Did I tell you the definition of insanity? This is the quote that still rattles uncontrollably around my head every time I think of Farcry 3. It's taken from one of the antagonists from the game, Vaas. This insane creature is one of the greatest villains I have seen in a game hands down and is why it's so memorable. The guys at Ubisoft knew they hit the nail on the head with this psycho and placed him proudly on the cover of this masterpiece. Can you think of another time an antagonist has taken pride of place at the centre of a game's artwork? I can’t…

Anyway, we will get to him later. The game starts with a cutscene of partying and enjoying yourself with friends, this quickly turns around as you are captured by Vass’ men. You play as Jason Brody, watching him change over the course of the adventure is fantastic. He starts out as a normal city guy, shaking when handed a gun for the 1st time, but that escalates very quickly and he does much more than hold a pistol for the entire game. Without revealing too much… you get into trouble and it’s up to you to rescue your friends and family from certain death.

There are elements of RPG scattered throughout the game which help it along. Getting tattoos to unlock new abilities, killing animals to use their skin and ammo pouches etc. You can even collect herbs to mix to give you powers that heighten your senses to help you hunt and kill. It gives a real feel of progression and makes you think that even the smallest things are helping you through the deadly paradise island. The world is open to you as soon as you’re initially out of harms way. The game uses radio towers as map advancement points. Here you climb to the top of the tower (these get progressively harder as the game goes on) to activate a switch which then expands your map and adventure. The game is loaded with guns and weapons to use against your enemies. From flamethrowers to bow and arrows. Although there are over 40 weapons overall I found myself leaving the machine guns and rifles in favour of the ultra fun bow and arrows. Though fun to use, this archaic weapon is overpowered in this game killing guys with 1 hit to the leg… As you progress through the game you unlock new moves that you can use against enemies. From taking an enemy hostage, grabbing his knife and launching it at another enemy, to jumping off shanty huts and knifing one in the shoulder. These abilities are split into 3 categories. The heron, the shark and the spider. Aptly named, these are for Stealth, long range and assault takedowns. If this game sounds violent, it's because it is. The violence isn’t over the top though, it is there for a purpose. To show you how an insane, pirate filled beautiful island can turn an innocent young man to kill. There are a few magic mushroom induced highs that young Brody experiences in his time on the island. The ever changing landscape that surrounds “high” Jason is a departure from the seldom normality that is the rest of the game, but it shows you how insane the island is. Even the natural growing herbs send you insane. The play area that you have in Farcry 3 is huge. The island is beautiful graphically and is ladened with gang hideouts, secret animals to hunt, lost letters to collect and more. There is just so much to do. The array of characters is brilliant. A molester who really likes your friend, a druggy Doctor Alec Earnhardt.

The story in Farcry 3 is what sets it apart from other FPS titles. It's engaging, lively and emotional. I mentioned Vaas at the start but he really sets this game apart from its rivals. If you haven’t played this game yet his character alone is good reason to pick it up. Other than the main quest there is an array of side missions to complete. These can range from killing packs of ravenous wolves, to killing the leader of a gang. Most highly entertaining and satisfying. Word to the wise, I wasn’t aware crocodiles were in this game, so as I was blissfully swimming through a cave trying to locate a rare blue herb, being attacked by one made me jump… a lot… there is your warning, you’re welcome.

In closing, the Farcry 3 experience itself is full of…. Well…. Everything! This game has everything. Do you want to fight insane men? Tigers? Sharks? Gamble? Drive vehicle’s? Skydive? Then play this game. Did I ever tell you the definition of insanity?