The Far Cry series has consistently showcased Ubisoft’s talent for creating immersive open worlds, celebrated for their unique locations, memorable antagonists, and thrilling gameplay. Throughout its history, the franchise has made notable advancements by incorporating fresh mechanics and broadening its world design. However, this progress hasn’t always been embraced by its fanbase. Each new release has encountered significant scrutiny as it strives to cater to both long-time fans and new players, a challenge made tougher by the weight of nostalgia.
With Ubisoft set to introduce fresh concepts in Far Cry 7, it raises an interesting question: could the series eventually return to its origins, similar to what Assassin’s Creed Mirage achieved? Assassin’s Creed Mirage demonstrated that Ubisoft is open to revisiting its history and rediscovering the elements that originally captivated players. Given Far Cry’s iconic status, the idea of rekindling its appeal through a nostalgic lens is undoubtedly an enticing prospect for Ubisoft.
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, bringing the series back to its foundational gameplay elements. This renewed focus on stealth and parkour is a refreshing change from the more recent games, such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which had shifted away from these core mechanics.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage has taken a step back from the vast 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, where stealth and strategy played crucial roles. As the franchise evolved, many loyal players felt alienated by the shift towards combat and level grinding, which seemed to overshadow the series’ roots. In contrast, Assassin’s Creed Mirage has embraced a more narrative-focused approach, bringing back the classic AC experience that fans cherished.
While Assassin’s Creed Mirage may not have achieved the highest reviews among the series, its release was a pivotal moment for both the franchise and Ubisoft.
While these aspects didn’t guarantee a warm welcome for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, they did present a more favorable image of Ubisoft compared to what fans had been accustomed to lately. Newer players might view Assassin’s Creed Mirage as a significant shift from the norm, while long-time fans likely enjoyed the nostalgic elements it brought back. Despite ongoing criticism of Ubisoft for overcomplicating the Assassin’s Creed formula, the company opted for a fresh direction with Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which seemed to spark renewed optimism among fans, at least temporarily.
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 shocking if the company decided to revisit the series’ 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 franchise, could resonate well with long-time fans and rekindle some positive feelings towards the series.
Since Far Cry 3 launched in 2012, the series has seen some major shifts that fans haven’t always embraced. One of the biggest changes is the expansion of the open-world concept, which allows players more freedom to explore and complete missions. However, this has also led to a cluttered world design where the narrative often takes a backseat. As a result, the latest games in the series tend to feel a bit formulaic, relying heavily on a repetitive cycle of clearing outposts, gathering resources, and completing numerous fetch quests.
Ubisoft is reportedly working on a new formula for Far Cry 7, which might not resonate with all fans. However, it’s likely that they will eventually release a Far Cry title that brings back the classic feel fans have been missing from recent games. If their new approach doesn’t hit the mark, the chances of this happening will only grow. It appears Ubisoft is eager to regain the trust of its audience, and a return to the series’ roots could be a great way to achieve that.