Even to this day – a full two and a half years after its release – Crytek’s Crysis is synonymous with raw processing power; the digital cock of the walk in our virtual playground. The ability to run Crysis with all its bells and whistles blaring became the benchmark of gauging just how individual hardcore PC gamers really were when it came to their rigs. It’s pretty amazing to think that Crytek actually released a game that, maxed out with everything turned up to eleven, no PC at that time could physically play it.
Despite its staunch PC origins, it was a natural move for Crysis’ German developer to target the console market when it came time to plan for Crysis 2. After all, you only have to look at the media furore of yesterday’s Call of Duty: Black Ops’ midnight launch to see how action FPSs have become so inextricably ingrained in the zeitgeist of modern entertainment. People are willing to commit armed robbery to get their hands on the latest and greatest FPS these days. We are truly living in amazing times.
The fact that there would be a Crysis 2 was a given, and straight from the getgo it was obvious Crytek weren’t messing around. Initially they got the hype-train moving by showing tech demos of their new workhorse, CryEngine 3, performing on a multitude of platforms, and performing exceptionally well. Then there was the announcement of famed sci-fi stalwart Richard Morgan as the man behind Crysis 2’s story. Everything was aligning perfectly. Technical grandeur from a respected studio, a plot that is guaranteed not to insult our intelligence, and the not so small matter of that suit. The nanosuit, though admittedly not as iconic as Master Chief’s regalia, is still a recognised image, especially among gaming’s elite. And this time around it can pull off some truly spectacular feats.
So it’s safe to say that hype was high here at TSA for Crysis 2. Then we got to play it at Eurogamer. There’s no two ways around it; we were disappointed.
The first Crysis was a watershed title; a game doesn’t get 98% in PC Gamer without the ears of console gamers at least pricking up to find out what all the fuss is about. Whether or not the shortcomings we witnessed at this year’s Eurogamer expo have been eradicated from the final build remains to be seen. It’s a fair statement that the scores of expectation bestowed upon Crysis 2 during our voting period for this feature was likely influenced by Kris’ less than glowing report. But, as a group, we’re still invested in the game. We still want to see what the technical masterminds at Crytek can deliver on a console, not to mention how Morgan’s characteristic hard sci-fi nuances permeate the wider narrative. In essence, we want that suit. And we’re set to get it early next year.
jayjay119
It’s games like crysis that make me wish I could handle FPS games. It looked so pretty, alas, I’m an FPS wimp and do not have suitable reaction times to get past the majority of levels! I hang my head in shame… We’re all good at different games ok! Gimme a stealth title and i’ll stealth kill you up real nice!
iBirch
Yeah still looking forward to this game. Shame it got delayed. Wished I could play and see the first one on the PC.
Foxhound_Solid
My bros PC cost him 5k in total. It is used for other things but Crysis looks staggering….
BIGAL-1992
I think the best way ANYONE can review the final build, is if they’ve played the original crysis.
jonny_bolton
It’s not often I hear the word “zeitgeist” so to hear it in a gaming article…well played Sir.
Kovacs
Pretty sure I’ve used that word twice now in this series already. If I get the hat-trick Peter has promised to buy me a new dictionary.
Tuffcub
Really? He won’t even fork out for some scatter cushions for my lair at the back of the office. Tight git.
rht992
i remember having to upgrade the pc when oblivion came out. so much trouble and it still wouldn’t play on high standards. promised my self i’d never spend so much money again on so little. thank the lord its coming to ps3!
Pedromr
I think I’m going to play this one on my pc (IF it can handle the game). Nothing better than keyboard/mouse to play a FPS, imo.
Charmed_Fanatic
Cant wait to see this on the PS3
Severn2j
I loved the first game and although I had a pretty kick ass PC at the time, I could only run it at medium detail levels, so I think this time around, I’ll go for either 360 or PS3..
shields_t
Yeah mine too. I’d just bought a band new gaming rig and it still struggled. PS3 is defo the safe bet.
GranTurismo-Disciple
The multiplayer footage looks great i can’t wait for it