The announcement that two of Ubisoft's popular franchises, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Assassin's Creed Mirage, would be returning to their roots has been a pleasant surprise for fans. Considering the positive response from fans, it would be wise for Ubisoft to adopt a similar approach for the next installment of Far Cry, Far Cry 7.
Given the divisive reception of recent Far Cry games, a return to the series' original formula could greatly benefit the franchise. By taking inspiration from titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and providing a more focused and compact experience, Ubisoft has the opportunity to restore Far Cry to its former prominence in the gaming industry. This back-to-basics approach not only addresses long-standing complaints about the gameplay but also has the potential to breathe new life into the entire franchise.
Returning to Far Cry's Roots Would Let Ubisoft Address Some Ongoing Player Complaints
After capturing the gaming world's attention with the release of Far Cry in 2004, Crytek's subsequent entries in the franchise aimed to push the boundaries by offering players a larger sandbox to play in. However, as the game worlds grew in size and the series' eccentric villains became more outlandish, review scores for the Far Cry games began to decline. Many players had grown tired of the repetitive gameplay that the franchise had become known for. In order to address this, Ubisoft could consider scaling down Far Cry 7, allowing them to reevaluate or even remove some of the controversial gameplay mechanics that have become synonymous with the series.
Removing the monotonous tasks of capturing territory, clearing checkpoints, and conquering radio towers to unlock areas on the map would likely be a welcome change for many players. Instead of a vast but empty game world, Far Cry 7 could feature a smaller yet more intricately designed map, offering players a richer experience. By letting go of these divisive elements and returning to the more linear approach of the original game, Ubisoft has the opportunity to create a more streamlined and revitalized installment in the franchise.
A Lighter, Leaner Far Cry Could Reinvigorate the Franchise
A more focused approach in Far Cry 7, rather than a vast open world, would allow Ubisoft to explore new gameplay mechanics and create a shorter game that is more likely to be completed by players. A smaller scale would also mean a departure from the large number of characters in recent franchise installments and a renewed emphasis on the memorable villains that define Far Cry. Taking inspiration from Assassin's Creed Mirage, Far Cry 7 could recapture the interest of players who had become disengaged with the series' sequels by returning to its original successful mechanics and eliminating unnecessary features. This would also give Ubisoft the opportunity to refocus and apply the lessons learned from a streamlined Far Cry 7 to future sequels.
Amidst the absence of any official announcement for a new Far Cry game in 2023, Ubisoft has a valuable opportunity to reinvigorate the franchise as it approaches its 20th anniversary. Taking cues from its own successful Assassin's Creed Mirage and reflecting on the series' history, the development of Far Cry 7 has the potential to breathe new life into the franchise and secure a promising future for years ahead.