Game Review: Far Cry Primal

Far Cry Primal takes you to 10,000 BC where you play Takkar, a hunter who is trying to revive a tribe called Wenja back to its former glory. Everything is subtitled since the Wenja, speak a made up language based on the historic language Proto-Indo-European that Ubisoft actually paid University of California Los Angeles linguists to script for them. While it is a welcome change from Kyrat's all English-speaking population in Far Cry 4, the subtitles could be annoying for those who can don't like reading them in movies.

The game moves on from its one main villain formula, to two rival tribes, the Udam cannibals and Izlia, who worship fire. Takkar's job in the game is to locate and reunite tribe members, while taking on the wild life and rival tribes in Oros. The plot does little to keep you interested in the story and sometimes, the story missions feel long drawn, a great example is the first snooze fest of a mission which helps you find Sayla and Oros, we couldn't wait for it to be over. Thankfully, the open world madness makes up for it.

Takkar is also good with animals. He can tame them almost magically and have them fight alongside, and depending on your skill level it could be a wolf or a mammoth. You might also want to spring for the Play As A Mammoth pack, which is accessible in the game once you locate Tensay the shaman. Needless to say, we found it fun to go around stomping people and throwing them about. As much fun as the owl, which is a great new tool available in Primal to fly around and scout areas, even drop bombs and release caged animals in enemy camps to cause chaos while you take them out from the shadows with your primitive weapons.

Since you are in the Stone Age, there isn't much tech available to you, so obviously no assault rifles. Instead you have clubs and a bow and arrow which you can upgrade as you progress. While there are no bombs as such, you can make some makeshift ones with a bag full of bees.

The Dunia Engine 2 seems to be more life-like in Primal than it did in the previous games, they may have improved the engine, or the prehistoric venue just suits it better. There are no surprises in the way it works, especially if you have played Far Cry 4. Graphics again are very Far Cry 4, nothing notably different, which is not a bad thing. The game play also doesn't vary too much from Far Cry 4. The takedowns are just as satisfying, as are headshots with the bow and arrow. The hunter vision is also a great addition that lets you keep track of the surrounding threats, mission objectives and your prey.

Fortunately for Far Cry Primal, the game doesn't feel like a DLC, which means it is worth paying for. The main story could have been much better, but the gameplay and the open world mechanics cover its shortcomings very well. Recommended for Far Cry fans.