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MONSTER

Far Cry 6

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Far Cry 6
Item: Far Cry 6
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Crime, Open World, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 7, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperUbisoft Toronto

Overview

Dive into the gritty world of a modern-day guerrilla revolution to liberate a nation from its oppressive dictators. Welcome to Yara, a tropical paradise frozen in time. Far Cry 6 thrusts players into a modern-day guerrilla revolution. As dictator of Yara, Anton Castillo is intent on restoring his nation back to its former glory by any means, with his son, Diego, following in his bloody footsteps. Become a guerrilla fighter and liberate Yara.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Far Cry 6’s story is a divisive mix of bold political themes and undercooked execution, with praise for its morally complex rebellion and stellar antagonist performance, but criticism for formulaic plots, shallow characters, and a recycled "take down the dictator" narrative that fails to deliver meaningful innovation or emotional depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Far Cry 6 receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its engaging elements and character-driven moments. IGN France acknowledges the game’s political themes and rich backdrop inspired by real-world issues, while Carole Quintaine praises the compelling antagonist Anton Castillo, masterfully portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, and the strong connection between Dani Rojas and the villain. Critics like Game Informer note the narrative’s dark tone and the protagonist’s growth, alongside the dual storylines that offer some intrigue, even if they feel disconnected at times. Additionally, DualShockers and Player 2 commend the immersive storytelling, emphasizing the vibrancy of side characters and the moral complexities of rebellion. The game’s exploration of themes like freedom and oppression is seen as a strength by several reviewers, with CGMagazine highlighting its politically charged narrative and complex character relationships. However, the story faces significant criticism for being formulaic, shallow, and lacking depth. NME and GRYOnline.pl condemn it as “shockingly bad” and “clichéd,” with predictable plots centered on a tyrant and resistance movement. Critics like Stevivor and Xbox Achievements describe the narrative as “completely unsatisfying” and “dull,” citing forgettable antagonists, one-dimensional characters, and repetitive gameplay loops. Vandal and MGG Spain note the lack of meaningful conflict within the revolutionary context, while GameSpew and Destructoid criticize tonal dissonance and a failure to cohesively balance serious themes with absurd moments. The protagonist’s development is also questioned, with Post Arcade and Ragequit.gr pointing out that while there is more plot emphasis than previous entries, the story remains familiar and lacks emotional resonance. Overall, the critical reception of Far Cry 6’s story leans toward mixed but largely negative, with many critics feeling it misses opportunities to innovate. While some praise its character dynamics, performances, and thematic ambition—such as IGN Portugal’s emphasis on player choice and VG247’s acknowledgment of the protagonist’s growth—the majority view it as a recycled formula lacking nuance. The game’s reliance on tropes, shallow political commentary, and underdeveloped characters outweigh its strengths for many reviewers. Despite occasional highlights, the consensus is that Far Cry 6 fails to deliver a compelling or original narrative, settling instead for a familiar “take down the dictator” premise with mixed execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Far Cry 6 delivers addictive open-world chaos with creative combat, customizable weapons, and flexible playstyles, but repetitive missions, formulaic design, and undercooked mechanics dull its impact. A competent entry for fans, but lacks the innovation to shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Far Cry 6 receives praise for its variety and accessibility, with many critics highlighting its engaging open-world design and flexible combat options. Reviewers like GameSpot and CGMagazine commend the game’s weapon customization, including Resolver weapons and Supremo backpacks, which add tactical depth and creative solutions to encounters. The ability to approach missions stealthily or aggressively is noted as a strength by GameGrin and Digital Chumps, who appreciate the freedom to experiment with different strategies. Additionally, Hobby Consolas and Twinfinite praise the game’s vast open world, which offers diverse missions and side activities that cater to players seeking exploration. The introduction of animal companions and