“Are you a problem solver, or a problem maker?” The Far Cry series’ newest standout villains — twins Mickey and Lou — raise this question in the opening scene of Far Cry New Dawn. A few hours later, I suspect I’m neither, as I’m frantically fleeing a lichen-covered bison with a monstrous amount of health, leading it toward an outpost filled with civilians who, if I’m lucky, promise to divert its attention. Then again, at least I’m not the one speared on the end of that bison’s horn.
Past Far Cry games repeatedly flirted with these kinds of moral gray areas, but none have been especially diligent about unpacking the intangible space between right and wrong. Far Cry New Dawn practically mechanizes its indifference. It doesn’t really afford the chance to solve or make problems. It’s only really interested in being a playground for carnage.
And as far as violent playgrounds go, New Dawn’s excels, embodying the maniacal freedom of Grand Theft Auto in an anarchic, Fallout-esque setting with the vibrancy cranked to 11. Its extensive array of weapons, vehicles, and explosives facilitates mowing down enemies and retaking outposts in any number of combinations. I can dress up as a unicorn while I run around launching buzzsaws into people’s faces, or I can use god powers to kill a bear in a single punch (more on that later).
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