Welcome to the new profile
We're still working on updating some profile features. To see the badges, ratings breakdowns, and polls for this profile, please go to the previous version.
Reviews104
Junebug23057's rating
Having never played the first "Crysis," I went into "Crysis 2" without any preconceived notions, but I was familiar with its basic premise. After reading various reviews, I decided to jump into the fray, and I'm glad I did. Set in a war-torn New York City in 2023, the game weaves an intriguing narrative as you assume the role of Alcatraz, a soldier embodying a powerful nanosuit while combating an alien infestation.
The gameplay is predominantly a first-person shooter, which feels both familiar and refreshing. While the campaign has a linear design, there's enough exploration to make searching for collectibles and trinkets worthwhile. I'd describe it as a blend between "Call of Duty" and "Half-Life 2"; there's a strong focus on action and narrative, albeit sans the gravity gun. The nanosuit's different abilities enhance the experience significantly-using stealth, rushing at enemies, or creating a temporary shield can lead to some genuinely exhilarating moments. The enemies range from military soldiers to sci-fi aliens with impressive vehicles, reminiscent of "War of the Worlds," which adds a unique flair to the typical firefight.
Level design is solid, with various environments that keep the gameplay feeling fresh. While it may not reach the legendary heights of franchise campaigns like "Halo," it certainly does its job in holding your interest throughout.
Now, let's talk about the graphics. "Crysis 2" is over a decade old, yet it still boasts some of the best visuals in the gaming world, thanks to Crytek's powerful graphics engine. It makes the environment come to life, showcasing incredible details in the scenery and weaponry. You can't help but admire the vibrant colors and realistic textures that enhance immersion.
Soundwise, the game excels. The gun sound effects are on point, setting a gold standard for how firearms should sound in any first-person shooter. You'll feel every shot fired, which adds to the thrill of combat. Not to mention, the score is composed by none other than Hans Zimmer, elevating the game's cinematic quality to new heights.
However, "Crysis 2" does have its drawbacks. While it's a strong title, it struggles to completely match the level design and gameplay loop of its competitors. The narrative, while engaging enough, didn't fully resonate with me since my lack of background from the first game left me a bit disconnected from the story and characters. Alcatraz's journey, while exciting, could have used more depth to make it truly memorable.
The weapon system is another area where I found some frustration. There are numerous versions of the same gun, which can be overwhelming and make it challenging to determine the best option for various situations. While more choice can be good in theory, it feels a bit cluttered in practice.
Overall, "Crysis 2" is a strong 8/10-its gorgeous graphics, solid gameplay, and memorable sound effects create an enjoyable experience. I'm excited to see what "Crysis 4" has in store and whether it can build on the strengths of its predecessors. If you're looking for a compelling shooter to dive into, this one should be on your radar.
The gameplay is predominantly a first-person shooter, which feels both familiar and refreshing. While the campaign has a linear design, there's enough exploration to make searching for collectibles and trinkets worthwhile. I'd describe it as a blend between "Call of Duty" and "Half-Life 2"; there's a strong focus on action and narrative, albeit sans the gravity gun. The nanosuit's different abilities enhance the experience significantly-using stealth, rushing at enemies, or creating a temporary shield can lead to some genuinely exhilarating moments. The enemies range from military soldiers to sci-fi aliens with impressive vehicles, reminiscent of "War of the Worlds," which adds a unique flair to the typical firefight.
Level design is solid, with various environments that keep the gameplay feeling fresh. While it may not reach the legendary heights of franchise campaigns like "Halo," it certainly does its job in holding your interest throughout.
Now, let's talk about the graphics. "Crysis 2" is over a decade old, yet it still boasts some of the best visuals in the gaming world, thanks to Crytek's powerful graphics engine. It makes the environment come to life, showcasing incredible details in the scenery and weaponry. You can't help but admire the vibrant colors and realistic textures that enhance immersion.
Soundwise, the game excels. The gun sound effects are on point, setting a gold standard for how firearms should sound in any first-person shooter. You'll feel every shot fired, which adds to the thrill of combat. Not to mention, the score is composed by none other than Hans Zimmer, elevating the game's cinematic quality to new heights.
However, "Crysis 2" does have its drawbacks. While it's a strong title, it struggles to completely match the level design and gameplay loop of its competitors. The narrative, while engaging enough, didn't fully resonate with me since my lack of background from the first game left me a bit disconnected from the story and characters. Alcatraz's journey, while exciting, could have used more depth to make it truly memorable.
The weapon system is another area where I found some frustration. There are numerous versions of the same gun, which can be overwhelming and make it challenging to determine the best option for various situations. While more choice can be good in theory, it feels a bit cluttered in practice.
Overall, "Crysis 2" is a strong 8/10-its gorgeous graphics, solid gameplay, and memorable sound effects create an enjoyable experience. I'm excited to see what "Crysis 4" has in store and whether it can build on the strengths of its predecessors. If you're looking for a compelling shooter to dive into, this one should be on your radar.
As a huge fan of the original "Prototype," I was eager to jump into the chaos of its sequel. The first game was an exhilarating ride filled with outrageous abilities, and I couldn't wait to see what "Prototype 2" had in store. However, as I navigated the streets of Manhattan once more, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something just wasn't clicking the way I had hoped.
