Crysis 2 Archive

Crytek’s Crysis 2 gives FPS fans a game that is as fun to play as it is to watch.  The story picks up 3 years after the first game and is the franchise’s debut on gaming consoles.  Available for PS3, Xbox360, and PC, this shooter features stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.  The story takes place in a ruined New York City that is teeming with aliens.

In the story, you play as Alcatraz, a Force Recon Marine who has received the powerful Nanosuit 2.0 from Prophet, the commanding officer of Nomad from the previous game.  From there, your adventure begins.  Since CryNet Systems and CELL forces are hunting for Prophet and the suit, Alcatraz gets caught up in the mix.  Don’t forget about the Ceph either.  The story takes Alcatraz through a variety of situations in which he is able to use the Nanosuit 2.0 to keep himself alive.

Crysis 2 gives you the ability to take advantage of tactical options. You are given multiple ways to approach a situation. It is possible to reach a point to snipe, or to ambush foes, or you can even flank them all together.  The Nanosuit 2.0 has two modes: stealth and armor mode.  In stealth mode, you are completely invisible and able to sneak up on enemies.  The armor mode allows you to take extra damage and gives you the ability to rush in, head on with bullets flying everywhere.  The Nanosuit 2.0 is also upgradeable in different areas.  The Nanocatalyst you collect from the Ceph is used to purchase upgrades.  The suit also has a tactical options mode, power sprint, power jump, and Nanovision (infrared).  Actual gameplay is fun and smooth.  The operation of the Nanosuit 2.0 and its modes are easy to get the hang of.  Once you have developed a feel, transition from mode to mode is seamless.

The enemy AI is intelligent and gives a challenge.  They can recognize grenades and successfully avoid them.  Also, the game alternates between enemies.  At times, you are fighting against CELL troops and the next minute, you find yourself going at it with the Ceph.  On the Ceph side, there are a host of foes, including a four-legged Ceph machine that is both challenging and fun to defeat.

The graphics are amazing.  Crytek and the CryENGINE serve this game well.  Crysis 2 delivers stunning visuals and amazing use of real time lighting.  When lights shine, it is reflected throughout the environment.  Dynamic lighting allows for shadows to move in accordance to the light source.  Crytek provided a sandbox environment for Crysis 2.  It is possible to take more than one geographical approach to entering a structure.  When you shoot, the environment gets damaged.

Overall, Crysis 2, makes and impressive debut on the console.  It is a ton of fun to play and quenches the thirst of true FPS fans. It has a complex storyline with an interesting twist at the end.  A must have.

Overall score: 9 out of 10