unique mechanics like the Supremo weapon is seen as a refreshing addition by several critics, including Screen Rant and DualShockers, who emphasize the game’s chaotic yet rewarding combat. However, numerous reviewers criticize Far Cry 6 for its repetitive structure and lack of innovation. Stevivor and Gamepressure argue that the gameplay feels overly safe and unchallenging, with missions often relying on familiar formulas that fail to evolve. The repetition of military base raids and side quests is a recurring complaint, as noted by GameOver.gr, The Loadout, and Riot Pixels, who describe the open-world activities as monotonous and underwhelming. Slant Magazine and Everyeye.it point out that elements like hunting, fishing, and AI-driven mechanics feel unnecessary or poorly executed, detracting from immersion. Additionally, GameGrin and Guardian mention that while gunplay is enjoyable, the inclusion of health bars and enemy weaknesses disrupts the flow, making combat feel sluggish compared to earlier entries in the series. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus among critics leans toward a balanced view: Far Cry 6 retains the core strengths of the franchise but struggles with repetition and underdeveloped mechanics. While GameSpot and CGMagazine highlight its ambitious systems and creative combat options, many reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and Ragequit.gr, feel that the game lacks the innovation to justify its formulaic approach. The open world’s scale and variety are praised by Hobby Consolas and Twinfinite, but these elements are often overshadowed by fatigue from repetitive tasks. Ultimately, Far Cry 6 is seen as a competent entry in the series that delivers fun and freedom for fans of the genre, though its shortcomings in originality and polish prevent it from being a standout experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Far Cry 6 dazzles with lush, immersive visuals but falters with choppy animations, blurry textures, and generic design, failing to match its next-gen promise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Far Cry 6 receive widespread praise for their aesthetic appeal and immersive world-building. Critics consistently highlight Yara as a vibrant, diverse, and visually striking environment, with lush tropical landscapes, detailed urban settings, and dynamic weather systems. For instance, Jeuxvideo.com and Cubed3 commend the game’s "stunning visuals" and "true next-gen experience," while GameGrin and Inverse note improvements in water physics, motion capture, and character animations. The island’s varied biomes—ranging from dense jungles to bustling cities—are often described as "gorgeous" (GameByte) and "breathtaking" (MMORPG.com), with critics like PlayStation LifeStyle emphasizing the immersive blend of urban and natural environments. Additionally, Impulsegamer and Xbox Tavern praise the PS5’s capabilities in rendering lush landscapes and detailed effects, creating a visually rich experience that enhances exploration. However, several critics point to technical shortcomings and missed opportunities in the game’s visual design. Issues such as choppy animations (Comicbook.com), blurry textures (Riot Pixels), and inconsistent special effects (JeuxActu) detract from the overall polish. Games.cz and PlayStation Universe argue that the visuals lack the "next-gen" flair expected from modern consoles, with Multiplayer.it criticizing Yara’s generic design compared to other Ubisoft titles. GameStar and MGG highlight visual inconsistencies, such as empty environments and subpar HD texture packs, while Digital Trends notes minor localization flaws. Additionally, some reviewers, like Malditos Nerds, feel the game "doesn’t push technical boundaries," appearing more like a last-gen title despite its hardware capabilities. These issues create a disconnect between the game’s ambitious aesthetic and its execution. Overall, the consensus leans toward admiration for Far Cry 6’s visual ambition and beauty, tempered by criticism of its technical polish and innovation. While many reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and GameGrin, celebrate Yara as one of the series’ most captivating settings, others like Games.cz and Multiplayer.it argue it fails to fully leverage next-gen hardware or distinguish itself from previous entries. The game’s visuals are generally seen as "stunning" (Cubed3) and "immersive" (PlayStation LifeStyle), but recurring issues with performance and design consistency prevent it from achieving a truly groundbreaking experience. Ultimately, Far Cry 6 is viewed as a visually appealing title that prioritizes style over technical perfection, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Far Cry 6 dazzles with lush, immersive visuals but falters with choppy animations, blurry textures, and generic design, failing to match its next-gen promise.

