Far Cry New Dawn
- February 15, 2019
- Ubisoft Kiev
- 22h median play time
Far Cry New Dawn brings the solid gameplay you’d expect from the franchise alongside some welcome gameplay tweaks and additions that undoubtedly make it the best Far Cry game in years.
Far Cry New Dawn is a first-person shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players must survive by scavenging resources, crafting weapons, and battling hostile factions. The game features a new co-op mode, allowing players to explore the open world and complete missions together. As players progress, they can upgrade their home base and recruit specialists to aid in their fight for survival.
Reviews
- story11,968 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story of "Far Cry New Dawn" serves as a direct sequel to "Far Cry 5," exploring the aftermath of the nuclear catastrophe and the rise of new antagonists, the twins Mickey and Lou. While some players appreciate the continuation of Joseph Seed's narrative and the vibrant post-apocalyptic setting, many criticize the story for being short, shallow, and lacking depth compared to its predecessor, with repetitive missions and underdeveloped characters. Overall, the game is seen as a fun experience, particularly in co-op mode, but it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative.
“For all the hate this game gets, it is really fun as a larger expansion of Far Cry 5; not only that, its story nicely wraps up 5's very bleak ending and gives a certain level of hope.”
“I liked it and more importantly, it doesn't outstay its welcome; it feels like a good end to Joseph's story and this chapter of Far Cry feels finished and complete.”
“I really enjoyed the story, the tempo, the continual action, and being able to explore everywhere.”
“The story feels like a weak excuse to push you from one outpost to another.”
“The gameplay felt repetitive and uninspired, and the story lacked depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The story is all over the place and is just a bunch of baloney.”
- gameplay3,813 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Far Cry New Dawn" retains the familiar mechanics of its predecessor, "Far Cry 5," featuring open-world exploration, outpost liberations, and first-person shooting. However, it introduces RPG elements such as enemy health bars and weapon tiers, which some players find frustrating and detracting from the core experience, leading to a more grind-heavy gameplay loop. While the game offers enjoyable moments and improvements in certain mechanics, many reviews highlight its repetitive nature and lack of depth compared to earlier entries in the series.
“The gameplay is a lot like Far Cry 5 but with better takedowns; it does feel more like Far Cry 3 and Far Cry 4 than it does Far Cry 5 though.”
“The core gameplay loop works like a charm and there are always things to do in the open world.”
“The gameplay is fun as hell.”
“The gameplay felt repetitive and uninspired, and the story lacked depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Dumbed down mechanics (i.e. crafting), blatant micro-transaction bullshit, no positive changes are coming to mind over the older games.”
“The mechanics and gameplay are identical to Far Cry 5, but instead of being an action game, it’s now an RPG, which doesn’t fit Far Cry at all.”
- graphics2,051 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Far Cry New Dawn" have received widespread praise for their vibrant and colorful aesthetic, which enhances the post-apocalyptic setting. Many players noted that the visuals are stunning, with detailed environments and smooth animations, although some expressed disappointment that the graphics did not significantly improve upon those of its predecessor, "Far Cry 5." Despite occasional performance issues and bugs, the overall graphical presentation is considered a highlight of the game, making it visually appealing and immersive.
“The graphics are stunning, and the main story is interesting, my favourite Far Cry game.”
“Absolutely amazing, just so freaking amazing, 10/10 graphics.”
“The graphics are absolutely top-notch, and the cinematics are beautifully crafted, pulling me into the game’s story with impressive visual flair.”
“The graphics, while vibrant, are stupid; movement feels okay, I'm already bored an hour in.”
“The graphics aren't as good as Far Cry 5, and the story and acting are much weaker.”
“The graphics feel like they were taken from an Xbox 360 game.”
- grinding804 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and repetitive, often requiring significant time investment to gather resources for upgrades and crafting. While some enjoy the grinding as part of the gameplay loop, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, leading to frustration and a sense of artificial length due to the need for repeated missions and resource farming. Additionally, the presence of microtransactions to bypass grinding has sparked criticism, suggesting that the game is designed to encourage spending rather than providing a satisfying progression experience.
“Awesome game, lots to do, not too grindy.”
“An absolute blast to play and the new RPG mechanics have been done right as well (not too grindy but just the right amount).”
“It's not that grindy, unless you just really hate liberating outposts (which is kinda the point of these games).”
“The RPG elements fall flat, turning progression into a tedious grind for resources rather than meaningful customization.”
“Everything has been designed to be as grindy as possible; you need multiple resources to craft pretty much every piece of equipment you need. If that's not bad enough, they also have three different levels that you need to upgrade before you can even remotely consider putting up a good fight against the enemies.”
“The amount of grinding required to just get through certain parts of the game was a pretty big letdown.”
