Review
Played on: Xbox Series X
Released: 2021
Released: 2021
The question “Will it run Crysis?” has become as synonymous with testing PC hardware since the game released back in 2007. So, while the franchise has been pushing PC hardware and graphics cards to the limit, the games have also been ported, albeit in a strange order, to the X360/PS3 generation of consoles. Crysis 2 first, then Crysis 3 and lastly the first Crysis.
But let's just forget these ports exist nowadays, leaving their horrible framerate and image quality behind. Although I played and enjoyed them, regardless of their massive sacrifice to presentation when they released, they're dead in the water now. Replaced in favour for these new, remastered, versions I’m about to talk about.
Luckily, Crytek have gone back and remastered the whole trilogy, although sadly not the critically acclaimed Crysis Warhead, a standalone spin-off of the first game. We finally get the games performing the way they deserve. Last generation ports, be it an Xbox One, PS4, Switch, or the midway upgrades PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, all run 30 fps, but at least at a more stable framerate and significantly better image quality.
Luckily, Crytek have gone back and remastered the whole trilogy, although sadly not the critically acclaimed Crysis Warhead, a standalone spin-off of the first game. We finally get the games performing the way they deserve. Last generation ports, be it an Xbox One, PS4, Switch, or the midway upgrades PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, all run 30 fps, but at least at a more stable framerate and significantly better image quality.
The old ports would frequently fall down in the 20fps region. However, the best console versions of these new remasters, goes to owners of the current generation consoles. Xbox Series S owners will enjoy a healthy 1080p@60fps and Xbox Series X & PS5 owners will benefit an even higher resolution, with dynamic scaling going all the way up to 4K.
In other words, the remastered Crysis games do an excellent job of updating the franchise for modern hardware and finally give console players a quality performance.
For those unfamiliar with Crysis, it’s visually similar to the same developer's breakthrough title, FarCry on PC from 2004. Think sun-drenched beaches, near a crystal blue ocean, with surrounding palm trees. FarCry would in turn spiral into a massive franchise on it's own, when bought up by Ubisoft. However, the original developer, Crytek, would then go on to make a new CryEngine and Crysis would be the first title to run on it.
The core mechanics of Crysis evolve around the player wearing a nano suit, which in turn gives you super human abilities. You can cloak yourself with stealth, get massive power to throw or kick objects through buildings or armour your suit up to survive incoming fire from enemies. All these abilities will drain your nano suit's power, which in turn needs to refill itself. A clever way of allowing the player to use these powers in small portions. It’s a cool idea that helps expand the first person shooter with new ideas.
Let’s take a look at each game in the trilogy.
Although the first game is in this remastered trilogy pack, it was in fact remastered and released a little prior to Crysis 2 & 3. As such, it has a somewhat different approach to its graphics settings compared to the later titles, on the new current gen consoles. Also, I felt Crysis 1 is a less console friendly port in general. I was more positive to it's first appearance on console back here. Mostly due to finally getting the first Crysis on console. This opinion has changed somewhat after playing them all back to back.
In other words, the remastered Crysis games do an excellent job of updating the franchise for modern hardware and finally give console players a quality performance.
For those unfamiliar with Crysis, it’s visually similar to the same developer's breakthrough title, FarCry on PC from 2004. Think sun-drenched beaches, near a crystal blue ocean, with surrounding palm trees. FarCry would in turn spiral into a massive franchise on it's own, when bought up by Ubisoft. However, the original developer, Crytek, would then go on to make a new CryEngine and Crysis would be the first title to run on it.
The core mechanics of Crysis evolve around the player wearing a nano suit, which in turn gives you super human abilities. You can cloak yourself with stealth, get massive power to throw or kick objects through buildings or armour your suit up to survive incoming fire from enemies. All these abilities will drain your nano suit's power, which in turn needs to refill itself. A clever way of allowing the player to use these powers in small portions. It’s a cool idea that helps expand the first person shooter with new ideas.
Let’s take a look at each game in the trilogy.
