The nanosuit returns on Feb. 19 when Crysis 3 launches for PC, Xbox 360, and PS3, marking developer Crytek's third crack at the franchise. With a pedigree of visual excellence, and the promise that the threequel will serve as the benchmark for even the most advanced graphics cards on the market, Crysis 3 is hard to ignore.
But you won't have to wait until February to give the game a go, as EA has announced an open multiplayer beta starting Jan. 29 and ending on Feb. 12. Joystiq reports that, naturally, Xbox 360 owners must have a Gold subscription to Xbox Live to access the beta.
The trial period will offer up two new modes: Crash Site and Hunter. Crash Site accommodates 12 players on Xbox 360 and PS3, and 8 players on the PC. A variation of capture the flag, the mode asks players to flock to a randomly generated pod and remain within its score radius to earn points for their team. After a set period of time, the pod explodes, and another spawns at a different location on the map. The game ends after 10 minutes or when a team reaches a score of 150. One of the unique features of this mode is the ability to pilot a "Pinger" robot.
Hunter mode allows for 12 players on the Xbox 360 and PS3, and 16 on the PC. 2 players begin the round with an invisibility cloak, equipped with the silent predator bow. The hunters' agenda is to track down and kill the remaining troopers, which will be controlled by other players. Once a trooper is killed, they respawn as a hunter, feeding into their ranks until only one trooper remains, overwhelmed by a cadre of enemies. Bungie fans will likely recognize this mode as a variation of the "Zombies" game mode, which Halo 2 gamers created during the heyday of its online lifespan.
Check back for regular updates as the release date of Crysis 3 approaches.