Crysis 3 open beta is currently out for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC in all its fairly good graphics glory. I have been playing the game for a while now, and from the things I've experienced, Crysis 3 is going to be one crazy game.
For those wondering, this preview is based on the Xbox 360 version of the game. The open beta can be downloaded right now on Xbox Live, but be warned, this is just a multiplayer beta so the graphics might not be out of this world. In fact, it might look the same when compared to Crysis 2.
Crysis 3 has certainly stretched the Xbox 360 to its limit, forcing the poor old console to fall to its knees, groaning in agony. I was hoping it had just a little bit more power to play this game. The open beta on the Xbox 360, while looking ok, is nowhere near the quality of the PC version. The differences are literally night and day. If you have a good gaming rig set up, I'd recommend skipping the console versions. You won't reget it.
The beta gives players the chance to experience two multiplayer modes: Hunter, where two players take on 10 others, and Crash Site, where two teams fight to control an area. It might not sound like much, but these modes are exceptionally fun and engaging. Hunter is a bit slow compared to Crash Site due to the 2 vs 10 scenario. Might I add - the two hunters are quite powerful compared to the 10 who are being hunted.
Both game modes can be played on two different maps. Players also have the chance to customize their battlee gear and look before diving into the action. This allow players to experience using different weapons and abilities. So get used to how things work before the full game hits store shelves on Feb. 18.
So what's the verdict? Well, it feels good, controls are tight and weapons have power. However, the game does come off as the bastard child of Halo and Call of Duty. Whether that will turn out to be a good thing is not yet known. It's an OK beta, OK things are fun, but OK things don't have long lasting appeal.