I tried, Far Cry 2, I really did. I bent over backwards for you. I saw your potential and went above and beyond what I normally tolerate from games – but you spurned me.

I’ve been playing video games almost all my life, and Far Cry 2 is the first game I’ve played that I’ve felt rejected by. Have you ever seen a cat or dog that seems to hate everyone for no reason? Even when you just want to give it attention and affection? That’s Far Cry 2 on PC.

In a one hour and forty-five minute play session, Far Cry 2 crashed on me three times and erased two more of my save files. I say two more because it had already erased one save file that caused me to have to start the game completely over.

Usually if I stop playing a game, it’s because I don’t like it, or I’m tired of it. Far Cry 2 is a game that feels hostile to you the player. Not just because it crashes and erases your save files either. The unrelenting hostility from mercenaries who seem to be everywhere, and respawn much too quickly, contribute to this as well. Far Cry 2 is a game that has a lot of potential, but doesn’t want to be enjoyed.

All told, during my 60+ hours with Far Cry 2, it crashed on me around 30 times. However, most of these crashes were during loading times while trying to use a bus depot. While irritating, I just started saving my game before using a bus depot, so I could easily reload.

At the end, the game was crashing at random spots. If I’m driving a vehicle – crash. If I’m using a bus depot – crash. If I’m just looking around – crash. And it erased two more save files. So I’m done. I can’t take anymore. I’m sad to report that Far Cry 2 on PC is a technically broken game. For shame, Ubisoft.

I wanted to love you, Far Cry 2, but you consistently scorned me. I have to walk away.

It’s a shame, because there is so much to like about the game. It exists in a beautiful African countryside that is being torn apart by war. The contrast of scenic beauty versus unending bloodshed driven by greed is a constant theme that I found interesting and unique. The graphics and art design hold up very well for an older game. In high resolution, Far Cry 2 looks fantastic. The gunplay is fun and satisfying. The open world never gets dull – but it just wasn’t meant to be.

I can tolerate a certain amount of crashing if it’s somewhat predictable where a game will crash – like at a bus depot – but when a game starts randomly crashing anywhere, and for no reason, and deleting save files to boot, it’s time to move on. There’s too many other games to play that actually want to be played, and don’t randomly kick you in the balls for no reason.

I doubt Ubisoft will ever fix Far Cry 2 on PC. Unlike developers such as Blizzard, who support their games for years and years, Ubisoft won’t bother. There’s not enough of an audience for the game to make it worth their while. It’s too bad because Far Cry 2 is so close to being a special game.

So goodbye, Far Cry 2. Maybe I’ll visit you again someday, but right now, you’re too ill-tempered for me. You don’t want to be loved.