Far Cry 2 was a particularly formative game for the Far Cry franchise back when it released in 2008. A lot of the modern attributes of later games started in Far Cry 2, and while many of the shooting and movement mechanics have improved dramatically since that game, the second game in the franchise helped jumpstart the success of Far Cry 3 onward to Far Cry 6. Among all of the unique gameplay systems like dynamic fire and open world design, one really unique mechanic that hasn’t really returned proper is the integral “buddy” system from Far Cry 2.
Later games have used “Specialists,” or guns-for-hire in Far Cry 5, to serve as assistants in battle. However, Far Cry 2‘s buddies took part in the story in meaningful ways and felt essential to the game’s plot. Far Cry 5‘s Specialists only served to help players win certain gunfights or enemy encounters. Other than having their own unique side missions, they had no place in the main narrative in the game. It’d be interesting to see a more ambitious companion system return in Far Cry 6, especially if Far Cry 2 was capable of using it twelve years ago.
Back in Far Cry 2, the companions (or “buddies” in-game) were far more impactful compared to the Specialists players could recruit in Far Cry 5. Rather than just guns-for-hire with certain special abilities, the buddies from Far Cry 2 were assorted characters that would assist the player both directly and indirectly with the game’s story. Instead of hired help, they functioned as integral parts of the game’s narrative, especially at key points. Buddies provided alternative and better ways to complete main story missions, and so long as they survived the encounter, would grant players with upgraded safe houses and other bonuses.
Assuming the buddy system returns in Far Cry 6, the game should take a similar system a step further. Rather than just presenting alternative opportunities for each mission, it’d be interesting for Far Cry 6 to inject them directly into the storytelling. Have buddies interact with certain critical characters dynamically, depending on which companion players prefer. They could then present alternatives for each story mission, but add some variety to how each mission is changed. Buddies in Far Cry 2 generally set up ambushes, but in Far Cry 6 it’d be interesting to see different types of scenarios or enemy encounters per each companion mission.
Outside of just story missions, Far Cry 6 could implement some kind of management system with companions as well. Of course, it doesn’t have to be as complex as an RPG like Mass Effect or Fallout, but a lighter approach like confidants/social links in Persona. Individual companions could have their own unique missions to build/strengthen the player’s relationship with them. Or perhaps players would need to maintain and make certain decisions that would result in the gaining or strengthening of companions throughout each playthrough. Again, it doesn’t need to be overtly complex, but it’s the little details that can go a long way.
Alternatively, depending on the choices players make, some companions could become unavailable or be lost. Perhaps players could betray or leave certain companions behind, leaving them to react in whatever way they’re designed to. It’d be interesting to see a mercenary-style mechanic like in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, or perhaps something like a reverse-Nemesis system from Shadow of Mordor. Companions could turn on the player and/or attack them depending on various decisions or missions in the game.
Any effort to make these characters feel less like random NPCs and more purposeful to the game is good for Far Cry 6. Far Cry 2 set a precedent for how important and impactful a companion system can be, and while the guns-for-hire aren’t a bad implementation per se, they’re comparatively lacking. Buddies used to be so much more involved with the way a player completes the story, whereas now they’re basically invincible canon fodder. Considering one of Far Cry 6‘s buddies is a paraplegic Dachshund with a weaponized wheelchair, it doesn’t look like that’ll be the case.
Either way, it’d be nice to see a little more involvement from the companions in-game. Considering Far Cry 6‘s story is set around a revolution, it’d be interesting to see companions get fired up and interact with the player about the game’s story. Whether they agree/disagree on certain strategies or issues in the country of Yara, these kinds of things would make for interesting discourse throughout the playthrough. That being said, Ubisoft has skirted around the edge of politically charged narratives, but never dove head into dealing with such issues. For now, at least there’ll be a cute weiner dog to fight alongside players in Far Cry 6.
Far Cry 6 releases on February 18, 2021, on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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