Far Cry 2 Review

GAMEPLAY (cont’d)

Multiplayer

The multiplayer component is more or less standard but the Map Editor is one thing that will make Far Cry 2 have a lasting effect. With this editor you can create your own maps and use them online. There is even a ranking system so you will know how much the other players like your map. This is a great idea from the Ubisoft team and will no doubt become a reference for future games.

The map editor is among the best

Maps are important but gameplay is what really counts. The different play modes are Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture The Diamond and Uprising. Deathmatch is a free-for-all in which you eliminate enemies to score. The mercenary that reaches the score limit first wins. Or if the time is up, the one with the highest score does. Team Deathmatch is very much the same except that it is as it says – team combat instead of a free-for-all.

Capture The Diamond is reminiscent of regular Capture The Flag matches most of us are used to. In this case, each team has a diamond canister at its base instead of a flag. The aim is to capture the opposing team’s diamonds and return them to your base. However, your team’s diamonds must be present for you to score. The first team to reach the score limit or the team with the highest score after the time limit is reached, wins.

Uprising is an interesting match type. The two teams fight to control key strategic points on the map. Each team has a Captain and that person is randomly chosen at the start of each match. The Captain is the only person that can capture a control point. This is done by occupying it for 20 seconds. There are two ways to win. One is by capturing all three (3) control points and then killing the enemy captain. The other is to have control over more points on the map than the opposing team when the time runs out.

Player class selection and upgrade screen

There are several classes from which you can choose, depending on your playing style. These include Commando, Sharpshooter, Guerrilla, Rebel, Gunner and Saboteur. Each class has specific weapon-types associated with it to fit that type of gameplay. You can upgrade to better/different weapons in your playing class by leveling-up and using the diamonds you get as reward.

As you play with each class and with each weapon, you become more adept and your three field manuals are automatically upgraded. They are as follows:

• Operations Manual: Improves weapon accuracy
• Maintenance Manual: Increases weapon reliability and unjam speed
• Bandolier: Increases ammunition capacity

When all is said and done, the multiplayer portion of Far Cry 2 is a rather enjoyable experience. The only drawback is that at times it can be hard to find decent games. This should continue to improve as more game servers become available.