Crysis
Originally released: 2007
Although the first game is in this remastered trilogy pack, it was in fact remastered and released a little prior to Crysis 2 & 3. As such, it has a somewhat different approach to its graphics settings compared to the later titles, on the new current gen consoles. Also, I felt Crysis 1 is a less console friendly port in general. I was more positive to it's first appearance on console back here. Mostly due to finally getting the first Crysis on console. This opinion has changed somewhat after playing them all back to back.
Visually, the first Crysis is a mixed bag in hindsight, sure it can look very pretty with sun drenched palms blowing in the wind next to a beach and a bright, blue ocean, but other places it looks bland.
Confusingly, this new gen version I played adds several graphics options to choose from, with various degrees of success when it comes to performance. For the smoothest experience the 1080@60fps is a safe bet, while the 4K@60fps suffers from a lot of framerate drops, even on my VRR TV. I opted for the raytraced option, putting me at a 1440p@60fps middle ground, my VRR saving the dropped frames. The actual raytracing is barely noticeable, mostly used on water, and there’s something a bit off with the HDR usage.
Confusingly, this new gen version I played adds several graphics options to choose from, with various degrees of success when it comes to performance. For the smoothest experience the 1080@60fps is a safe bet, while the 4K@60fps suffers from a lot of framerate drops, even on my VRR TV. I opted for the raytraced option, putting me at a 1440p@60fps middle ground, my VRR saving the dropped frames. The actual raytracing is barely noticeable, mostly used on water, and there’s something a bit off with the HDR usage.
Once again, this first Crysis proves itself to be a heavy game to run, even after so many years!
While visuals are one thing, the controls and movement bothered me the most. It’s clearly not as well implemented for a controller as the sequels, leaving you with a stiff sensation to the controls. Firing accurately feels more cumbersome than it should for a console shooter.
While visuals are one thing, the controls and movement bothered me the most. It’s clearly not as well implemented for a controller as the sequels, leaving you with a stiff sensation to the controls. Firing accurately feels more cumbersome than it should for a console shooter.
The game throws a smart A.I. at you, but the control speed and stiff animation makes it tough to fight back elegantly. There’s something about the rather static movement to camera too, that further enhances this stiff sensation, lacking a better bobbing animation when walking about jungles and terrain.
The opening areas are the most memorable for me, showing how FarCry ideas progressed into something even larger and more impressive when it comes to jungles, oceans and foliage technology. Firefights take place in open terrain, giving room to get creative in combination with your various nano suit abilities.
The opening areas are the most memorable for me, showing how FarCry ideas progressed into something even larger and more impressive when it comes to jungles, oceans and foliage technology. Firefights take place in open terrain, giving room to get creative in combination with your various nano suit abilities.
Although, I must admit, I played it mostly like a normal shooter as I found the stealth power run out before you even had arrived at your enemies. The armour ability is always welcome and helps you out when under immense fire. There are later levels that are cool too, the tank battle, which works very well with the large open terrain. The ending level, with a spectacular alien attack on the aircraft carrier, come to mind as a great moment too.
However, there a lot of repetitive areas and unimaginative levels too, the ones inside an alien cave are especially confusing and plain boring to float around in. The open areas are a little underutilised too, compared to the relative moderate number of enemies and vehicles in each area. The most engaging firefights being within tiny villages, with a tank or two turning up, otherwise it feels barren these days.
The all-round presentation, although it sports fancy visuals, feels spare. The story is presented with a lot with radio chatter from rather anonymous main characters, perhaps a less positive trait from the era of games it derives from.
However, there a lot of repetitive areas and unimaginative levels too, the ones inside an alien cave are especially confusing and plain boring to float around in. The open areas are a little underutilised too, compared to the relative moderate number of enemies and vehicles in each area. The most engaging firefights being within tiny villages, with a tank or two turning up, otherwise it feels barren these days.
The all-round presentation, although it sports fancy visuals, feels spare. The story is presented with a lot with radio chatter from rather anonymous main characters, perhaps a less positive trait from the era of games it derives from.
So, while the main plot of the story, where the US and North Korea race to find crashed alien tech on an island, only to awaken the aliens and having to go from fighting soldiers to aliens, is indeed ambitiously epic, the story of your character, and others you meet along the way, is shallow and not very engaging.
For what it’s worth, Crysis was a technical marvel at its time, and finally for console player, we get to see what that meant. In some ways it’s still impressive , but the overall impression is dated. It controls stiffly on a controller and features some very forgettable areas. Perhaps best played on PC.
