Incoming 2011 - Crysis 2

What we know

Crysis 2 is the full pledged sequel to the 2007's Crysis and its subsequent spinoff, Crysis Warhead, and is set to be one of the most technologically advanced titles of the year, being based on the all-new CryEngine 3 tech.

The game continues the futuristic scenario where Earth is invaded by aliens and the only people who can stop them are special soldiers equipped with technologically advanced Nanosuits, that give them augmented powers like faster speed or increased physical power, as well as complete invisibility.

You play as Alcatraz, a special forces soldier that is equipped with the Nanosuit 2, an even more powerful item that enhances the powers from the first game.

This time, however, you'll be changing the tropical island setting with a more urban one, as the action takes place in a war-torn New York city.

Not only will you have to look out for aliens, which have seen some serious improvements over the ones in the first title, but also for other nanosuit-equipped soldiers, sent forth by Crynet in order to track down Alcatraz and make him do its bidding.

The game will also expand on the multiplayer modes seen in the first two titles, and is currently seeing a Xbox 360 exclusive multiplayer beta stage being rolled out.

Why it matters

The original Crysis was one of the most impressive first-person shooters ever released, but was hampered by its excessive requirements, which are barely met by computers in the present day.

As such, Crysis 2, which will offer even better graphics, but with the requirements lowered so that platforms like the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 handle it, is shaping up to be a pinnacle of technology.

The game will also run in stereoscopic 3D, which, according to Crytek boss Cevat Yerli, has even impressed Avatar director James Cameron.

Crysis 2 is set to appear on March 22, in North America, and March 25, in Europe, for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.