Far Cry 2

No doubt one of the most highly anticipated shooters of 2008, Far Cry 2 has something to prove if it wants to shake the inevitable comparison to its step-cousin-once-removed, Crysis.

The original Far Cry was hugely successful for two huge reasons - presentation and freedom. When the shooter first released on PC in 2004, the lush and unrestricted jungle setting was a revelation. Gamers accustomed to dark hallways and crate-filled rooms suddenly found themselves standing in bright sunlight, surrounded by swaying trees, sparkling water and open expanses of mostly nonlinear terrain.

Forget tropical jungles. That’s old news. The Serengeti is the newest playground in gaming. Just look at Resident Evil 5, or Halo 3. The continent is a gaming paradise, mixing wide-open savannas with dense jungles, which is exactly why Far Cry 2 has ditched the island. It’s a fresh location for a new beginning. Name aside, Far Cry 2 has nothing to do with the original. Carver’s long gone, and he’s taken the tridents

Halo in paradise. Plus raw, primeval super-powers. That's how Far Cry won our hard hearts first time out on Xbox. And as a super-slick shooter with sweet vehicles and some of the best jungle we've ever laid eyeballs on too. And jungle looks set to remain the heart of this sequel - but this time around troubled hero Jack Carver looks to be heading for a