Post by mikeweeks2346 on Oct 12, 2016 1:00:21 GMT
Thanks to Ubisoft, got the game for the RIGHT price ... and since I'm not sure of the interest, will mention only a few items which have jumped out at me, and to add to Jeff's earlier impressions upon release comments:
It goes without saying, this is THE Far Cry game setting that indeed crafting should play a major part of; not Jason or Ajay earlier having to craft in order to get better equipment. The fact that's it's the third time we've been thru it is a real shame.
Playing initially on the released hardest difficulty - Expert (Survivor setting is for later), and no mini-map nor tagging, and the HUD as clean as possible - in a word, it's BRUTAL!! The game is indeed designed to be played with all the bells and whistles, to make up for what a video game can't re-produce for the period of 10,000 BCE when man wasn't at the highest level of the food chain, and simply trying to survive.
You have to acquire the Owl "skill" in the first part, but of course not required to use it. You also have to acquire the beast master skill, but not use it of course. However, on my settings (and not using fast travel), without beast master you are at the complete mercy of any and all predators (as well as enemy NPCs) that are spawning at all times, day or night (and I understand the spawning rate has been cut back from initial release). Hunter Instinct looks to be an attempt to make up for the player's lack of ability to smell, for example, and better eye-sight. Attempting to use it as little as possible.
For being in the stone age my impression is that you're doing far more traveling of longer distances (alone) then would have been done. Thus having a beast of some type to cover your six really is the only way to prevent from being attacked/dying about every five minutes.
The saving/respawning is typical Ubisoft, with some improvements; now a quick save/load option - for exiting the game I assume, but you'll still be re-spawning at some nearby discovered location.
Most likely it's for game "balance", however you and your weapons appear to be very under-powered; four arrow head shots to a large elk, and it still didn't go down!!
Nice option regarding the reticle, have it only as a small white/red dot when aiming as an option (if only FC4 had used that!!). However, upon re-spawning after dying, it's messed up and must be re-set.
Have learned to loot everything if traveling from point A to B, even if your pack is full, as you have a chance to acquire a "rare" version of some specific item and upon exiting the cell, all items respawn (except the limited, not re-producing pickups). If you're going to "farm" a specific area, animal hides/meat for example, then selectivity loot as needed, until moving on.
Have learned if you wish to use solo stealth (for the extra XP) on taking over a location, approach it from wherever with a beast, then dismiss it when you are close (within the death-respawning zone) and then sum it again when done, if moving on. Have yet to try a stealth takeover, using a high stealth cat as an extra "hand".
Honey badgers are very, VERY deadly. But eagles have been scaled back, and apparently respect a nearby accompanying beast ...
Put your early XP into health, repeat, into health!
Overall, for veterans of the Far Cry series, when it's available at a very reduced price, it would be worth acquiring, especially if you play it without the bells and whistles and wish to test your skill set as a lone stone age hunter.