What makes Far Cry 2 feel way more authentic than the newer games in the series?

Been going through Far Cry 2 again and man, this game hits different compared to the rest of the franchise. The whole experience just feels more genuine and grounded in a way that the newer titles don’t match.

Anyone else notice how the series basically ditched this approach? I get that making games more accessible brings in more players, but why did they have to go full arcade mode with the sequels?

FC2 has this raw, believable vibe that you just don’t see in modern single player FPS games anymore. Maybe I’m missing some good examples though - let me know if there are similar games out there.

Totally agree. The weapon degradation really ramped up the tension in battles. There’s nothing like having your gun jam when you need it most. The malaria pills and sleep mechanics brought a level of realism that just isn’t there in the newer titles. After FC2, it felt like they shifted to a more arcade style and lost that gritty, immersive experience.

The buddy system was brilliant. Having allies who could either save your ass or stab you in the back made every relationship feel incredibly intense.

The fire physics were insane too. Watching entire savannas burn down felt so realistic.