Finally ! Far Cry 2 lands in stores for the good ol' PC. At a glance, it would seem that Far Cry 2 was somewhat a copycat of Crysis. Yes, they are similar in a sense that they are both 'sandbox' orientated, but Far Cry 2 has much to offer, enough for anyone agree that it is much more worthy than just a mere copycat.
FC2 is no way related to it's previous games, feral abilities have been removed and the storyline has been crafted to be less linear. Contrary to aliens and futuristic combat in Crysis, FC2 tells the story of a rogue mercenary who's sole purpose is to track down and kill an arms dealer only known as The Jackal. The setting is an African-like environment, lush forests are frequent, occasional deserts, small villages, rivers run up and down the map, and they all add up to form the 50km square of land that is free for exploration without loading screens. To assist you in traveling, vehicles are scattered all over the environment and a bus service is also available to travel long distances in a short period of time.

You will take on missions assigned to you by various NPCs all over the map. Completing these missions can earn you diamonds which can be used later on to purchase arms and equipment from a dealer. After a while, you will eventually find a lead on your main target. You may choose who to be allies with and who to betray, both which have good and bad consequences. By raising your reputation, you may have better connections with your clients. With plenty of allies, they may help you on certain missions or provide different insights of how you could approach your objectives.

Time plays a large role in affecting how you handle yourself. The weather changes from sunny days, to sometimes rainy storms. You may choose to complete missions at night under the cover of darkness, or go rambo during the day in an assault jeep, whatever works to get you paid. Over time, weapons will rust and sometimes jam while you are in a firefight. You will then have to unjam the weapon before it is usable again. Furthermore, if a rusty weapon has been used for too long, it will explode into pieces in your hand and you are forced to discard it. Similarly, vehicles can break down and need to be repaired occasionally or if they suffer damage from firefights.

All in all, Far Cry 2 is an excellent game with a lot of replay value. Sure, it lacks co-op for the story mode unlike Gears of War, Halo and Rainbow Six: Vegas, but nevertheless, a great experience that puts a player into the character’s shoes more successfully than any other game on the market.