Lets get the graphics out of the way first, they are stunning and without doubt the best I have seen on the 360. What I love about the graphics is the realism, everything has been designed with that in mind I feel. Objects as little as a can of pop on the floor look really detailed. The lighting is beautiful and some of the best iv'e seen in a game with an honorable mention going to Alan wake and Killzone 2.
The gameplay is where this game stands out for me, its not just go here do that and then do this. You have options, do you go to the rooftops and snipe or go for a brute force attack on the ground or use the stealth option. The list is almost endless. Its a good mix of shooting, strategy and fun. The vehicle combat is well implemented and doesn't detract from the pacing of the game. Theres a good selection of weapons which are customizable on the move which is great for the strategist's out there because each new encounter with the enemy requires a different approach which of course you choose. When you do finally run into the alien's strategy really comes into play, especially in the later levels when they are tougher and more varied. The shear size of the battle areas gives you plenty of options while still remaining simple for those who want it to be.
The sound is amazing, I really love the echo effect after you fire off rounds with the mounted machine gun's. the music is up there with the best, it fits in with the game perfectly and doesn't overpower the other sound effects. The voice acting is also very good right down to the soldiers with a couple of words to say. The story is not the greatest ever written but it keeps you hooked untill the very end with some suprises and twists to keep you guessing.
The games not perfect though, there are some bugs. I had one where a level loaded and I couldn't access my gun so I had to reload from the checkpoint. Iv'e also seen enemy's run through walls, stand and face the wall, look at me and do nothing and I had one headless alien still walking around and firing at random things. These are minor problems which are few and far between and don't ruin the game.
Overall I think crysis 2 is a stunning peice of work by crytek and everyone no matter which system you own should play this game. I'm now on my second run through on super soldier difficulty and it really hard but i'm looking forward to playing through the campaign again. I'm going to try and find some collectables and try and get the donut achievment. Happy gaming.
The upcoming Xbox Games Showcase should be full of exciting announcements. Here is what John Hansen from GameSandwich thinks we will see.
Percentages time
Gears 6: 95% very high chance it'll get announced. It'll be in engine trailer but no deep gameplay.
State Of Decay 3: 60% fair chance development was said to be rough development but now is going very smooth recently according to Jez Cordin. It's a fairly good chance they could show it off but don't be surprised if it no shows... Again...
Blade: 20% very small chance. It's still a few years away and they probably don't want to show it off this early.
Fable: 80% High chance. I believe we'll see another trailer from Fable with a 2025 release.
Perfect Dark: 80% High Chance: apparently they wanted to be shown off last year but Matt Booty blocked them. Development was going badly for a while but according to New report it's smoother now. Yeah high chance and it's time to show something.
Avowed 100% chance guaranteed. Gameplay released date and all.
Indiana Jones 100% chance guaranteed. New trailer gameplay and release date.
Stalker 2 100% chance guaranteed. New trailer Day one on gamepass.
Contraband: 70% good chance. The game is said to be up and running with lots of play tests. Confident they'll show gameplay. If not it's vaporware 1000%
South Of Midnight: 80% High chance. There was a rumor it was releasing this year I'm actually expecting gameplay actually.
Clockwork Revolution: 50%. Maybe if it's a 2025 release then yeah they'll show off a new trailer. If not then it's a no show this time.
ABK gamepass stuff:100% New cod of course. Retro games crossing my fingers for remastered Tenchu games but I highly doubt it. One can hope I guess. These aren't all the games I missed some but wanted to hit the main stuff everyone's been waiting on.
Hope we hear about more about Playstation there lol, but I doubt they even dare utter that name at this showcase lest the steadfast faithful form a mob and burn the whole place down and "hold the line".
"Here's all the studios we're buying look at these trailers"
Years later, shuts them all down.
The one and only Jez Corden of Windows Central has intimated today that Ninja Theory is working on their next title already, and it's not one previously announced
"To celebrate its 20th anniversary, QubicGames is bringing a curated collection of its top titles on Steam. As a launch gift to players, there is even a "20 for 20 - Anniversary Bundle" that will be heavily discounted to allow gamers to purchase their favorite titles at irresistible prices. Players who purchase the entire bundle at once will pay less than $20!" - QubicGames.
This should be a review not a blog.
crysis 2 sucks
"I had one headless alien still walking around and firing at random things."
What would you shoot at if you were missing a head?
But seriously, good read. I kinda wish you had gone into a little more detail on some things, but I can tell you're just give your honest impressions, and I appreciate that.
I like the options and way you tackle the situation, but still haven't bought it as Deus Ex looks better to me (similar in terms of multiple solutions and no "right" answer).