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Far Cry 7 is likely to introduce major changes, including an in-game timer mechanic and a new collective antagonist, the Cult. As the gap between releases grows longer, fans will be eager for news about the future of Far Cry. Far Cry 7 will influence Ubisoft’s approach to the franchise going forward. At the risk of relying too heavily on nostalgia, bringing back Vaas as a recurring villain could help bridge Far Cry’s past successes with future innovations.
Ubisoft has remained mostly quiet when it comes to providing updates on plans for its globetrotting open-world FPS franchise, Far Cry, which is currently experiencing its longest wait between releases. While official information has only been sporadic, fans have seen a few leaks and some persistent rumors about Far Cry, stoking their perception of what the next game in the series will be like. Currently, Far Cry 7 is thought to be considering notable design changes, especially an in-game timer mechanic and a collective antagonist cult akin to FC 5.
2012’s Far Cry 3 is widely agreed to be the highlight of the series. For better or worse, it also sparked trends both within the studio and across the industry. That said, one enduring aspect that came out of this is Far Cry’s focus on villains. Since FC 3’s unforgettable antagonist Vaas Montenegro, villains have formed the core of the series’ identity and experience. Vaas is credited with elevating the series, but replacing him has been difficult, and Ubisoft is working on this. To fix this, one big possibility Far Cry could explore in the future is to have a recurring villain for the first time. Certainly, there is no one more deserving of the role as the face of the franchise and the legacy of the character’s presentation than the infamous Vaas Montenegro.
Alongside the Far Cry 7 speculation, what’s been confirmed is that Drew Holmes, narrative designer and writer on Far Cry 5, is now IP director.
RELATED: Far Cry 7’s antagonists should borrow one of Vaas’ special traits
Far Cry 7 will very likely have another charismatic villain, one who will follow in the footsteps of Vaas from FC3 and stand out in certain areas.
Vaas Montenegro is now eligible to be Far Cry’s first returning villain.
Far Cry faces tough decisions
Far Cry maintained a steady release schedule from 2012 to 2021. But now that it’s been the longest time since a new game, the longer Ubisoft goes without informing fans, the more likely it is that many will be wary of what the next installment will be like, especially given the changes noted. The reaction to Far Cry 7 will undoubtedly influence how Ubisoft approaches future installments of the franchise.
It’s undoubtedly difficult for developers to consider a move like bringing Vaas back, as there’s the risk of relying too heavily on nostalgia and past achievements instead of innovation, but the popularity of the character and the need for future titles to feel like traditional Far Cry entries while also pushing things forward enough to avoid becoming too repetitive are there.
Making Vaas Far Cry’s first recurring villain could be the key to connecting the series’ past and future.
Having a Far Cry villain appear in multiple titles would mark a departure from the tradition of having a different enemy in each title. If any villain from the past was given this honor, it would undoubtedly be Vaas. Vaas’ second appearance as Far Cry’s main villain, even if it’s in a prequel or spinoff, could act as a link connecting the best parts of its history with a vision for the future. That would undoubtedly have a lot to do with the level of success of Far Cry 7.
It was strongly hinted that Vers would make a brief appearance in Far Cry 6’s post-credits scene, when a pirate voiced by Vers’ Michael Mando speaks to Juan Cortez, but this was before Vers’ supposed on-screen death in Far Cry 3. More significantly, in Far Cry 6’s Insanity DLC, a much older Vers is seen monologuing Cast Away-esque to “Jason” (a tennis ball) on a secluded beach, which could mean he’s not gone after all, and could be one of the reasons for his return to the franchise.
Perhaps if fan sentiment swings far enough in favor of Vaas’s return, and other factors provide a favorable environment for it, Ubisoft might seriously consider bringing him back into the next game, along with the well-received new mechanics and significant design updates. Vaas’s strength of personality and importance to Far Cry could bring him back into the spotlight as it continues to evolve into the future, tying together its ancient and modern eras.
Far Cry 6
Ubisoft’s Far Cry 6 drops players into a fictional Caribbean island ruled by the brutal dictator Anton Castillo. The FPS offers fast-paced gunfights and a vast open world, making it a reliable addition to the series.
Fans have loved the Far Cry series since the first title was released in 2004. In the latest installment in the series, players must travel to the fictional island of Yara and defeat the corrupt “El Presidente.”
Released on October 6, 2021
ESRB M – For ages 17 and up for blood, intense violence, mild sexual themes, strong language and drug and alcohol use.
How long will it take to exceed 23 hours?
Metascore 73
Multiplayer online co-op
Engine Dunia 2
PS Plus Extra & Premium Availability
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