Game Review - Crysis Warhead

Last year’s Crysis wasn’t just a technological achievement in graphics; it was also one fantastically good game. It provided open-ended environments with engaging and strategic FPS action. With the release of Crysis Warhead, the stand-alone expansion to the original game, it builds upon the established story and goes full speed ahead with the intensity.

Instead of taking of control of Nomad this time around, you play as Jason Statham lookalike Psycho, the no-nonsense, hardcore British solider from the original game. You basically play through the events that take place while the rest of the team is scattered across the island. None of the events from the first game will really intertwine here.

It is your mission to locate a large container, obviously containing an alien life form, and apprehend it from the North Koreans. The story won’t make too much sense if you haven’t played the first game. However, the enjoyment level of the gameplay shouldn’t be hampered too much.

Unlike the offering of small skirmishs like before, Warhead has balls to the wall action. You won’t be able to survey the area as much before making your first move. Things never let up here and you rarely have a chance to gather yourself. You’ll face waves and waves of Koreans, aliens or both at any given time. It makes this game a pure adrenaline rush compared to last year’s more cerebral play style. I’m not sure if it makes for a better game, but it sure makes for one hell of a ride.

The same main component behind the game, while also enhancing your abilities, is the Nanosuit. It allows you to increase your strength, speed, and armor or use a Predator-like cloak. Basically, you can enter any situation as you see fit. Also, the driving controls have been improved. You’re given more control over vehicles, and it doesn’t become a headache to get from place to place anymore. A few more additions, such as weapons and vehicles, have been also been added.

Of course, the main question, like before, is how well does it run. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Not only does it run better then the original game, but it also looks better. Crytek has done an exceptional job here, as the Crysis engine has been heavily optimized. While I found a lot of the previous criticisms against the performance to be exaggerated, it is far less of a concern now. You still won’t be able to run it on that old clunker your parents won’t replace, but it helps the folks with entry-level gaming rigs.

With the smaller price tag, more emphasis on action, and better optimized graphics, it makes Crysis Warhead a deal too good to pass up. It is a ton of fun, and I completely recommend it to anyone that has an itch to blow some stuff up.