It's "Halo" meets "Independence Day". Spectacular.

User Rating: 8.5 | Crysis 2 X360
Like many others, I never did play the original PC game. Released in 2007, the critically-acclaimed "Crysis" was infamous for it's high-end requirements. If you didn't play it, chances are you didn't own an expensive computer. Regardless, the game did justify it's pricey demands with jaw-dropping, visually startling graphics. The first-person shooter (similar to "Far Cry") ended up winning many awards and is considered by many to be a classic. Presently, four years later, developer Crytek has delivered its sequel to consoles. While it may not achieve the prestiege status of its predecessor, "Crysis 2" is still an amazing accomplishment of the shooter genre. I've played the game for a week now and have enjoyed it immensley. If you're a fan of "Call of Duty" and "Batman: Arkham Asylum", then you owe it to yourself to give it a try. It's that good.

First off, the game is unlike "Call of Duty" or any of its ilk due to it's more tactical gameplay. For the most part, "Crysis 2" is not to played as a typical run 'n gun shooter. It's story campaign contains large maps and offers players numerous tactical options to use. Wearing a cyborg/nanomachine suit, Alcatraz (the player) can scan the area from a vantage point and tag areas of interest. Sniping locations, flanking positions, ammo stashes and alternate routes are highlighted when you activate a view mode. You can creep around undetected or go the Rambo route. However, the advanced enemy A.I. puts up quite a fight. So if you go in gun blazings, you will need an evasive plan to prevent a quick death. As you progress in the game, new weapons become available as well upgraded power attacks. Since the cyborg suit gives Alcatraz superhuman strength, you can power slide (and shoot at the same time!), grab enemies and kick vehicles into bad guys. Speaking of vehicles, you will also drive a number of tanks to accomplish missions.

The story is a cross between "Prototype" and "Independence Day". Alcatraz is a hunted solider who sides with a scientist hell-bent on discovering the specialities of the alien-based suit. Meanwhile, military/scientific corporation interests are at odds with the duo. They go after them admist an alien attacked New York City. Whearas the story mode is a bit casually paced, the multiplayer portion is pure "Call of Duty". It's a run 'n gun affair with the same type of modes, perks and unlocks started by Infinity Ward. Thankfully, multiplayer has a few cool options such as cloaking and a shield. I've currently on level 15 and find the action to be quite bombastic despite online containing only 6 v 6 modes. Overall, "Crysis 2" is a great shooter for fans of the genre. There's plenty of action, lots to discover and unlock on both modes and has a great story. It ranks up with the "Halo" and "Half-Life" games.