Incredible graphics and innovative gameplay make it one of the best FPSs to date.
Now days almost all games come prepackaged with a multi-player experience, but no multi-player is worth $60 so it is important to come prepared with a quality story. Crysis 2 does this well. Well the story does really start out slow and takes its time to develop it really does become great later on, and while some of the early missions may seem like a chore I was far too enamored with the graphics for it to ruin the experience. So that without spoiling the ending the campaign is a solid 10+ hour experience which becomes well worth it as the story progresses.
Graphics 9.5/10
Lets start out by saying this game is gorgeous. There is no way around it from the opening sequences all the way through the textures, shading, and lighting never cease to amaze. The only minor issues include the 3D visuals not being as incredible as may be expected, and a slight motion blur at some points but overall the graphics are this games strong point.
Gameplay 8/10
The gun play and motion are fluid and plays as well as other FPSs. This games defining feature however is of course the nanosuit. Those who played the first Crysis will note that the original 4 suit powers have been reduced to three with armor and strength being combined most likely to work with console controllers. While there is no problem with this is almost feels as if some of the strategy in choosing which mode to activate is gone when having only two powers aside from speed. That being said the game still plays just fine.
Another notable change is the more linear mission progression in Crysis 2. While Crysis 2 does still provide multiple options for completing an objective as well a vertical component to the levels which in some ways replaces the expansiveness of Crysis 1. So that overall you are left with a very good game play experience sure to please both old and new players of the series, though it may feel a little scaled down to anyone used to the original.
Multiplayer 8/10
The multi-player is in many ways sort of a cross between halo and cod and in many ways feels all to familiar to the major FPSs today. Many people will notice the class system, suit upgrades which are similar in function to perks, kill streaks at 3,5,7(though a unique take requires you to loot the body to get the item needed for the killstreak, which appears to be used to reduce camping) a number of weapons in the classic FPS categories and other features which feel all too familiar to anyone who has played other FPS games.
While all of this is similar Crysis 2's defining feature once again becomes its nanosuit and how it effects the multi-player experience. While both suit modes add a unique twist to some multi-player occurrences it is not particularly special. The multi-player is good but the presence of the two suit modes means that at anyone time a player is doing one of two things. Cloaking and trying to get to the other side of the map, or entering power mode to engage in some up close and personal encounters. While perks do add a few more dynamics to this system it really feels as if the multi-player experience doesn't do enough to set its self apart in the genre. So that overall you are left with a multi-player that plays well and looks nice, but doesn't really set itself apart in the FPS genre.
Overall 8.5
Crysis 2 is a great new addition to the FPS lineup on todays consoles. The story is very good and the graphics make it one of the best looking console games to date. The multi-player is also very fun, but doesn't do enough to set itself apart in todays FPS market. Overall the game is well worth the purchase price, but for all it does right seems like it could have been even better.