A huge number of activities and fun gameplay will keep you coming back for more, even if Vaas tries to spoil the fun.
The combat in Far Cry 3 is superb. The guns haven't really felt better in the series than they do here, and your other capabilities, namely using a knife for a vicious stabbing attack, are also useful. You can also use throwing knives and other weapons over the course of your journey, though there are times you'll also need to use stealth to your advantage, such as early on in the game when you'll sneak onto a boat without getting detected. (Relax, it's actually more enjoyable here than you might think, thanks to the ability to throw rocks and take out someone from behind. Guards are idiots.) Unlocking new abilities will help keep you going, and plenty of side missions pop up over the course of the game, including ones where you hunt exotic prey.
This is also the best-looking Far Cry game in the series to date. While there are mild problems with textures here and there, it really is a fantastic take on a fantasy island (that isn't so fantasy-based), whether you're running around through underwater caves and going for a swim, or letting loose on the beach and spilling fresh blood. The animations rock too, especially when you get really close to someone and slump them to the ground. And, might I say, Vaas is definitely an intimidating character, and you just can't help but work towards that moment when you put him in his place. If you live that long.
Along with a wide-open single player campaign, Far Cry 3 also features a cool co-op campaign where you hunt down an equally dangerous captain with the help of some friends. Though not as good as, say, Spartan Ops, co-op has its moments here. There's also a competitive multiplayer here, and it's rather short and sweet with only so many maps to choose from, but it too is worth trying out. The "kill cam" effect is outstanding, and really gives you an idea of who to chase after next once you respawn. REVENGE!
After Far Cry 2 dragged a little bit for me, I can't help but think that Far Cry 3 feels like the comeback machine for Ubisoft. Everything that was introduced in the previous game has returned, along with better mechanics, a wide assortment of missions and a superb presentation. The single player campaign will keep you busy for what seems like ages, and the co-op/multiplayer modes are decent distractions as well. This is one island getaway you won't want to miss.
Score: 9.5 / 10
