The Game Play.

Crysis 2 is not the game that came before it, its not even really close. The nanosuit powers have been revamped and now feel intuitive and smooth. Rather than have the overly complex four modes that the first nanosuit featured the nanosuit 2.0 has two active states; stealth and armor. You can do everything you could in the first game and then some, strength and speed powers have now been streamlined into a single power option that kicks in whenever you perform specific modes such as a super jump by holding the jump button. Game play is broken into two main styles; sneaking around and blasting the hell out of everything in sight. While using the stealth mode Alcatraz becomes nearly invisible and can approach enemies unnoticed by the quick stealth kill that will automatically re cloak him when completed. When faced with low health (a regenerating shield just like every other shooter) Alcatraz can activate his armor ability which will drain damage from his suits energy supply (also regenerating) rather than his health. This allows you to play the game any way you would like provided you manage the energy level of your suit effectively.

The game’s levels are brilliantly created, the initial levels have you sneaking around learning to use the suit for hit and run attacks and as the game progresses you will face larger odds and battles, like master chief’s halo; a walking tank. You will earn upgrade points which will allow you to activate four of eighteen abilities for Alcatraz that will improve your desired play style allowing you to become a more effective tank, assassin or both.  While the game changes the scale and nature of the combat you will never be shoe horned into one style, you can play it stealthy the whole way through. Crysis featured massive open jungles to play in, allowing you to find your own way to objectives and attack big enemy bases however you pleased. Crysis 2 features a far more linear and focused structure that plays much smoother, it is not however a corridor shooter. Crytek has created an amazingly vertical world that never feels small, utilizing the new ledge grabbing jump, Alcatraz always has the option to attack from multiple angles and different altitudes that will have you replaying levels experimenting with different positioning and paths. You are able to utilize a Nano vision technique that upon approaching a new area will highlight different tactical options such as a sewer grate that can be used to evade enemies or a gun emplacement to tear apart foes. The battles in Crysis 2 never feel the same.

Many people have complained about the enemy artificial intelligence, which I found to be completely competent and challenging with minor path finding bugs. The vehicle sections in the first game return in the sequel though there are far less which is great because they have not gotten any better. Every now and then you will jump into a really slow tank or jeep and drive or shoot a little bit, it breaks up the first person shooting which is nice but I would have liked to pilot something faster and more fun like a jet plane. In a age where most shooters last a mere six or seven hours Crysis 2 lasts a satisfying 12 to 14 hours which is great because it doesn’t outstay its welcome or head out too fast.