Far Cry 2 also had the buddies system, which I have missed greatly in every entry since. Far Cry 3 was an awesome game but I do wish the series after had taken more inspiration from 2 and less from 3. Subverting missions and then losing your favorite buddy in a firefight is an experience unlike anything in the rest of the series.
But, they are Ubisoft. As is the theme with this new Star Wars game. I’m almost wary to wish for a sequel to Rayman Legends, feels like the monkey’s paw with AAA (sorry, AAAA) studios now.