I haven't been a "PC gamer" for too long, but I do know that Crysis has become somewhat a benchmark title (the developers even humoured this by including an achievement in the Xbox 360 version titled: "Can it run Crysis?"). So there were high expectations for the visuals, however this isn't the most important part of a game, although it's nice to have stunning visuals.
Crysis 2 delivers when it comes to visuals, New York city has been beat up badly and the Cry Engine 3 does a good job of showing the stunning city in a state of panic. Minutes in to playing I had my first "ooooo" moment - a view of Liberty Island in the evening, it was very breathtaking and Crysis 2 continues to deliver those moments throughout the game. PC fans may be disappointed to hear that the Cry Engine 3 supports DX11, but it isn't currently present in the game.
The gameplay is very impressive too, the Nanosuit offers powerups such as stealth mode, armour mode etc. Throughout the game you are able to upgrade the suit. Although sometimes it can feel quite linear, Crytek have implemented an options mode, there are multiple ways to approach a situation - go in all guns blazing, sneak past the enemies or just completely avoid any combat whatsoever - it's much more pleasing making use of your environment though. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, dismounting heavy weaponry, or just messing with your enemies minds thanks to the Nanosuit.
From what I've played of Singleplayer - it's quite impressive. The story is fast paced and well set out (I can almost imagine a movie adaptation of this coming soon). The Crysis plot is very deep and complex so I wouldn't worry about missing out on Crysis 1.
Multiplayer runs well when you get into a game, however the PC version has suffered a few problems with serial code authentication and a few other minor issues nothing that makes the game unplayable though. The Nanosuit is very well balanced in Multiplayer, despite the idea of giving a camper stealth mode, standing still for more than a few seconds will just result in your death. Once you reach level 5, you are able to use custom classes that come with perks, custom gun attachments etc (similar to the highly successful Call of Duty classes system, just a lot more balanced).
Overall, Crysis 2 is a fun game. It's definitely a breath of fresh air from recent releases that have been a major let down among gamers. Multiplayer has replay value and is well balanced, the story is well laid out and is incredibly gripping. Crytek have really outdone themselves. Buy this game.
Crytek : In episode two of Our Story, the team discusses the evolution of Crysis into Crysis 2 and 3 (and the pressures that came with it), how a local connection landed an incredible collaboration with legendary composer Hans Zimmer, and the New York trip that inspired much of Crysis 2. For the gladiators among you, you’ll also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the development of Ryse: Son of Rome and the attention to detail that went into it.
YouTube’s members ‘Digital Dreams’ and ‘Jose cangrejo’ have shared some videos, showcasing Pascal Gilcher’s Reshade mod – which adds Ray Tracing/Path Tracing effects – in some really old games such as Star Wars The Force Unleashed, Crysis 2, RAGE and Resident Evil 6.
I'm still learning how to look for the differences. At first I was focusing on shadows for some reason but I don't think that changes much, is it reflections that change?
It is supposed to be simulating how light actually works- so yes if light is reflecting off a surface accurately it should show reflection or an effect that matches what you are looking at in the environment. Next time you play a game look at a puddle of water there may be just a "baked" in texture that if you aren't paying attention seems like it is reflecting but it isn't. I would say though if the light is reflecting more accurately I would think that would give more accurate shadows as well.
I am still not 100% sold on it- it looks okay but I can't get over the hardware price jump for better reflections..
While games won't look immensely better, it opens up more possibilities overall. Understandably, the price jump is huge. But, that can be said for being at the forefront for any new technology. I'm currently using a 2080ti and while I've played a few games that enable it, the gpu also plays everything else incredibly well so it's not like you're buying this tech for ONLY that option. Enthusiasts will pay top dollar to check out the newest things, but this will eventually become an everyday consumer and by then they'll have optimized and become a lot cheaper.
Ray/path tracing can be used how the developer wants it to be. Tracing can be used to calculate shadows/lighting, reflection and even audio, where audio waves are calculated on the bounce off material types to simulate enviroment and echos accuratly.
Should also keep in mind that this ray/path tracing system is different and less accurate option from Nvidias RTX branded type. McFly's is a reshade that layers over the top of the game and therefor the quality will vary drastically. For example you can see nice reflection in the Star Wars demo here but it then introduces colour clipping with the light saber. On a video of GTA 5 for example it was incorrectly projecting a reflection of a red car onto the road which caused a very faint red glow on the ground around the car.
If you want to see a good example of a game developed with ray tracing reflection and lighting in mind then you could look up the youtube video of "Control - Exclusive E3 RTX GAMEPLAY Trailer".
It supposed to add more realistic light Not actually more light effects and explosions
I hate to say it but I’m fine with fake lights, shadows, reflections. I just kind of like the effect, it’s also great it saves resources for other things.
I’ve been checking out some original Xbox games on x360/x1x and the engine has fake light streaming in through a stained glass window, and I love it even though I know it’s not real time lighting. Heck it even shifts as I move about.
I’ve about convinced my self rt and hdr just doesn’t work for me. Before hdr I would even complain damn why are the headlights killing me they are so bright.
I notice most frame rate, then jaggies, then resolution; with the last two interchangeable depending.
Other day watched an enthusiast rave over 4k and the poor guy was in 1080p. I played the same game the night before and thought wow this is clean, I wonder if it’s 4k, but knew differently and I thought wow even resolution is not always important. The next day he apologized and was surprised he could be fooled.
How come the lightsabers don't give off any light? Even in the EA star wars game the guy uses it to light up a dark cave. I guess if it is using frostbite it will support rtx cards.
Jum Jum from Unleashthegamer writes: We gathered the best real setting games we could think of if you’re looking for something in a familiar location to soothe your thirst for real-world games.
I Agree.
Playing for hours now. I can't believe how smooth it runs. Amazing job from Crytek.
great game.
As of yet Game of the Year. Stunning Graphics, Great amount of choice in Campaign. Brilliant tactical Multilayer. Its the closest an FPS has got to 10/10 for me, along with the original.