Far Cry Instincts

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2005
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 84
  3. Negative: 28 out of 84
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  1. CoryK.
    Oct 10, 2005
    10
    This game is amazing.....the graphics are top notch on the Xbox....the story is very entertaining....the gameplay is amazing....the multiplayer is addicting.....this is personally my favorite FPS ever.....yes better than Halo 2.....It's done by Ubisoft Montrela who did the Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six games so you know it's at least good.....but this game is great! Buy this This game is amazing.....the graphics are top notch on the Xbox....the story is very entertaining....the gameplay is amazing....the multiplayer is addicting.....this is personally my favorite FPS ever.....yes better than Halo 2.....It's done by Ubisoft Montrela who did the Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six games so you know it's at least good.....but this game is great! Buy this game if you have an Xbox and if you don't have an Xbox, well then buy this game and then buy an Xbox...you will not be disappointed.… Expand
  2. TonyM
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    Best game of the year, hands down.
  3. Daz
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    One of the best first person shooters i've ever played, possible only bettered by halo 2. I love the visuals, the vehicles (once you get used to driving/riding them), and the gameplay. I haven't tried it online yet but the single player game is brill. The mapmaker looks very interesting and should bring a bit of variety to the game after the supplied maps have been played to One of the best first person shooters i've ever played, possible only bettered by halo 2. I love the visuals, the vehicles (once you get used to driving/riding them), and the gameplay. I haven't tried it online yet but the single player game is brill. The mapmaker looks very interesting and should bring a bit of variety to the game after the supplied maps have been played to death. Overall 10/10… Expand
  4. FPSMaster
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    Great game in almost every respect. The lag online is a bummer, but should work itself out over time. The first person vehicle controls could be better, but you get used to them. Overall, the graphics are great but all the pop-in seems kinda out of place considering this is an Xbox exclusive title, and most other Xbox exclusive titles don't have that tale-tale PS2 like feature. Once Great game in almost every respect. The lag online is a bummer, but should work itself out over time. The first person vehicle controls could be better, but you get used to them. Overall, the graphics are great but all the pop-in seems kinda out of place considering this is an Xbox exclusive title, and most other Xbox exclusive titles don't have that tale-tale PS2 like feature. Once again, EGM shows it's Sony fanboyism giving this game a 7.0. You can bet your bottom dollar if it hadn't been canned on the weak PS2 that they'd given the game at least a 9.0.… Expand
  5. JoeM.
    Oct 4, 2005
    9
    Best map editor ever!!!
  6. MickS.
    Oct 6, 2005
    10
    This game is awesome.
  7. MercZerk
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    I'm with rose... i wuz hooked on halo2, but now im hooked on this... im even gettin all my friends into it, to.
  8. Sapo
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    Também achei muito interessante. Gráficos excelentes - claro que piores que os do PC, mas não se pode ter tudo -, e a ótima sacada dos 'feral powers'. Muito bom. Recomendo.
  9. IamNlCK
    Jun 25, 2006
    8
    Fun game. I like Shooters like this much more than mundane Halo-esque games where you shoot your way through hordes of identical aliens for hours. Very cool storyline, intense action. The only complaints I have are..when i sneak up on someone stealthfully....sometimes after a couple machine gun blasts to the head, they are still alive. The enemy AI has some room to improve also.
  10. Qickthumz
    Oct 10, 2005
    10
    By far one of the best buys out for the Xbox right now. I recommend it to any and everyone.
  11. ScottH.
    Nov 10, 2005
    3
    Not sure why this game is getting such good reviews. Sure it looks nice, but the AI is on par with the lamest shooters on the Nintendo 64. I literally walked right into a guy, who ignored me and walked away, allowing to me do a stealth kill. Not to mention having to shoot the enemies in the head three of four times before they go down. Do it once and they're just as likely to say Not sure why this game is getting such good reviews. Sure it looks nice, but the AI is on par with the lamest shooters on the Nintendo 64. I literally walked right into a guy, who ignored me and walked away, allowing to me do a stealth kill. Not to mention having to shoot the enemies in the head three of four times before they go down. Do it once and they're just as likely to say something like "I think I just heard something." No, you just got shot in the face! Die, damn you! I played it once for a few hours and traded it in. Don't waste your money!!!… Expand
