Far Cry 7: The Villain We Deserve or Just Another Cliché?

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It’s being whispered that Far Cry 7 may be coming soon and it looks like it could shake up the Far Cry formula in a big way. The upcoming title in the widely-loved FPS survival series is said to include a 24-hour time limit, meaning if you don’t manage to save a group of hostages within that timeframe, the game will reset and you’ll have to start over. Opinions are split on this alleged modification, but one aspect from past Far Cry games that fans are hoping stays consistent is the emphasis placed on the villain in Far Cry 7.

The Far Cry series is recognized for its captivating antagonists, particularly after the character Vaas from Far Cry 3 garnered widespread acclaim in the gaming world. Since then, Ubisoft has aimed to recreate such success with each subsequent mainline Far Cry game by featuring a distinctly psychotic villain as both the story’s and marketing’s focal point. To ensure that the antagonist of Far Cry 7 makes a lasting impression, Ubisoft should consider two essential elements: an impactful presence and a compelling personality.

How Far Cry 7 Can Nail Its Villain

Learning From Past Far Cry Villains

In terms of quality, the antagonists in the Far Cry series have been inconsistent since Far Cry 3, with Pagan Min from Far Cry 4 being a notable exception who met expectations. However, subsequent Far Cry games haven’t managed to match or surpass the high standards set by earlier installments. Far Cry 5’s Joseph Seed was an intriguing adversary, but not as impactful as Vaas or Pagan Min, mainly because the game divided the player’s attention among several secondary antagonists. Similarly, in Far Cry 6, talented actor Giancarlo Esposito portrayed dictator Antòn Castillo, yet lacked certain aspects that made characters like Vaas and Pagan Min memorable.

A Lack of Personality

The distinctness of Joseph Seed and Antón Castillo as characters, portrayed by their respective actors, wasn’t particularly striking. Characterizations like Joseph Seed, who frequently quotes Bible verses to justify his malicious actions, are common in media. Antón Castillo, unfortunately, relied on stereotypes for both his character type and actor, offering little that distinguishes him from the many villains portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito previously.

In both “Far Cry 3” and “Far Cry 4,” the villains – Vaas and Pagan Min respectively – left players astonished due to their unpredictable nature. Unlike other characters, neither Vaas nor Pagan Min adhered to typical seriousness or predictability. Instead, they exhibited unique traits that made it challenging to foresee their actions. While Vaas was erratic and insane, Pagan Min had a charismatic demeanor, trying to win the protagonist’s allegiance. These characteristics set them apart from conventional villains, adding an element of surprise and suspense throughout the games.

A Lack of Involvement

In a story, a villain’s impact is often heightened by their level of involvement. The character Pagan Min from Far Cry 4 was particularly memorable as he was deeply woven into the plotline. He set the stage for the game with a significant role in its opening, frequently contacted the player, and had a direct connection to the protagonist’s past. This ensured his influence was felt consistently throughout the game, in contrast to Antón Castillo from Far Cry 6 who appeared mainly during cutscenes and had limited interactions with the main character.

As a dedicated fan of the Far Cry series, I can’t help but express my excitement about the upcoming villain in Far Cry 7. Ubisoft needs to ensure that this character’s personality and role in the narrative are well-crafted for an engaging experience. The perfect antagonist would be deeply entwined with both the main plot and the protagonist, striking a balance between being intriguing yet not overshadowing the player’s journey.

A memorable villain should leave you yearning for more encounters, but minimal involvement might make them seem detached from the story we’re living. The unpredictability of previous Far Cry villains has proven to be a winning formula, so let’s hope that trend continues. While it’s useful to employ tropes to quickly establish a villain’s general demeanor, they should be employed judiciously to prevent the character from feeling too stereotypical or clichéd.

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2025-03-12 02:36