For what it’s worth, Crysis was a technical marvel at its time, and finally for console player, we get to see what that meant. In some ways it’s still impressive , but the overall impression is dated. It controls stiffly on a controller and features some very forgettable areas. Perhaps best played on PC.
It lacks the polish on cinematic presentation, music score and player engagement the later games would have. It's a shame that Crysis Warhead wasn't added to this package, to highlight how impressive this first game could be. Leave no doubt though, it was a landmark shooter of it's day, pushing visual technology far ahead for gaming as a whole.
This was the first Crysis title I played, back on my Xbox 360 in 2011. Although, I played a massively cut down port, with chugging framerate chugging, I got a unique experience I would remember for years. You can read my review, from back then, here. This time around, I got to play it how it visually should have been, with a smooth 4K@60fps dynamic resolution as well. The reunion has been very pleasant!
Crysis 2
Originally released: 2011
This was the first Crysis title I played, back on my Xbox 360 in 2011. Although, I played a massively cut down port, with chugging framerate chugging, I got a unique experience I would remember for years. You can read my review, from back then, here. This time around, I got to play it how it visually should have been, with a smooth 4K@60fps dynamic resolution as well. The reunion has been very pleasant!
What the first Crysis lacked in presentation, Crysis 2 compensates in every way. There are stunning and epic cutscenes, a remarkable soundtrack with select tunes from Hanz Zimmer and a much more immersive first person perspective. Gameplay truly feels like it was built for a controller too.
You'll be covering, fighting in movement and jumping about like a pro, as you realise how perfect the controls and feeling of gun feedback are upgraded for this sequel. The result is one of the best first person shooters made.
Crysis 2 shifts from a tropical jungle to an urban jungle, set in New York. Fighting from street to street, against aliens and human special forces alike. Thrown into the mix, are some small upgrades available to your suit too.
Crysis 2 shifts from a tropical jungle to an urban jungle, set in New York. Fighting from street to street, against aliens and human special forces alike. Thrown into the mix, are some small upgrades available to your suit too.
Plus, this time around your nano suit abilities make more sense and are clearer in their usage, as to when to stealth and when to armour up for a firefight. Neatly done, is the way you can alter a weapon on the fly, adding various scopes, silencers or grenade launchers. It's a more streamlined and fleshed out experience.
Even outside the cutscenes, massive and spectacular events happen. Be it spaceships crashing into skyscrapers, massive tidal waves crushing down streets or heavy military equipment being thrown about. It’s just an incredible action fest, even Michael Bay would be proud of. The more limited borders of streets in a city, help keep the action and firefights focused and dense, without completely abandoning some large areas of terrain to roam.
Visually, it still holds up well. There’s lot of buildings surrounding you, nature elements like trees in parks, golden orange sunsets and some impressive lighting during a war scene at night, with bullet tracers lighting up the night sky. Crysis 2 has always been one of those games that closely feels like you're part of a big budget Hollywood disaster movie of an alien invasion.
Even outside the cutscenes, massive and spectacular events happen. Be it spaceships crashing into skyscrapers, massive tidal waves crushing down streets or heavy military equipment being thrown about. It’s just an incredible action fest, even Michael Bay would be proud of. The more limited borders of streets in a city, help keep the action and firefights focused and dense, without completely abandoning some large areas of terrain to roam.
Visually, it still holds up well. There’s lot of buildings surrounding you, nature elements like trees in parks, golden orange sunsets and some impressive lighting during a war scene at night, with bullet tracers lighting up the night sky. Crysis 2 has always been one of those games that closely feels like you're part of a big budget Hollywood disaster movie of an alien invasion.
It nails the scale and expensive looking scenes a massive budget movie. Back then, I used to think “games just don’t do this kind of movie like, massive scenes” and in hindsight, many others have. But it’s still impressive to see, especially when the game has been visually updated.
For me, this will always be the high note of the franchise. While it does have a few dated aspects visually, when compared to modern shooters, it still is just tremendous fun to play. Be it you have an aggressive action trigger or just want to sneak about and take down enemies without them knowing. Getting to play and witness an alien invasion taking place in a city is still a unique experience.
