At a recent press event in San Francisco people were able to get their hands on a bit of gameplay for Ubisoft’s Far Cry 2. In case you haven’t been keeping up to date with this sequel to the 2004 hit, Far Cry 2 will take place in a rather different setting. Instead of a lush tropical paradise, Far Cry 2 will involve a fractured African nation, a protagonist inflicted with Malaria, and an arms dealer that supplies weapons to both sides involved in the conflict.

Some features of the game include a free-roaming environment that includes realistic foliage, various factions to alienate and curry favor with, and everybody’s favorite - plenty on munitions and firearms to go around. The free-roaming aspect of the game is said to be more similar to that of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. than its predecessor when it comes to structure. Instead of leveling up, players will gain new allies and supporters who will provide them with missions and even come to their assistance when in a tight spot. The environments will be vast as well as seemless with plenty of transportation, from hang gliders and airboats, to jeeps and buggies.

In the playable demo, the first set piece of action involved attacking a compound full of enemies. There are several possible ways to approach that type of scenario; the player can sneak in while sniping whoever gets in the way, grab a hold of the closest car and use his imagination or, just get things done the old fashion way and run in gung ho.

Enemy AI seems to react with the utmost ease and near perfection: ducking whenever necessary, taking pot shots, hiding when injured, and even appears to attempt flanking on some occasions — something that anyone who has played the original will no doubt find familiar.

Far Cry 2 will be released for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC later this year.

[Also see: Far Cry 2 gallery]