Crysis Warhead info from PC Gamer - including the "$653 Warhead Machine" #1
I just got my issue of PC Gamer in the mail with Crysis Warhead on the cover. Here are some of the key points they talk about :
Crytek is mainly focusing on dealing with a perception problem:
-Performance, what it *actually* takes to run the game
-Sales, specifically saying it's sold about 1.5 million copies
-The perception that multi-platform development will dumb down PC versions
Crysis Warhead is a PC exclusive
Warhead is a full sized game, following Psycho during the events of Crysis. Not just a standalone expansion
Psycho's known appearance allows for 3rd-person cutscenes. Don't scoff - they could be used to teach you nanosuit techniques. I'll believe it when I see it though...
Prophet's story isn't touched in this game, but his story could be in yet another "sidequel". Ugh, what about addressing the cliffhanger ending?
Game starts when Psycho leaves Nomad (main character from first game) about half-way through the first game. Ends sometime before he shows back up on the aircraft carrier
Single player campaign of about 8-10 hours, beefed up multiplayer game (I'll go over it later)
Crytek's aim with Warhead is specifically to satisfy critics of the first game
Yerli admits that designing the game with future scalability was a "mistake", and that they should have released those higher settings later with a patch
"If you were able to run Crysis, you'll be able to run Warhead better" -Cevat Yerli
In addition to better performance, Warhead includes a new "global ambient lighting" system, lighting and shadowing improvements, and new particle effects - none of which impact framerates on current-gen machines
You don't need Vista and DX10 this time around for the highest-end effects - you can max out the graphics with DX9 on XP
AI improvements - aliens have more human-like organizations, enemies have better group tactics, korean combat chatter improves
Unlike Crysis' linear focus towards the end, Warhead maintains scripted and sandbox aspects, better integrated throughout the game. Vehicles remain important throughout it
You'll never be forced into a vehicle - they always remain options in Warhead
Yerli admits that announcing Crysis too early may have hurt the game - Warhead will ship this year, and from now on, he hopes to announce games merely 3 months before their release
Psycho's suit abilities will be the same as Nomad's, but Crytek says there might be a surprise later in the game.
Multiplayer
Warhead includes everything that Crysis has, including stuff added to the game post-release
Includes a third mode to the first Instant Action and Power Struggle modes
New mode isn't named yet, will be less complex than Power Struggle, but be more involved than instant Action
New maps feature more vertical environments, wide gaps to encourage strength jumps and such
All vehicles - including the new amphibious APC - will be available in multiplayer
Interview clips
Doesn't agree with Brad Wardell on piracy, says the problem is people choosing between spending money on hardware or spending money on software. Basically hopes that now that people have the hardware, they'll spend their money on Crysis
Says that yes, Crysis sold well, Crytek/EA made a profit despite the big budget of the game, but sales could have been better. Yes, 15-20 pirated copies for 1 sold copy doesn't mean they could have sold 15-20 times as much, but he thinks selling double the amount isn't an unreasonable estimate
Crysis 2's development depends heavily on Warhead's success
Cross-platform development would involve two teams, avoiding the "distilled, easier to access experience" that console games need on the PC version
Crytek's previous GDC announcement involving PS3 development is not Crysis-related
Pushing PC hardware? "I think we wouldn't be Crytek if each platform didn't have its technology pushed."
The PC Gamer $653 Warhead Machine
Crytek built its own machine capable of running the game "silky smooth", with "all the bells and whistles turned on". Considering that it has an 8600GT, I'll take it with a grain of salt, but Dan Stapleton confirmed in a PC Gamer Podcast thread that they absolutely did play the game on this machine, and it was running on High details.
Shuttle SG31G2S Barebone Case - $239.99
Intel Pentium E2180 2.0GHz Dual-Core CPU - $82.99
Samsung SH-S203B DVD Burner - $29.99
Hitachi Deskstar 7K160 160GB hard drive - $48.99
A-Data 2GB DDR2 SDRAM - $45.99
MSI GeForce 8600GT 512MB video card - $94.99
Vista Home Premium - $109.99
Don't forget that you can easily find a case/power supply solution for cheaper than that! It would compensate for the mouse, keyboard, speakers, and monitor you might need.
