Crytek's Crysis 3 is one of the most technically accomplished games of this generation, a visually spectacular piece of software that pushes graphical boundaries on all platforms. And with all its graphical settings pushed to the max, Crysis 3 on PC effectively offers a "next-gen now" experience - a preview of the level of technical prowess we should expect in the years to come from the new wave of consoles, but an experience that can be appreciated now by those willing to invest in top-end PC components.
Despite the unrelenting technical charge on PC, it's remarkable to see just how much of that 'maximum' Crysis experience is achieved on console, based on the graphically epic single-player campaign. Compared to the multiplayer beta released a few weeks ago, it quickly becomes clear that Crytek isn't holding anything back, packing in a range of graphical upgrades that make Crysis 3 stand out from other similar releases on current-gen systems. The large, open environments are more detailed than those found in beta on all three formats, displaying a colossal amount of foliage, while both lens flare and object blur are restored, having failed to make the cut in the PS3/360 beta code. Asset steaming is also faster, addressing the texture and geometry pop-in that impacted console Crysis 2's image quality. The new campaign also offers a notch of graphical quality beyond its predecessor - something not many expected given how much that title pushed the Xbox 360 and PS3.
The core Crysis visual experience is clearly in effect on all platforms, then, but how well do the console versions hold up to the behemoth PC game? Has Crytek's ambition in creating its most visually advanced game compromised the core gameplay to the point where the performance impact outweighs the graphical gains on offer?