why do people love Far Cry 3?

Edited by Playstayshaun
Shauns Twitter: / playstayshaun_
Shauns KZbin Channel: / playstayshaun
Additional voiceover from MertKayKay: / @mertkaykay
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Other Essays: • Video Essays
Intro: 0:00
World: 4:07
Gameplay: 14:29
Story: 33:38
Legacy: 51:22
Outro: 55:43
Far Cry 3 is a rugged game. Blood, and dirt will be most of what you see, and its decision to present a sanitised version of gritty murder on top of a tropical background allows it to present the same ideas Far Cry 2 did, but without sacrificing the fun factor. From a visual standpoint, Far Cry 3 has barely aged, and from a gameplay standpoint, the same is true, but its story is one that will go down as perhaps not one of the best, but one of the most unique. In the 12 years since its release, the Far Cry series has been on a decline. While said decline isn’t as steep as the internet would have you believe, it’s true, there's nothing quite like Far Cry 3, and that makes it a game worth revisiting. As always with these games, there is an element of nostalgia, and I won’t lie, this game has a special place in my heart for being the first Far Cry game I tried. As a 12 year old I was lured in by its wingsuits, explosions, and woah boobs! But I stayed for its themes. Even as a kid, though I didn’t know why, I knew this game had sauce. After replaying it a few times, I now do understand why.
Far Cry 3 is full of some incredible moments, but it isn’t flawless. What is most disappointing about Far Cry 3 is the sequels left in its wake. Games that were damn good in their own right and even improved the formula in some ways, but didn’t carry over what made 3 so special, and in some cases, doubled down on what made it stumble. If there were one major criticism I could give of Far Cry 3, it’s that its story is too drawn out. It’s third act, like an epilogue that revels in what the first two acts made, is one that while looking at the big picture is overindulgent, once you’re in that third act, it’s hard to not enjoy every second of it. This is achieved through some truly creative mission structure and an open world gameplay loop so successful that Ubisfot is still, over a decade later, trying to make lightning strike twice. Jason Brody’s story is one that feels complete, and while his host of villains isn’t much to write home about, apart from one whos in the game for all of twenty minutes, what these people represent, is a theme of savagery that is present across the game, making their influence one's worthy of all the praise.
Why do people love Far Cry 3? In this first video of a Far Cry retrospective we will, through a Far Cry 3 critique and Far Cry 3 analysis, look at what made the game so special, and in this Far Cry 3 review we will see that Far Cry 3 years later still holds up surprisingly well. This Far Cry 3 retrospective will also act as a Far Cry 3 Explained video. You may noticed some points aren't mentioned here, and that is because I am sort of going on the assumption that you have seen the Pyrocinical Fat Cry 3 video, which supports the idea that this is one of the best Far Cry games in the Far Cry series. Vaas is a large reason for this, and the best Vaas moments are here. If this video does well I'd love to talk about Far Cry 4, Far Cry 6, Far Cry 5, Far Cry Primal, Far Cry New Dawn, Far Cry 2. Far Cry is one of the best Ubisoft series and Far Cry 3 is the best of that series.

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Thanks to MertKayKay for providing her voice for the title cards! Her channel has a ton of longform essays and critiques I’m sure you’ll enjoy youtube.com/@mertkaykay?si=kijYQveNT1SmCDKD

[@Shift_Salt]

Oh hey it was her! Cool

[@somedorkydude6483]

Why did you make a 69 hour long video explaining why people love this game when the awnser is simple. Nacho varga

[@fearrogue]

AC one with gold though. Good video

[@saschaberger3212]

Game so good, Ubisoft remade it several times and gave it a different number

[@kaidorade1317]

But each time you make a copy of a copy the quality gets worse

[@yourmomnom]

It barely got remastered once lol so idk what you mean by this comment

[@leonpaelinck]

​@@kaidorade1317Yet somehow People liked FC5

[@trenaceandblackmetal5621]

@@kaidorade1317Far Cry 4 > 3

[@kaidorade1317]

@@trenaceandblackmetal5621 and if that’s how you feel then I’m happy for you that you found joy in something that I didn’t

[@Whitelight]

far cy

[@VongolaXZax]

Lol, funny seeing the man himself here.

[@dripee781]

fat cry

[@Starzoh]

Pong 60 years later video?

[@tametalks6102]

We need a pong 60 years later video

[@Haankaas]

Chess: 1,500 years later

[@huzaifanaeem7138]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1802">30:02</a> Gotta appreciate Aqua collaborating with smaller creators like Skrillex giving them hype

[@charlespaquetcarrier6028]

Bro the acoustic skrillex part was actually sick hahaha

[@joshuagonzalez5413]

Dude that fucking bit at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1800">30:00</a> was fucking gold man love your videos.