For me, this will always be the high note of the franchise. While it does have a few dated aspects visually, when compared to modern shooters, it still is just tremendous fun to play. Be it you have an aggressive action trigger or just want to sneak about and take down enemies without them knowing. Getting to play and witness an alien invasion taking place in a city is still a unique experience.
Crysis 2 has an impressive lifespan than most shooters, but never overstaying it's welcome. It keeps introducing new types of areas and events throughout, keeping you hooked in front of the screen. Top tier shooter game that will most likely be in my top ten shooters forever.
This is the most modern entry of the series, making its way to consoles right at the tail end of the X360/PS3 era. Strangely enough, never receiving a XB1/PS4 port, when those consoles arrived shortly after, back in 2013. These new ports though, make that possible on base XB1 and PS4, many years later.
Crysis 3
Originally released: 2013
This is the most modern entry of the series, making its way to consoles right at the tail end of the X360/PS3 era. Strangely enough, never receiving a XB1/PS4 port, when those consoles arrived shortly after, back in 2013. These new ports though, make that possible on base XB1 and PS4, many years later.
My playthrough was on the current generation though, and we get the same smooth dynamic 4K@60fps performance as Crysis 2 on the Xbox Series X. Complete with the same great controller feeling.
Visually, Crysis 3 takes a post-apocalyptic approach to its locations, blending city ruins with jungles. With nature reclaiming its spot by overgrowing the streets and buildings. It's, even to this day, a modern looking title. A true statement of how incredibly they developed the Crysis engine, visually.
Visually, Crysis 3 takes a post-apocalyptic approach to its locations, blending city ruins with jungles. With nature reclaiming its spot by overgrowing the streets and buildings. It's, even to this day, a modern looking title. A true statement of how incredibly they developed the Crysis engine, visually.
Walking down desolate streets, with grass swaying on overgrown streets and the sun beautifully shining traces of sunlight through nearby trees, is a terrific way to close the trilogy. I did, however, find some of the more open and empty spaces a bit bland looking, but they never linger, and you end up in ruins, buildings or fortifications soon enough.
Crysis 3 leans much further into the stealth aspect than Crysis 2, but luckily in a way that rewards the player and doesn’t feel unnecessary forced. The game came out when all games seemed to need a bow and arrow in a modern setting. Be it Tomb Raider (2013) or The Last Of Us, they all had their bows. Crysis 3’s bow is a step more insane and perfect to make stealth cool. It lets you swiftly, and powerfully, take down enemies super quiet and even lets you swap out arrows for other types of ammo like explosives or electrical bombs.
Crysis 3 leans much further into the stealth aspect than Crysis 2, but luckily in a way that rewards the player and doesn’t feel unnecessary forced. The game came out when all games seemed to need a bow and arrow in a modern setting. Be it Tomb Raider (2013) or The Last Of Us, they all had their bows. Crysis 3’s bow is a step more insane and perfect to make stealth cool. It lets you swiftly, and powerfully, take down enemies super quiet and even lets you swap out arrows for other types of ammo like explosives or electrical bombs.
With all the foliage about, which as a bonus looks very pretty, Crysis 3 really helps you do stealth warfare in a satisfying manner. It’s the kind of stealth game that lets you go gun blazing if you're spotted, without having to restart.
The game dares itself to open up a little more than Crysis 2, but with more purpose for doing so than the first game, clearly indicating points of interest. Crysis 3 manages to find itself back to the middle ground of what made Crytek’s own, first FarCry, stand out from other shooters. The freedom of attacking from where you want to do it, choosing an angle of approach and finding alternative routes, is what brings out the hunter in you. Crysis 3 really aids the player in enjoying that freedom.
The game dares itself to open up a little more than Crysis 2, but with more purpose for doing so than the first game, clearly indicating points of interest. Crysis 3 manages to find itself back to the middle ground of what made Crytek’s own, first FarCry, stand out from other shooters. The freedom of attacking from where you want to do it, choosing an angle of approach and finding alternative routes, is what brings out the hunter in you. Crysis 3 really aids the player in enjoying that freedom.
There are vehicle sections too, where you drive an army sand buggy, complete with rocket launchers on to take down helicopters and large aliens, serving as a fun break from just first person shooting.
