Metareview: Far Cry 4

The Far Cry series has gotten progressively more entertaining over time. Unlike Ubisoft's overextended Assassin's Creed army, its Far Cry team has had time to craft something that is beautiful and fun to play.

Our review said it was "another interesting and absorbing world to fall into, shoot through, burn and then guide to new beginnings." Critical reception to the game has been positive overall.

• The Guardian (5/5): "Far Cry 4 truly shines in the almost bacchanalian sense of freedom it bestows on the player as they traverse through its environment. In Kyrat you have the ability to go anywhere and do pretty much anything."

• Destructoid (9/10): "Far Cry 4 could have all of the multiplayer elements stripped away and it would still be a very strong game. If you enjoyed its predecessor and didn't grow tired of Ubisoft Montreal's open world formula, you'll have a blast living the experience again."

• GamesRadar (80/100): "This unpredictability notwithstanding, there's too often a sense that you've been here and done it all before. The game's niggling perfunctoriness is reflected in its choice of villain. Savagely over-played by Troy Baker, Kyrat's dapper despot Pagan Min is a tribute to Arkham Asylum's Joker - that's to say, he's a prancing, aimless cipher."

• VideoGamer (80/100): "If anything, Far Cry 4 didn't need a 'traditional' story: most of its highlights are told through player action, not cutscenes. But it does feature an interesting tale, albeit a rather basic one."

• Eurogamer (80/100): "there's a reason Ubisoft pared back Far Cry 4's story - it knew it was never going to be the main attraction. Far Cry 4 does all the things that its predecessor did and more - more weapons, more vehicles, more modes, more ground to cover - so if all you're looking for is a big old wide open space to tear up with a friend, go forth and make merry with mortar."

[Image: Ubisoft]