Gaming

Far Cry 5 review: Immersive playground in the heart of cultist America

Featuring a lovely weekend with the Seed Family

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Since Grand Theft Auto III’s explosive arrival more than a decade ago, open-world games established themselves as part and parcel of the video game industry. For years, game developers have tried to replicate and improve on Rockstar Games’ formula.

Following Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft pioneered a more inventive take on the open-world system — an expansive map driven by waypoints. However, after years of sequels, their unique formula has grown tired and weary.

That is, until Far Cry 5 came along.

Reinventing the wheel

Only behind Assassin’s Creed, the Far Cry series enjoys its spot as one of Ubisoft’s most trusted properties. Besides the five main games, the franchise already has a plethora of spin-offs, expansions, and downloadable content.

At its heart, the Far Cry series is a Rambo simulator that drops you into an exotic location to fight off a militant force. From the start, you face a completely red map that you slowly carve to your favor. You do this by completing missions, liberating outposts, and unlocking the map. Throughout the game, you are pestered by the game’s — sometimes psychotic, sometimes manipulative — villains.

Far Cry 5 keeps the essentials but infuses a breath of fresh air into the tired formula. The game isn’t just a minefield of spoon-fed objectives anymore. Now, it’s a fully immersive map that you tackle in your own way.

Absolute freedom

In Far Cry 5, you, a sheriff’s deputy, are dropped into the hostile Hope County in Montana. A doomsday cult has taken roots in the county, coercing innocent people through torture and mind control. Your job is simple: rescue the populace and kill the cult’s leader, Joseph Seed.

Unlike previous Far Cry games, the fifth entry presents a completely explorable map right off the bat. In Far Cry 5, you decide which region you want to liberate first. It doesn’t lock out anything.

Also, the game doesn’t immediately reveal which points on the map have things for you to do. It’s a blank map that you explore by yourself. You unlock waypoints by either encountering them physically, reading about them in notes, or talking to NPCs in the surrounding area. The map isn’t a tedious checklist; it’s an experience you craft.

Additionally, Far Cry 5 doesn’t hide its skills or weapons behind grinding progression trees. Just from the first region, you can unlock all perks and weapons — if you have enough money or points, that is. Regardless, Far Cry 5’s skills costs are fair. A few hours into my playthrough, I already carried a .50 caliber sniper rifle, a shotgun, and a whole load of explosives.

Friends are forever

Another refreshing addition to Far Cry 5’s mechanics is the offline co-op.

A few years ago, Assassin’s Creed Unity had the not-so-brilliant idea of locking some of its content behind a co-op requirement, meaning you couldn’t play some missions unless you had a friend with you. If you didn’t have a friend with the game, the console, and a good internet connection, you were out of luck.

Far Cry 5 finally solves the riddle of co-op by introducing a host of NPCs that you can bring along on missions. Ubisoft has realized that even just a digital dog is enough to lift the monotony of killing tons of cultists. Throughout the game, you unlock and recruit new characters by rescuing them or doing missions for them.

Thankfully, Far Cry 5’s Guns for Hire aren’t cardboard cutouts. They have their own stories, characters, and abilities. Because of their diversity, their effectiveness depends on your own preferred play styles.

Do you prefer the stealthy approach? The huntress Jess Black wields a silent, deadly bow for your covert operations. Are you more of a demolitions guy? Hurk Drubman, Jr. touts a meaty grenade launcher that can cut down a helicopter in a few shots.

Besides this gaggle of oddities, Far Cry 5 also has a trio of strangely adorable furry friends (or Fangs for Hire) you can take with you. Boomer is a cute, scouting dog. Peaches is a ruthless mountain lion assassin. Cheeseburger is a towering bear. (Yes, you can pet them all.)

Joseph who?

Far Cry 5 features one of the most enjoyable first-person experiences this year. Until it drags you back into its story.

To liberate a region, you fill a meter of influence. Every third of the way through, the region’s lieutenant (or boss) issues a search warrant for you. Immediately, every enemy gets one-hit-kill ammo. One hit, you’re out. When you wake up, the lieutenant confronts you in his/her headquarters which you eventually escape from through stealth or gunfire.

These required story missions are still par for the course. However, while they do offer enjoyable gameplay, they are a massive pain. Their inevitability takes away from your pristine immersion into the game. Even if you’re busy liberating an outpost, once you hit that point in the game, you’re yanked mercilessly into one of the story missions.

