Crysis Remastered Trilogy: A Sci-Fi Shooter That Still Holds Up?

The world of video games constantly evolves, churning out fresh experiences with each passing year. But amidst the whirlwind of new releases, certain titles manage to stand the test of time. “Crysis Remastered Trilogy,” a compilation encompassing “Crysis,” “Crysis 2,” and “Crysis 3,” is a prime example.

Released in 2020, this remastered trilogy aimed to breathe new life into Crytek’s beloved sci-fi shooter franchise. While the original games debuted between 2007 and 2013, their groundbreaking graphics and immersive gameplay continue to resonate with players even today.

The Trilogy takes you on a journey through futuristic landscapes, pitting you against alien threats of varying degrees of grotesqueness. You’ll don the technologically advanced Nanosuit, granting you superhuman abilities like enhanced strength, speed, armor, and cloaking.

Crysis Remastered: The Journey Begins

The first “Crysis” plunges you into the North Korean archipelago in 2020. A mysterious signal emanating from an island draws the attention of US Special Forces. You play as Prophet, a soldier equipped with the powerful Nanosuit 2.0. Your mission is to investigate the signal and uncover its origins.

The island holds many secrets, teeming with hostile North Korean forces and a terrifying extraterrestrial threat known as the Ceph. These otherworldly beings are not your typical alien invaders; they possess advanced technology and exhibit unsettlingly intelligent behavior.

Crysis’s gameplay revolves around tactical decision-making, utilizing the Nanosuit’s versatile abilities to overcome challenges. You can choose to go in guns blazing, relying on brute force, or adopt a stealthier approach, using cloaking to take down enemies undetected.

The original Crysis is renowned for its demanding graphics, pushing PC hardware to its limits upon release. The remastered version offers improved visuals, including enhanced textures, lighting, and foliage density, making the tropical environments even more immersive.

Crysis 2 Remastered: Urban Warfare

“Crysis 2,” released in 2011, shifts the setting to New York City, ravaged by a deadly virus unleashed by the Ceph. You play as Alcatraz, another Nanosuit-clad soldier tasked with stopping the alien threat and uncovering the conspiracy behind the virus outbreak.

This installment introduces new gameplay elements, such as destructible environments and enhanced weaponry. You’ll engage in intense firefights amidst collapsing skyscrapers and flooded streets. “Crysis 2” also features a more linear narrative structure compared to its predecessor, focusing on a streamlined campaign experience.

The remastered version of “Crysis 2” boasts improved textures and visual effects, enhancing the gritty urban aesthetic.

Crysis 3 Remastered: A Hunt for Answers

Concluding the trilogy, “Crysis 3” (2013) transports you to a future New York City encased in a massive biodome. The Ceph have unleashed a devastating bioweapon that threatens humanity’s survival.

This time, Prophet returns as the protagonist, seeking answers about his past and the origins of the Nanosuit technology. You’ll navigate through a post-apocalyptic cityscape overgrown with vegetation, utilizing new weapons and abilities to overcome the alien threat.

“Crysis 3” introduces the Predator Bow, a powerful weapon that allows for silent takedowns and long-range precision shots. The remastered version features enhanced visuals, including updated lighting and particle effects, making the game even more visually striking.

Production Features: A Technical Marvel

The “Crysis Remastered Trilogy” is built upon CryEngine, the renowned game engine developed by Crytek. Known for its advanced graphics capabilities, CryEngine has powered several other notable titles, including Far Cry and Ryse: Son of Rome.

The Trilogy’s remastering process involved a combination of techniques to bring the visuals up to par with modern standards. Textures were upscaled and enhanced, lighting models were revamped, and environmental details were refined. The result is a visually stunning experience that showcases the power of CryEngine even today.

Final Thoughts: A Blast from the Past Worth Revisiting?

The “Crysis Remastered Trilogy” offers a compelling opportunity to revisit these classic sci-fi shooters with enhanced visuals and performance.

While some purists may argue that remasters don’t offer enough innovation, this trilogy provides a solid entry point for newcomers who missed out on the original games.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling action, immersive storytelling, or simply want to experience groundbreaking graphics, the “Crysis Remastered Trilogy” is a worthwhile purchase.