"One of the
most widely-anticipated games at this year's E3 is Crysis, the spiritual
successor to the hit PC game FarCry. Using a massively updated version
of the CryEngine used in FarCry, Crysis is pushing the limits of
photo-realism in PC games. The game, which will be released shortly
after the launch of Windows Vista, is the first 3rd-party game announced
to be using DirectX 10. Using this newest version of DirectX allows
developers Crytek to create visuals that rival, if not surpass, the
newest games for the next-gen console.
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There were two demo levels being shown on the show floor. The first
level was set inside an aircraft carrier that had, apparently, come
under a massive attack. Taking place in the evening, the levelallowed
the developers to show off some of the impressive lighting effects that
the new engine is capable of. Taking advantage of some of the most
recent advances in rendering technology, such as subsurface scattering
which allows light to diffuse realistically when it hits objects
such as cloth or skin, the lighting in the level was incredibly
impressive. Flames flickered and cast shadows naturally, while lightning
seen from the deck of the aircraft carrier lit up the night sky. The
level concludes with a fight with a massive alien machine that, had I
not seen it played in real-time, I would've sworn was pre-rendered.
The other demo level took place in a jungle setting, one of Crytek's
strong areas. The extra power afforded to the developers from the use of
DirectX 10 and Vista allowed for plants that moved realistically when
the player passed. The EA rep conducting the demo showed how you could
even take out your knife and cut apart individual leaves, if you so
desired. Another feature in the game is that all of the foliage, from
shrubs to massive trees, is destructible given enough firepower. This
was highlighted when the EA rep tossed a grenade into a crowd of
enemies, killing them and knocking down several small trees nearby.
The enemies themselves have been given enhancements as well, thanks to a
new AI and animation system. The new AI routine expands upon the
teamwork-focused AI from FarCry, letting your enemies plan and
co-ordinate attacks using flanking and other maneuvers, while the new
animation system allows for more natural movement of characters with
none of the "gliding" that occurs with walking in other games. One last
addition to the game is a system that allows you to modify
several of the weapons by putting on different attachments such as
flashlights or grenade launchers, allowing you to quickly adapt to any
situation. If the gameplay can match the graphics, and I was left with
no doubt that it will, Crysis will definitely be a must-have shooter
when Vista comes out."
Official Site
Earth, 2019: A colossal asteroid crashes
down to Earth.
The North Korean Government quickly
seals off the island chain, claiming the mysteries of the asteroid for
themselves. The United States responds by dispatching an elite team of
Delta Force Operators to recon the situation and report back to the
Pentagon. Amid rising tensions between the US and North Koreans, the
asteroid suddenly bursts open, revealing a massive alien ship, standing
over a mile in height. The ship generates an immense force sphere,
freezing a vast portion of the island and drastically altering the
global weather system. The invasion of Earth has begun.
The two rival nations unite to stop the
aliens and save mankind. The newly formed alliance fights epic battles
against the marauding aliens. With hope rapidly fading, the player must
lead a crack squad through lush tropical jungle, harsh frozen
landscapes, and finally into the heart of the alien ship itself for the
ultimate Zero G encounter with the aliens.
Crysis
offers players a highly immersive FPS experience in which they will have
to adapt their tactics, weaponry, armor and gameplay style to survive
and defeat the alien invasion.
Crysis
uses the leading-edge technology of Crytek's proprietary engine
CryENGINE™ 2.
Key Features
- An immersive story that puts you
the player in the pivotal role to repel an alien invasion and save
mankind.
- A unique three-act structure that
forces the player to use real-time armor and weapons customization
to adapt to an ever-changing dynamic world.
- Encounter a compelling,
frightening alien species that uses its senses intelligently and
works in combination with each other to present players with the
most challenging opponents yet in an FPS.
- Enemy and ally AI utilise
real-world military tactics.
- Take control of a wide variety of
land, sea and air vehicles including trucks, tanks, boats and
helicopters.