octane gunplay with open world gameplay, and it does a damn good job. There’s a lot of great games coming this holiday season, but don’t let this one go unnoticed.

Read Full Review >

Gamer's Hell

With open-world games there often seems to be a disjointed equilibrium between gameplay and technical execution; Ubisoft Montreal, however, have done well in bringing these two elements together.

Read Full Review >

GamingXP

On the one hand, the game offers total freedom and the player is absorbed by the game. On the other hand, it's not a game to play in a meanwhile - you need loads of time to get from one point to another and patience to save the game at certain points. That's the reason, why some players already returned the game to the shop.

Read Full Review >

1UP

Even if I find the multiplayer too staid, I find the possibility of cool user-made levels (via the easy map editor) tantalizing. Like any good Grand Theft Auto, Far Cry 2's overall package makes up for any individual flaws -- enough for it to be on a short list of best FPS games this year -- and so it's fitting to summarize it as...well, GTA: Mogadishu.

Read Full Review >

Edge Magazine

Combat is thrilling – each weapon packing a solid, vicious blast; movement suggesting heft and momentum. [Dec 2008, p.80]

GameDaily

Compared to the single player adventure, the multiplayer mode comes up short, but the 16 player firefights still offer some thrills.

Read Full Review >

Gamer.nl

Far Cry 2 isn't able to deliver on its expectations, but is still a high quality shooter with lots of freedom and one of the most beautiful settings ever. The developers could have been more creative with the mission structure though.

Read Full Review >

G4 TV

Technical issues aside, Far Cry 2 is an epic (and epic-ly long) take on the first-person shooter. The setting, open word, and side quests make it feel more like a more action-oriented "Grand Theft Auto," or a less ridiculous "Just Cause," than the original. Which, admittedly, will annoy fans of the original (present company included).

Read Full Review >

Game Informer

Ubisoft has managed to strike some potent emotional chords with Far Cry 2. Combined with the depth and breadth of the sweeping African environment, they may very well be enough to overcome a combat system that isn’t nearly as intricate as the game world in which it is housed.

Read Full Review >

Kombo

Far Cry 2 is a great FPS once you get by the control system.

Read Full Review >

PS3bloggen.se

Far Cry 2 feels little like the original, but its political story and expansive vistas still make it stand out as a game of its own. The large story mode and full-fledged online capabilities make Far Cry 2 one of the best first person shooters of 2008.

Read Full Review >

Eurogamer Portugal

Lovers of linear FPS`s and those with aversion to exploration of wide sceneries - as if you were a boy scout - may not find fun in the huge world of Far Cry 2. Still, the fun multiplayer alongside the very complete and intuitive map editor, may justify this game for those who do not like the solo mode.

Read Full Review >

Video Game Talk

Thought it may be a sequel in title only, Far Cry 2 is a fantastic shooter worthy of finding a home in any FPS fan's library.

Read Full Review >

Playstation Official Magazine Australia

A technical bell ringer, FC2 is set to be a cult favourite. [Christmas 2008, p.72]

DailyGame

Far Cry 2 is a solid game no matter which way it is examined.

Read Full Review >

PTGamers

Far Cry has some excellent ideas and high production values, but some design choices and technical problems drag it down.

Read Full Review >

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Still, despite the tedious travel periods, Far Cry 2 features some truly gorgeous environments, (mostly) satisfying combat, and a lengthy, entertaining campaign. [Dec 2008, p.66]

Play UK

Deeply flawed, but still very playable. If you can bear the frustrations involved then there’s a compelling plot and ample amount of fun with fire to be had before you’ve even started messing around in the map editor.

Read Full Review >

Game Over Online

Some games grow on you the more you play them, as you get used to the little idiosyncrasies and learn to appreciate the finer points. Far Cry 2 is at the opposite end of the spectrum, a game that makes it harder and harder for you to like it by placing more and more junk between you and its best features.

Read Full Review >

DarkZero

It falters in just enough places to make you think before you hand over your money.

Read Full Review >

GameSpy

If you can bear some of the repetition in between missions, the missions themselves are a blast. The environment is among the most compelling ever put on a screen this year. And multiplayer is strong.

Read Full Review >

Thunderbolt

It is a beautiful, vast and incredibly well-presented game, with a small number of nonetheless extremely detrimental design decisions. It’s undoubtedly worth trying (if only to marvel at the technical and visual wizardry) but there’s a lot of unfulfilled potential here, and here’s hoping Ubisoft are paying close attention for the next entry in the series.

