Far Cry Instincts

Platform(s): Xbox
Genre: Action
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

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'Far Cry Instincts' (Xbox) Developer Q&A #4

by Rainier on July 14, 2005 @ 4:47 a.m. PDT

Just as Far Cry redefined the FPS genre for the PC, Far Cry Instincts will take things a step further with its wide open environments and unique immersive gameplay elements. Far Cry Instincts takes the PC version's signature locations, Full-Action Response A.I. (F.A.R. concept), and unprecedented view-distance, and combines them with improved gameplay scenarios that will challenge players to utilise an even broader range of strategies and survival tactics to uncover the many secrets within the beautiful, but deadly islands.

Q : What kind of multiplayer elements will there be in Far Cry Instincts?

AM : We based the multiplayer experience on three different gameplays. You’ll be able to have a classic run’n gun FPS action, arcade oriented driving, and an intensive stealth experience taking advantage of the open environments and lush vegetation.

Q : Will the single-player campaign and online multiplayer be very different types of game. How did the two evolve together?

AM : We focused on sharing all aspects of the Far Cry experience in solo and multi. Far Cry Instincts revolves around the predator/prey duality. Like in solo, this aspect is major in the multiplayer part.

This idea is supported by the three gameplays we offer as they act as a dynamic game of rock paper and scissors. According to the situation, being in a vehicle will give you advantage over the grunts, but players acting as scouts will be able to nail you down using mines. That provides with a very dynamic game flow that takes its roots in the solo experience.

Q : Will the Far Cry Instincts multiplayer modes be similar to Far Cry PC?

AM : We wanted to offer a wider multiplayer experience that is more adapted to the console audience. We used a strong influence from the PC multiplayer world and polished it to enhance the standard of console games.

Q : - Which modes will Far Cry Instincts feature? Personally, I think CTF mode is a must.

AM : Far Cry Instincts features four modes, most of them being inspired on classics but with an Instincts twist. You’ll be happy to know what we have a modified version of CTF which is called Steal the Sample. In Steal the Sample, you have the possibility to toss the sample to your team mates and use your weapon while you’re carrying the sample.

CHAOS is a classic Deathmatch where the leader will bear a leader icon over his head allowing everyone to go after him. That will give dominant players a better challenge, while helping the less experienced reaching the action.

Team CHAOS will pit 16 players in, up to 4 teams with an advanced spawn system making you respawn away from the fight and nearby your team mates.

In our exclusive Predator mode, a group of mercenaries are lost in the wild against a highly evolved player who is the predator. Their only way out of this mess it to reach the base and defend it long enough.

In fact, all game modes will be enjoyable for newcomers, and competitive for the most experienced players.

Q : Will vehicles play a part, and will there be any co-operative gameplay?

AM : They do. You can man all vehicles with multiple players. As you drive in 1st person in a very arcade way and are able to shoot while driving, you can actually fight inside a vehicle and punch out someone trying to highjack your Humvee before he shoots you. Your team mate can join you on a waterscooter for a ride and shoot at the same time to defend both of you.

Q : How many players will it support? Will Far Cry Instincts support Xbox Live 3.0? Could you please let us know more about the options it gives to players?

AM : Far Cry Instincts supports up to 16 players in huge maps. It is Live 3.0 compliant and supports:

  • friend lists and voice messaging
  • Live! Arbitration for a safer and fair experience
  • Downloadable content that will enrich the game as it goes
  • Community features like voting for your favourite custom maps and the like
  • Scoreboards and ranking system allowing for easy matchmaking and optimatch support

Q : Will you bring any gameplay innovations to multiplayer?

AM : Sure, we developed the stealth elements with the possibility to hide, set up traps and use the long view distance to snipe. In fact, whether you like a slow camping, a rough grunt experience or a fast paced driving action, you’ll have plenty of gameplay possibilities in Far Cry Instincts.

In addition, the Predator mode offers something in between co-op and adversarial that proposes to share an experience rather than just finding out who’s the best marksman, and we think that’s something fresh in a multiplayer setting.

Q : There is going to be big competition with other multiplayer Xbox Live games. Do you think Far Cry Instincts can rival Halo 2, Time Splitters Future Perfect …?

AM : Far Cry Instincts brings something fresh and new to multiplayer games. We are very proud of the package we are offering: three types of gameplay, 4 modes, up to 16 players on Xbox live, open-environments and a realistic experience. If you like action games, lush tropical settings and freedom of gameplay, you’ll be stormed by Far Cry Instincts.

Q : Finally, could you describe an ordinary day at the studio? Do you start with a meeting, checking deadlines; is there a regular kind of “quit work for an hour, let’s play Far Cry Instincts multiplayer?

AM : Heh, well it has a bit of all these for sure, but I would say the main task of a game designer is to evaluate all the cool things you can put in a game and select the few tat will strengthen the game concept. At this point of the project I spend most of my time tweaking the game, its weapons and controls, and of course that needs to be tested over and over before we can have a good laugh playing the game.

Q : Finally, is there anything else you'd like to add?

AM : I’d like to thank you for the interest you put into Far Cry Instincts, I’m sure you’ll envoy playing it.


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