PAX 2008: Crysis: Warhead Hands-On Preview
Crytek says they've populated Warhead's storyline with more scripted events, squad-based combat, dialogue, and radio chatter, and this definitely seemed to be the case in the levels I played, which featured planes screaming overhead, alien/North Korean skirmishes, and a steady stream of other contextual content. They've also addressed one of the main criticisms of Crysis by completely scrapping any mandatory vehicle sections. According to Crytek, although there are frequent vehicle opportunities, there's not a single level in Warhead that forces you behind a wheel or turret as the latter portions of Crysis did.
Crytek also reports making significant AI improvements for Warhead. It's tough to hope for better human AI than Crytek built into Crysis, and to be honest the flanking and use of cover I saw from the North Korean enemies in Warhead looked impressively familiar, if not noticeably improved. The alien AI, though, is obviously overhauled, with extraterrestrial enemies now using cover, employing shield devices, running from grenades, and even healing one another.
Warhead's multiplayer component, entitled Crysis Wars, will include 21 maps, including the 14 maps previously released for Crysis and 7 new maps exclusive to Warhead. Although I didn't see the multiplayer game, Crytek indicates the new maps are smaller-scale and designed for more concentrated action. In addition, all the original maps have reportedly been revamped with optimized spawn points and other improvements. Warhead also adds a much sought-after new mode, Team Instant Action, which is essentially a team deathmatch mode. Crytek says they intend to continue to develop Crysis Wars as a separate multiplayer component, for which fans can expect long-term support.
My overall impression of Crysis: Warhead was extremely favorable. With the improvements on Crysis' successful design, the technical optimization, and the tempting price, it's looking like a very worthy addition to Crytek's shooter showcase.
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Crytek also reports making significant AI improvements for Warhead. It's tough to hope for better human AI than Crytek built into Crysis, and to be honest the flanking and use of cover I saw from the North Korean enemies in Warhead looked impressively familiar, if not noticeably improved. The alien AI, though, is obviously overhauled, with extraterrestrial enemies now using cover, employing shield devices, running from grenades, and even healing one another.
Warhead's multiplayer component, entitled Crysis Wars, will include 21 maps, including the 14 maps previously released for Crysis and 7 new maps exclusive to Warhead. Although I didn't see the multiplayer game, Crytek indicates the new maps are smaller-scale and designed for more concentrated action. In addition, all the original maps have reportedly been revamped with optimized spawn points and other improvements. Warhead also adds a much sought-after new mode, Team Instant Action, which is essentially a team deathmatch mode. Crytek says they intend to continue to develop Crysis Wars as a separate multiplayer component, for which fans can expect long-term support.
My overall impression of Crysis: Warhead was extremely favorable. With the improvements on Crysis' successful design, the technical optimization, and the tempting price, it's looking like a very worthy addition to Crytek's shooter showcase.
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