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Far Cry 6’s sound design and music are praised for their vibrant Latin American authenticity, immersive rhythms, and cultural depth, but critics note uneven execution, repetitive radio tracks, and a lack of memorable melodies compared to the series’ past entries.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Far Cry 6 received generally positive acclaim, with many critics highlighting its immersive and culturally rich audio elements. The Latin American-inspired soundtrack, featuring salsa, reggaeton, and traditional rhythms, was frequently praised for enhancing the game’s atmosphere and setting. Reviewers like Meristation and Press Start Australia noted the orchestral score by Pedro Bromfman and the authentic Spanish localization, which added depth to character interactions and mission contexts. The inclusion of recognizable Latin music, such as the Caribbean version of Bella Ciao (mentioned by Digital Trends) and the radio tunes that players could sing along to (as highlighted by Comicbook.com and Shacknews), was seen as a standout feature. Additionally, environmental sounds like weapon feedback and spatial audio on PS5 (noted by TheSixthAxis) contributed to immersion, while the vibrant musical selections during exploration and combat were celebrated for their energetic and fitting nature (GameSpew, Cubed3). However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the sound design and music. Some felt the soundtrack lacked the memorability of previous Far Cry entries, with Destructoid and Xbox Achievements criticizing the absence of a standout musical identity. Issues with audio consistency were also mentioned, such as GamePro Germany’s complaints about uneven dialogue levels and Games.cz’s critique of poorly mixed sound design despite praising its central melody. The vehicle radio tunes faced criticism for being repetitive or grating (Xbox Achievements), while Wccftech noted that humor in quips often fell flat, disrupting serious moments. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and IGN Spain pointed out that the Latin music might not appeal to all players, and GameWatcher mentioned directional audio inconsistencies. These critiques suggest a mixed reception regarding the balance between innovation and adherence to franchise expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Far Cry 6’s sound design and music, particularly its cultural authenticity and immersive qualities. While there were valid complaints about specific elements like repetition or consistency, the majority of reviews emphasized how the soundtrack and audio effects enriched the game’s world-building and emotional impact. IGN, GameStar, and TheXboxHub praised the vibrant musical selections and voice acting, with Meristation highlighting the authenticity of Spanish localization. Despite some reservations, the game’s audio elements were widely seen as a strong component of its overall experience, blending lively Latin rhythms with effective sound design to create an engaging and atmospheric gameplay environment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Giancarlo Esposito’s chilling, menacing performance as Anton Castillo steals the show in Far Cry 6, hailed as a narrative cornerstone by critics, while Dani Rojas’ charismatic voice work and authentic Spanish dub add charm—though Castillo’s underdeveloped character and translation hiccups dim some of the impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Far Cry 6 is widely praised for its standout performances, particularly Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of Anton Castillo. Critics consistently highlight his ability to bring depth and menace to the antagonist, with IGN noting his “chilling dynamic” and GameCritics praising his “energy.” His performance is frequently described as a narrative cornerstone, with TheGamer calling it “excellent” and The Loadout stating it “elevates the character.” Similarly, Dani Rojas’ voice work, especially in English, receives acclaim for adding charm and engagement, with New Game Network noting his “likeable and well-voiced” presence. The Spanish dubbing also earns praise for its cultural authenticity, as highlighted by Meristation, while Digital Trends acknowledges its “general goodness” despite minor pronunciation flaws. Nisa Gunduz’s performance as Dani Rojas is similarly lauded for its fiery energy, with Press Start Australia calling it “memorable.” However, several critics point to limitations in the voice acting’s impact. While Esposito’s work is celebrated, many argue his character’s presence is underutilized, leading to a sense of missed potential. Riot Pixels criticizes Castillo’s lack of depth despite his vocal performance, while GRYOnline.pl and Wccftech note that his “limited presence” reduces his narrative influence. Similarly, SpazioGames and VGC mention that Castillo’s character could have been “utilized better,” and COGconnected critiques the writing for making NPCs “one-dimensional.” Translation issues in the Spanish dubbing, such as awkward phrasing or pronunciation, are also flagged by Digital Trends, while Everyeye.it laments the absence of an Italian dub. Additionally, some critics, like GamePro Germany, suggest that Esposito’s casting choices for Latinx roles raise questions about representation, though this is less central to the voice acting itself. