14 DAY TRIAL // When it first came out, Crysis was a game you weren't supposed to enjoy. At least not as far as graphics went. Today, some two years later, super rigs may be able to handle the game in ultra-high detail, but most of them are probably still having nightmares ever since Crysis 2 has been announced as being in production. The first time news of the game became public was last summer, when Electronic Arts negotiated with Crytek to publish a Crysis sequel, which also revealed that it would use the multiplatform engine CryEngine 3.
But now, other news regarding the title have surfaced, and while computers may breathe a sight of relief, gamers won't be as happy. Crysis 2 made the cover of the US Official PlayStation Magazine, by which the PlayStation 3 version of it was revealed. While a console version was to be expected, another piece of information came as a complete shock. According to a Tweeter message from one of OPM's editors, Crysis 2 will no longer be taking place in a tropical environment. Quite the contrary.
While it didn't offer any other details, except the presence of the Nanosuit 2.0, the post simply read that, "World Exclusive: Crysis 2 set in NYC!!" A Cry game that doesn't take place in a jungle is something unheard of. While FarCry 2 bent the rule a little bit by taking place in Africa, the general landscape was more or less similar enough. The original FarCry, Crysis and Crysis: Warhead all took place in a thick, jungle setting, which is pretty much the theme of the franchise.
But a setting like New York City is way too far away from the original concept. While it may bring a serious improvement on the frame rate, as the draw-distance will be far more acceptable between the concrete walls of skyscrapers, unless the entire game takes place in the city's botanical garden, this just won't be a Crytek game.
A somewhat narrowed-down release date was made unintentionally by EA's boss, John Riccitiello, last week, when he announced that the publisher's next financial year would bring "a great new version of Medal of Honor, a revitalized Need for Speed, Sims on console, FIFA in a World Cup year, an innovative and new take on Madden, Dead Space 2, Crysis... an MMA game, and many others." The best we can hope for is that Crytek will have enough integrity to not try to turn the game into a Modern Warfare.