The story picks up fourteen months after the events of the first game. We step into the shoes of Sgt. James Heller, who returns from Iraq only to find that his family has fallen victim to the devastating Blacklight Virus unleashed by Alex Mercer, the protagonist-turned-antagonist from the first game. Fueled by rage, Heller seeks out Mercer for vengeance, but a twist of fate finds him infected by Mercer's power. What follows is a personal journey of revenge that, while effective, felt a bit disjointed given its predecessor's narrative.
One surprising aspect of the game is the choice to pit Heller against Mercer, a character that, despite being the first game's lead, never garnered significant attachment from me. Nevertheless, Heller's quest for revenge brings a new depth to the story, and the introduction is well crafted, boasting solid voice acting that pulls you into the experience. The narrative is primarily told through cutscenes and black-and-white film sequences, providing a classic feel reminiscent of old-school "Metal Gear Solid" storytelling. It's this approach that I believe "Prototype 2" does better than the original, which is a pleasant surprise.
However, beyond the narrative, much felt off. The first glaring difference is the reduction in Heller's abilities compared to Mercer's overwhelming powers from the original game. It's surprisingly rare for a sequel to dial back what players can do, and throughout my time with the game, I often felt a tinge of disappointment. The chaos and over-the-top fun of the first entry seemed toned down, leaving me craving more of the unrestrained mayhem I had loved.
The mission structure remains familiar; players zip around Manhattan, engaging in main quests and side missions that utilize Heller's abilities. Missions can involve timed events or straightforward combat, but I found myself longing for fresh mechanics or innovative gameplay twists. Graphically, "Prototype 2" doesn't bring anything revolutionary to the table, which felt disappointing, as I was hoping for an upgrade from the original's already rough aesthetic. Combine this with the fact that Heller feels significantly weaker than Mercer, and it made for a gameplay experience that, while fun, was distracting.
On a positive note, the voice acting-especially Heller's-is commendable, and the familiar soundtrack from the first game maintains immersion, adding some enjoyment to face-melting chaos. I invested a good amount of time into the game, almost reaching 100% completion, spurred on by the XP system that allows you to improve your skills.
Yet, despite the fun I had, I couldn't shake the feeling that Heller was forever in Mercer's shadow. "Prototype 2" is by no means a bad game; it just didn't reach the dizzying heights of its predecessor. It's a shame that the franchise seems to have fizzled out, and I can only hope that someday, perhaps under new management, we might see a resurgence.
In the end, I'd rate "Prototype 2" a solid 7/10. It's a fun romp through a chaotic world, but it ultimately leaves you yearning for the thrill that made the first game unforgettable.
The story picks up fourteen months after the events of the first game. We step into the shoes of Sgt. James Heller, who returns from Iraq only to find that his family has fallen victim to the devastating Blacklight Virus unleashed by Alex Mercer, the protagonist-turned-antagonist from the first game. Fueled by rage, Heller seeks out Mercer for vengeance, but a twist of fate finds him infected by Mercer's power. What follows is a personal journey of revenge that, while effective, felt a bit disjointed given its predecessor's narrative.
One surprising aspect of the game is the choice to pit Heller against Mercer, a character that, despite being the first game's lead, never garnered significant attachment from me. Nevertheless, Heller's quest for revenge brings a new depth to the story, and the introduction is well crafted, boasting solid voice acting that pulls you into the experience. The narrative is primarily told through cutscenes and black-and-white film sequences, providing a classic feel reminiscent of old-school "Metal Gear Solid" storytelling. It's this approach that I believe "Prototype 2" does better than the original, which is a pleasant surprise.
However, beyond the narrative, much felt off. The first glaring difference is the reduction in Heller's abilities compared to Mercer's overwhelming powers from the original game. It's surprisingly rare for a sequel to dial back what players can do, and throughout my time with the game, I often felt a tinge of disappointment. The chaos and over-the-top fun of the first entry seemed toned down, leaving me craving more of the unrestrained mayhem I had loved.
The mission structure remains familiar; players zip around Manhattan, engaging in main quests and side missions that utilize Heller's abilities. Missions can involve timed events or straightforward combat, but I found myself longing for fresh mechanics or innovative gameplay twists. Graphically, "Prototype 2" doesn't bring anything revolutionary to the table, which felt disappointing, as I was hoping for an upgrade from the original's already rough aesthetic. Combine this with the fact that Heller feels significantly weaker than Mercer, and it made for a gameplay experience that, while fun, was distracting.
On a positive note, the voice acting-especially Heller's-is commendable, and the familiar soundtrack from the first game maintains immersion, adding some enjoyment to face-melting chaos. I invested a good amount of time into the game, almost reaching 100% completion, spurred on by the XP system that allows you to improve your skills.
Yet, despite the fun I had, I couldn't shake the feeling that Heller was forever in Mercer's shadow. "Prototype 2" is by no means a bad game; it just didn't reach the dizzying heights of its predecessor. It's a shame that the franchise seems to have fizzled out, and I can only hope that someday, perhaps under new management, we might see a resurgence.