Regardless, every lieutenant offers a unique flavor to their region. John Seed is a merciless evangelical who prefers torture to bend his adherents into shape. Faith Seed uses an airborne hallucinogenic to control her soldiers. Jacob Seed trains canines into dangerous killing machines.

Despite how charismatic they are, there’s not much to care about in Far Cry 5. The big baddie, Joseph Seed, offers nothing but a backdrop with which his lieutenants operate. Ubisoft tried to market a commentary on today’s political climate in the US. However, all they managed was a version of WWE’s The Wyatt Family.

Much of the story’s lack of empathy derives from the game’s curse of a nameless protagonist. Far Cry 3 had Jason, the fish out of water. Far Cry 4 had the recruited Ajay Ghale. Sadly, Far Cry 5 lacked that character anchor to hook gamers into its story. In fact, characters simply call you “Rook” or “Deputy.” You, as an in-game character, don’t have a story.

You never really care about any of the game’s more important characters including yourself. You engage in rescue missions for people whom you’ve never built any rapport with prior. Far Cry 5 just isn’t a convincing story.

Then again, Far Cry 5 harmonizes to the music of nature or of gunshots, but not to the Seed Family’s evangelization. The game shines brighter when you’re free to traverse the picturesque landscapes of Hope County. It’s still an all-around enjoyable game.

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Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.2 launches August 27 on PS5

Includes MGS4, Peace Walker

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February 13, 2026

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Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 | PlayStation State of Play

Konami has announced Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.2 during the latest State of Play. The collection launches on August 27, 2026 for PS5 and is now available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store.

The package bundles three titles from the iconic stealth-action franchise: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Metal Gear: Ghost Babel.

Each game includes a digital scenario book with full script text and a master book with detailed story and character insights. The digital edition also adds Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack Vol.2, featuring background music and vocal tracks from across Snake’s missions.

Three missions, one legacy

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots brings Solid Snake’s final chapter to PS5. Originally released on PS3, the game explores a world where private military companies dominate global conflict under Liquid Ocelot’s control. The PS5 version features improved internal resolution, higher maximum frame rates, and customizable button controls.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker follows Big Boss in 1974 as he leads an independent army in Costa Rica. The HD Collection version supports customizable controls, online co-op for two to four players, and Versus Ops for up to six players.

Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, the series’ first handheld title, joins the collection as part of the Bonus Content section. The Game Boy Color classic includes new features such as screen filters, pixel-perfect display options, a rewind function, and customizable controls.

Pre-order and save data bonuses

Players who pre-order will receive in-game bonuses for both MGS4 and Peace Walker. These include Cardboard Camouflage for MGS4 and the LOVE BOX uniform for Peace Walker.

Those with save data from the first collection will unlock additional items. Save data from Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 grants Gold Camouflage for MGS4 and the GOLD uniform for Peace Walker.

Konami also confirmed a final post-launch update for Vol.1, adding new visual improvements. Meanwhile, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Vol.1 are currently discounted on the PlayStation Store for a limited time.

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John Wick, Kena sequel, more new games showcased at State of Play

Plenty of games to look forward to!

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February 13, 2026

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John Wick, Kena: Scars of Kosmora | PlayStation State of Play

The February 2026 PlayStation State of Play delivered a packed slate of reveals. Big franchises returned. New worlds took shape. Here’s a round-up of the games shown.

John Wick game announced for PS5

Saber Interactive announced a AAA John Wick game for PS5. The team works closely with Chad Stahelski, Keanu Reeves, and Lionsgate. The story explores a specific chapter in John Wick’s life. It adds original events to the series timeline.

The game focuses on gun-fu combat, cinematic action, and stylish neo-noir settings. Saber builds the combat system from the ground up. The goal is simple. Make players feel like they are John Wick.

Kena: Scars of Kosmora (2026)

Ember Lab returns with Kena: Scars of Kosmora. The sequel launches in 2026 on PS5 and PC. Kena is older and more experienced. She travels to the island of Kosmora to uncover the truth behind her lifelong affliction.

A powerful spirit shatters her staff and forces her to adapt. Kena learns a forgotten form of Spirit Guiding based on elemental alchemy. New Spirit Companions add depth to combat. Ember Lab promises a bigger world and a more emotional story.

Project Windless

Krafton Montréal Studio revealed Project Windless. It is an open-world action RPG inspired by The Bird That Drinks Tears. The game takes place more than a thousand years before the novels.

