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Crytek's Gface hits beta, wants you to stream your games, life
Facebook games just not doing it for you anymore? Than put on your gameface -- or log into it, rather. Gface is an upcoming social network, powered by Crytek, that seems to be gunning for OnLive (or maybe Gaikai)'s cloud gaming foothold. Yes, streaming's the name of the game here -- Gface is powered by Crytek's new Seed Engine, a cloud technology platform that lets users share context aware game sessions, video seeds and personal media. Details are hazy at the moment, but if the network's new beta subscription page is anything to go by, Gface will allow friends to socialize, share live video feeds and stream casual and high-performance games in both single player and cross-platform multiplayer modes. This real-time sharing setup is designed to be a hardware independent, cross-platform network that runs in your browser, powered by the GFace experience plug-in; imagery on the teaser page suggests you'll be able to seamlessly pick up a game of "Warface" on your PC, smartphone or tablet. There are plenty of questions left to ponder about the budding social network, but one picks our brain: will it run Crytek's Crysis? Hit the source link below to sign up for the beta, and if you get in -- let us know.
Render me like one of your French girls: The Titanic in CryEngine 3
For the past several years, ORM Entertainment has been working on a simulator called Titanic: Lost in the Darkness. Beginning life as a mod for the original Crysis, T:LITD (just rolls of the tongue, doesn't it) has been updated and refined and reiterated upon until eventually being moved to CryEngine 3, where it has achieved its current, staggeringly gorgeous state, as seen in the trailer above. Now, when we say "staggeringly gorgeous," we don't mean "Oh hey, that looks pretty good for a mod." We mean that we would rather watch this video again than look at a Christina Hendricks made out of diamonds, standing on top of a unicorn riding a rainbow over a waterfall in space. Hopefully Titanic: Lost in the Darkness' next reincarnation will be playable and available to the masses.
NBA Jam and Payday top October PSN sales
We get it: every October, it's all about basketball and bank robberies for us, so naturally the top-grossing games on PSN for the month revolve around similar subject matter. The PlayStation Blog reports that the two top games purchased and installed in October are NBA Jam: On Fire Edition and Payday: The Heist in first and second place, respectively. Taking third place was the re-release of Crysis, followed by Chrono Trigger and Resident Evil 4 HD. Also, we're glad to see Odin Sphere debut in the charts at number 15 -- you may recall, its release is part of the "Only on PlayStation Network" campaign where select PS2 games were given new life as PSN titles. We're all for older games (especially good ones) finding a new audience! You can see the full list of October's top-earners through the source link below. Just try not to flip out too much when you see Real Steel rank higher than God Hand.
Fujitsu's 10.51 petaflop K supercomputer is fastest in the world
Fujitsu, sweaty palmed from the construction of the K supercomputer, swore the colossal machine would manage a speed of ten petaflops by the year 2012. The effort has paid off handsomely: the hangar-sized machine has a top speed of 10.51. If you wanted to duplicate that setup at home, you'd only need 864 racks, 88,128 processors and enough cash in your back pocket to front an annual electricity bill of $10 million a year. The company will be spilling all at November's SC11 conference in Seattle, where the K will cement its position as the fastest computer in the world. One last thing -- we have a hunch that this machine can just about play Crysis.
Deja Review: Crysis
We're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games. The original Crysis is an abstract concept for many. Whether through actual technical limitations or a perception thereof, it was the destroyer of worlds and PCs, seen as out of reach for all but the most tech-driven of PC gamers. It's been so easy to get caught up in the question of "Can it run Crysis?" that there's a swath of gamers who have never asked, "How is Crysis?" But here we are, with Crysis (the first) finally making its way to six year old hardware. It runs. But is it fun?%Gallery-134861%
Crysis suiting up on Xbox Live, PSN
If you are, let's say, a person, there's a reasonable chance your PC was ill-equipped to play Crysis when it was first released in 2007. The erstwhile PC gaming benchmark is now officially available via Xbox Live Games on Demand and PlayStation Network. Well, the single-player portion is available anyway, as the console release doesn't include multiplayer. For those on the fence, we'll have a Deja Review up soon. For everyone else, you can snag most of Crysis for $20.
Your console can run Crysis on Oct. 4, new screenshots attest
It might not have triggered a technological apoplexy in your PC, but the malleable CryEngine 3 has granted Crytek access to a wider ranger of platforms -- including Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The original Crysis is cruising to consoles (via PlayStation Network and Xbox Live's Games on Demand service) on October 4 for $20, according to EA's last announcement. The publisher sent out a small batch of screenshots too, which we've appended below. Walk through the tropics and talk through the topics as you scroll down.%Gallery-134861%
Crysis coming to PSN and Xbox Live this October [updated]
Following an early ratings leak, an Xbox 360 and PS3 release of Crysis 1 was announced on last night's episode of GameTrailers TV. Crytek president and CEO Cevat Yerli explained that the game had long been requested on consoles, and will be arriving this October via Xbox Live Arcade (Games on Demand seems more likely) and PlayStation Network. The game is said to be "remastered" with new lighting effects and streamlined Nanosuit abilities, and probably borrows some interface adjustments from Crysis 2. No price or exact date has been given to Crysis on consoles, but given the proximity to October we expect to hear more very soon. Update: EA announced that the game will cost 1600 Microsoft Points/$19.99, and will have stereoscopic 3D support.
