Runner-Up: Far Cry Primal
When it comes to gaming, the Far Cry series is an absolute juggernaut, often mixing first-person shooting with open worlds and a storyline based around a vacation from Hell. Over the years, Ubisoft has taken us to some of the most exotic locations on the planet, and we’ve had an extremely good time in each and every one of them. That’s why when the developer announced Far Cry Primal, we were a bit surprised.
By opting to explore the criminally underused Stone Age period of human history, Ubisoft was taking a definite risk with the franchise, and it was a decision that certainly had people skeptical. Thankfully though, it seems to have paid off. I’ll be the first to admit that Primal is far from perfect, but this is a beautiful game through and through. It’s as immersive as it is easy on the eyes, and presents a rich world that’s not hard to get lost in.
Sure, the basic gameplay mechanics may feel familiar to series veterans, but through a well-executed blending of multiple genres (survival, adventure, strategy, etc.), Far Cry Primal offers up an enjoyable gaming experience. We’ve named it as a runner-up because it is a little too light on story for our liking and can get tedious due to an emphasis on hunting and crafting. As such, we don’t think it’s quite Game of the Year material. However, if you can look past the aforementioned flaws, there’s a thrilling adventure to be had, one which you shouldn’t pass up.
For our full thoughts on the game, see our review here.