The name Far Cry is revered in some gaming circles – especially those comprised of PC players. And, who can blame them, the game was a monster hit on the PC and even managed a successful jump to consoles, something few PC games manage to do. Far Cry Instincts: Predator is the series' latest release, this time on the Xbox 360 and, while it manages to provide a fun experience, it doesn’t quite match up to the standards set by past games.

Predator looks comparable to a high-end PC game. Compared to most console games, it looks great, though it pales when compared to recently released Xbox 360 games like Ghost Recon or even launch titles like Call of Duty 2. Water and draw distance have been cleaned up, and there is no slowdown, but just about everything you come across is a higher-resolution version of what is already available on the Xbox.

Sound is exactly the same as what Instincts had to offer. Everything sounds great except for gun noises and explosions, which sound pretty weak. Still, these are minor complaints.

Far Cry Instincts: Predator is actually two games in one. In addition to a graphically remade version of the original Instincts, it also includes an expanded Evolution mode. Other additions include new weapons, vehicles, a handful of multiplayer maps and a new multiplayer mode called Seek and Secure. In other words, this is pretty much the same package as the recently released Far Cry: Instincts Evolution on Xbox, only prettier and instead of one game, you’re getting two.

The initial campaign, Instincts, follows an ex-commando turned boat captain, Jack Carver, as he finds himself stuck on an island inhabited by a scientist whose experiments involve creating animal-human hybrids. As luck would have it, Jack is subjected to one of these experiments and gains animal powers, such as enhanced eye-sight and smelling, as well as claws. From here, the gameplay is open-ended, while sticking to a slightly linear path. All you’re given are mission goals and the tools to complete them. How you actually do so is completely up to you.

In order to unlock Evolution, you must first complete the single-player game. Evolution offers the same open-ended exploration, though the experience is a little shorter and not quite as well put together. Once again you’re Jack, only this time you’re hired by a woman named Kade who asks him to serve as protection for an arms-smuggling deal she is part of. As they usually do, things go up in smoke and Jack finds himself once again stalking through the jungle fighting rebels and more animal-human hybrids.

Evolution doesn’t match up to Instincts. It is fun to play, but shorter and most of the experiences feel a little too similar to what’s found in Instincts. The story isn’t as good as Instincts’ either. Rather than slowly learning to use your animal powers, everything is unlocked from the start. So, unless you just can’t get enough of Far Cry, the single-player side isn’t that compelling.

Multiplayer and Map Editor are Predator’s saving graces. Multiplayer games can be played with either four player offline or 16 over Live. All of the multiplayer modes from Instincts are included and joined by a new mode, Seek and Secure. This mode basically boils down to two teams trying to hold strategic points on a map. While it may not sound all that interesting, the addition of larger maps and new vehicles makes it worth playing provided you can actually get into a game where people are interested in working together.

Predator’s map editor is another great addition. The included tool set is very user-friendly, and includes all of the items from Instinct’s editor, as well as new items like zip-lines and new terrain types. If you’re a fan of map-making, you’ll find a lot to like. Even if you’re not, the set up is so user friendly that you just might find yourself spending more time making maps than playing the game. And, once you’ve completed your map, you can offer it to other players for download.

Enemy A.I. is decent, yet easy to outmaneuver. Most of the time, enemies will stand in one spot and just shoot bullets in your general direction. There are times where they’ll duck for cover or at least wait for backup, but these instances aren’t as common as you would hope.

Evolution brings in a number of slightly more annoying aspects with it. For one, enemies seem to spawn a little too quickly, sometimes in endless waves. A number of jumping puzzles are also introduced, most of which are sure to annoy the hell out of anyone.

When most people think open-ended gameplay, GTA or Oblivion is usually the first thing to pop into their heads. As with past games in the series, Predator combines the two. For the most part, Far Cry Instincts: Predator is a straightforward shooter. You’re turned loose on an island full of toys and people who want to kill you. After receiving simple goals (like, "Make it to the other side of the island"), you’re allowed to figure out how you want to do it. Running around and just shooting people is always a viable option, but you can also stalk around and silently make your way across. The simple beauty of it all is that you rarely feel confined to having to do something in a particular way, instead its just one way you can do it.

Far Cry Instincts: Predator will likely only appeal to the most ardent of Far Cry fans, but even then, the price might not be right if they’ve already played through Instincts on the Xbox. Even the addition of Evolution isn’t that big a draw since it can be purchased for the Xbox for less. Still, if you're a FPS fan that hasn't had the chance to experience Instincts on Xbox, Far Cry Instincts: Predator is a worthwhile purchase.