- music742 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in "Far Cry: New Dawn" has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the heavy reliance on modern rap and hip-hop, which they find jarring and repetitive compared to the more diverse and memorable soundtrack of "Far Cry 5." While some appreciate the energetic vibe and specific tracks, others describe the overall music experience as painful or annoying, often wishing for a return to the previous game's musical style. The inclusion of a "streamer mode" to turn off the music has been noted as a positive feature for those who prefer to play without the in-game soundtrack.
“The soundtrack is some of the best of any games and the stories and side missions are also top notch storytelling.”
“The music sets the tone perfectly, whether it's the serene tunes accompanying exploration or the adrenaline-pumping tracks during intense battles.”
“The game's soundtrack is also fantastic, with a mix of original tracks and licensed songs that fit perfectly with the game's setting.”
“What really turns the game down is the absolutely horrible music.”
“The music sucks and you can't sex Joseph Seed 2.3/10.”
“The story is stupid, but the villains are probably the most evil bad guys that have been in any Far Cry game because they force you to listen to the same loop of god awful rap music for the 10+ hour story.”
- monetization486 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy in this game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a blatant cash grab due to the pervasive presence of microtransactions in a full-priced single-player title. Players feel that the game is designed to encourage spending on in-game purchases for skill points and crafting materials, detracting from the overall enjoyment and gameplay experience. While some acknowledge that everything can be obtained through regular play, the intrusive nature of the microtransactions and the grindy mechanics have left a sour impression on many, leading to calls for a reevaluation of such practices in single-player games.
“This game has microtransactions which are really unnecessary since you don't need to access them to get any of the content, but it's very distracting, particularly if you play on the hardest difficulty.”
“Thankfully the microtransactions only really need to be used if you want a nice costume, but everywhere else you can use 'far cry credits' to buy crafting equipment, perk points, things you can't craft at the point in the game you are.”
“Yes, it has microtransactions, but I have not felt the need to buy them so far after playing for 6 hours straight the first time firing the game up.”
“The entire game seems geared towards forcing you to consider microtransactions to purchase skill points or building materials rather than actually being fun.”
“This game clearly is a cash grab trying to ride the coattails of the better Far Cry games.”
“The microtransactions are more invasive than in any other title.”
- stability386 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. Common issues include crashes, AI malfunctions, and graphical errors, leading some to label it as a "buggy mess." However, a minority of players have reported smooth gameplay with minimal issues, suggesting that experiences may vary based on individual hardware and playstyle.
“The game looks great, runs great, and their take on the end of the world is refreshing and unique.”
“New Dawn is not a bad game; it's functional, pretty much bug free, and streamlined.”
“The game engine is very well made and optimized, runs great on AMD graphic cards.”
“Broken, unstable game, only buy on a sale, 0 replayability and a buggy mess, took me 30 min to get the game to even start only to crash after 5 min.”
“The game has many glitches that almost make it impossible to play, and the game just feels unfinished; I do not recommend this game.”
“Like most Ubisoft games, it’s buggy.”
- humor358 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny, particularly in moments involving quirky characters like Nana and Hurk, while others criticize it as forced or lacking cleverness. Many reviews highlight the game's absurdity and chaotic moments as sources of laughter, especially in co-op play, but also note that some jokes fall flat or feel repetitive. Overall, while there are plenty of humorous elements, the effectiveness of the humor varies widely among players.
“With a villain so over-the-top evil, he makes Darth Vader look like a kitten, and a story so bonkers it could only come from a fever dream, this game will have you laughing, crying, and questioning your life choices in equal measure.”
“The usual hilarious NPC routing, dialogue & physics abound.”
“I can only say that this game was absolutely great, a hilarious sequel to an already great game.”
“I honestly don't blame the voice talent either, the acting was fine, it's just that literally every line in this game is a cliché, unfunny, boring, and tedious.”
“Many tend to go on long unfunny tangents, and you’re going to get the joke, but the joke just isn’t funny.”
“New Dawn is just a more colorful rural Montana, with many of the same characters, and a lot of cringey tacked-on humor that just isn't well-received.”
- optimization318 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and good graphics, while others report significant issues such as FPS drops, stuttering, and poor optimization on high-end setups. Many users noted that despite the game's visual appeal, it suffers from inconsistent performance, particularly in open areas, leading to frustration for those with varying hardware capabilities. Overall, while some players found it well-optimized, others deemed it unplayable due to optimization flaws.
“In terms of optimization, it's been running pretty well and the Ubisoft app has been unintrusive so far, so nothing too bad when it comes to that either.”
“The graphics look just great and I think better than Far Cry 5; I can play on complete ultra with constant 100 fps and no drops, when I remember correctly I couldn't play Far Cry 5 on ultra, so I think this game is even more optimized.”
“This is probably the best optimized game I've played all year.”