[@yousefjeyawi3528]

I'm crying tears of pure joy at that part

[@yousefjeyawi3528]

It has NO RIGHT to sound as good as it does.

[@leoroth6162]

@@yousefjeyawi3528 lmao.

[@MegaPT_]

maybe the real Far Cry was the sanity we lost along the way

[@charongold6532]

Ahh..our dear Vass... macheted to death but never forgotten 😂

[@DiegoReviews]

I’m so glad you kept the remix in.

[@Mezelenja]

That remix was so fucking extra LMAO (i have pressed the big red button labeled 'strap aqua to a rocket headed straight for the sun')

[@makogiron]

RELEASE THE FULL AQUA CUT REMIX

[@diegooo5956]

sick skrillex cover

[@Aughtel]

Ngl I was Groovin to it

[@huzaifanaeem7138]

This, is the definition of insanity <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1800">30:00</a>

[@animalisticprik]

"Jason would murder his friends because going home would be boring" is a weird take but I'm here for it lol

[@zedus4042]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1796">29:56</a> man that was too funny lmaooo Also, this is such a great video, would absolutely love you to do more Far Cry related videos like this one. And also, I'm still waiting for you to finish the reboot trilogy of Tomb Raider with the Shadow of the Tomb Raider...

[@ThatBoyAqua]

I’m sorry I wanna do Tomb Raider but I just can’t at the moment it’s kinda complicated. One day I will I promise. Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@dominikplayzhd]

As far as I'm aware cannon ending is saving your friends because there was a text or something in another far cry game that Jason goes back and gets prosecuted for his murders so yea

[@noryad201]

I was falling asleep at your video like I love doing, and then this just felt like I was slapped <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1798">29:58</a> 😂

[@ThatBoyAqua]

LOL

[@gameichiro6261]

Literally the same thing happened to me lmao. I was so confused for a second

[@Albanakos231]

BOY AQUA WITH A BANGERRRR

[@finnwilson5398]

High Aqua I hope you know how much your viewers love your reviews Please keep them up because as a uni student they honestly make my day and I often find myself watching your videos in my spare time Love you my friend ❤

[@ThatBoyAqua]

This comment made my day, thank you so much! ☺️ 🙏

[@discplayz4707]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1800">30:00</a> is SO FUCKING GOOD

[@zed_ko]

If I wasn't subscribed to this channel, I definitely would have by that dope self-made remix

[@natelavallee4034]

So called free thinker when Aqua uploads a Far Cry Video:

[@jackmorgan8914]

Exactly an hour long makes me happy. Love when ppl analyse and talk about FC3 just like Pyro did. It’s so great

[@ryanbohne8442]

Sir, I couldn't help but like this video for just your remix. Keep up the good work, love your reviews and am always waiting for a new one. Sorry it took a remix of yours for me to finally hit the like button but I always look forward to what you do.

[@totalnerd2180]

Far Cry 3 is legitimately one of my favorite games of all time. Love that you made this video.

[@GhostPoynt]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="104">1:44</a> is the reason i bought the remaster

[@JJonahGamerson]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1797">29:57</a> - That remix…was…everything I needed this day. 😂

[@semirionu]

Now all you need to do is make a full skrillex acapella cover

[@brettlivingston595]

I appreciate that exact 1 hour cut...... I got a wierd thing with whole numbers.

[@BodKidCymru]

Great video and looking forward to seeing you cover the rest of the series

[@ramoncarrasco2208]

I really appreciate your outros! i hope your year has been getting better and i would love to hear your takes on the gaming industry in general. You have been one of my favorite creators in this space for almost two years now and its been awesome to see you really solidify your style. I appreciate your critiques and while i dont always agree, your perspective makes me think about why i play/enjoy the games i do. Keep it up Aqua!

[@MrDueltube]

Fantastic work as always!!!

[@AfflictionPrime]

Great content as always. Keep up the good work

[@kentonwoods9972]

Ahh! This video is so good - made me so giddy and hyped for a 10+ year old game. Will you cover Shadow of the Tomb Raider? I really liked your first two videos on the trilogy.

[@zedus4042]

No waaay, I literally thought the same lol what a coincidence, been waiting for his video on Shadow of the Tomb Raider for what feels like forever.

[@rustyneedle6031]

This video gave me goosebumps, nostalgia but not only that you managed to express this games true quality and my feelings about this game, for years I've been saying how the other games don't match up to 3 this game is goated 🐐

[@aaronproctor3623]

Everyone will hate me, but I like FC5 the best. The religious overtones and twists, in my opinion, garner more thoughts. But it could also be that I'm from the American mid-west and something about cults feels fantastical and relatable all at the same time. Anyway 3 is definitely 2nd best for me and 6 can go be dumped in that landfil along with the E.T. game.