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for Far Cry 6’s voice acting, particularly its lead performances. While there are valid concerns about character development and localization, the majority of critics agree that Esposito’s portrayal of Castillo is a defining strength, with multiple outlets—such as GameCritics, IGN, and The Guardian—highlighting his “deliciously cruel” and “menacing” delivery. Supporting characters like Dani Rojas also receive praise for their vocal work, though some note the lack of depth in secondary roles. Ultimately, the voice acting is seen as a significant asset to the game’s narrative, with critics like GameSkinny and GamingTrend emphasizing its role in enhancing immersion and emotional engagement. The mixed feedback reflects a balance between technical execution and storytelling limitations, but the vocal performances remain a standout element for many reviewers.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Far Cry 6 delivers polished platform-specific performance—Xbox Series X boasts smooth frame rates, PS5 shines with stable 60 FPS, and PC impresses with optimization—but all systems face recurring bugs, jittery cutscenes, AI flaws, and graphical hiccups. While technical issues don’t derail the experience, they tarnish Ubisoft’s usual polish, leaving a mixed but manageable legacy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Far Cry 6 varies across platforms, with several positives highlighted by critics. On Xbox Series X, reviewers like TheXboxHub praised the game’s seamless transitions between areas and stable frame rates, while XboxAddict noted that initial graphical glitches were largely resolved via a Day 1 patch. For PS5, Push Square commended its consistent 60 FPS performance, and PlayStation Universe highlighted minimal issues despite some minor glitches. On PC, TrueGaming emphasized stable performance without technical hiccups, and Merlin'in Kazanı praised the game’s optimization, noting it runs smoothly on average hardware—a rare feat for Ubisoft titles. Additionally, IGN and Eurogamer Italy acknowledged solid technical foundations with few major bugs, contributing to a generally polished experience. However, technical issues were consistently reported across all platforms. On Xbox Series X, critics like Comicbook.com and EGM cited jittery cutscenes, glitches, and mission-breaking bugs that disrupted immersion, while GamingBolt noted minor visual glitches detracting from polish. PS5 users faced similar challenges: GRYOnline.pl and Cubed3 mentioned stability problems, and Push Square pointed to screen tearing and frame drops during cutscenes. On PC, PC Invasion and PC Gamer reported crashes and graphical issues, with GameSkinny criticizing AI behavior as poorly designed. Even platforms with strong performance, like PS5, had issues—such as inconsistent character controls (GamePro Germany) and frame rate dips in cutscenes (Gamer.no). These problems, while not universal, were frequent enough to impact the overall experience. The overall consensus among critics is that Far Cry 6 delivers a technically stable base with platform-specific optimizations, but it struggles with persistent bugs and AI flaws. While Xbox Series X and PS5 received praise for smooth frame rates and minimal crashes (e.g., TheXboxHub, Push Square), issues like cutscene stuttering and mission-breaking glitches remained common across all systems. PC users faced more varied results, with some praising stability (TrueGaming) while others critiqued AI and graphical inconsistencies (PC Invasion). Despite these flaws, many reviewers acknowledged that the technical shortcomings did not overshadow the game’s core appeal, with IGN and Eurogamer Italy noting that minor bugs were forgivable given the scale of the open world. Ultimately, Far Cry 6 reflects a mixed but manageable technical performance, with Ubisoft’s usual polish slightly compromised by recurring glitches and AI issues.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Far Cry 6 is a mixed bag: its sprawling open world, co-op gameplay, and endless side quests offer massive replay value for exploration fans, but repetitive missions, filler content, and formulaic design risk boring veterans. While critics praise its depth, many warn the grind feels stale long-term—replayability hinges on whether you crave novelty or tolerate repetition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews of Far Cry 6 highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its replay value. Critics like IGN, PC Invasion, and GameSpot emphasize the game’s substantial content, including a vast open world, numerous side missions, co-op gameplay, and post-game activities that encourage exploration and experimentation. For instance, IGN notes the wealth of side quests and activities that foster replayability, while PC Invasion points to around 20 hours of main story content plus additional hours for side tasks. The cooperative mode is frequently praised as a key factor in extending engagement, with MondoXbox and PlayStation LifeStyle highlighting its appeal. Additionally, Hobby Consolas and God is a Geek acknowledge the game’s massive map