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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%
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%
Rumor: Crytek Hiring for MMO Project
We here at Massively like to keep our ear to the ground when it comes to potential new MMOs, and one of the indications that a company is moving in that direction comes from job wanted ads, believe it or not. Crytek, the makers of Far Cry and the Crysis series, recently put up a job posting for a Senior IT Manager that suggests they are looking into online gaming. ShackNews reported on this ad, noting that the company is looking for someone who would help in "designing, testing, and implementing as part of the development team, the systems infrastructure for an MMO online game." Ding ding ding, them are the magic words, so start the speculation. Of course, this may just be Crytek testing the waters and not a serious commitment on their behalf, especially considering that the mention of an MMO in this ad is only a small part of the responsibilities mentioned. ShackNews also noted that Crytek filed for three trademarks over a year ago: Gface, Carvatar, and Kingdoms. Whether or not these have anything to do with a possible MMO project is anyone's guess, but it is a tantalizing possibility. We'll be sure to keep a close eye on Crytek to see if they make any more moves toward an online title. One thing is for sure: if they did create a MMO, you can bet the letters "cry" will be part of the title.
Get your name or handle in Crysis 2 as graffiti
Look, we get it. You found a primo slab of stone that's just aching to have your name emblazoned all over it in big, funky letters. There's just one problem: it's illegal. So how about slapping your name or handle onto a virtual wall? That's what Crytek is offering 50 lucky winners in its latest game, Crysis 2. It's a Twitter-based contest, so you'll need to follow @Crysis and fire off the appropriate tweet below, given your region: UK: Hey @Crysis, I want you to put my name in the game! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestUK US/Canada: Hey @Crysis, I want you to put my name in the game! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestNA Germany: Hey @Crysis, Ich mochte meinen Namen im Spiel sehen! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestDE Act quickly, because the contest concludes on May 3. Oh how we can't wait to see all of the "Pothead McSmokesweeds" and "XxBlazingMad420zxXs" when we're running through a dilapidated New York city!
Ex-Free Radical (Crytek UK) working solely on Crysis 2 multiplayer
Despite earlier claims that Haze developer Free Radical (now Crytek UK) were working on an "original FPS" for its new overlord Crytek Studios, it appears that the UK-based studio is actually hard at work on Crysis 2's multiplayer component. In an interview with VG247, CEO Cevat Yerli revealed "several online functionalities" for the game, as well as the team behind said functionalities. "That is all they [Crytek UK] are doing, with a full team on it, and they are blasting forward at full speed with more focus and dedication than I've ever had before at Crytek." Jeez you two, get a room! Yerli unfortunately couldn't expand on the various types of multiplayer we'll find in Crysis 2 when it arrives later this year, though he did note that the team at Crytek UK will be "making the gameplay unique to both the console and PC versions." Presumably he means that in a sense greater than "The PC version has way, way prettier graphics."
Video interview: Crytek Executive Producer Nathan Camarillo, on Crysis 2
Crysis has long been the poster child of the PC gaming community. Still heralded as a technical benchmark for the platform, the first Crysis game exploited the power of PCs, going far beyond what consoles could initially offer. Crytek has managed to set another technical benchmark with Crysis 2, offering a similar experience on consoles. We spoke to Crytek's executive producer Nathan Camarillo on the process of transitioning to console development, and how that affected game development. Joystiq: Console gamers are likely to be unfamiliar with the story of the first Crysis. Will that put them at a disadvantage going into the second game? Nathan Camarillo: With Crysis 2, we're considering it in some ways a reboot of the franchise. But we're not starting over from scratch. There will be continuity between Crysis 1 and Crysis 2 for players who have played Crysis 1, but you don't need to have played it in order to understand what Crysis 2 is about. We're hoping that the story and gameplay is so compelling that people will be encouraged to try Crysis 1 after, but in no way is it a prerequisite. Why make the switch to consoles now? How do you address complaints from dedicated PC fans that are concerned about a "watered down" experience caused by multiplatform development? In actuality, our switch to focusing development to include consoles has strengthened the quality of game that we're making for Crysis 2, because it's allows us to look at, with a higher degree of scrutiny, what it is we're trying to do and how we go about accomplishing it. It's not "can we just do it on console?" Is it the best decision to make for the product? And can we do it on consoles and PC?
Impressions: Crysis 2
Download in HD from BigDownload The first Crysis is probably best known for its benchmark-setting graphics. Unfortunately, its PC exclusivity meant console gamers weren't able to discover the true beauty of the game: its nail-biting emergent gameplay, assisted by realistic AI, and a truly open world to explore. The Nanosuit endowed you with superhero tools that encouraged playing with the environment -- punching a tree to have it land on enemies, for example. But don't expect a large focus on the franchise's deep tactical combat today. Like its predecessor, it's easy to get caught up by the sheer spectacle that is Crysis 2. %Gallery-87383%
Crysis 2 screenshots look gorgeous (from a certain perspective)
You want to click this. Take a moment just to look at the first official Crysis 2 screenshots released by EA. Yep, stunning, aren't they? Unfortunately, they're not indicative of actual gameplay, considering the upcoming multiplatform title is a first-person shooter, not third. Still, we can't help but admire the incredible graphical fidelity of these screens. Most likely, these shots were taken from the PC version of the game, but we'll have a full report on the console versions of the game in April. Until then, feel free to spend some quality time in our gallery. %Gallery-87383%