By Edmond Tran @ GameSpot
If you’re familiar with the premise of Far Cry–the idea of a one-person army taking on overwhelming hostile forces in large, unpredictable surroundings–then you know exactly what Far Cry 5 feels like. You’ll engage in different styles of offensive conflict; attempt to tame the wild, natural environment to your advantage; and slowly build a guerilla resistance in the background. But for its fifth mainline entry, the series formula has undergone some very positive refinements, which make its core hook of exploring and engaging with its volatile setting a more free-flowing and pleasant experience. It lets you fully enjoy the sights and activities of its beautiful and interesting open-world without too many overt distractions.
The biggest change is that the series is finally confident enough to put you in charge of your own progression. After a brief orientation, the entire region of Hope County, Montana USA is immediately open for exploration. Three intimidatingly large regions surround your starting point, and you’re given only a gentle suggestion of a good first destination. The moment when you’re shown all the equally accessible possibilities and the furthest reaches of the map feels liberating–you may even be crippled by the choice, and that’s a good problem to have.
