PAX 10: Crysis 2 Multiplayer (Chris’ Impressions)

During a preview party that we were invited to by Electronic Arts in Seattle, we got a first-hand look at Crysis 2 months before release, giving us a sense of what it is going to bring us for multiplayer and the style of FPS it presents to its fans.

First off, the style of play was strikingly similar to the Xbox Live Arcade title Blacklight: Tango Down. Yes, I am comparing Crysis to an XBLA game because the pace of the game was almost same, but done much better. It was quick; faster than your insane Call of Duty 4 multiplayer session. This was my first exposure to the franchise since I don’t own a PC with the processing power to run Crysis on its best day.

There are six character classes to choose from, ranging from assault to sniper, with a recon and demolitions class in the mix as well. Beginning weapons varied based on class and so did your attachments and secondary weapons, grenades and the like.

I tried all of the them but ended up playing with the assault class the most. The weapon was a SCAR and because I used that weapon exceptionally well in Battlefield Bad Company 2, I connected with that weapon in the multiplayer sessions.

I ended up watching some of the action of other players and got a good layout of the map and gameplay. I also got to take in the scenery and environment that you are immersed in, although you don’t get to enjoy much when of it you’re playing because someone is always behind your back. This is not a game to be sightseeing in.

Everyone runs. Sprinting non-stop seemed to be the final choice of movement for most of the players in our six-versus-six team deathmatch map. I decided to go a normal movement pace and get a feel for the aiming, reloading, and tactics.

It seems that Crysis 2 does not support any sort of “squads” or group point-based system, so it’s every man for himself. I am personally not a fan of this, as I can put in CoD 4 and this style of play there. The graphics were good and ran really smooth, even when a large group was in a room blasting away at each other.

Rewards varied and were based on how the player was doing in the game. I ended up in the top three on my first go through, and I was the top player on my second go. I earned awards that allowed me to see the other opponents on the map without them firing rounds (Much like a UAV in COD4) or calling in air support with a “gunship.” That got me some nice kills on the open rooftops in the map.

The invisibility mode was the most intriguing aspect of the game for me and made it stand out from all the other FPSs that I’ve played. I noticed that most players were using it mainly to run around in for a quick burst (which drains your “energy level” and once that runs out, you loose the power and have to wait for it to recharge) and then shoot someone. I also noticed that if you decide to fire your weapon while this ability is active, a two-to-three second delay occurs where your invisibility cloak turns off and then you can point, aim, and shoot.

I died too many times trying this. In the end I decided to use it only when I felt there were enemies nearby and I would not run but go at a walking pace. This way my “energy level” would drain slowly and I could line up my shot with the SCAR. Before I fireed away though, I would deactivate it and then shoot, which took away that lag time. It was all business as I quickly used this newly found tactic to kill almost everyone I encountered with much success.

Overall, the display of the game to the player seemed very chaotic for the viewer but after playing it myself, I found that it just showed enough for you to get by. Sure, I know this is a test release and it’s not finalized yet, but it seemed like fun. The closest game I can compare it to is Unreal Tournament mixed with Blacklight: Tango Down. If you have a knack for those games, you should love the new Crysis 2 multiplayer.

Of course, they have until March 2011 to change things up and add new additions to the gameplay.

Last but not least, Nick decided to challenge me this weekend with a bet: Whoever wins the most games between us will do whatever the other one wants for some event or game. His proposal is for me to dance like a fool to Lady Gaga in Dance Central for Kinect. I have yet to decide mine, but I am open to any suggestions from the community. Each challenge we win we get a point for winning.

Score so far:
Nick: 2
Chris: 4

We’ll keep you updated on the score each day until Sunday where the winner and looser will be decided and recorded on HD video. Game on!

Crysis 2
Crytek/Electronic Arts
Xbox 360 (Also available for Playstation 2 and Windows)
Available March 22, 2011