My only gripe with Crysis 3 is its rather slow start, which wants to teach you up in its new stealth mechanics, but it feels limiting for experienced Crysis players. Once you gain your freedom though, it opens up into this wonderful combination of action filled firefights and sneaking about taking out enemies from afar.
The middle part is what really shines in Crysis 3, roaming the ruined streets in day and night, battling humans and aliens alike. A particular epic scene, where you blow up a whole water dam, comes to mind as something of the coolest I’ve ever done in a videogame.
My only gripe with Crysis 3 is its rather slow start, which wants to teach you up in its new stealth mechanics, but it feels limiting for experienced Crysis players. Once you gain your freedom though, it opens up into this wonderful combination of action filled firefights and sneaking about taking out enemies from afar.
The middle part is what really shines in Crysis 3, roaming the ruined streets in day and night, battling humans and aliens alike. A particular epic scene, where you blow up a whole water dam, comes to mind as something of the coolest I’ve ever done in a videogame.
Towards the end of the playthrough, it goes into an alien hive, and while it’s nowhere near the boredom of the equivalent area in the first Crysis, it still doesn’t sit that well with me. But that may be my personal taste, it’s not an awfully long segment, but it’s a difficult areas, with a confusing alien landscap. Making it tricky to know where to go, with dangerous ledges you can fall off. At least it's variety visually.
So, Crysis 3 is probably the closest to modern shooters the Crysis trilogy goes, and the visuals still look great. The open areas call for creativity in your attack style, but the overall pacing of the game doesn’t quite beat Crysis 2. The presentation, which Crysis 2 set the bar for, is kept intact and the cutscenes are made interesting with more dialogue usage, giving them substance. Although, I must admit, the main stories in the whole franchise are a little cliché.
The Crysis 3 gameplay is perfected for the series and it's probably the most refined one as such, especially considering it caters well for in the stealth aspect. Definitely a must play, to follow up a playthrough of Crysis 2!
I could wager to say, for newcomers that could only choose one Crysis game to play, it should be Crysis 2. Followed by Crysis 3. The first game isn’t as mandatory a play in my opinion and feels more dated compared to the other two.
So, while these titles hold a high praise for their technical achievements through the years and hold warm memories for players with its excellent gameplay, they are for the fans of the genre. That said, if you like massive disaster movies and large-scale alien invasions and such, Crysis 2 really is something to check out, even if you aren't massively into shooters.
So, Crysis 3 is probably the closest to modern shooters the Crysis trilogy goes, and the visuals still look great. The open areas call for creativity in your attack style, but the overall pacing of the game doesn’t quite beat Crysis 2. The presentation, which Crysis 2 set the bar for, is kept intact and the cutscenes are made interesting with more dialogue usage, giving them substance. Although, I must admit, the main stories in the whole franchise are a little cliché.
The Crysis 3 gameplay is perfected for the series and it's probably the most refined one as such, especially considering it caters well for in the stealth aspect. Definitely a must play, to follow up a playthrough of Crysis 2!
Summary
The Crysis trilogy is a series for the more eager shooter fans to play, it’s mostly about the gun play and the nano suit abilities, allowing you to withstand bullets or cloak yourself invisible. It’s fun to engage battles either way, making the player feel like a powerful and invincible super soldier. Players looking for a casual and story driven shooter, won't really find themselves at home here.I could wager to say, for newcomers that could only choose one Crysis game to play, it should be Crysis 2. Followed by Crysis 3. The first game isn’t as mandatory a play in my opinion and feels more dated compared to the other two.
So, while these titles hold a high praise for their technical achievements through the years and hold warm memories for players with its excellent gameplay, they are for the fans of the genre. That said, if you like massive disaster movies and large-scale alien invasions and such, Crysis 2 really is something to check out, even if you aren't massively into shooters.
Be aware though, these games are quite tough, with some difficult enemies to kill and require you to take your time attacking and planning your approach on the fly!
Overall, my reunion has been a pleasant one. Much thanks to the massive upgrade from the old console ports to the current gen ones, with their massive performance and image quality upgrade. Finally, I got to enjoy these games how they were intended at their releases!