  12. JasonJ.
    Oct 17, 2005
    6
    If the gameplay and structure of Far Cry even came close to matching the graphical lustre and polish adorned by it's creators, then this would be a fantastic gaming achievement. As it is, I think it's another case of style over substance, which is a shame really because I had quite high hopes for this one. I found the single player mode fairly solid but quite basic, repetitive If the gameplay and structure of Far Cry even came close to matching the graphical lustre and polish adorned by it's creators, then this would be a fantastic gaming achievement. As it is, I think it's another case of style over substance, which is a shame really because I had quite high hopes for this one. I found the single player mode fairly solid but quite basic, repetitive and unrewarding. The enemy AI just doesn't match up to the promise of the game's visuals and while isn't completely stupid they do have a habit taking the shortest possible route to you without the need for caution or cover. The inclusion of stealth aspects and you choosing your approach to dispatch the enemy tip-toe or gung-ho, ends up being a pretty hollow choice. If a designer wants to include a differing range of tactics in a game, then please at least include some kind of consequence to your choice of actions. I found it made no real difference in sneaking around, remaining unnoticed, planning and laying traps and generally bidding my time to dispatch the opposition compared to running in guns blazing. There was far too much ammo made available either way to add any kind of tactical depth in sniping the enemy 1 precious bullet at a time. Even when you'd just sprayed the the whole area with virtual lead there was usually more than enough either there or just round the corner and as such another opportunity to create an extra layer of gameplay is gone. Having not had the chance to explore any of the multiplayer options I cannot comment on these features. Overall, it's another lesson in that fantastic graphics do not make a fantastic game argument. It is also rather easy so if you're a seasoned FPS gamer and with no skill level options to accomodate varying difficulty needs you may find this game to be quite literally, a rather shallow but beautiful walk in the park. I would suggest at least trying before you buy or maybe a suitable rental option.… Expand
  13. MikeE.
    Dec 4, 2005
    10
    This is easily the best video game I've ever played. The atmophere and feral abilities make this game different than any other shooter I've played. The map editor alone has led to hours of entertainment. Yes, the game is easy due to your abiltiy to heal yourself and an insane amont of health, but just adjust the settings and you'll agree that its the greatest game on the This is easily the best video game I've ever played. The atmophere and feral abilities make this game different than any other shooter I've played. The map editor alone has led to hours of entertainment. Yes, the game is easy due to your abiltiy to heal yourself and an insane amont of health, but just adjust the settings and you'll agree that its the greatest game on the Xbox hands down.… Expand
  14. BobRoberts
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    This is just an amazing game - talk about fun. Yep, the single player is pretty linear compared to the sprawling PC levels but there you go -limitations of the Xbox CPU, and it's still one hell of a linear shooter regardless. The gold is in the online. For me, online FPSs with vehicles are where its at, and high-speed quad bike chases at Mercy Creek are worth the price tag alone. It This is just an amazing game - talk about fun. Yep, the single player is pretty linear compared to the sprawling PC levels but there you go -limitations of the Xbox CPU, and it's still one hell of a linear shooter regardless. The gold is in the online. For me, online FPSs with vehicles are where its at, and high-speed quad bike chases at Mercy Creek are worth the price tag alone. It should be a no-brainer, particularly for the halo-haters (such as myself). Forget those laser bolts and clunky metal geek-suits, get some real action here.… Expand
  15. JeffA.
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    If I was on a tropical island and I could only bring one game I would pick Far Cry. Words do not do this game justice. You really feel like you are on a tropical island being hunted my mercenaries. If you can't afford a vacation then buy this game for the scenery. If you are looking for the best first person shooter on any console ever, buy Far Cry. In 29 years of videogaming this is If I was on a tropical island and I could only bring one game I would pick Far Cry. Words do not do this game justice. You really feel like you are on a tropical island being hunted my mercenaries. If you can't afford a vacation then buy this game for the scenery. If you are looking for the best first person shooter on any console ever, buy Far Cry. In 29 years of videogaming this is the best game I have ever played.… Expand
  16. RedRose
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    Better than the pc version. Even better than Halo 2. Awesome.
