The Far Cry series has consistently showcased Ubisoft’s talent for creating immersive open worlds, celebrated for their vibrant locations, memorable antagonists, and thrilling gameplay. Throughout its history, the franchise has made notable advancements by incorporating fresh mechanics and broadening its world-building approach. However, this progress hasn’t always been embraced by its dedicated fanbase.
With the launch of Far Cry 7 on the horizon, Ubisoft’s exploration of new gameplay mechanics raises an interesting question: could the series return to its foundational elements, similar to what Assassin’s Creed Mirage achieved? The success of Mirage demonstrated Ubisoft’s readiness to look back at its history and rediscover the elements that originally captivated fans.
Ubisoft Could Eventually Bring Far Cry Back to Basics
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Recently Took the Series Back in Time
While Assassin’s Creed Mirage may not have achieved the highest critical acclaim among the Assassin’s Creed titles, its release was a pivotal moment for both the franchise and Ubisoft. Instead of pushing the boundaries of innovation, Ubisoft opted for a nostalgic route, revisiting the core elements that originally defined the series.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage has shifted away from the expansive RPG features found in games like Odyssey and Valhalla, which had left some long-time fans feeling disconnected. The series originally gained traction due to its focus on thoughtful gameplay, emphasizing stealth and strategy as essential components for success. As the franchise evolved, many dedicated players began to feel alienated by the increased focus on combat and leveling up, which seemed to overshadow the series’ core identity.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage didn’t end up being one of the best-reviewed Assassin’s Creed games ever released, but its launch marked a very significant moment for the franchise and Ubisoft alike.
While these aspects didn’t guarantee a warm welcome for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, they did reflect a more positive direction for Ubisoft compared to recent trends. Newer players might view the game as a significant shift from the series’ norm, while long-time fans likely enjoyed the nostalgic elements it brought back.
Ubisoft Might Try a “Back-to-Roots” Approach With Far Cry at Some Point
Ubisoft is said to be pushing the boundaries of its Far Cry series with the upcoming Far Cry 7. However, it wouldn’t be unexpected for the developer to revisit the franchise’s origins in a future installment, similar to what they did with Assassin’s Creed Mirage. A return to a style akin to Far Cry 3, often hailed as the pinnacle of the series, could be a compelling direction
Since Far Cry 3 debuted in 2012, the series has seen considerable shifts that many fans haven’t embraced. A key change is the enhancement of the open-world experience, granting players more freedom to explore and tackle missions. However, this has also resulted in a sprawling world design that often diminishes the narrative focus
Ubisoft is reportedly working on a new formula for Far Cry 7, which may not resonate with all fans. However, it’s likely that the developer will eventually produce a Far Cry title that harkens back to the classic gameplay, contrasting with the recent modern iterations. The chances of this happening could rise if the new direction doesn’t meet expectations, but it appears to be on the horizon regardless.