QCF: Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

hen the cut scenes first begin in Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, it seems like a cyberpunk version of the film Hot Shots! A parody of a parody seems ridiculous, right? That’s the entire point of a game like this being released: pure ridiculousness. Although larger than life, this standalone downloadable title is very small compared to the previously released Far Cry 3. Honestly though, I don't think that’s a negative at all. It’s nice that such a nostalgia-inducing experience sells for the cost of an '80s action movie that inspired it.

The story begins in the distant future of 2007, as Rex “Power” Colt is tasked with a mission of the upmost importance: Taking down his mentor and former friend before he wipes out all the peace-loving politicians and brings about another stone age. The Mark IV cyber commando utilizes weapons taken straight out of cult classic films like The Terminator and Robocop to neutralize all threats with extreme prejudice. The references don't stop there, as events transpire throughout the game that seem to come straight out of scenes from Aliens and Predator. Anyone who grew up loving the action films decades ago will instantly fall in love with every plot point of this tale.

Gameplay is, of course, similar to Far Cry 3, capturing enemy territories to unlock additional missions while hunting various cyber versions of the same beasts that inhabit the island. However, the side quests and various kills will only unlock experience and money. In Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, predetermined upgrades replace the crafting system and skill tree of Rex's that come with each level earned. Currency will only be used to purchase ammunition, gear, and attachments for most of the weapons whenavailable. During my playthrough I only liberated a few garrisons, and therefore had plenty of side quests and unlocks to obtain.

The story consists of seven main story missions featuring many ups and downs, some of the ups so great that I would not want to spoil them for anyone who has yet to experience it. Trust me, though -- when you get to those points, you’ll be instantly transported to the Saturday mornings of your youth with a bowl of sugary cereal and all the hopes and dreams of childhood.

The soundtrack, provided by the group Power Glove, perfectly captures the cheesiness and synthpop goodness of the '80s. My wife, who is not a gamer by any definition, was very drawn by the music during the opening of the game, and compared it to one of her favorite movies of her youth: Cobra. The music certainly fits the mold quite well, and to think that the soundtrack may have never existed if the people at Ubisoft Montreal had never seen the movie Hobo With a Shotgun, which featured one of Power Glove’s first recorded tracks. Voice acting is purposely bad, I think, but going with the inspiration I don’t believe we’re looking at the next Uncharted or Bioshock Infinite with this release. However, the inclusion of the legendary (to me at least) Michael Biehn represents perfection involved with casting a role; he's the best possible person to voice the action star that his previous roles help bring to life. If we are fortunate enough to get a sequel to Blood Dragon, I hope that we see Alan Rickman as the voice of the main villain. A kid can dream, right?

Few gaming experiences will keep me smiling as much as Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon has been able to in the six hours of my first session. And unlike some other gaming experiences, I plan on playing through several times to find all the references and easter eggs spread throughout the neon-lit paradise. A world full of guns, explosions, and dragons sounds like a comic I would have drawn when I was in elementary school. I am grateful that Ubisoft Montreal was in the same state of mind as me.

This is the way a standalone download release should be done: with all the polish of a major release and the corny one-liners from the best films of our generation.