14 DAY TRIAL // The original Crysis and its spinoff, Crysis: Warhead, have become somewhat legendary in PC gaming, as the titles developed by Crytek couldn't be played properly on even the most powerful computers those days.
Now, the studio is at it again, with Crysis 2, running on its all-new CryEngine 3 technology, that promises to deliver even better graphics and gameplay, but can be played on a variety of computer configurations as well as on consoles like the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.
Did Crytek manage to strike gold once more or will its new Crysis 2 live on as a niche title for those that want to test their platforms? Let's have a quick look.
Crysis' concept of what the future of warfare might look like, where elite soldiers are wearing unique Nanosuits that enhance their abilities, is extremely interesting, and, judging by the first hour in the new game, is implemented in a new way than in the original.
Without spoiling too much of the story, both the player and his character, a US Marine called Alcatraz, will both be getting used to how the new Nanosuit works throughout the game.
The first thing that strikes you when you play Crysis 2 is its sheer beauty and stunningly detailed graphics.
Crytek has once again showed that when it comes to creating beautiful games, it is second to none, managing to continue its visual delight tradition, started with the original Far Cry and continued by Crysis.
But while beauty can be achieved in lots of games, Crysis 2 surprises through subtle touches and the interactivity between the player and his environment. You'll be able to lift up barrels or bottles, as well as knock over railings or other objects by touching them.
One of the smallest touches, but which really impressed me, is the fact that you aren't forced to open doors, but can simply walk through them and they'll open because of your body in one smooth animation.
Crysis 2 is still a competent first-person shooter, but the sheer visual variety and the animations when enemies die will sometimes trick you and you'll continue to fire, not knowing if they're actually dead or not.
There are lots of other things to say about Crysis 2, but until our full review arrives, you can check out a video with the first few firefights from its story mode below.