Far Cry Primal is like any other Far Cry game, except it is not. Far Cry Primal is another open-world, first-person shooter, except it is not. Far Cry Primal is a game that is so familiar, but at the same time, so unique and distinctive. Primal does not offer a memorable protagonist, a compelling narrative or an innovative entry into the genre. Primal’s novelty does not lie in rehashing the same Far Cry formula in a new setting, but rehashing the same Far Cry formula in a new time-period. This change, though miniscule, makes all the difference.
Takkar, a member of the Wenja tribe, travels to the land of Oros, where he finds his fellow tribe members dispersed and powerless in the midst of other hostile tribes. After allying with several tribal specialists who improve his abilities in hunting, crafting and combat, Takkar retakes his homeland against rival tribes of cannibals and slavers. Outside of his ability to tame the prehistoric beasts that roam the land of Oros, nothing distinctive stands out about the main character. However, what Takkar lacks in personality and narrative drive, is made up for by the characters who surround him. Wogah, after pissing on Takkar, refers to him as “Piss Man” provides some comic relief, while Karoosh provides pathos, seeking revenge for the death of his son. Even the enemies are more compelling than Takkar. The Udam, a group of cannibals living in the mountainous, arctic north or Oros, are afflicted by a terminal brain disease that is wiping out their tribe. Dah, an Udam commander, captured by Takkar, is protected from the victimized Wenja, before being mercifully killed by Takkar to relieve him of his incurable condition. The game progresses predictably, capturing camps and bonfires, finding collectables, gathering and hunting for supplies to upgrade equipment and weapons, leading to fighting area bosses. After the initial introductory mission, the player is free to explore the world, search for collectables, hunt, craft or even complete campaign missions.
The achievements are fairly easy, and encourage fully engaging with the world the developers created. While some are tied to skill, the majority can be obtained by playing the game thoroughly. The achievements tied to collectables do not require finding all of them. Technically, the game functioned well without any noticeable issues. The fast travel locations are conveniently located throughout the map allowing easy movement throughout the gameworld. Progress through the main story is made far simpler by tackling as much of the side missions, opening as much of the map, Weapon selection is limited, with each weapon having a specific role in hunting and combat. Depth is found in upgrades, rather than different, more powerful versions of the weapon types. The same is also true of the equipment upgrades. Tamed animals, however, are the most powerful and the most versatile weapon available. Combining the owl with a tamed legendary beast of a potent tactic to scout locations and clear enemies.
What makes Far Cry distinct, not only in the series, but among games in general, is the primeval setting. The developers not only crafted weapons, flora and fauna to support the setting, they also created a language allowing the player to become fully immersed in the distant past. While it would have been easy to caricature primeval humanity, the developers crafted a world that is familiar and populated with characters that are realistic and relatable. The world is populated with characters who share common humanity. It is a strength to show a less developed culture with respect and dignity, rather than as cartoon cavemen.
At the end of Far Cry Primal, you will probably not remember many character names, or much of the plot. However, the experience is worth the investment. Primal’s value does not lie in its novelty, but in its solid execution of a well-defined formula in unique period of human history.