In the end, I'd rate "Prototype 2" a solid 7/10. It's a fun romp through a chaotic world, but it ultimately leaves you yearning for the thrill that made the first game unforgettable.
Released in 2009, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" sits proudly among the treasures of the golden era of AAA single-player games, despite its attempts at multiplayer. I vividly remember those days when I'd sink my teeth into rich narratives and immersive gameplay, and this title was no exception.
Set in the year 2125, the game thrusts you into the worn-out boots of Alec Mason, a mining engineer caught in the crossfire of a rebellion on Mars. The oppression of the Earth Defense Force (EDF) looms heavily as you join the Red Faction resistance, navigating a world rife with conflict. While I won't spoil the plot, the premise serves as an engaging backdrop for the stunning chaos that unfolds.
At its core, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" is a third-person sandbox game, inviting players to engage in a variety of missions, both main and side. What truly sets this game apart is the extraordinary freedom it offers in how objectives can be completed. I remember one mission in particular where I had to demolish a specific building. With a truck full of explosives, I barreled it into the structure, jumping out just before the explosion. The sense of accomplishment that came from crafting my own chaotic solution was exhilarating!
Driving is another essential element of gameplay, with an assortment of vehicles-trucks, jeeps, and even mechs-allowing you to traverse the Martian landscape. You earn XP to enhance your skills, adding another layer of engagement.
As for the weapons, they stick to familiar sci-fi tropes-shotguns, assault rifles, and snipers-but what really stood out to me was the trusty hammer. Nothing felt as satisfying as smashing through walls or demolishing cover. The destruction mechanics in "Red Faction: Guerrilla" remain unparalleled in my gaming experience. With intricate designs, buildings crumble and collapse in ways that continue to impress. This dynamic truly kept me on my toes, as both I and my enemies could blow apart cover, adding a frantic pace to gunfights.
Graphically, the game isn't breaking any new ground, but it serves its purpose. The landscape of Mars is accurately portrayed, sometimes drawing comparisons to "Mad Max" in its desolate beauty. After all, a dusty red planet provides a fitting backdrop for the mayhem.
While the story isn't the focal point, the character interactions-mostly delivered through intercoms-do create a functional atmosphere. It may not lend itself to deep immersion, but I found it didn't detract from my experience. The surprisingly captivating music, particularly during intense moments, helped elevate the stakes, making me feel like I was genuinely fighting for something important.
While I never achieved 100% completion, my roughly 25 hours of gameplay were filled with memorable moments and gratifying destruction. It's a shame what happened to the sequel-it would be fantastic to see a proper follow-up to this gem. Ultimately, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" earns a well-deserved 9/10 from me. It's a classic that showcases not just fun but the freedom to create your own chaos in an enthralling sandbox environment.
Set in the year 2125, the game thrusts you into the worn-out boots of Alec Mason, a mining engineer caught in the crossfire of a rebellion on Mars. The oppression of the Earth Defense Force (EDF) looms heavily as you join the Red Faction resistance, navigating a world rife with conflict. While I won't spoil the plot, the premise serves as an engaging backdrop for the stunning chaos that unfolds.
At its core, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" is a third-person sandbox game, inviting players to engage in a variety of missions, both main and side. What truly sets this game apart is the extraordinary freedom it offers in how objectives can be completed. I remember one mission in particular where I had to demolish a specific building. With a truck full of explosives, I barreled it into the structure, jumping out just before the explosion. The sense of accomplishment that came from crafting my own chaotic solution was exhilarating!
Driving is another essential element of gameplay, with an assortment of vehicles-trucks, jeeps, and even mechs-allowing you to traverse the Martian landscape. You earn XP to enhance your skills, adding another layer of engagement.
As for the weapons, they stick to familiar sci-fi tropes-shotguns, assault rifles, and snipers-but what really stood out to me was the trusty hammer. Nothing felt as satisfying as smashing through walls or demolishing cover. The destruction mechanics in "Red Faction: Guerrilla" remain unparalleled in my gaming experience. With intricate designs, buildings crumble and collapse in ways that continue to impress. This dynamic truly kept me on my toes, as both I and my enemies could blow apart cover, adding a frantic pace to gunfights.
Graphically, the game isn't breaking any new ground, but it serves its purpose. The landscape of Mars is accurately portrayed, sometimes drawing comparisons to "Mad Max" in its desolate beauty. After all, a dusty red planet provides a fitting backdrop for the mayhem.
While the story isn't the focal point, the character interactions-mostly delivered through intercoms-do create a functional atmosphere. It may not lend itself to deep immersion, but I found it didn't detract from my experience. The surprisingly captivating music, particularly during intense moments, helped elevate the stakes, making me feel like I was genuinely fighting for something important.
While I never achieved 100% completion, my roughly 25 hours of gameplay were filled with memorable moments and gratifying destruction. It's a shame what happened to the sequel-it would be fantastic to see a proper follow-up to this gem. Ultimately, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" earns a well-deserved 9/10 from me. It's a classic that showcases not just fun but the freedom to create your own chaos in an enthralling sandbox environment.