Highlights
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora bears many resemblances to the Far Cry franchise, and this connection might prove advantageous considering Ubisoft's commendable mastery of the gameplay formula throughout the years.
The Avatar universe could benefit from incorporating the open-world exploration and diverse side activities found in the Far Cry formula. The expansive and captivating world of Pandora offers the perfect setting for such elements. Nonetheless, it is crucial to avoid excessive reliance on the Far Cry formula to prevent franchise fatigue and ensure that Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora stands out as a distinct game with its own innovative mechanics and features.
2023 has already been hailed as one of the greatest years in video game history, with numerous blockbuster AAA titles being released at a rapid pace. However, amidst this gaming extravaganza, it is likely that a few titles might get overlooked. Unfortunately, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora could be one of those overlooked games. When it was first announced in 2021, the game gained attention not only for its beloved license but also for its promise of being a fully-fledged AAA open-world experience. Ubisoft, a reputable studio, was entrusted with its development.
However, since the initial reveal, several years have passed, and much has changed. Ubisoft remained silent for a significant period of time, causing the hype surrounding Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora to wane. When the gameplay reveal finally happened, it was belated, arriving towards the end of a busy Summer Game Fest season that was already filled with other exciting announcements. The controversy surrounding the gameplay reveal did not help matters either. Critics argued that the game bore too many similarities to the Far Cry franchise, further dividing the gaming community, with each side presenting valid arguments.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora's Far Cry Formula Could Be a Double-Edged Sword
When Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora first showcased its gameplay in June, it garnered a mix of excitement and disappointment among fans. However, one thing was unanimously agreed upon - the game bore a striking resemblance to Far Cry. Whether it was the methodical infiltration of enemy bases using bows and arrows or the exhilarating gunfights against human adversaries with shotguns and assault rifles, or even the gathering of resources to upgrade weapons, the similarities between Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and the Far Cry series were undeniable. While this could be seen as both advantageous and disadvantageous, there is a potential upside to Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora embracing a gameplay formula similar to that of Far Cry. Ubisoft has spent the past decade refining and perfecting the Far Cry gameplay, ensuring that each outpost infiltration, race, and escort mission is immersive and compelling. By utilizing this well-established formula as a foundation for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, the developers have a solid starting point and ample room to tailor it to fit the unique universe of Avatar.
The Far Cry formula centers on exploring a vast open-world, filled with engaging side missions and activities—an approach that could seamlessly align with the immersive Avatar universe. If Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora were to closely emulate Far Cry's successful blueprint, fans can anticipate a plethora of breathtaking and diverse environments, a multitude of distinctive side quests, and exhilarating traversal mechanics.
However, it's important to consider whether the Far Cry formula is the optimal choice for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora at present. While the Far Cry franchise doesn't saturate the market like yearly releases such as Call of Duty, it has consistently delivered games for over a decade, maintaining a notable similarity in gameplay throughout. Though the settings change, each Far Cry installment since Far Cry 3 has evoked an uncanny sense of familiarity, inviting franchise fatigue. Consequently, should Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora merely mimic a Far Cry game with a fresh visual aesthetic, fans may rapidly lose interest. It is imperative for Ubisoft to infuse the game with its own distinctive mechanics and features, as overly relying on the Far Cry formula could be perceived as complacent.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora releases December 7 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