[@No-sr5fb]

This is the correct take

[@gamingodyssey4328]

because it is better in every way

[@ghosthunter7258]

​@@gamingodyssey4328🤣🤣🤣

[@gamingodyssey4328]

@@ghosthunter7258 what's so funny?

[@BullyMaguireTheAbsolute]

@@gamingodyssey4328 I don't know about "every way" but it definitely has many improvements over FC3

[@Angusmcdevitt-yd6gg]

Thank you for the video! I enjoy your content, and any future endeavors I will be happy to watch and hear your voice.

[@barryallen2569]

Having only first played "Far Cry 3" in the past few months, it's nice to see many of my thoughts echoed by someone who's played it since launch. Also, always happy to see a new Aqua video. Keep making fantastic content, and I hope more often after you're done school! Praying for 'Shadow of the Tomb Raider' video somewhere soon-ish down the line 🙏

[@mark1313131313]

Great Game and a wonderful Essay. Thank you, Aquaboy!

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

Good job, & hope you feel better.

[@jordanroache4208]

The acoustic skrillex song convinced me to play the game

[@andrewibarra3101]

I don't normally 'like' videos, even ones i really like, but you definitely earned it this time with the "Burn Dem" a capella 😂

[@jierdareisa4313]

I love ALL That Boy Aqua videos!!!! ❤

[@David-gd3qm]

I remember how i was hyped back in 2012. I love this Game to this day.

[@kbeezy32]

Bro that remix is the best thing ive seen on youtube in years lmao. U should drop the whole track!!!

[@stillcontinue]

Yesterday I searched if you made a video on Far cry 3 as I liked you Arkham games review. And now it is here. Wow!

[@berthein5476]

I need that version of make it bun dem now. 😂 amazing 😍

[@Unlckywolf]

Aqua Boy remix: literal chills

[@jeremysmith736]

Hurk is not a fan favorite he is a dev favorite

[@Gordon.Pinkerton]

You mention Far Cry 4 not getting the credit it deserves... this is the video we want next!!

[@Derterifii]

I was not expecting acoustic skrillex. This isn't something I realized I needed until now

[@supermrmainman]

We NEED the full version of that remix

[@cheezburgrproduction]

Shazam had no idea what you were doing so you cleared the copyright robot at least, I was very amused xD great work

[@neiloconnor7776]

The cool thing about the choice ending is I could see both endings being possible for Jason

[@SuperEarth_soldier_andCitizen]

My favorite Ubisoft game and some of my favorite soundtrack for a game. Finally went back and played it again and got the platinum for it. Sad that you won’t get a game like this again

[@DuskinCBC]

Recognised mertkaykays voice in a second, could listen to her game analysis’ all day

[@dtown3847]

That remix was fire

[@arturojavierlozamoreno8095]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3084">51:24</a> 👀 paused at the perfect moment hahahahaha

[@danita122]

sick remix bro

[@mikeheffner6817]

Great vid man 👏

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Thank you 🙏

[@justinbruce9808]

That song cover was true art, such passion and commitment to the craft

[@SKRRTCOBAIN00]

U know that u got to release that FIIIIYYYAAAA Tune on Spotify right? … … Right?!!!!!

[@princeblasian3735]

Dang Aqua is great with videos for Ubisoft games! I hope Splinter Cell videos are next lol

[@graylyhen9490]

Great video and analysis of the game. I hope your KZbin career goes well and I look forward to more good videos by you. God bless you ✝️

[@dracus17]

Can we get a video of the remix? It's just pure gold

[@lorddouchbag3494]

Loved the singing part bruv

[@samperrin7965]

One of my favorite games of all time. Glad you're covering it!

[@nathanielroy1996]

Hey dude I love your videos! Have a good day dude

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Thanks ☺️

[@vickywhittle1494]

Love this game , play it regular , but also my head cannon of this game is that we are playing Jason’s tall tale on how / why he got a tribal tattoo 😂

[@Solo8812]

Ok, when are you releasing the full remix on spotify? I need it.

[@JumpDaddy70]

What a coincidence, I just beat Far Cry 3 for the first time on monday

[@zedus4042]

Oh nice, did you like it?

[@Deviljho5]

Congrats 👏 I had the game ever since it came out but got deployed and never played again until I got a PC.😊

[@JumpDaddy70]

@@Deviljho5 I started playing it after coming back from Kabul but got lost in the training cycle

[@rusi6219]

​@@Deviljho5imagine deriving a sense of self worth out of serving in army of taghut

[@hydro1970]

It was my introduction to farcry, and as an introduction for me, this game was perfect, haven't played any other farcry game since tho 🤣

[@ashleejones586]

That was a pretty good cover, bro 😂

[@loganmcconaghie8742]

That cover of Damian Marley and Skrillex's hit song Make It Bun Dem was phenomenal.

