When Crysis hit the market late
last year, it was met with much deserved praise from critics and gamers alike.
Now, Crytek has released another solid installment set in the ‘Crysis’ universe
entitled ‘Crysis: Warhead’ (CW) that is as least as good as its predecessor in
many respects and even better in the terms of its graphics and pacing. Picking up CW is no-brainer for FPS fans
looking for their next call to virtual duty.
CW plants you firmly in the nano-enhanced
boots of “Psycho” Sykes, a member of Raptor Team, an elite tactical assault unit
that has been called to a remote island to investigate the apparent kidnapping
of an American archaeological team by the North Korean military. By the time you
reach game’s end, the disappearance of the team will surely be the least of your
worries, as you’ll be knee-deep in alien baddies and enemy soldiers sporting
nanosuits just itching to lay you to waste. Even If you haven’t played Crysis,
you shouldn’t have any problem coming to grips with the storyline. CW’s timeline
runs parallel with that of the original title: while Nomad (the original
protagonist) and his unit work their way across one side of the island, you must
find your way across the other as you try to fulfill changing mission
objectives. In end, the storyline is not an award-winning masterpiece, but it is
solid sci-fi fanfare.
The real litmus test as to whether
or not you’ll like the gameplay in CW is whether or not you enjoyed Crysis.
The gameplay is essentially the same as before, which is by no means a
complaint. The nanosuit boosts strength, speed, armor, and also has a handy
cloak mode that makes you invisible, all of which can be toggled on and off at
the player’s discretion. The same limitations apply, however: using the suit
draws power from a limited pool; consequently, you will have to keep an eye on
the power gauge. As before, this allows for some creativity and freedom in
exactly how you tackle enemies you come across. Likewise, most situations are
still amenable to stealth or head-on action, or a mixture of both.
Crytek has thrown in some vehicle
levels, where you are barreling across enemy-infested territory, trying to keep
your head on your shoulders. For instance, there’s one where you find yourself
in a hovercraft chasing a rogue North Korean general over frozen waves. These
segments are generally well-done and nicely paced. Though, I have to say,
overall, I enjoy being on foot more, because it allows for stealthier gameplay,
but the vehicle levels can offer a nice change of pace.
Pacing is quite important to all
genres of gaming, but especially so for FPS titles. Rightfully so, some gamers
complained (I among them) that Crysis was peppered with too many lulls between
firefights, and the team has definitely addressed that concern by decreasing the
downtime between enemy encounters. Players will find they are often moving from
one encounter right into the next, and with less time to breathe between
engagements, they will find the experience more intense this time around.
On to weapons: Generally, the weapon
selection is the same, but series veterans and newcomers alike will appreciate
the addition of a six-shot grenade launcher, submachine gun and anti-tank mines.
All of the weapons are well done, and you will get plenty of opportunities to
switch out ordinance in the field, as you can still pick up weapons and ammo
dropped by those foolish enough to challenge you.
Speaking of challenge, the AI is
decent, which often tries to make itself a harder target by using cover and
making some well-placed shots. However, there are moments where you get the
infamous lemming effect in which a stream of enemies continuously flows through
a door looking for you, each getting iced as they cross the threshold. Or odd
moments where enemies that have been alerted to your presence are scanning the
nuances of a corner while their backs are turned to you. These moments aren’t
frequent, but they do take away from your level of immersion.
Some other noteworthy differences
between CW and Crysis are in the newly optimized engine (CryEngine 2.0), which
offers up even more jaw-dropping visuals and increased performance. Essentially,
this boils down to an impressive graphics engine that will run smoothly on a
nice range of hardware, and it further opens the door to tantalizing eye candy
for those with lower end systems. If you have a mid-range rig, you should be in
for nice ride down the visual mile. With the settings cranked up, there isn’t a title on the market that
tops the Crysis franchise (though STALKER: Clear Skies is just about
neck-in-neck).
CW offers up a separate multiplayer
suite called Crysis Wars. It comes on a separate CD and requires its own
install. All in all, it’s a solid offering, which includes the original
multiplayer modes and new one called Team Instant Action. Other reviews have
noted the lack of persistent stat tracking, but, that complaint aside, Crysis
Wars offers up some fun, competitive online gameplay.
Finally, it’s important to note here
that CW is a relatively short game, clocking in at around 5-8 hours, even on
higher difficulty settings, but it packs some serious punch during that span of
time. Its shortness is further softened by its high replayability.
Review Scoring Details for Crysis Warhead |
Gameplay: 8.5
The same as in the original Crysis, but this is a good thing. The nanosuit is
still loads of fun, regardless of whether or not you prefer run n’ gun or a more
subtle approach to completing your mission. Generally solid AI can slightly mar
the gaming experience when inevitable hiccups occur, but there aren’t any
dealbreakers here.
Graphics: 9.0
Exceptionally well-done, courtesy of the newest version of CryEngine.
Sound: 9.0
A solid soundtrack and excellent sound effects round out an already solid
package.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
With the difficult setting on high, you’ll definitely get a run for your money,
as well as more realism.
Concept: 9.0
What’s better than being dropped into a tropical paradise chocked full of human
and alien opponents in the most technologically advanced armor the world has
ever seen?
Multiplayer: 8.0
A nice sampling of MP maps and the addition of the new game mode make Crysis
War and welcome addition to the single-player campaign. No persistent stat
tracking will be a slight to mild turnoff for some.
Overall: 9.0
Go grab or download a copy. At 29.99 (USD), there’s no reason not pick this one
up. Even if you haven’t played its predecessor, you can’t go wrong here if you
are an FPS fan.