and variety of missions, suggesting it could keep players engaged for months. These positives underscore the game’s potential to offer long-term entertainment through its depth and flexibility. However, multiple critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of Far Cry 6’s gameplay and content, which may diminish its replay value. VGC, SpazioGames, Comicbook.com, and Stevivor describe the game as bland and formulaic, with tedious side activities that feel like a chore. Dexerto and VideoGamer note that repetitive tasks and lack of meaningful rewards make the experience less engaging over time, while Games.cz and PC Gamer criticize the predictability of missions and story mechanics. Xbox Achievements and Hey Poor Player also highlight filler content and repetitive objectives, suggesting that even with a large amount of material, the gameplay can feel stale. These critiques reflect a widespread sentiment that the game’s reliance on familiar structures and repetitive systems may deter players from revisiting it after the initial playthrough. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging Far Cry 6’s potential for replayability while recognizing its flaws. While IGN, PC Invasion, and GameSpot argue that the game’s content and co-op features justify its replay value, others like VGC and SpazioGames find it lacking due to repetition and filler. The divide often hinges on player preferences: newcomers or fans of open-world exploration may appreciate the variety, while veterans might feel the formula is unoriginal. MGG Spain and BaziCenter note that the game’s content is sufficient for completionists, but Screen Rant and Riot Pixels caution that its repetitive nature could limit long-term appeal. Ultimately, Far Cry 6 seems to offer a solid foundation for replayability, but its success depends on whether players prioritize novelty or are willing to overlook its repetitive elements.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Far Cry 6 highlights its strengths as a polished and engaging entry in the series, with many critics praising its vibrant open world, improved narrative elements, and immersive setting. Reviewers like GameStar and Jeuxvideo.com (PS5) noted the game’s captivating visuals and rich world-building, while IGN highlighted its successful blend of serious and absurd storytelling. The game’s cultural representation and character performances also stood out, with Carole Quintaine calling it “the best installment since Far Cry 3” and Player 2 praising its “surprising and engaging story.” Additionally, GameSpot and Push Square acknowledged the game’s fun gameplay loops and expansive content, suggesting it delivers value for fans of the franchise. These positives underscore Far Cry 6’s ability to refine the series’ formula while maintaining its core appeal. However, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings, particularly around repetition, lack of innovation, and narrative issues. EGM and VGC criticized the game as a “lesser version of its predecessors” and a “missed opportunity for innovation,” respectively, with GamePro Germany noting its “mixed feelings due to a lack of compelling narrative.” Others like Shindig and GameWatcher described it as formulaic or “stale,” while PCGamesN and Wccftech highlighted its repetitive gameplay and failure to evolve beyond established mechanics. Technical issues, such as AI shortcomings (PC Invasion) and performance hiccups (Hey Poor Player), further detracted from the experience. The game’s tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters also drew criticism, with GameStar and Slant Magazine pointing out its “tedious gameplay” and “disconnected missions,” suggesting a disconnect between its ambitions and execution. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Far Cry 6 is a solid, if unremarkable, entry in the series. While it retains the franchise’s signature open-world charm and delivers enjoyable gameplay, many feel it fails to innovate or fully capitalize on its potential. Game Informer and TrueGaming acknowledged its strengths as a “compelling open-world action game” and “polished experience,” respectively, but noted its lack of revolutionary changes. Meanwhile, Player 2 and Impulsegamer celebrated it as the best in the series, while others like Jeuxvideo.com (PC) and GamingBolt emphasized its balance of familiarity and minor improvements. The mixed reactions reflect a divide between fans who appreciate the series’ consistency and critics who expected more groundbreaking innovation. Ultimately, Far Cry 6 is seen as a competent but unexciting iteration that satisfies longtime players while falling short of redefining the franchise.

TL;DR

Far Cry 6 delivers a polished, engaging open-world experience with vibrant visuals, improved storytelling, and cultural depth, satisfying fans with its familiar formula. However, repetitive gameplay, lackluster innovation, and narrative shortcomings undermine its potential, leaving many critics disappointed. While praised for its fun mechanics and immersion, the game feels stale and unambitious, settling for comfort over creativity—a competent but uninspired entry in the series.

MONSTER

Reviews

236 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Xbox Series X

Oct 11, 2021