  17. Cynerg
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    I can honestly say this has to be the best FPS ever made. Play this game with the lights out and with good surround sound speakers, and you're unmistakably scared for your life. Brings me back to the days of Doom, but 10 times more advanced. Can't wait for the sequel!
  18. CharlieH.
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    This game is awesome...I never thought they'd be able to pull off far cry on a console...but they did one helluva job. The feral abilites add depth to the gameplay and the map editor is chock full with options. This is a must buy for any FPS fan and those interested in spending long hours making tropical paradises...
  19. AnthonyV.
    Sep 30, 2005
    8
    It's a great game, don't get me wrong. And it's a lot of fun setting up tree traps and hopping in boats and shooting people from underneath floorboards in huts. But the graphics on this game vary. In parts, the game looks phenomenal and the draw distance is commendable. But in other parts, the pop-in looks atrocious. As for the AI, I have no idea what game the critics were It's a great game, don't get me wrong. And it's a lot of fun setting up tree traps and hopping in boats and shooting people from underneath floorboards in huts. But the graphics on this game vary. In parts, the game looks phenomenal and the draw distance is commendable. But in other parts, the pop-in looks atrocious. As for the AI, I have no idea what game the critics were playing, but there are plenty of times where the AI can be exploited to an almost embarassing level. I was able to shoot one enemy six times in the leg while I was hiding behind a tent and he WOULD! NOT! MOVE! OUT! OF! MY! SIGHTS! But this is still a fun and serviceable game. The only reason I gave it an 8 versus a 6 or a 7 is because the map editor and the multi-player aspects of this game are worth the price of the game alone. There is just an utterly and completely STAGGERING amount of things you can create in the map editor AND YOU CAN TAKE YOUR MAPS ONLINE. So in short, the single-player experience is enjoyable despite some annoying flaws - and the multiplayer experience is arguably enough to give Halo 2 a run for its money.… Expand
  20. EfeB.
    Jul 4, 2006
    9
    very fine game, one of xbox's best. insane graphics, great action, allright story...good transition from the hunted to the hunter with your new animal abilities. sloppy rag-doll effects, a bit feels weightless all around, sometimes you need to pump like 10 bullets into a guy before he dies...but hey, they cramped in lots of cool things in this game, i feel bad complaining. kind of very fine game, one of xbox's best. insane graphics, great action, allright story...good transition from the hunted to the hunter with your new animal abilities. sloppy rag-doll effects, a bit feels weightless all around, sometimes you need to pump like 10 bullets into a guy before he dies...but hey, they cramped in lots of cool things in this game, i feel bad complaining. kind of feels like turok in some areas, well...i cannot say that this is THE best fps there is...after playing half-life 2...far cry seems like pong, but...okay, its the second best.… Expand
  21. JanD.
    Nov 20, 2005
    7
    First impression is this game rivals Halo2 but the reality is that this game is WAY too easy: the AI is shamefull compared to the graphics and ammo & health kits are lying around in such abundance that you can fly through the levels without ever feeling really challenged. A pity in the end.
  22. RichardS.
    Nov 20, 2005
    7
    Many of the criticisms listed by others only apply to the early levels of the game - it improves with time. The stealth playing - laying traps and luring the prey in - is fun. As for shooting baddies in the head - one shot and they are down, you just have to aim properly. The graphics are impressive though the location is not as interesting or compelling as the near-future cityscapes of Many of the criticisms listed by others only apply to the early levels of the game - it improves with time. The stealth playing - laying traps and luring the prey in - is fun. As for shooting baddies in the head - one shot and they are down, you just have to aim properly. The graphics are impressive though the location is not as interesting or compelling as the near-future cityscapes of Half Life 2. The gameplay is smooth and fast and teh variety of vehicles is cool. The story develops interestingly too. I didn't like the aliens - in general I don't like the way so many FPS games deteriorate into horror etc - it would have been better to stick with human foes. The aliens moved too fast as well. It does get repetitive going from camp to camp. The music is dreadful - action scenes are accompanied by screaming guitar solos that wouldn't be out of place on ESPN's Sportscenter. Horrible. The creepy techno score of Half Life 2 is much more cinematic and atmospheric. Though the weapon noise is the best I have heard - shooting double machine guns in a narrow corridor is brilliant. Overall, I rate it below Halo, Riddick, Half Life 2, but above Area 51, Call of Duty, Medal of Honour and Doom.… Expand
