Far Cry 2
The increase of computing power in game consoles (and by proxy games
on personal computers) has allowed for the both the increase in the
graphic detail of game environments as well as the increase in their
size and scope.
Far Cry 2 pushes the art of level design forward offering 50 square
kilometers of game levels featuring a unparalleled level of
deail–especially in the foliage.
A big part of the fun of this game is feeling like you are in the
middle of some mid-continent African bush war. And despite its Soldier
of Fortune meets Disney;s Animal Kingdom aethetic, it’s a reasosnable
fun game to play.
What I find the most interesting is that the included level editor not
only allows you to create settings as rich and evokative as those in
the game, but that with very little effort, you can make a place that
feels real and compelling. Why? Graphic detail is one. But more
important–trees and bushes. Plop down a couple of ramshackle
buildings on sand and it looks like a game. Pile on a forest of trees
and ferns, drooping vines and creeping ground cover and you have an
oasis that a National Geographic photographer could love.
