CRYSIS 3 PERFORMANCE TEST : GPUs AND GRAPHICS CARDS

Built with CryEngine2, the original Crysis raised the bar for PC gaming graphics in 2007 with stunningly detailed visuals that crippled even the fastest of rigs. Looking back at our first Crysis performance article, which was based on the game's demo, the fastest GPU available at the time (the GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB) struggled to average 30fps when running at 1920x1200 with high quality settings on DirectX 10.

 

Given how punishing the first game was, we were excited to explore 2011's CryEngine 3-based Crysis 2, but it was quickly apparent that the second installment wouldn't be a repeat performance. Not to say it didn't look better, but relative to Crytek's first title, the sequel didn't really set any new benchmarks. It was just another computer game that made great use of DX9, though DX11 was eventually patched in.

Fast-forward two years and Crytek has given us another opportunity to hammer some hardware with the arrival of Crysis 3 this month. Like the second title, the third installment has been built with CryEngine 3, though that doesn't mean you should expect lousy PC features, as the engine has been updated with improved dynamic cloth and vegetation, better lighting and shadows, and plenty more.

Plus, PC gamers won't have to wait for graphical extras. Crysis 3 launched with high-resolution textures, DX11 support and plenty of customization options that set it apart from the diluted consoles builds. The result looks incredible and we get the feeling this will prove to be the game that folks who are heavily invested in multi-GPU setups have been waiting for. Here's hoping we aren't woefully disappointed.

Testing Methodology

We'll be testing 18 DirectX 11 graphics card configurations from AMD and Nvidia, which is considerably less than the 29 we tested for Far Cry 3 because even with the medium quality preset activated, there are almost no low-end graphics cards that can play Crysis 3, even at 1680x1050.

The latest drivers will be used, and every card will be paired with an Intel Core i7-3960X to remove CPU bottlenecks that could influence high-end GPU scores.

We're using Fraps to measure frame rates during 90 seconds of gameplay footage from Crysis 3's first level, "Post Human." The test starts as soon as Michael "Psycho" Sykes hands you his backup weapon, we then simply follow the party leader until the time runs out.

We'll test Crysis 3 at three common desktop display resolutions: 1680x1050, 1920x1200 and 2560x1600, using the DX11 mode. For the very high-quality test, we'll set the "overall quality" in the video quality menu to very high while also setting the SMAA level to 1 (low). The high and medium-quality tests will also be conducted with SMAAx1 enabled.

• Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition (3072MB)
• Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 (3072MB)
• Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 Boost (3072MB)
• Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 (3072MB)
• AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2048MB)
• AMD Radeon HD 7850 (2048MB)
• HIS Radeon HD 7770 (1024MB)
• HIS Radeon HD 6970 (2048MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 680 (4096MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 680 (2048MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 (2048MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti (2048MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 (2048MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 650 Ti (2048MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 580 (1536MB)
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 560 Ti (1024MB)
• Nvidia GeForce GTX 480 (1536MB)
• Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition (3.30GHz)
• x4 4GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 (CAS 8-8-8-20)
• Gigabyte G1.Assassin2 (Intel X79)
• OCZ ZX Series 1250w
• Crucial m4 512GB (SATA 6Gb/s)
• Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 64-bit
• Nvidia Forceware 314.07
• AMD Catalyst 13.2 (Beta 6)

 High Quality Performance

Ramping up to high quality, the GTX 680 landed square on the 60fps mark when testing at 1680x1050, while the GTX 670 followed with 55fps and the HD 7970 GHz edition was forced into the 4xfps territory with the GTX 660 Ti. It seems like the non-Ti GTX 660 or the HD 7950 are about as low as you'll want to go, as both were near the 40fps mark with the Nvidia card on top by 3fps.

At 1920x1200, Crysis 3 kicked the GTX 680 10fps below our ideal and the GTX 670 joined AMD's flagship in the 40fps range — albeit with a 5fps lead. The HD 7970 GHz Edition averaged 41fps, narrowly beating the GTX 660 Ti by a single frame.

Crysis 3 is barely playable when running on high at 2560x1600, with the GTX 680 and HD 7970 GHz Edition barely offering 30fps. If you want play with these settings on a single-GPU card, you'll likely need Nvidia's new GTX Titan.

Very High Quality Performance

With the high quality preset being so taxing, we wondered if there was any point in testing on a more intensive setting. But we did, and things aren't pretty — or, well, they're too pretty. At 1680x1050, the GTX 680 managed 44fps and stood as the only card to exit the 30fps range, which is populated with the GTX 670, HD 7970, GTX 660 Ti and HD 7950 Boost, though anything below the HD 7970 GHz Edition is pushing it in our opinion.

Not much needs to be said here: the GTX 680 is your only hope of achieving playable performance, barring the Titan or a multi-GPU solution.

This is the resolution I typically game at with one GTX 680 and, naturally, I like to crank everything up. That's not an option here. We'd be interested in seeing how a pair of GTX Titans in SLI perform.