  23. JesseM.
    Oct 13, 2005
    6
    This game got boring. It was repetative, go to this camp, kill them. Go to next camp. Kill them... Boring. The game is worth renting. Don't buy it.
  24. PeterL.
    Oct 13, 2005
    3
    The AI is the worst I have ever experienced. Lying under wooden huts shooting an assailant through the floor and managing only to shoot a buttock, the enemy states"Oh well, must have been nothing!" Trying to attract attention of guards by throwing copious amounts of stones causes the same response. Anyone who thinks this is a good game has a poor grasp on reality! Sure, the graphics are The AI is the worst I have ever experienced. Lying under wooden huts shooting an assailant through the floor and managing only to shoot a buttock, the enemy states"Oh well, must have been nothing!" Trying to attract attention of guards by throwing copious amounts of stones causes the same response. Anyone who thinks this is a good game has a poor grasp on reality! Sure, the graphics are good, but come on!! Perhaps its because I'm 42 and experienced in life and haven't grown up believing I can get shot 10 times in the head and won't die is the problem. I realise that games don't always reflect reality, but after Halo, all enemy AI has a lot to measure up to.… Expand
  25. SystekTECH
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    This game was a surprise to bring home for the xbox. I never really got into the PC version but I remember it looking amazing and it truely shines on the xbox. The single player missions are fun and worth playing once but the multiplayer is incredible. The map editor is really easy to come up with some creative things. One cool feature is to test out your map while you are creating it. This game was a surprise to bring home for the xbox. I never really got into the PC version but I remember it looking amazing and it truely shines on the xbox. The single player missions are fun and worth playing once but the multiplayer is incredible. The map editor is really easy to come up with some creative things. One cool feature is to test out your map while you are creating it. The multiplayer action is just as good as halo and better with normal weapons. This game supports 16 players, however in multiplayer system link, the game is limited to one person per xbox. Not sure why... maybe performance reasons but it is still fun with 2 or 3 people if you have 3 xbox's around. BUY IT!!!… Expand
  26. MichaelP.
    Oct 2, 2005
    9
    I have played, and completed the PC version of FarCry, and waited anxiously for this Xbox version. I was thrilled to find a whole new story to play through, a killer online mode, and a user friendly map editor, which is producing some amazing results from the Xbox community. I think that finally, there's a 'Halo2 killer' that'll make it's presence felt on Xbox I have played, and completed the PC version of FarCry, and waited anxiously for this Xbox version. I was thrilled to find a whole new story to play through, a killer online mode, and a user friendly map editor, which is producing some amazing results from the Xbox community. I think that finally, there's a 'Halo2 killer' that'll make it's presence felt on Xbox Live! for a long time from now... Excellent game...a must have for any FPS fan... And you can drink the water...hehehe… Expand
  27. Lucas38
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    With a map making tool that is a Far Cry from that of Pariah, Far Cry: Instincts has what it takes to be the best FPS on the current generation of the XBOX console! Talk about lush! The water, foliage, sound effects, and overall graphic presentation is IMO phenomenal! The story mode is alot of fun and mixes stealth with a bit of run 'n' gun brilliantly! For me , as a designer, With a map making tool that is a Far Cry from that of Pariah, Far Cry: Instincts has what it takes to be the best FPS on the current generation of the XBOX console! Talk about lush! The water, foliage, sound effects, and overall graphic presentation is IMO phenomenal! The story mode is alot of fun and mixes stealth with a bit of run 'n' gun brilliantly! For me , as a designer, the best part is the map maker! You can create some pretty sophisticated maps with the easy to use map making mode and there is a huge sense of satisfaction when you see the world you created literally come alive! This may very well be a "Game of the Year" title, indeed!!!… Expand
  28. MarceloS.
    Sep 24, 2005
    9
    O game é lindo! jogabilidade ótima, graficos maravilhosos, recomendo com certeza.
