Crytek has revamped the original Crysis game using its CryEngine 3 game engine, and will release the revised shooter next month on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
In the PC gaming sector, Crysis has served as a benchmark since its debut back in 2007 thanks to the game's “Ultra” settings mode. Many consider it as the ultimate test in measuring the peak CPU and GPU capabilities of a system. Even more, the game's stature has become so embedded within the industry that -- when someone typically asks but can it play Crysis? -- they're either (1) sarcastic and poking fun at a system's lack of performance hardware, or (2) seriously questioning if the system's impressive contents can take the graphical punishment lovingly offered by Crysis.
That said, there's no question that the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 can't really play Crysis optimally in its former state given the engine's advanced tech (CryEngine 2). Crysis was developed back in the day when Crytek's main platform of choice was the PC – the company hadn't fully defected over to the console sector – thus the game was outfitted for the PC platform's superior hardware.
But that changed with the new CryEngine 3 and Crysis 2. Citing rampant piracy and the industry's financial shift over to the console sector as a whole, Crytek chose to develop an engine with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in mind. The resulting Crysis sequel is a game that runs incredibly smooth on both products while performing just as grand on the PC platform. Heck, even stereoscopic 3D has been thrown into the mix.
Now comes the arrival of the original Crysis game Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, remastered using Crytek's new CryEngine 3. According to gameplay footage over on GameTrailers, it features “all new lighting, all new effects, and all new Nanosuit controls.” And like Crysis 2, the revised original also includes stereoscopic 3D support.
But ultimately we have to ask: will this console version even look half as good as the game running in “Ultra” mode on the PC? Based on the trailer (embedded below), the console-oriented Crysis actually looks rather awesome.
"We are extremely proud of what we were able to accomplish with Crysis," said Cevat Yerli, CEO of Crytek. "We set out to create a next generation FPS and delivered a PC experience that became a benchmark for quality -- and still is for many gamers even four years later. By bringing the single player campaign to console, we believe we are again setting a new standard for quality in downloadable gaming."
Crytek's remastered Crysis game will arrive on October 21 for 1600 Microsoft Points on XBLA, or $20 on PSN.