“Absolutely terrible optimization!”
“Optimization sucks, fps drops a ton even though you have a god tier gaming setup, just like everyone says about this game making it unplayable.”
“The game is horribly unoptimized, unpolished and heartless.”
- replayability268 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The reviews for "replayability" in the game are mixed, with some players praising the inclusion of replayable outposts and expeditions that offer increasing difficulty and rewards, while others criticize the overall lack of content and linear storytelling, leading to minimal replay value once the main story is completed. Many users noted that while certain aspects, like side quests and co-op play, can enhance replayability, the game ultimately feels short and repetitive, with some stating it lacks the depth found in previous entries in the series. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there are elements that can provide replayability, they may not be sufficient to sustain long-term interest.
“These are pretty difficult and offer quite a lot of replayability since you can do them multiple times with increasing difficulty and very good rewards attached to them.”
“The addition of 'expeditions,' which allow you to travel to other areas of the country for single missions, adds replay value and provides a good source for many resources.”
“The outposts are a fantastic addition, giving some really good replayability to the game as you progress through.”
“The game has 0 replay value, with most linear storytelling.”
“There just isn't much to replay value once you have finished the game.”
“The lack of replayability and high cost means I can't recommend this game.”
- emotional164 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 35 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players expressing deep emotional connections and moments that resonated, particularly for those familiar with the previous installment, Far Cry 5. However, many others criticize the narrative for lacking depth and failing to evoke genuine emotional investment, describing it as boring and poorly executed, with emotional moments feeling forced or unearned. Overall, while there are highlights in emotional storytelling, they are overshadowed by a generally weak plot and character development.
“I would recommend this game to anyone wanting an emotional thrilling gaming experience.”
“The bond between the player character and the supporting cast adds an emotional layer to the story, making every mission feel personal and impactful.”
“The story isn't the best in the series but the ending made me literally shed a tear or two because of how sad it was.”
“A terrible, dreadfully boring story, nowhere near as humorous as the previous Far Cry games, or even as good.”
“Played through the whole game, honestly sucks, only redeeming factor is that it's nice to see how all the characters from Far Cry 5 end up, but once you get your closure, you're left with a boring story and meh gameplay.”
“Boring story, boring characters, poor voice acting... every part of this game is subpar except for the gameplay.”
- atmosphere133 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its vibrant and beautiful visuals, dynamic day-night cycle, and immersive post-apocalyptic setting. However, some players feel it lacks the depth and engagement found in previous titles, describing it as either captivating or boring depending on personal preferences. Overall, while the game's aesthetic and ambiance are often highlighted as strong points, opinions vary on its ability to create a truly immersive experience.
“The game's dynamic day-night cycle and weather effects further enhance the atmosphere, creating a truly immersive post-apocalyptic setting.”
“Easily the biggest improvement from 5 to this game is the incredible atmosphere, which is just dripping with equally beautiful and haunting environments brought to life by eye-catching colorful environments and evocative imagery, artistically speaking this is the best game in the series since Far Cry 2.”
“The landscape is filled with stunning hues of pink and purple, creating a surreal atmosphere that kept me mesmerized throughout my entire playthrough.”
“A vast and beautiful world of pure boredom and dead atmosphere.”
“Characters don't have any depth, and the post-apocalyptic atmosphere isn't well developed.”
“The most prominent issues in New Dawn are the poor writing, lack of control, and boring atmosphere.”
- character development78 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has been widely criticized, with many reviewers noting a lack of depth and meaningful interactions among characters. The silent protagonist and supporting characters, including antagonists, are often described as one-dimensional, leading to a predictable and unengaging narrative. While some players appreciated certain character arcs, such as that of John Seed, the overall consensus is that character development is minimal and disappointing compared to previous entries in the series.
“Great story, great character development, great graphics (for the time), and great character development.”
“Looking for an innovative and immersive experience with a good story, excellent character development and perfect gameplay?”
“There is character development and history that's built up and played out in this game and I think the player would find that worthwhile.”
“Story, character development, and dialogue is subpar; you will find yourself skipping past the cut scenes which are beyond predictable.”
“Very little character development and not enough interaction between the characters.”
“The story was boring and the character development was next to nothing.”
Critic Reviews
Far Cry New Dawn Review – Rise of a New Dawn
Although it plays it a little safe, Far Cry New Dawn is an enjoyable entry into the franchise that should go over well with fans.
80%Far Cry New Dawn Review
Frustratingly, Far Cry New Dawn doesn't deliver in any real way. It doesn't pay off Far Cry 5's ending. It doesn't offer new spins on the Far Cry formula. It doesn't even offer players an escape from money woes. It's just another Far Cry, and that's just not enough anymore.
65%Far Cry New Dawn
A Paint-By-Numbers Sequel
70%