  29. JustinO.
    Sep 30, 2005
    9
    Finally a really fun new FPS has come out. 'Normal' weapons with none of that futuristic ray gun crap. Cool vehicles- ATV, Jet Ski, HMV, and even hang gliders and zip lines. Fun singleplayer, great multiplayer and a simply amazing map editor. What's not to like? This will be one of my main games for quite some time.
  30. RavenX301
    Jan 23, 2006
    9
    Muiltiplayer is the best of the best (If you like the hint type of game) The levels are so wonderful and lovely that you wish you could walk around them. The A.I are not as impressive as they claim they are and the guns can act up (like not killing someone in under 20 shots) But the feel of this game is so ingrossing its unbelieveable. The biggest complaint would have to be the fact you Muiltiplayer is the best of the best (If you like the hint type of game) The levels are so wonderful and lovely that you wish you could walk around them. The A.I are not as impressive as they claim they are and the guns can act up (like not killing someone in under 20 shots) But the feel of this game is so ingrossing its unbelieveable. The biggest complaint would have to be the fact you dont see your hands when you drive and you have really interact with anything. I know thats not much to some but to me it takes some of the bad a$$ or slick killer feel away sense it just looks dumb. you can't just pull a knife out and you can't see you hands push the grass back as you run through it (which was in a trialer of this game as an 'in game' screen) However these are small personal problems that i have with games that take some of the real life out of it. (also Half Life 2) But that can't take away the fact that the game is amazing. Still.....I can't help but feel underwhlemed by making due with not so great traps (They are all the same) and stealh killing....I like it finally that when you kill some one in a group they all dont automatically know where you are. But overall the game was sweet.… Expand
  31. JohnL.
    Jan 25, 2006
    1
    I couldnt get into it I really like first person shooters but I didnt think this one was as good as people made it out to be. The graphics are ok but what I found really sloppy are the poor camera angles after playing for a few hours ai got really dizzy. I honestly wouldnt recommend it to anyone.
  32. ZachS.
    Feb 5, 2006
    8
    This game is a good thinking man shoot-em up, if you like to just run and shoot don't buy this, if you like to have to think before you shoot this will be the game for you. Don't get me wrong this is a great first person shooter but the pc game of FARCRY is alot better, if you have a PC with good graphics card i would recomend you buy the PC version instead of this, if you dont This game is a good thinking man shoot-em up, if you like to just run and shoot don't buy this, if you like to have to think before you shoot this will be the game for you. Don't get me wrong this is a great first person shooter but the pc game of FARCRY is alot better, if you have a PC with good graphics card i would recomend you buy the PC version instead of this, if you dont own a PC buy this version.… Expand
  33. Nick
    Jul 25, 2006
    6
    Ok so the game has quite impressive visuals, but it is also bugged and offers nothing new. It comes nowhere near Half Life 2 and certainly doesn't touch either of the Halos. Annoying and random difficulty make this an entirley average game.
  34. TheBigmac
    Oct 11, 2005
    9
    First of all, I'm not a first person shooter fan. I don't even play halo eventhou everybody says it's the best game an bla bla bla, for a simple reason. i suffer of motion sickness. For I reason I can't explain, I ended up playing this game and I was hooked, Really well designed game, great graphics, cool weapons and something most games nowadays forget about: FUN!!!
  35. Nanokiwi
    Oct 14, 2005
    10
    Make no mistake - this is a very very good game - i would put it in my top 5 of the 40 xbox games ive played. Though i dont think the vehicles are anywhere near as good as halo - day-2-day killing is just as much fun. If you are vaugely interested in FPS, youve got to get your hands on this.
