REVIEW: Crysus 2
The original “Crysis” is considered to be one of the best-looking games ever made. A PC exclusive, it was true testament to the power of the PC and its graphical superiority over consoles. Finally, the PC juggernaut has made its way to consoles with “Crysis 2,” and it’s showing that consoles can stand toe-to-toe with the PC.
The console debut of “Crysis 2” more than lives up to the promises that it will be the best looking game to grace our video game systems to date, while offering some of the most smooth, and most entertaining, shooter game play on the market.
“Crysis 2” is a graphical showcase of awesome. With outstanding set pieces featuring insanely realistic lighting and textures, you will constantly find your jaw dropping as you move from one sandbox environment to the next in this beautifully destroyed New York City.
The game also features some outstanding character models, some great-looking guns, and some really sweet water effects that look so realistic you will find yourself forgetting you’re playing a video game. “Crysis 2” raises the bar extremely high and is a truly remarkable visual achievement.
From a story standpoint, “Crysis 2” trades punches with the best in the genre. You play as Alcatraz, a marine who witnessed his entire team being wiped out by an alien attack. He survives, however, and through a series of events ends up with the most powerful weapon in humanity’s arsenal.
That weapon is Nanosuit 2, a technologically advanced suit of armor with all kinds of awesome potential. Now it is up to Alcatraz to save humanity by tracking down and saving the only man who may be able to stop the alien invasion. This is the beginning of one excellent ride that starts fast and never slows down as it presents a fictional but frighteningly realistic future.
When it comes to gameplay, “Crysis 2” stands tall among the industry’s finest. Playing like the beautiful love child of “Halo” and “Call of Duty,” “Crysis 2” is an incredibly fast, smooth and solid shooter. Nanosuit 2 is the star of the show here as the suit’s super speed, strength, armor and stealth capabilities make moving around the varied wide open environments an entertaining breeze.
The open environments let you approach every scenario how you want, whether it be by engaging stealth and sneaking past enemies, or using your advanced armor for a head-on destructive assault. A.I. is also extremely smart and you will have to bring your strategic A-game to survive most enemy encounters. Shooter players of all styles will find something to love about “Crysis 2” and the “I can’t believe I just did that” moments will keep you coming back for more.
“Crysis 2” also achieves greatness in the sound department. With gunshots blasting all around you, it’s truly a treat to play in surround sound as the directional audio is some of the best in the industry. The soundtrack is also absolutely outstanding. Hans Zimmer lends his talents creating a top notch score that is always fitting and a driving influence throughout the game.
“Crysis 2” features some outstanding multi-player as well. With 12 maps, six different game modes and enough gun upgrades and weapon unlocks to keep gamers occupied for days, there is always a reason to hop online. “Crysis 2” features a level up system similar to that of “Call of Duty,” giving players control over the guns and powers they use so everyone will be able to cater to their style of play. It separates itself from the pack with a unique kill streak system and its use of the Nanosuit 2’s special abilities throughout the multiplayer experience.
“Crysis 2” is not without faults, however, occasional slowdown during large firefights can cause some frustrating deaths and the unforgiving checkpoint system can make dying a chore. There are also some situations when the normally intelligent A.I. just seems to not be working, which looks really out of place in such a polished game. Multiplayer also suffers from some balance issues that will cause you to completely abandon certain play styles and occasional server issues and lag can lead to frustration. These issues are very rare however and don’t take much away from the overall experience.
In the end, “Crysis 2” is an outstanding achievement. With the best visuals on any system, absolutely stellar game play, a score from Hollywood’s finest and deep engaging multiplayer, “Crysis 2” will challenge what you thought was possible from a video game. Bow down, “Call of Duty;” first person shooters have a new king.
– nathan.c@aggiemail.usu.edu