Far Cry Instincts

Play as mutant Jack in a parallel universe to the PC version.

When a console version for Far Cry was initially announced, the first reaction for many was "port." Although the game does take place for the most part on the lush paradise seen in the PC version, Far Cry Instincts has taken off in a direction, enabling players to tap into the beast within.

Based on a modified Cry Engine optimized for consoles, Far Cry promises sprawling landscapes and lush greenery. The early build showed simpler textures and polygons and a drawing distance not quite as awe-inspiring as the jungles in the PC, but still retains a respectable amount of foliage. The game won't only take place in the jungle however, with the demo showing a wasteland area as well. The physics engine seen in the PC has been changed, with more destructible objects---shoot a column a couple times and you will see it gradually getting chipped away.

While you fought mutants in the PC version, in the console version you are a mutant, and have special mutant abilities that you can activate to help you pass through tight spots. Some of the more interesting abilities include scent, where moving enemies emit a blue cloud that you can see to track them, and a moon vision mode where lighting has been enhanced, not too dissimilar to the PC's Cry Vision. Other abilities include a dart-like weapon that stuns enemies, camouflage, and physical boosts that allow the player to jump higher, run faster, and pick up mounted weapons like a mini-gun.

Jack has a few more default moves up his sleeve, now having the ability to kick objects, and roll over while prone, allowing him to hit enemies overhead while still laying down. He (as well as enemies) can also lay traps now, one example being a tree booby trap that swings a branch full of spikes at anyone who passes by. Traps will also be present in the multiplayer, adding more of a tactical element to the game.

Weapons have undergone some changes, now offering a harpoon gun for water squirmishes, an extended clip for a glock, and a silenced beretta to complement the silenced MP5. Other weapons from the PC version will be in, such as the M4, sniper rifle, and shotgun. Types of vehicles available will differ, featuring a Buggy (ATV), Jet Ski, and a hovercraft armed with a .50 caliber machine gun.

Intelligent enemy AI for consoles will be retained, with mercenaries that take cover and call for help when in trouble. The type of mutants you face will be more varied---not only will you encounter humanoid mutants, but you will also face mutant Rhinos and Dragonflies.

Far Cry multiplayer didn't garner much attention for the PC, and Ubisoft hopes to remedy that by having a more "Far Cry-esque" gameplay. Amazingly, the game ships with a map editor that allows players to make their own maps in a simple yet powerful user interface, purportedly a trimmed down version of the actual editor that the developers use. Although it is still not known whether or not the game will use a hard drive, users can then send their maps to their friends via Xbox Live to play their own custom games online. Up to 12 players (though they are shooting for 16) can fight in a session, with full voice chat support.

A release date has not yet been announced.

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