  36. ApocalypseB.
    Dec 15, 2005
    7
    A good idea spoiled by some pretty awful A.I. and even worse map design. Fun to play? Undoubtibly yes but my desire to clock the game died after the mine level. Beaufitul graphics and back-drops but what gives this game a seven is the evil save points. It soooo annoying getting to the end of a level, only to die by complete mystery, then have to spend another 30mins getting to the same A good idea spoiled by some pretty awful A.I. and even worse map design. Fun to play? Undoubtibly yes but my desire to clock the game died after the mine level. Beaufitul graphics and back-drops but what gives this game a seven is the evil save points. It soooo annoying getting to the end of a level, only to die by complete mystery, then have to spend another 30mins getting to the same point and again dying in the same way. Recommend? Second hand yeah but not full wack!… Expand
  37. ZanderK.
    Dec 29, 2005
    2
    must have missed those georgeous graphics with the stupid bots making it all too frustrating If this game is the best the xbox can muster then I fully understand the upgrade.
  38. MadameC.
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    Trés bon!
  39. BenG.
    Feb 13, 2006
    9
    This game is better than halo. I've noticed a resemblance between the people who hate it. First off: they have terrible aim. Your not shooting a guy in the head if he goes "What was that?" You are missing. Your xbox would have to have smoke coming out of it for the AI to stink. A guy noticed me when I was like a quarter of a mile away. The map-editor is what makes the game though. Its great!
  40. FarcryMaster
    May 24, 2006
    10
    brilliant grafics as always and some rearly cool story like killing mercinaries and getting powers but awsome game witch i say one you must buy!
  41. JaceN.
    Nov 11, 2005
    6
    Suffers badly from marshmellow ammunition! Know anyone who can take fifteen rounds in the face and live to cause you more harm than you dealt?...this games full of em! Isnt too much of a problem on its own but when your trapped in an arena full of freaks with P90s and some fool with a big nasty rocket launcher stands overhead taking potshots...it creates an infuriating impasse very Suffers badly from marshmellow ammunition! Know anyone who can take fifteen rounds in the face and live to cause you more harm than you dealt?...this games full of em! Isnt too much of a problem on its own but when your trapped in an arena full of freaks with P90s and some fool with a big nasty rocket launcher stands overhead taking potshots...it creates an infuriating impasse very quickly. Why on earth was invincibility taken out? And the buggy map editor is of little value unless youre on Live, it even performs more "Anti-Non-Live Subscriber" discrimination as you have to be signed in to create a map that can be played live. No real reason why...just wanted to force you to sign up!… Expand
  42. storygamer
    Oct 15, 2020
    7
    The Xbox release of Far Cry called Instincts can´t really hold up to the PC version. While the graphics and gameplay are great and it includes some new ideas like the instinct mode and level creating, sadly the enemy AI and the checkpoint system are simply disastrous. The game ain´t bad at all but a bit spoiled. But if you haven´t played the PC release, catch up a copy. You will have aThe Xbox release of Far Cry called Instincts can´t really hold up to the PC version. While the graphics and gameplay are great and it includes some new ideas like the instinct mode and level creating, sadly the enemy AI and the checkpoint system are simply disastrous. The game ain´t bad at all but a bit spoiled. But if you haven´t played the PC release, catch up a copy. You will have a good time!… Expand

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best Xbox Game of 2005
11
#11 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005
28
#28 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. RewiredMind
    90
    I was expecting a lot from Instincts, and boy, I got it. Smooth as silk, pretty as a picture and as vicious as an angry lion, Jack Carver's second title is as good as his first, and is pretty much a must-own for any fan of the FPS or stealth genres. Top notch.
    Read full review
  2. AceGamez
    90
    Nigh on perfect. There's no other way to put it. Words simply cannot do this game the justice it so admirably deserves. It's the most original, involving and technically astounding first person shooter since Halo 2 finally emerged and barged its way into every Xbox owner's home, and it puts most of its competitors to absolute shame.
  3. Games Radar
    80
    Hopefully, upcoming sequels will further tweak an already solid concept into a great game.
    Read full review
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