Why Far Cry 3 Was The Best Of The Franchise?

See full bio

Sajjad Hussain

As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support, my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.

See full bio

The Far Cry series holds a special place in my heart. I’ve played them all, from the original to the latest installments, but when I think about the absolute peak of the franchise, there’s no contest: Far Cry 3 takes the crown. Here’s why it’s people’s favorite and, in my opinion, the best Far Cry game ever made.

Why It Matters: Far Cry 3 not only solidified the franchise’s popularity but also set a new benchmark for open-world games, inspiring countless titles that followed.

Gameplay That’s Pure, Unadulterated Fun

Far Cry 3’s gameplay is like the gold standard for open-world shooters. The shooting feels spot-on and intense, and every gun packs a punch. The stealth mechanics are not just an afterthought; it’s a satisfying way to play, with the takedowns and silent moves feeling super rewarding.

But the best thing about the gameplay is that it gives you the freedom to play however you want. Feel like causing chaos? Go loud, storm the outpost with a flamethrower, and watch the chaos unfold. Want to be all sneaky? Use the surroundings and your tools to take out enemies one by one. It’s all up to you, and that level of freedom is thrilling.

A Story That Pulled Me In

Deep and intricate stories weren’t Far Cry’s forte, but Far Cry 3 was an exception. The way Jason Brody goes from a spoiled rich kid to a tribal warrior is just so interesting. Characters like Dr. Earnhardt and Citra are well-developed and bring a lot of emotions to the story.

The story deals with survival, madness, and the dark side of human nature in a way that really sticks with you, even after you finish the game. The story also touches on themes of colonialism and the clash of cultures, making it more than just a simple action game.

It’s a wild ride through a chaotic island, and by the end, you’ll question how much of Jason’s transformation was necessary for survival and how much of it was a descent into madness.

An Open World For You To Explore

Rook Islands in Far Cry 3 is like a paradise turned into the ultimate playground. The dense jungles are bursting with vibrant greens, and there are hidden caves just waiting to be explored. The beautiful beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun and checking out the underwater world, while the lively outposts are for the taking.

Everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover, from rare animals to ancient ruins. The day/night cycle and changing weather make Rook Islands feel like a living, breathing world that I just couldn’t get enough of.

Vaas: The Villain We Love to Hate

Let’s be real: villains can seriously affect how good a game is. Vaas Montenegro in Far Cry 3 is the kind of villain you won’t forget. He’s totally crazy, unpredictable, and downright scary. His famous “Definition Of Insanity” Monologue is absolutely brilliant.

What really makes Vaas stand out is how personal he gets. He taunts you, makes fun of you, and pushes you in a way that makes you really want to take him down. Getting that emotionally invested in a villain is rare but super impactful in gaming.

Innovative Mechanics That Changed the Game

Far Cry 3 introduced several new mechanics that were groundbreaking for the series. The skill tree allowed for personalized progression, letting you tailor your character to your playstyle. The takedown system revolutionized stealth gameplay, offering brutal and efficient ways to eliminate enemies.

The introduction of hunting and crafting added a survival element that made the world feel more interconnected and meaningful. The radio chatter from enemy patrols adds to the realism and tension, and the way the wildlife reacts to you makes the whole world feel alive. The soundtrack has a cool mix of tribal beats and atmospheric sounds that really capture the island’s vibe.

A Lasting Legacy

Far Cry 3 didn’t just leave its mark on the series; it left an unforgettable impression on the open-world genre as a whole. Its influence can be seen in countless games, borrowing elements of its open-world design, immersive gameplay, and compelling storytelling. Far Cry 3 remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain gamers, a testament to its lasting legacy.

Sajjad Hussain

[Editor-in-Chief]

Sajjad Hussain is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tech4Gamers.com. Apart from the Tech and Gaming scene, Sajjad is a Seasonal banker who has delivered multi-million dollar projects as an IT Project Manager and works as a freelancer to provide professional services to corporate giants and emerging startups in the IT space.

Majored in Computer Science
13+ years of Experience as a PC Hardware Reviewer.
8+ years of Experience as an IT Project Manager in the Corporate Sector.
Certified in Google IT Support Specialization.
Admin of PPG, the largest local Community of gamers with 130k+ members.

Sajjad is a passionate and knowledgeable individual with many skills and experience in the tech industry and the gaming community. He is committed to providing honest, in-depth product reviews and analysis and building and maintaining a strong gaming community.