Vaas – Insanity is the first of three DLC to be released for Far Cry 6, and it dives head first in to a depiction of the mind of the very memorable and equally as unhinged villain of Far Cry 3, Vaas. Vaas – Insanity takes place after Vaas’ death at the hands of Jason Brody in Far Cry 3, and the player must find a way out, with some encouragement of his disagreeable sister, Citra.
As DLC go, Far Cry’s of past have left player’s somewhat disappointed, however Vaas – Insanity has taken a step in the right direction in terms of value for content. While its completion is quite short, it does not have to be, and it rewards completionists with a number of items that can be used within Far Cry 6’s main game.
Vaas – Insanity offers up remnants of rogue-like elements with each death sending its player back to the beginning, losing all progression of a run. Cash can be collected by killing enemies, opening chests, and completing quests that span across the map which can be used to purchase a number temporary and permanent upgrades that will greatly increase the chances of escape. Punishment for death always looms overhead as almost all of the most intense battles are seriously lacking any sort of chance to get any cover from enemy fire and it does not take long to become overwhelmed with incoming attacks.
Traits are permanent upgrades that can go towards several different things like increasing health, unlocking more gadgets or keeping more cash on death. Various weapons are unlocked by completing weapon trials which consist of waves of enemies and once they are unlocked cash can then be spent on weapon upgrades or to purchase them at the beginning of a new run.
Temporary powers are lost at death and are randomly dropped by fallen foes and found in some chests. There are three more difficult trials that give the player a second chance at death as a reward, which is quite valuable. These temporary powers offer a variety of different abilities like being quieter when sprinting or increasing melee defence. There are only a limited number of slots that can fit these powers in and unlocking more slots is done so by the way of cash, so the player will find themselves juggling their favourites for most runs. Any unused powers can simply be sold for cash.
Vaas – Insanity loses any sort of crafting or customisation which is disappointing seeing as it was an integral and enjoyable part of the main game. Weapon customisation is present but is of a lucky dip as the player pays to roll for a random loadout. The sandbox world is the highlight of gameplay, and it is filled with bizarre and grotesque landmarks like rivers of blood and giant heads that breach the sandy beaches. It fits the narrative well and does not leave much to the imagination.
Brandon Waite