When it was revealed at games trade show E3 last month, Far Cry 3 certainly kicked off with a bang. Waking up finding yourself stranded on a mysterious desert island, all you know is that your girlfriend's missing, and that the island you've landed on isn't exactly full of the kind of people you'd like to invite round to dinner. The people around you are, quite literally, insane - and they seem to be your only human company on the island.
Like the games that came before it, Far Cry 3 is a first person action adventure, where the aim of the game is survival. Set on a tropical island paradise (were it a bit more civilised, and not, er, populated by lunatics who're going around killing everyone), Far Cry games have always been known for their freedom of choice. If you imagine a more free form, first person Tomb Raider, albeit more violent, you won't be too far off. With an expansive island as your playground, you can approach a situation however you see fit, with the smart minds using the scenery to their advantage. If you want to walk into a situation, guns blazing, you can - but more subtle approach would be to creep in through the bush, sticking to where the undergrowth is the thickest, before sneaking out and surprising your enemies - or, if you'd prefer, simply take a different route, and avoid the confrontation altogether. Keeping your senses about you, watching and listening out for trouble, and making the most of your environment is key - at least, if you plan on surviving.
The trailer below shows a gameplay demonstration from E3, and should give you some idea of what to expect. Be warned though, it does contain excessive swearing from the start, and some pretty brutal stabbing, too. A bit excessive, if you ask us:
