Far Cry 4 review: In familiar shooter-explorer, countryside is the star

The setting and characters of Far Cry 4 may be different from the game's predecessors, but the rhythms stick to a familiar tempo.

Replacing Far Cry 3's insufferable dude bro one-percenter protagonist is Ajay Ghale, an American who returns to his fictitious home nation of Kyrat to spread his mother's ashes. He doesn't even get across the border before being drawn into the civil war between dictator Pagan Min, a silver-tongued maniac who wouldn't be out of place hosting "Project Runway" or starring in a Tarantino film, and a rebel group called the Golden Path, which excels more at infighting than it does at inciting revolt. Ghale single-handedly turns the tide in favor of the rebellion while the country's alleged leaders argue between ideals of progressivism and traditionalism.

The faux Tibetan country of Kyrat turns out to the game's true star. This gorgeous and varied open world mimics the vibrant tapestries of the region, brightly colored with mysticism, intrigue and danger. Venturing into a largely uncharted territory for open-world games, Far Cry 4 transports players to a Himalayan setting pockmarked with winding roads, treacherous mountain passes and snaking river lands. While you're flying across the landscape or speeding down a road, though, expect a heavy dose of pop-ups.

The countryside is packed with activities to pursue, most of which are familiar to those who played Far Cry 3. The major open-world activities revolve around capturing outposts, gaining control of radio towers, hunting animals to gain crafting materials, and performing varied escort, hijack and assassination missions. The wondrous Himalayan setting packed with activities makes Far Cry 4 a trip worth punching your passport.

RATING M for Mature

PLOT The natives are restless in a faux Tibetan nation.

DETAILS PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC; $59.99

BOTTOM LINE You couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting for a rebellion.