Far Cry
Video Game Reviews

• Publisher: Ubi Soft

• System: Windows 98 and later

• Price: $39.99

• Violence Rating: Mature (ages 17 and older)

• Review Rating: 4 stars (out of 4)

By Jeb Haught

Copley News Service

While gamers are waiting for long-delayed titles such as "Half Life 2" and "Doom 3" to deliver stunning visuals and realistic physics, the release of the top-notch first-person shooter "Far Cry" by Ubi Soft certainly makes the wait more bearable.

Set in the present day, "Far Cry" follows the story of former Ocean Patrol agent Jack Carver as he struggles to escape from a remote island chain. Unfortunately, this tropical paradise quickly turns into a frantic fight for his life as Jack is pursued by crafty mercenaries manning dune buggies, deadly gunboats, powerful helicopters and more.

On the bright side, Jack has an impressive arsenal at his fingertips, including pistols, automatic shotguns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and a vast assortment of machine guns. In addition, he can commandeer several types of armed vehicles.

This title sports the most gorgeous visuals of any current game. Not only is everything rendered in high detail, but the view distance is farther than the human eye can see (about 1.2 kilometers). As a result, there is no fog to hinder your view anywhere.

As far as physics go, each vehicle handles as realistically as it would in real life. Every bump can be "felt" through virtual shock absorbers while driving, and the hang glider soars through the air like a graceful eagle.

My only complaint about "Far Cry" is the lackluster multiplayer mode, but that is hardly enough reason to pass on this excellent game.