Players control a Rekon, a powerful humanoid bird warrior. Combat centers on large-scale battles against massive enemy forces. The open world avoids heavy guidance. Exploration and choice shape each player’s legend.

Yakoh Shinobi Ops (2027)

Shueisha Games teams up with Acquire for Yakoh Shinobi Ops. The four-player co-op stealth action game launches in 2027 on PS5. Players work together as shinobi to infiltrate hostile territory.

A deadly enemy called the Pursuer constantly hunts the team. It cannot be defeated. Survival depends on coordination, timing, and smart escapes. Players unlock gear and build custom loadouts over time.

Crimson Moon (Late 2026)

ProbablyMonsters unveiled Crimson Moon. The gothic action-adventure RPG arrives in late 2026 on PS5. Players take on the role of a Nephilim tasked with reclaiming the fallen city of Gildenarch.

Combat emphasizes parries, finishers, and angelic abilities. Missions begin at a central hub where players prepare gear and builds. The game supports solo and co-op play. Difficulty scales to match the party.

Brigandine Abyss (2026)

Happinet Corporation announced Brigandine Abyss. The tactical RPG continues the long-running series in 2026 on PS5. Players choose one of six factions and fight for control of the continent of Meltitea.

Battles play out on hex-based maps. Over 100 units bring unique skills and traits. Multiple story paths and side quests push playtime past 200 hours. New systems will be revealed later.

4:Loop

Bad Robot Games showcased 4:Loop. The roguelike co-op shooter supports up to four players. Humanity has turned to glass after an alien invasion. A massive mothership looms above Earth.

Players plan runs using a branching Probability Map. Each choice affects risk and rewards. A run continues as long as one player survives. Dynamic weather, enemies, and objectives keep every loop unpredictable.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse (2026)

Konami revealed Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse with Evil Empire and Motion Twin. The 2D action game launches in 2026 on PS5. The story unfolds in Paris in 1499.

Players wield the Vampire Killer whip as the Belmont legacy continues. The whip handles combat and traversal. Classic secrets, breakable walls, and familiar enemies return. A bold new art style refreshes the gothic look.

Silent Hill: Townfall

Konami and Screen Burn Interactive shared new gameplay from Silent Hill: Townfall. The game uses a first-person perspective. A new device called the CRTV replaces the classic radio.

The CRTV reveals threats and hidden story signals. Combat feels tense and personal. Stealth often beats confrontation. DualSense features amplify fear and atmosphere as enemies close in.

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God of War Greek trilogy remake in development, Sons of Sparta out now

Major surprise for the series’ 20th anniversary.

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February 13, 2026

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Sony Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that a remake of the original God of War Greek trilogy is officially in development. The announcement was made during State of Play as part of the franchise’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

The studio revealed the project with the return of TC Carson, who originally voiced Kratos in the Greek-era games. Development is still in its early stages. The team says it will be some time before more details are shared.

Santa Monica Studio acknowledged that remaking the Greek saga has been one of the most frequent fan requests over the years.
The remake is positioned as a way to honor the series’ roots while looking ahead to its future.

God of War Sons of Sparta launches today

Alongside the remake announcement, Sony also revealed God of War: Sons of Sparta, a brand-new spin-off developed in partnership with Mega Cat Studios.

The game is a 2D action platformer with a canon story set during Kratos’ youth. It follows his brutal training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos.

The story was written by the same Santa Monica Studio team behind God of War and God of War Ragnarök.

TC Carson returns once again, narrating the story as an older Kratos. This marks his first time reprising the role in over a decade.

Combat has been redesigned for the 2D format. Kratos uses a spear, shield, and divine artifacts called the Gifts of Olympus. Enemies include both classic foes reimagined in pixel art and new creatures inspired by lesser-explored Greek mythology.

Pricing and availability

God of War: Sons of Sparta is available now on PlayStation 5 via the PlayStation Store.

  • Standard Edition: USD 29.99 / EUR 29.99 / GBP 24.99 / JPY 3,480
  • Digital Deluxe Edition: USD 39.99 / EUR 39.99 / GBP 32.99 / JPY 4,480

Looking back to move forward

Santa Monica Studio closed the announcement by thanking fans for two decades of support.

The team said the series has evolved through bold creative shifts, made possible by the community’s continued passion.

With the Greek trilogy remake now in development, the studio says it is committed to preserving the legacy that started Kratos’ journey while continuing to explore new ideas like Sons of Sparta.

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