[@StrideResearch]

Bro wake up Aqua dropped a new video!

[@josephwatson886]

You snapped on that beatbox 🔥 😂

[@AbhinandanABS]

3,4 & Primal are my favourite of this series

[@AlexanderCano369]

I love this game so fucking much just the ludonarrative Harmony it's amazing

[@alau5643]

Real legendary game no doubt such fond memories playin this back in the day, even far cry 4 but that’s where my fandom ended. have tried multiple times to play 5 & just can’t get into it idk, was real sour when the foreign exotic locale was switched out for fucking Montana guess I still haven’t gotten over it, think that was my favorite aspect of 3 & 4 behind the enigmatic villains of course

[@mikidallas8600]

It was my first Shooter and i love Vaas

[@Wxalez]

And ( WHOA!!! BOOOOBBBSSS!!!!) got me dead

[@frogglen6350]

Far Cry is basically metal gear solid 5 gameplay but less complex lol

[@Omfgwhtavid]

Remix was incredible

[@ClarkKentai]

FC3 seems like the last game in the series to have some clear literary roots. 1 and Instincts took their cues from The Isle of Doctor Moreau, 2 pulls inspiration from Heart of Darkness, and 3 was a straight-up adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.

[@javierpupo8042]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="29">00:29</a>:57 truly your channel has peaked

[@creazymasavaka3167]

I want a full version of Aqua's masterpiece cover

[@roeland34]

i stopped playing after defeating vass i don't know why, the mission afterwards was too hard for me (I played on the hardest difficulty and defending Willis was too much of a pain in the ass) and honestly I'm not really mad about it. it was a good place to finish

[@CrossGuardMania]

far cry 3 was one of the best games i played during the xbox 360 era, kind of odd that i never played any of the sequels.

[@bastion8804]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="78">1:18</a> I wouldn't say FC3 visuals barely aged. It's genuinely jarring going back to playing it again but I agree that the gameplay is still really good after all this time.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thank you for the thoughtful retrospective. While I think the "message" and the story in this game might've been somewhat diluted by the nature of the gameplay itself (insert philosophical sequence here and then go and kill 15 guys with an LMG), I still remember it very fondly to this day. To me and a lot of other people, I think this is the best Far Cry game of the franchise. At the time, the gameplay loop felt pretty fresh and even the more mundane elements were more enjoyable than in the later games. The setting, music and, of course, Vaas, have been experiences Ubisoft have been trying, more or less in vain, to replicate for almost a decade now. At this point, I'd be looking forward to a complete remake (ala Resident Evil) of THIS game instead of Far Cry 7 or whatnot.

[@ADR69]

FC5 and ND are the best in the franchise. I almost gave up on FC6. i have no idea what made people love FC3 other than the fact there wasnt much like it during its release and the story was pretty good if a bit too long.

[@gamingodyssey4328]

i very much agree, fc5 is my favourite, now i wouldn’t say nd is one of the best but it’s up there, i would put 4 instead

[@enigmaburrito1390]

FC3 is massively overrated and 5 is 100% better

[@denzelnarain3730]

the skrillex remix made this video s-tier easily!

[@ellypsis603]

simply because it's the best

[@Fastvz]

Just downloaded this yesterday 😭

[@ThousandairesClub]

*3 and 4 were just tech demos for the legendary greatness that is GOAT CRY 5* 🙌

[@kingofspades1576]

As a very sheltered youth who as a late teen saved up enough for an Xbox 360 and far cry 3…Citra’s boobs are the reason I remember the game so well. As an extremely hormonal teen who had literally never seen any before. It was definitely an awakening.

[@4L3X868]

Great video! You should review red dead redemption 2

[@V1P3R819]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 remix

[@nawfside4888]

i like the far cry series more than i thought I would. Only problem is why not give us option to play 1st or 3rd person especially in the later far cry's where equipment played a role but you can only see your character at certain places. To travel across the map for a piece of equipment I'll Rarely see is Beyond Strange. Great Game though

[@bengopalmi80]

I’m sorry, but going back to 3 was such a striking moment of realization of how deeply nostalgic I was about the game. It’s themes of transformation and brutality are great, but never up to par with 2’s between the protagonist and the Jackal. It’s more explicit here, which is why I appreciate it less in hindsight. Also, this is when Ubisoft found massive success with it’s checklist open world formula after AC2 which now defines not only the Ubisoft formula, but most of the industry standard for what’s expected of open world games. TLDR Far Cry 3 was great when it came out, but looking back I don’t believe it even holds a candle to 2 and started negative trends in the industry

[@JakeTheL3mur]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="104">1:44</a> Yea thats Accurate