Crymod Modding Portal | News & Asset Releases | PCGamer Information on Warhead
I just got my issue of PC Gamer in the mail with Crysis Warhead on the cover. Here are some of the key points they talk about :
Crytek is mainly focusing on dealing with a perception problem:
-Performance, what it *actually* takes to run the game
-Sales, specifically saying it's sold about 1.5 million copies
-The perception that multi-platform development will dumb down PC versions
Crysis Warhead is a PC exclusive
Warhead is a full sized game, following Psycho during the events of Crysis. Not just a standalone expansion
Psycho's known appearance allows for 3rd-person cutscenes. Don't scoff - they could be used to teach you nanosuit techniques. I'll believe it when I see it though...
Prophet's story isn't touched in this game, but his story could be in yet another "sidequel". Ugh, what about addressing the cliffhanger ending?
Game starts when Psycho leaves Nomad (main character from first game) about half-way through the first game. Ends sometime before he shows back up on the aircraft carrier
Single player campaign of about 8-10 hours, beefed up multiplayer game (I'll go over it later)
Crytek's aim with Warhead is specifically to satisfy critics of the first game
Yerli admits that designing the game with future scalability was a "mistake", and that they should have released those higher settings later with a patch
"If you were able to run Crysis, you'll be able to run Warhead better" -Cevat Yerli
In addition to better performance, Warhead includes a new "global ambient lighting" system, lighting and shadowing improvements, and new particle effects - none of which impact framerates on current-gen machines
You don't need Vista and DX10 this time around for the highest-end effects - you can max out the graphics with DX9 on XP
AI improvements - aliens have more human-like organizations, enemies have better group tactics, korean combat chatter improves
Unlike Crysis' linear focus towards the end, Warhead maintains scripted and sandbox aspects, better integrated throughout the game. Vehicles remain important throughout it
You'll never be forced into a vehicle - they always remain options in Warhead
Yerli admits that announcing Crysis too early may have hurt the game - Warhead will ship this year, and from now on, he hopes to announce games merely 3 months before their release
Psycho's suit abilities will be the same as Nomad's, but Crytek says there might be a surprise later in the game.
Multiplayer
Warhead includes everything that Crysis has, including stuff added to the game post-release
Includes a third mode to the first Instant Action and Power Struggle modes
New mode isn't named yet, will be less complex than Power Struggle, but be more involved than instant Action
New maps feature more vertical environments, wide gaps to encourage strength jumps and such
All vehicles - including the new amphibious APC - will be available in multiplayer
Interview clips
Doesn't agree with Brad Wardell on piracy, says the problem is people choosing between spending money on hardware or spending money on software. Basically hopes that now that people have the hardware, they'll spend their money on Crysis
Says that yes, Crysis sold well, Crytek/EA made a profit despite the big budget of the game, but sales could have been better. Yes, 15-20 pirated copies for 1 sold copy doesn't mean they could have sold 15-20 times as much, but he thinks selling double the amount isn't an unreasonable estimate
Crysis 2's development depends heavily on Warhead's success
Cross-platform development would involve two teams, avoiding the "distilled, easier to access experience" that console games need on the PC version
Crytek's previous GDC announcement involving PS3 development is not Crysis-related
Pushing PC hardware? "I think we wouldn't be Crytek if each platform didn't have its technology pushed."
The PC Gamer $653 Warhead Machine
Crytek built its own machine capable of running the game "silky smooth", with "all the bells and whistles turned on". Considering that it has an 8600GT, I'll take it with a grain of salt, but Dan Stapleton confirmed in a PC Gamer Podcast thread that they absolutely did play the game on this machine, and it was running on High details.
Shuttle SG31G2S Barebone Case - $239.99
Intel Pentium E2180 2.0GHz Dual-Core CPU - $82.99
Samsung SH-S203B DVD Burner - $29.99
Hitachi Deskstar 7K160 160GB hard drive - $48.99
A-Data 2GB DDR2 SDRAM - $45.99
MSI GeForce 8600GT 512MB video card - $94.99
Vista Home Premium - $109.99
Don't forget that you can easily find a case/power supply solution for cheaper than that! It would compensate for the mouse, keyboard, speakers, and monitor you might need.
Crymod Modding Portal | News & Asset Releases | PCGamer Information on Warhead
