Far Cry Instincts Predator (Xbox 360, 2006)

Having played a demo of the original Far Cry Instincts for XBOX, I skipped over the enhanced XBOX 360 Far Cry Instincts/Instincts Preditor (which was really more of a FarCry 1 1/2 than a sequel), and went straight to FarCry 2 on PS3 (which was not really a sequel either, but rather another story and character altogether, along with a completely new game engine and graphics,- still, a great game in its own right).

Now that I have come back around to play FarCry Instincts and Preditor, I can appreciate it for it own worth,- though the environment is miniscule in comparrison to the expansive area that can be covered and traveled back and forth within without getting boring in FarCry 2.

FarCry Instincts/Preditor is a pretty basic firstperson shooter that while allowing for some interesting elements in exploring environments,- is conspicuously missing the natural expected elements that would make the experience more believable,- which would be some serious interactive wildlife. (FarCry 2 suffered the same failed imagination and creative element that should have made it more plausible,- such as no crocodiles attacking waterbuffalo or zebra crossing water,- and of course would have posed a heartpounding threat to players crossing water as well).

I cannot count the number of times I was point blank shooting an enemy in the face with a shotgun, only to have them continue to finish whatever stupid nonsense they were lipping off to me, as if I hadn't hit them,..NO DAMAGE,.. when I could have poked out their eye with the barrel! It doesn't occur continually, but happens enough to really piss you off,- when you work your ass off to stealthfully get the drop on them.

Both Preditor and FarCry 2 are great games, but have AI that can get inanely repetative in their actions and dialog, but provide enough variety in weapons, enemies and behaviour/tactics to continue to present a challenge and carry a reasonably well written storyline.

All of the FarCry games have replay value and are must have additions to any collectors library.

I have scored FarCry Instincts Preditor 4 of 5 stars, but that is relative to other console games published when it was. The PC version was better, and FarCry 2 still only scores 4 of 5 stars, in spite of being considerably better than its predecesor,- as I am rating it against console games that were published when it was and are its better.