With no returning characters or scenarios, it’s far from Far Cry.

But is it far better…?

This is an all-new adventure, with new characters, prefs and structure.

These have been replaced with a down to Earth, realistic setting, without a single mutant in sight.

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As you near your destination, youre overcome with sickness.

The screen goes orangey-yellow, your vision blurs and you eventually pass out.

You then wake to find none other than The Jackal standing over you.

He knows youre here to kill him, and for some reason, lets you live.

Luckily, youre rescued, given some supplies, and a simple mission to complete to prove your worth.

Eventually, you find some malaria medicine, and the game is afoot.

A single goal appears onscreen find and kill the Jackal.

Far Cry 2is a sandbox game in the most literal of terms.

Im not talking about the limited open-endedness of games likeGTA, which still force you down a linear path.

For example, in the game you’re able to meet and team up with buddies.

These are other mercenaries that can become your friends.

This is just one example of open missions, and this carries on throughout the game.

But, Im getting ahead of myself, and youre probably wondering how the game itself plays.

The answer is, very well indeed.

GraphicallyFC2is a real tour de force.

The African landscapes are fantastic, and the sheer amount of detail is staggering.

Controls are spot on.

Weapons are well implemented, and feel just right.

All handle well, and thrashing through dense African jungles in a 44 is particularly enjoyable.

I tossed it in, and then sat back and watched the place burn.

This is a great system, and really makes you value your allies.

Speaking of wounds,FC2has some pretty grizzly depictions of damage.

), or you might put them out of their misery by shooting them.

Mission structure is well handled.

While youre doing this, youll usually take a lot of damage, which is a bit unfair.

Then, theres the almost total lack of friendlies.

Some may say theres far too much travelling from A to B, and I can understand that.

It all adds to the immersion of being in deepest Africa, in the midst of a conflict.

Despite a few minor flaws,Far Cry 2does, in my humble opinion, rock.

It looks amazing, plays smoothly and has an excellent engine powering it all.

Rating:

4 out of 5