Continue Reading...

 

Image Quality Comparison Medium Quality Performance CPU Performance Conclusion

Republished with permission from:
 
Steven Walton is a writer at TechSpot. TechSpot is a computer technology publication serving PC enthusiasts, gamers and IT pros since 1998.

CRYSIS CLIMBS TO TOP IN THE UK'S TOP 10 SOFTWARE SALES

Crysis 3 prevailed over Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance in the battle of the tightly-suited killing machines, taking top spot by a mere 5,500 copies in this week's UK charts. It's the first week of the year to see two major releases go head to head, and while Crysis 3 had PC sales in its corner, digital purchases don't count towards Chart-Track's data.

Unsurprisingly given the series' roots, the PS3 was the lead platform for MGR: Revengeance, coming in at 61 percent. Xbox 360 sales dominated Crysis 3's retail performance with 57 percent of the share.

Dead Space 3 made it three weeks in the top ten, dropping to sixth, while last week's leader, Aliens: Colonial Marines, pipped the space horror to fifth place. Meanwhile, early 2013 chart successes Ni no Kuni and DmC: Devil May Cry left the top 40 altogether.

Top 10 UK Software Sales (All Formats); week ending February 23:

1. Crysis 3
2. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
3. FIFA 13
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
5. Aliens: Colonial Marines
6. Dead Space 3
7. Far Cry 3
8. Need for Speed Most Wanted
9. Assassin's Creed 3
10. Hitman Absolution 

 

CRYSIS 3 GRAPHICS COMPARISON - PS3 VS. PC. VS. 360

Graphic comparison between PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 running Crysis 3,we compare the platforms that Crysis 3 has been released on in this graphic comparison looking at the PS3, PC, and 360. 

Via IGN

Crysis 3 beta downloaded over 3 million times

More than three million players suited up for the Crysis 3 beta, EA revealed today. Ahead of the game's release next week on February 19, EA must hope that number translates into sales; Crysis 2 shipped at least three million units, but was also reportedly the most pirated game of 2011.

Based on pre-order stats, the early indications look promising for the third entry in Crytek's sci-fi shooter series. EA noted 40 percent more pre-orders for Crysis 3 over Crysis 2 in its financials at the end of January, and today that number holds steady enough at 35 percent. 

 PRESS RELEASE 

FROM LOS ANGELES TO LONDON GAMERS WORLDWIDE ARE SUITING UP
FOR THE LAUNCH OF CRYSIS 3 –
THE PINNACLE IN THE AWARD-WINNING CRYSIS SERIES

Crysis 3 Pre-Orders Soar 35% Above Crysis 2
More than 3 Million Fans Battled it Out in the Crysis 3 Multiplayer Beta

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Feb. 15, 2013 – The countdown to the launch of Crysis 3 has begun! In just four days, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) and award-winning developer Crytek GmbH will unleash Crysis 3 to gamers worldwide. Anticipation has been building for months, as press and fans praise the gorgeous visuals and unparalleled power of the Nanosuit. More than three million gamers worldwide downloaded the Crysis 3 multiplayer beta propelling pre-orders to new heights, now reaching 35% over Crysis 2. Gamers are also devouring YouTube videos of Prophet, the Nanosuit and the 7 Wonders of the New York Liberty Dome, with more than 16 million video views on the official Crysis YouTube channel.

Developed by Crytek and powered by the proprietary cutting edge CryENGINE technology, Crysis 3 is the next installment in the award-winning Crysis franchise. The series is known for its spectacular visuals, dynamic, open gameplay and its signature Nanosuit that grants players unique powers to assess, adapt and attack in any situation. In Crysis 3, players return to the fight as Prophet on his quest to save mankind. Set in New York, the city has been encased in a Nanodome that has turned this once thriving metropolis into a veritable urban rainforest teeming with overgrown trees, dense swamplands and raging rivers. Seven distinct and treacherous environments become known as the 7 Wonders. This dangerous new world demands advanced weapons and strategies, including the enhanced Nanosuit which provides players a tactical advantage. In addition to the powerful Nanosuit, players wield the devastating Predator bow and cutting-edge alien weaponry to become the deadliest hunter on the planet.

Crysis 3 will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC via Origin on February 19 in North America. Players who pre-order Crysis 3: Digital Deluxe Edition* on Origin.com will receive Crysis and Crysis 2: Maximum Edition, plus the Crysis franchise digital soundtrack, early in-game unlocks and more. For more information on Crysis 3, please visit www.crysis.com, and for the latest news visit www.facebook.com/crysis or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/crysis. Press assets for Crysis 3 are available at www.info.ea.com.

*Conditions and restrictions apply. See http://www.crysis.com/us/crysis-3/pre-order-offers for details.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones, tablets and social networks. EA has more than 275 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal 2012, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.1 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™ and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com.