Korean Game Rating Board rates Crysis for Xbox 360 [update: ESRB too]
A new rating suggests that the first Crysis may be headed to Xbox 360. "Crysis" was spotted on the Korean Game Rating Board website, listed for Xbox 360. Crysis 2 is already on the database, with separate listings for each platform (including Xbox), so it's not simply a matter of the sequel being released in that market as just "Crysis." That leaves the tantalizing possibility that Crysis is being ported to Xbox 360, using Crytek's multiplatform-friendly CryEngine 3. There's also the distinct possibility that the listing is just a mistake, though we're hardly tantalized at all by that. [Thanks, Sacra] Update: The ESRB lists Crysis for both Xbox 360 and PS3.
Wii U has last-gen Radeon inside, still more advanced than PS3 and Xbox 360
Slowly, but surely, we're starting to piece together what's going on inside that mysterious white box known as the Wii U. IBM was a little coy about the multi-core CPU it was providing, but did tantalize us by mentioning the name "Watson" in describing some of its underlying tech. Now details about the custom Radeon GPU are starting to surface and, while certainly capable, it's not exactly cutting edge. At its heart is a chip similar to the R770 found in AMD's last-gen cards like the 4890 and, before you dismiss it, remember the PS3 and Xbox 360 are still capable of pumping out impressive visuals while packing five-year-old silicon (The 360 is essentially running a souped up ATI X1900). The custom core also supports Direct X 10.1 (Microsoft runs out of steam with Direct X 9) and Eyefinity-like multi-display tech for up to four SD video streams -- though it'll be up to Nintendo and developers to put that to good use. In case you're still not convinced of the Wii U's graphical prowess, Crytek has said its advanced CryEngine is "pretty much" up and running on Nintendo's upcoming console -- and, if it's good enough for Crysis, it should be good enough for you.
Crysis Steam sale activation key issue resolved
On Friday, the first Crysis game and its expansion were discounted on Steam as part of an "EA Week" of sales. That night, on the Steam Users' Forums, purchasers began reporting that they could not activate the games. By the next morning, some 221 replies later, a Valve representative chimed in to say, "We are aware of the problem and are investigating the issue." While it might have been a long weekend for those left waiting for their activation keys to start working, this morning, Valve software developer Mike Blaszczak started a new thread with some reassuring news. "We've been working with EA to get the Crysis keys enabled over the weekend," he posted. "As EA enables keys, users should see the games activate." Blaszczak implied that the issue stemmed from EA's side, adding, "EA is aware of the issue and actively working through it, and we're doing what we can to assist." In a follow-up response he confirmed, "Yes, we know the cause," but avoided an explanation. As of publishing, a few users had replied to say their games were now working, though Blaszczak warned, "No ETA is available for individual users." [Thanks, Martin] [Update: Corrected headline typo. (Freudian slip!)]
Crysis hits rock bottom price in Steam sale
The EA Steam Week continues with deals on Crysis games. Right now, you can get Crysis for $7.49 through the digital storefront, or Crysis Warhead for $4.99; however, true, hardcore saving-money-on-Crysis fans will be more interested in the Crysis Maximum Edition, which combines the two for just $10. Those prices will help you maintain enough savings for the rest of the stuff you'll be impulse-buying on Steam this week. These deals are active in North America, but a quick warning -- they may be different in your region. And they'll definitely be different Saturday at 1PM EST, when the deal expires.
Direct2Drive knocking 15% off March's best sellers
In celebration of, um, March, Direct2Drive is reducing the price of this month's top fifteen games by fifteen percent. The list of titles includes the likes of Dead Space 2, Rift, Shogun 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Crysis 2 and Bulletstorm. Fifteen percent amounts to a reasonably hefty $9 discount on $60 titles and around $7.50 on $50 titles, and it also has the effect of lowering Magicka's already ridiculously low $10 price to just $8.50. Head over to Direct2Drive to see the full list of titles, and enter the promo code "MARCHMAYHEM" at checkout to receive the discount.