Read Full Review >

GamingExcellence

So long as you only play the game in small bursts, Far Cry 2 is an interesting experience.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.6 (out of 10) based on 70 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

C. Davenport gave it a9:
The amount of immersive detail is stunning. You'd be hard-pressed to find a title with more environmental authenticity. The waist-high grass in the savanna sways with the wind currents sweeping over the plains and fast moving thunderstorms rush up on you without warning. If you wanted, you could actually sit and watch massive cloud formations slowly creep by as the sun arcs across the sky before dipping over the horizon, casting some of the most spectacularly replicated lighting effects ever produced in any game.The world is simply breathtaking. The gameplay is relatively easy to pick up, fitting neatly into most recognized FPS conventions. Gameplay does begin to feel a bit stale at times, as the repetitive nature of some missions and almost all transportation leaves something to be desired. Gunplay is a mixed bag with a good variety of weapons that perform to varying levels of adequacy, nothing exceptional here. The weapon degradation system is original and does serve to spice up combat, as you'll never know when a weapon is going to jam up on you, or even fail completely and backfire. Vehicles are sturdy and handle realistically, but are affected by damage quickly. The voicework is competent, if a but hurried, but the writing and casting are spot on. The AI is relatively simple, but effective. Vehicle mounted enemies will use the turret, while the drivers dismount initially use the vehicle for cover before attempting to flank you. Other enemies use similar tactics, scrambling for cover after the first few shots, then some while advance to suppress you and draw fire while other attempt to flank you. With an environmental model so accurate, the key to stealth in Far Cry 2 is following a few essential guidelines. 1) Only work at night. This significantly limits the enemy field of vision. 2) Headshots are necessary. Even with the dart rifle. If an enemy makes noise while he's dying, everybody can hear it. Avoid the machete when multiple enemies are close for this reason. 3) Move after you shoot. Multiple shots form the same spot will expose your position. For any gamer interested in an intriguing story and entertaining gameplay, rest assured that the totality of the package redeems any lackluster components. Not a must-buy, but a definite must-play.

Matthew J gave it a3:
No relevance to the first 'Far Cry' which was the stimulus to buy and clearly a sales stategy. Graphics are nice but it all stops there. Missions are repetitive. Everyone shoots at you therefore there is never a need to check people out before attacking (too basic in this day and age). Buddies are just annoying, even the rescue feature is dreadful. The AI is an insult to your intelligence. If you like sniping the game gets around this by having vechicles appear out of nowhere and run you over forcing close combat. Storyline inflexible and boring. A dull waste of time and disappointment unless you like staring at fancy graphics. Avoid at any price!

A L gave it a6:
OVERRATED! Whilst it is a good first person shooter, with some very impressive graphics, it has severe weaknesses. My main annoyance with this game is the respawning enemies, which is basically just the game cheating in trying to kill you! The game map is huge and when you travel you need to drive in a vehicle. However the game spawns enemies in jeeps who come out of nowhere, are impossible to outrun and ALWAYS shoot your car to bits. Then you are left in the situation of being on foot and underfire.... then if you kill them and use their jeep to travel to your destination, everything is quiet for a few minutes then the game goes and respawns another group of enemies in jeeps who shoot your vehicle to bits. It's neverending and made the game unplayable!! I also felt that the whole malaria tablets thing was extremely annoying and detracted from the gameplay. I strongly agree with Jerry S's comments that it just feels extremely repetitive. This could have been one of the best games out there, but sadly falls well short.

Max gave it a7:
Far Cry 2 is one of the best games I've played on the PS3.But there are a lot of problems. Every time i play, there is at least 10 glitches. Also, i was walking on a cliff, and when i tried to go just a little bit higher on a place where i could actually walk, the game stopped me. WTF!!! Also, the enemies are just too hard to kill. I had an MG and i wasted 25 bullets to kill one person. Guard outposts are the worst. They're constantly reoccupied and there are usually 7 people at 1.I hate them.But the good things are awesome. The graphics are amazing and the missions are fun and complex. The storyline is also amazing.Its a good game if you're not too harsh on a few(okay, a LOT) of glitches and tough enemies.

Brian J gave it a10:
I'm only giving this game a 10 because everyone else is not giving Ubisoft THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT! I mean come on now! They are one of the leading developers in the industry and they wouldn't even think about releasing a finished product unless they were possitive that it would be recieved well by the masses. Now having said that, I think Far Cry 2 isn't truly deservable to carry on the Far Cry name in many aspects BUT it's still a wonderfully crafted fps and should have a home in any fps fans collection. Anyone who loves a mixture of open-world gameplay and intense fps action should definitely pick this one up!

giuseppe s gave it a9:
I bought this game and when I initially played it I thought it was overhyped and not that good. When I started to get into it and played past the 3 hour mark I started to like it more and more. This is a game that you must play for a few hours before deciding its fate. It is a really good game if you give it a chance. The only thing I didnt like is the fact that sometimes you will shoot someone and they just wont even react to the bullet and shoot you half to death, but other than that and the driving around (which isnt too bad) this game is kick a$$.

Damian L gave it a6:
I'll start with the positives...the game looks great, the idea of freedom to take on your missions how you want is great and online is pretty good if you can find a match but man does this game get boring quick!!! I was put off from the start by the most boring intro ever, then all the missions were basically the same travel for ages here then kill him or blow up that. Whats with all the diamonds? You can only spend so many then what? Most annoying for me was weapons that broke after a days use...guess what more travelling to replace at arms shop. Online the game took forever to load and those playing couldnt make up there minds causing more delays. Hate to say it but as soon as I finished this i traded it in. For online stick to COD W.A.W. Rant over.

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Far Cry 2

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases