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.
Deathmunger
Now, I for one am really, really looking forward to this game, I got Crysis and admittedly I pushed my PC to the max with it… just because I could. The game itself was very entertaining however, I felt the suit controls were more of an addition than a fundamental part of gameplay, as I could as easily play the entire game using only the default armour setting and the strength for a jump boost when necessary as when I was tactically swapping about and constantly flanking, sneaking up behind and charging my NPC enemies. So I hope that is one thing they manage to iron out the wrinkles in, however it may just have been me. Some may say I’m crazy for it but I think less channelled maps would make a good addition. But I also had this feeling in the back of my mind when I first heard about Crysis 2… ‘they are going to screw it up’ now that may be the pessimist inside me, but from what I’ve read here it may be the case, as is often the case, they may have tried just a little TOO hard. However I will wait until it is released, read the reviews, talk to people who have, and even if everything points towards a flop, I’ll inevitably buy it anyway! I think on console they will make the nano-suit (sounds like an 80s clothing item) much more accessible and fluid in the gameplay… but I do hope to the sweet heavens it has some serious power under the hood for us PC gamers, your reviews and others may very well decide what platform I purchase this on!