Crysis 2 review: More than just a suit
Crysis 2 running well and looking fantastic, even on the half-decade-old Xbox 360, is now a reality. Gone is the question of "Will it run?", replaced by the really big one: "Is it any good?" Make no mistake, Crysis 2 answers the "Will it run?" question definitively. Though about the millionth FPS built around a plot of an alien invasion, give or take a few, it's also the most beautiful. Its depiction of a disaster-ravaged New York City is the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters, with layer upon layer of impressive visual effects, animations and large-scale destruction.%Gallery-119374%
Crysis 2 vs. Crysis 2: PC and Xbox visuals compared
Being the sequel to the game that famously brought even the most powerful PC gaming rigs to their knees, you'd expect Crysis 2 to be, how should we say, significantly streamlined for its release on Xbox 360 and PS3. Aw heck, we'll just say it -- how could the console versions even hold a candle to the PC? As evidenced by the video after the break, the 360 does a fine job of keeping up, at least in multiplayer. In the split-screen footage, it's clear that the PC version sports higher-resolution textures, some higher-detail models and different (one might say improved) lighting. Other than that, though, the two appear fairly close to the untrained eye. Of course, this is multiplayer, so both versions are less fancy in order to keep the framerate up, but this should at least make for some good anecdotal evidence for console players afraid they're missing out big-time by not having a $3,000 PC.
There's a conspiracy afoot: Funcom and EA co-publishing The Secret World
The Secret World went dark a few months ago -- no doubt to hatch nefarious, world-ending plots that involve brain leeches and alien zombies -- so it's good to see Funcom's sinister child poke its head up for some solid news. It turns out that Funcom's been involved in a conspiracy of sorts: The company has signed a pact with EA Partners to co-publish The Secret World. EA Partners is a division of Electronic Arts that co-publishes third-party games such as Crysis and APB's first incarnation. Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas sees this as a way to propel the company's MMO to world domination: "We are tremendously excited to be working with what is undoubtedly the world-leading games publisher for the past decade, and it is also a great testament to the fantastic work of our development team. The experience and the knowledge that Electronic Arts brings to the table will be instrumental in allowing us to realize the full potential of The Secret World." Funcom's had a rocky few years with its finances, which is why some doubted if The Secret World would ever make it to launch. Fortunately, this co-publishing deal seems to ensure that TSW will go the distance with two companies supporting it. We still have no word on the beta or release date, but this is at least a step toward the MMO seeing the light of day -- or the gloom of the night.
Crysis 2 limited editions, Xbox 360 closed beta announced
EA has announced that, for a limited time at launch, a Limited Edition of Crysis 2 will be available for the same price as the standard edition. In other words, "buy the game immediately." The "Limited Edition" includes bonus experience points in multiplayer, a "SCAR Hologram Decoy" that allows players to project an image of themselves, a "SCAR Weapon Skin" in digital camouflage, and an in-game Platinum Dog Tag. Not extravagant enough? EA also announced the Crysis 2 Nano Edition, which despite its name is quite a bit larger. It'll include the Limited Edition of the game, a steel case, an 11" statue of the protagonist atop an NYC taxi, and an art book. And all of that's inside a backpack (designed to resemble the Nanosuit). This outrageous special edition will only be available via pre-order from EA, for $149.99, £119.99, or EUR 129.99. In addition, EA announced that a closed beta will be held for Xbox 360 players "later this year." Enjoy some new gameplay footage after the break, and learn about the announced multiplayer modes here.%Gallery-99640%
The Daily Grind: How often do you upgrade your gaming PC?
Well, it's that time of decade again, the cycle that comes around every three or four years when I'm forced to put an aging PC out to pasture. Age of Conan's new Khitai zones have brought my four-year-old gaming rig to its knees and, rather than run around looking at circa-1998 environment textures (and six minute load times), I recently took the upgrade plunge. Luckily, most MMORPGs don't have the stringent hardware requirements that a lot of single-player games feature, and you can generally get away with relying on outdated hardware in our particular subset of gaming. For example, aside from a video card upgrade (driven by the silly desire to play Crysis a couple years ago), I've been playing dozens of MMOs on a PC that hasn't been state-of-the-art since early 2006. What about you, Massively readers? How often do you upgrade your gaming PCs, and has an MMORPG ever driven you to do so?
EA 'Summer Weekend Sale' offers a season's worth of discounts
Most people think summer is the time to go swimming and enjoy the bounty Mother Nature has to offer. Sure, you could do that, or you could spend your summer months as we do: sitting around in the A/C, eating cold pizza and playing some games. Thus, we present the EA Summer Weekend Sale, which slashes prices on select EA games (PC only, folks!) every weekend. Until July 18, EA is offering 50% off both Crysis and Crysis Warhead. Gamerdeals got its hands on a list of what's supposedly going to be offered throughout the promotion -- highlights include Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age: Origins and Need for Speed: Shift. We've contacted EA to confirm the list and will let you know what we hear back.
Latest Crysis 2 shots show NYC at night
New York City is a bustling metropolis and tourist destination, but in EA's Crysis 2 it's the front line of an alien assault. These new screens depict the otherworldly attack on the city that never sleeps -- with enemies that don't either. They wreak havoc day and (in this case) night. %Gallery-95955%
