Its done, the adventure that is Far Cry has been fed & put to bed. With some gentle coaxing I have completed the first item from my Winter Games list and I’m glad to see it to completion (even if I did come in second to Brixtone).

Far Cry was one of the many games I have convinced myself I HAD to have, only to install it and never get past the first few levels. It has survived being uninstallled twice because I knew that deep down under the beautiful graphics and campy acting was a gem….at least I hoped I knew.

To begin - it has everything they said it does: beautiful graphics, good physics, multiple paths to completion (within each level). Above and beyond that the story develops enough throught the game to justify its length. Make no mistake - this is long, like one of the longest FPSs I can ever remember. And the quality of all this content is astounding. Another developer might have stuffed a few levels of mind bending mazes or endless jungle to pad the game….but Crytek instead serves up level after level of unique challenges and enemies to keep the player interested in what might come next.

“Says here this game has it all! Big boobs, guns, cool wireless phones……did i mention boobs?”

To be sure - the first time I played the game I was skeptical. It starts out as an average adventure, rescuing the girl from some baddies on an island. But the action starts off slow so you can become acustomed to the uncanny ability of enemies to adjust their attacks to your tactics. (Throughout the game I was impressed at how tricky the AI is when facing you - especially in open ground. ) You gradually discover a wide array of weapons and enemies as you make your way further into the game. There is ample opportunity to experiment and find a favorite weapon (and the proper one for specific enemy types) as the levels are large and well populated. On your way thru each level you’ll get to sample various modes of transportation from zip wires to armored trucks - and none of it seems like a forced gimmick because you can choose alternate paths as they suit you.

You have many options in Far Cry, some are more obvious than others. Cap him!

The crowning achievement of this game, in my opinion, is that it never gets old. Through mountains, beaches, dune buggies and hanggliders - I never became bored with the objectives or surroundings. And the game rewards you for varying your tactics as the need arises - there is no feeling of “rinse and repeat” here. A few times I found myself sprinting across a battlefield of men & monsters and NOT feeling like a coward for ducking behind the odd crate to remain unseen. Mind you, this is by no means a stealth game - but it can play like one for large parts of it if you choose to (note: make sure to keep your MP5 if you want to pretend you’re Sam Fisher on vacation…all the other arms are just too noisy). Playing like Rambo also works - and therein lies the beauty of the game: it gives you a perfect sampling all FPS standards and lets you decide how it will play out.

An example of the balance achieved in Far Cry: At first I was disheartened to see that checkpoints were the only option to save my game. However, having completed all 20 levels I can honestly say there’s just enough “meat” in between saves to challenge and motivate you. I remember a handful of times where I had to sweat it out 5-6 times to try to get through -but it was always worth it and I never tossed my mouse in anger once.

I know the end is near, the question is….do I really want to get there?

Long story short - I’d definately pick up this game if you are looking for a great FPS. Or rent it if you think you have a whole week free to cram thru this beauty. As a kicker - it comes with developer’s tools that are first rate in case you want to try your hand at modding. Multiplayer can be fun, but there are plenty other games out there that are stronger in the online play department. All things considered - if you never played this game or have it languishing on your hard drive, then its time to give it a chance.