I disagree about the graphics, they are light years ahead of FC2, as is FC4.
Looking forward to FC5 in about a year. The open world aspect of Far Cry 3 and 4 are so well done it is the standard other games have to come up to. Animals act like animals, water like water. I had passed over the Far Cry series until a few months ago as it looked like a mediocre shooter. I was quite wrong. I recommend this game to anyone.
There is a great story and you have to battle 'enemies' across the map, sometimes they're out driving around on patrol, sometimes they set up road blocks, sometimes on walking patrol. And they have key bases or outposts across the Islands that you have to liberate. You have a myriad of SMG's, LMG's, bow and arrow, sniper rifles, knives, grenades, Molotov cocktails, mines, C4. The way to use all these things is nearly endless. Set mines at key points and bait the enemy to drive or walk over them. Plant C4 and wait for or bait enemies to their doom. Drive around in various vehicles and take out enemies that way or run them off the road. Or you can use all stealth and a knife and never fire a shot. The whole thing is very well done and there is a ton of stuff to do along with the story, in 3 and 4. And watch out for the sharks, tigers, bears, wild dog packs, snakes...
I'm a big COD fan and the mechanics of FC3 and 4 rival and surpass that.