Crysis is definately on par with Half Life.

[MetalHed187]

I've recently decided to upgrade from my 6 year old 2.0 ghz, GeForce 4 128mb powerhouse :p and build my own semi-high performance machine for gaming, photo/video editing, and an increased speed in productivity (but mainly gaming!) This is my short rant.

System:
E6850 3.0 ghz Core 2 Duo

8800 GTS 640 mb (just couldn't wait for the GT) but this card performs great

Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus 1333mhz

Thermaltake TMG 1 heatsink (okay performance) 32-36c idle, 36-50c max load

Thermaltake 650 watt PS

2 gb Corsair DDR 2 XMS2

One 320 gb Seagate SATA 16mb buff.

Coolermaster cm 690 chassis

Some generic DVD/CD writer and burner

Westinghouse 20.1" LCD 1400x1050

An ancient InFocus projector which still is kicking hard. 800x600

Running XP and Vista <-----not for long! ;)

The system performs amazingly from what I have become accustomed to. Dual core is great and when more apps and games take advantage of quad core, I'm going to upgrade. Video and photo editing capabilities were above my expectations. I can truly get a lot done with amazing speed

I now officially hate Windows Vista. Yes, it's slightly glamorous and sleek but it just isn't near as solid, resource efficient, or reliable as Windows XP. I sincerely hope Microsoft someday fixes this blunder of an O.S. DX10 isn't what it's been hyped up to be or maybe we just haven't had enough time to see the proper technology or programming utilize it. Every game I have, even when fully patched and updated, runs not nearly as good as with XP. Minor DX10 detail lost?----So what.

In fact, CRYSIS runs absolutely beautiful on Windows XP. (In my opinion, the best-looking and playable game to date - on par with original Half Life) I have never seen such a gorgeous game played on XP.

Note- If you change a little code in the config files, you can play it with the Very High settings reserved for Vista and BELIEVE ME it looks just as great; only smoother. Find out how here: http://www.actiontrip.com/link.phtml?http://www.crysis-online.com/forum/index.php?topic=11837.0#msg203789
Be sure to scroll down the page a ways if you don't understand. (Open files with Notebook)

My suggestion for playing Crysis:

Turn down resolution and up the effects. The loss of resolution from my native 1400x1050 res to 1280x960 or to even 1024x768 makes this game no less a masterpiece to behold. For me- it is close to gaming nirvana - what i always wanted games to be like. It's the Half Life of recent Years. I can't wait to see what is in store for the future of gaming.

Also:

2x aa goes a long way

If you must reduce- reduce shadows to medium as well as water. (Quick and easy performance boost) Crysis is extremely tunable so take your time and get it right before getting too far into the game.

My Favorite Games:
Crysis
HalfLife (all) Specifically Portal
Bioshock
Scrapland
Alice
Doom3
Need for Speed Underground 2 and Carbon
X2
Age of Empires 2
Stronghold

Thanks for reading.

[George Hallam]

In fact, CRYSIS runs absolutely beautiful on Windows XP. (In my opinion, the best-looking and playable game to date - on par with original Half Life) I have never seen such a gorgeous game played on XP.


i totally agree i played Crysis on vista aswell as XP and i got alot smoother frame rates on XP also with that mod you cant really tell the difference :D

i have not played
Scrapland
Alice
X2
Stronghold

what are they like?

HL2 is a great game but its a shame how short the Episodes are :(... Portal is an odd game bit confusing at first then you get hang of it and its a bit more fun :D..

what framerates did you get on crysis? and what AA, AF, resolution and in game settings?

[MetalHed187]

All the settings are on very high except for water which is set to medium ( I didn't see a big difference between the water effects). Resolution is 1024x768 (low I know but still looks amazing) with AA set to 2x. Overall, I'm getting fps in the high twenties to low thirties during combat and the highest I've had is 44 when just exploring alone. I regret not getting a better video card though. Don't get me wrong, the 8800 GTS is very good but I think it would have been worth the extra money for the GTX or waiting until the GT was released.

American McGee's Alice is a third person action/adventure game. You play Alice who must return to Wonderland and help restore order. -A very dark and twisted game.

American McGee's Scrapland is a futuristic action/dogfighting/roleplaying game. You play D-Tritus, a robot reporter on a planet of robots. Absolutely beautiful graphics and sound and great gameplay. Customize fighter ships and fly through metropolis-like cities. A very deep, clever, and entertaining game.

X2 the threat is a great space fighter simulation but there is much more to do than fighting (smuggle, make dough)

I agree that the HL episodes are so short but I can't help but love the entire HL series. HL2 was just fantastic and Portal blew my mind. I initially thought Portal was a straightforward puzzle game but I become so engrossed as I progressed. It had a unique and somewhat frightening story and great style. I also really enjoyed the eerie music.

One more game that I forgot to add: Clive Barker's Undying. Old--yes, but disturbing and frightening . Freaked me out when I would play alone.

Stronghold is a strategy game. Build up and defend your own castle. Pretty fun too.