Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Release: May 1st 2013
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Nostalgic
Addictive
Humorous
Retro
Buggy
Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon Poster

Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon Review

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is widely celebrated as a nostalgic, neon-infused homage to the 1980s action genre, blending retro aesthetics with engaging gameplay. Many players praise its smooth controls, allowing for both stealth and full combat approaches, and appreciate the tight pacing that keeps the experience fresh and entertaining. The game features a short but impactful storyline with humor and references that resonate well with fans of synthwave and retro culture. However, despite its charm and fun factor, the game has faced criticism due to persistent technical issues, particularly forced Ubisoft Connect integration causing long loading pauses and server connection attempts, which frustrate many players. Additionally, some feel the map is sparse and the enemy variety limited, reducing replay value. Overall, Blood Dragon is considered a fun, quirky title that excels in style and gameplay but suffers from technical and content shortcomings, making it a great pick especially on sale but with caveats regarding its current state and support.

Highlights

Players especially praise the game's smooth and responsive controls, allowing flexible combat or stealth playstyles.

The aesthetic is frequently lauded for its vibrant 1980s retro-futuristic visuals and synthwave soundtrack, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere.

The storyline, though short, is appreciated for its humorous, campy tone and memorable characters, providing a satisfying, self-aware parody of 80s action movies.

Gameplay mechanics such as weapon upgrades and mission variety keep the experience engaging and fun throughout its duration.

Criticisms

A common criticism is the technical issues related to Ubisoft Connect, including long loading times when pausing and forced server connection attempts that disrupt gameplay.

Many players note the game’s short length and limited map content, leading to a feeling of repetitiveness and lack of depth.

The enemy variety is considered monotonous, with neon-themed foes lacking the dynamic challenge seen in Far Cry 3.

Some users express frustration over the achievement system glitches and poor customer support from Ubisoft.

Overall, while the game is enjoyable, these technical and content limitations detract from the experience.

Pros

  • Smooth and responsive controls support both stealth and combat playstyles effectively.
  • Distinctive 1980s retro-futuristic aesthetic and synthwave soundtrack create immersive atmosphere.
  • Humorous and campy story offers a fun parody of classic 80s action movies.
  • Tight pacing keeps gameplay engaging without unnecessary filler or downtime.
  • Weapon upgrades and mission variety add depth to the gameplay experience.
  • Short length makes it accessible for quick, satisfying play sessions.
  • Fun references and nostalgic elements appeal to fans of retro culture.

Cons

  • Forced Ubisoft Connect integration causes frequent long loading pauses and freezes.
  • Persistent server connection attempts interrupt gameplay and frustrate players.
  • Limited enemy variety leads to repetitive combat encounters.
  • Sparse and lifeless map reduces exploration incentives and overall immersion.
  • Short story and limited content may disappoint players seeking depth.
  • Achievement system glitches can prevent proper progression and completion.
  • Poor customer support from Ubisoft negatively impacts player experience.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Far Cry® 3: Blood Dragon is THE Kick-Ass Cyber Shooter.Welcome to an 80’s vision of the future. The year is 2007 and you are Sargent Rex Colt, a Mark IV Cyber Commando. Your mission: get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world.

Release Date May 1st 2013
Publisher Ubisoft
Developer Ubisoft Montreal
Required Age 18+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (10,260)
86% Positive 14% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
81