Predator is a far cry from being the best FPS on the market, but it's an enjoyable, but predictable expansion with "best features" going to the online and level editor components. by Vaughn Smith

April 24, 2006 - I really hope this method of prettying up console titles for play on the Xbox 360 starts to lose some steam. I mean, it's already losing credibility, certainly steam can't be far behind. Once again gamers are faced with paying an extra $10 for a game they almost already own. In this case, the $10 goes towards said improved graphics, a few more playable levels, some fancy "feral" attacks and not much else. If you haven't already played Far Cry Instincts on the Xbox, which looked damn fine to begin with, I could definitely be persuaded to recommend the X360 version to you. If you're just in it for the XBL and level editor portions, then I'd say "Go for it." You'll find them to be the best reason for purchase.

The world of Far Cry hasn't looked this good since you saw it on your friends souped up AlienWare gaming rig two years ago. But with an increase of resolution also comes a downside as the character models in the game look like robot mannequins complete with plastic sheen. This "realistic" look was as good as it got when the original Far Cry appeared on the scene., but now it looks a little downright creepy as character modelling on the X360 has increased dramatically since then. If you don't believe me, compare the character models with Predator to DOA4 or Fight Night Round 3. Clearly the models in Predator have been recycled and therefore tend to look a little dated. The creatures that appear in later levels actually look better simply because they aren't exactly human and you're mind won't be drawing the inevitable comparison.

The story of Predator remains the same as Instincts (Xbox) and you'll start off the game with that very familiar level in which Jack Carver gets his ass tossed off his boat after it explodes. From there the game precedes to role out the obligatory tutorial level in which you'll learn the rules as they pertain to this beautfiul lush landscape, which Carver will be painting red over the course of the next few hours with various weapons and special tactics. Once you reach the end of the Instincts game, Evolution will be unlocked. Featuring 8 levels which are relatively short and somewhat recycled from the original maps, don't expect to be too excited playing this "all new" adventure.

Carver who gradually becomes aware of his newfound "feral" powers during Instincts, is in full control of them once Evolution starts, which is great for players who used Instincts as foreplay, I guess. Unfortunately the Feral abilities sort of kill the buzz of the game in my opinion. However I imagine they will be viewed as a well sought after reward after suffering through Instincts later levels which are punishingly difficult due to an increase of inhuman enemies and a lack of a proper saving mechanic ala the Far Cry expansion for the PC. These feral abilities allow Jack to jump high, run faster, see enemy scents and climb certain terrain. Your only wish would be to have all of these abilites at your disposal in the game you just made it to the end by the skin of your teeth...but that wouldn't be sportsmanlike. So instead you get to jump into Evolution armed to the teeth with cool powers, but the game itself isn't nearly as interesting anymore. Evolution is also quite short, only featuring 8 levels.

Where Predator earns that extra $10, is in the beefed up XBL action and the feature packed level editor. Now I know many people don't fool around with the level editors, and I myself have been known to ignore such features, but I'm always intrigued to have a looksee. Level editing for those with talent can be taken to the nth degree as maps can be uploaded and played by anyone on XBL. What tends to happen though is that for the first while everyone is creating these crappy maps with no rhyme or reason...but you wait. Eventually the cream rises to the top and you'll find yourself in awe of some extremely talented people. The editor allows you to place the usual fare - vehicles, foliage, weapons and various objects - but the X360 version features more items to work with. The robust level editor is not only feature-packed but extremely easy to use and intuitive once you get working.

Playing online allows up to 16 players on one server, features 22 different maps and a new mode called "Seek and Secure". The only drawback to playing any XBL game is having to endure any number of young children who should be watching "Arthur" instead of playing a game as violent as Far Cry online. If you think parents are getting the message, you're wrong. People must think I'm a mute because I don't talk, nor do I want to listen to the cries of moronic youth spreading their parent-inherited ignorance, let loose upon cyber-society....but it does give me pleasure to shoot them. So that's a positive.

Far Cry was always known for it's lush island visuals more for its attention to AI and Predator is no different. Enemies aren't exactly the smartest, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. In fact, the way they were created they're actually far more dangerous, because they will continue to shoot at you even though you're carving them up with a mag of bullets unless you hit them in direct zones. As mentioned, the difficulty ramps up something fierce later on, and unlike the PC expansion pack, you won't be able to save anywhere you want. You'll be forced to adhere to the checkpoint system which will have you repeating certain, very lengthy, very stealthy, sequences later on. Personally I don't think a "save anywhere" system would have improved the playability, but more checkpoints would have retained and reflected the challenge of what later levels in a game should be, without resulting in such extreme bouts of frustration.

If you're a water freak, you'll love the shimmery H2O in Predator. FC has always been a looker, there is no argument there, but the environments in Predator look jaw-droppingly tasty in certain areas. The crystal clear aqua-marine water is as inviting as any Mexican vacation ad you've seen, perhaps even more so, as you can actually jump into it. The character models haven't been overhauled for this next generation, so the pinnacle of high res character modelling circa 2004 will have to suffice. You won't be disappointed in what this X360 version has to show, but by now your eyes are used to seeing such beauty in motion that Predator won't be sold on looks alone. Luckily, it doesn't have to.

As I mentioned, if you haven't played Far Cry Instincts on the Xbox, Predator is a decent romp. When the original Far Cry appeared just over two years ago on the PC, it was quite original for it's time both in the graphics and gameplay department. Nowadays we've seen almost everything Far Cry has to offer in similar products, so expect to be blown away by much of what goes on. The added Predator single player game isn't much to write home about, but certain players will enjoy using their feral abilities from the getgo. The real reason to hunker down the cash for Predator rests squarely on the shoulders as to whether you really get off on XBL and/or enjoy playing with level editors. If you do, then I'd say Predator is definitely worth the money. If you're a casual FPS fan with a new X360, a rental would more than suffice.

Features:

• Includes two games in one – all new Far Cry Instincts Predator content, as well as the original Far Cry Instincts

• Unleash your primal instincts as the ultimate predator: Become stronger, faster and more powerful with Jack’s special Feral Abilities.

• Expansive arsenal: Hunt and kill with everything from shotguns, rocket launchers and machine guns to Molotov cocktails and explosive pipe bombs.

• Attack from land, sea and air: Includes vehicles like rugged ATV’s, armored pickup-trucks, hovercrafts and high flying gliders.

• Build the perfect online paradise: Create your own custom multiplayer maps that you can share and play online. Choose from tons of easy to use tools and custom brushes, edit terrain, add buildings, handpick weapons and items, select multiplayer modes and more.

• Customizable Online Multiplayer: Includes unique Predator mode, as well as classic multiplayer modes like Chaos, Team Chaos, Steal the Sample and Seek and Secure.

Vaughn Smith
CCC Site Director

Rating out of 5 Far Cry Predator: Instincts (Xbox 360) 4.0 Graphics Not quite as visually stunning as DOA4 and Fight Night Round 3, but then again Predator wasn't created from the ground up for the X360. Still environmental visuals are darn hot, especially the water effects. 4.3 Control You're typical FPS setup, but you'll also drive vehicles and set traps. Very intuitive. 3.8 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting It's all good. There is some cheese, but it's not moldy. 5.0 Online Along with the robust level editor, online play is one of the best reasons to either invest or reinvest in the Far Cry console franchise. 3.5 Play Value Obviously XBL and the level editor will kill most of your time, but the single player game(s) aren't just that exciting. 3.9 Overall Rating - Good Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.