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Very Short Review: Far Cry 5

Like all game series, Far Cry 5 have also been judged by its precedessors. Luckily I haven’t played earlier games in the series so I can have a fresh view on this game.

In short, Far Cry 5 is about the conflict between the evil cult and the resistance movement. The cult, officially known as “Project at Eden’s Gate”, is gaining popularity in rural America. However, the popularity has its dark side: there are criminal activities happening and not all people like it. The game starts as law enforcement is sent to Eden’s Gate’s place to take a look at what’s going on there. Not surprisingly, hell breaks loose very soon.

Developers did great job creating an world that feels very authentic. Just riding around in ‘Murican dirt roads is so relaxing. Although there are some hints referring to contemporary politics in the US, the game itself doesn’t explicitly endorse or preach in favor of any movement or party. Instead, the developers let both parties (Eden’s Gate and Resistance) to have their own views through NPC dialogs; it’s the player’s duty to choose sides.

The gameplay itself is very smooth and I didn’t encounter bugs. The map is quite huge and there are many things to do, also post-game. One thing I wish I knew before I started playing is that enemies spawn regularly all around the world. I could have saved lots of ammo instead of eliminating all the bad guys passing by. Missions are exciting and some of them are just reckless - in a good way.

They even hired a choir (“The Hope County Choir”) to make a soundtrack for the game. Cult’s religious lyrics are very well written and it’s obvious that only an expert of this field could have composed those. Song titles such as “Help Me Faith”, “Keep Your Rifle By Your Side” and "The World Is Gonna End Tonight” pretty much describe it all. These songs also reveal the psychological side of a cult. While cult members think they are superior to non-believers, at the same time they are nothing and need constant help of the Leader in order to get acceptance. Without a supreme Leader, there is no reason to live. This contradiction is magnificently seized in the form of music. Beautiful and terrifying (due to underlying theme) at the same time.

Far Cry 5 brings up many philosophical questions about truth, religion and violence. I think this issue hasn’t been covered enough in previous game reviews. Was Eden’s Gate morally righteous despite they sacrificed other people’s lives? If not, why not? Is it because of their faith or the law? Well, if that’s the case - what if Eden’s Gate (or any similar group) gains majority in some county, city or country and imposes their “law” upon others? That’s wrong because of what? Because of a piece of paper that says otherwise? If that’s the case, any cult could write their own piece of “Universal Law” and therefore gain legitimacy for their evil cause. And if cults gain majority somewhere (legally, by vote), what moral arguments are left in favor of individual life, liberty and property?

Very beautiful, brutal and thought-provoking game!

Rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Last updated: 5.9.2021

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