The year is 2007, and the world is still reeling from the aftermath of a horrific nuclear war. The United States administration has recently attempted to support peace talks with Eastern Bloc countries. Sergeant Rex Power Colt, a Mark IV Cyber Commando, is dispatched to an isolated island to investigate suspicious activity. Soon after, he learns that Colonel Sloan, the leader of the Omega Force and his former superior, has infused himself with the blood of mutant dragons roaming the island, granting him incredible powers. Sloan intends to derail the peace talks by assembling his army of rogue cyborgs. Rex must liberate the island and disrupt the Colonel’s psychotic plans with the help of Sloan’s assistant Dr. Darling, who has switched sides.
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is a futuristic first-person shooter set in a semi-humorous version of a post-apocalyptic future, incorporating a 1980s science fiction aesthetic. Despite being described as an expansion pack for Far Cry 3, it is a stand-alone game that does not require the original title to play. Its primary campaign is noticeably shorter, yet its engine and most gameplay elements are identical to the predecessor. The game incorporates first-person action, role-playing aspects, and open-world gameplay with drivable vehicles.
Like its predecessor, Blood Dragon offers an accessible exploration of a vast island and includes role-playing aspects such as side quests and gradual character development. Killing foes and completing assignments earns you experience. The quantity of experience gained depends on how the player deals with the adversaries; for example, accurate headshots make a bonus experience. The player character steadily gains strength and skill in fighting and stealth. Character development is more constrained and straightforward in this game than in the previous one, as the protagonist levels up automatically. There is no crafting mechanism, and most of the weaponry is available to the player immediately.
Completing side quests grants access to new weapon modifications. The island is home to various enemy garrisons, all of which the player can liberate. One method for freeing forts is deactivating their shields, preventing the titular blood dragons wandering the island from infiltrating the garrison. A dragon can then be enticed inside by throwing cyber hearts ripped from adversaries’ chests at him, and the fortress can be liberated by allowing the dragon to slay its people. Liberating a garrison unlocks a map indicating the locations of treasure chests and collectibles in its neighborhood and a fast travel station. Completing collecting sets grants the player character additional benefits.