About Crytek GmbH
Crytek GmbH ("Crytek") is an independent company at the forefront of the interactive entertainment industry, and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gaming by creating standout experiences for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC, mobile devices and games-as-service using their cutting-edge 3D-Game-Technology, CryENGINE®.

The company's headquarters are in Frankfurt am Main (Germany). Crytek also has studios in Kiev (Ukraine), Budapest (Hungary), Sofia (Bulgaria), Seoul (South Korea) and Nottingham (UK) and Shanghai (China).

Since its foundation in 1999, Crytek has consistently been recognized for excellence in its field, earning accolades such as the 2011 Develop Award for Best Independent Studio and a 2010 Red Dot Design Award. Its multi-award winning games include Far Cry®, Crysis® (awarded best PC Game of E3 2007 and Best Technology at the 2008 Game Developers Choice Awards), Crysis Warhead® (awarded Best Graphics Technology at IGN Best of 2008 Awards) and Crysis® 2 (awarded Best Shooter of E3 2010 and Gamescom 2010).

For more information, please visit www.crytek.com.

Crysis, Crytek and CryENGINE are registered trademarks of Crytek GmbH in the USA, Germany and/or other countries. The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Mass Effect is a trademark of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Last '7 Wonders of Crysis 3' video released, watch 'End of Days' now

Crysis 3 fans can now catch the latest and final episode of "The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3" web series. The game launch is just around the corner and this is an excellent way to prep for the launch and keep your excitement building. Check out the video below:

What do you think of it? Are you excited for the game to release on PS3, Xbox 360, and computer on February 19? Let us know in the comments.

This Crysis 3 Commercial Is Great Because It Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

No dubstep, no angry men blowing up other angry men. Just a dude enjoying himself in the jungle, while shooting a crossbow bow and turning invisible and doing other Crysisy things.

 

The shooter Crysis 3 will be out on February 19 for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. For more, check out Tina's impressions.

Crysis 3 open multiplayer beta uncloaks on Jan. 29

On January 29, Crytek will issue an open invitation to sample the multiplayer side of Crysis 3. This two-week affair will conclude on February 12, giving PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 players a chance to sample two modes and two maps ahead of Crysis 3's February 19 launch.

The game modes in question are Crash Site, a team-based mode where players fight to capture and defend specifically marked location on the map for points, and Hunter, an asymmetrical mode where two cloaked guys with bows stalk and kill visible CELL soldiers – once a CELL soldier is killed, he respawns on the other team as a Hunter.

EA says the beta will be available to all players, though we should note that does not override the need for a Gold subscription on Xbox Live.

Crysis 3 '7 Wonders' third episode explores the law of cause and effect

The third episode of 'The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3,' as directed by Albert Hughes of Menace II Society, first shows you an innocuous-seeming effect, and then neatly winds back to a rather brutal cause.

Second episode of '7 Wonders of Crysis 3' is on the hunt for a backstory

In this second episode of the Albert Hughes/EA video series, 7 Wonders of Crysis 3, we learn how Cell managed to take over the world.  

• Albert Hughes, EA producing Crysis 3...

Albert Hughes, EA producing Crysis 3 web series '7 Wonders of Crysis'

Acclaimed director Albert Hughes (Menace II Society) is producing a web series centered around Crysis 3 called 7 Wonders of Crysis – and the first episode isn't even about a young kid in a nanosuit overcoming his environment to go on and do great things. It's mostly about dudes getting shot with guns. 

Crysis 3 sneaks to North America Feb. 19, Europe Feb. 22

Last night, EA hosted a preview event focusing on its early 2013 lineup, including Crysis 3. There, Crytek founder Cevat Yerli announced Crysis 3 will launch on February 19 in North America and February 22 in Europe.

Last month, EA revealed the pre-order bonuses for Crysis 3, which include multiplayer perks – the Predator Bow, Recon Arrow, Hunter Nanosuit Module, an instant start at level five and three exclusive dog tags – plus a free digital copy of the original Crysis.

Getting sneaky in Crysis 3's Hunter mode.

I should clarify that headline a bit. At very few points would I say that I managed to get sneaky in Crysis 3 mutiplayer. Sneakiness, however, was certainly the point. EA had two multiplayer modes on display at Gamescom this year, Crash Site and Hunter.

Crash Site was also featured in Crysis 2 and, for all intents and purposes, is king of the hill. Two teams – 6v6 on console, 8v8 on PC – chase down and defend "pods," accruing points for standing near one. After a certain amount of time, the pod explodes, another is deployed elsewhere on the map and the cycle repeats. The pods themselves house two portable shields that aid in defense, and there's also the Pinger, a massive controllable mech that can help in either assaulting or defending the pod. Beyond that, however, the mode is pretty standard.

 
Far more interesting is the Hunter mode, which should be familiar to any FPS player that has ever played a game of "zombies."

Initially, Hunter mode pits two "hunters" against ten CELL operatives (14 on PC). Two-on-ten sounds like tough odds, but the hunters have a few advantages in their favor. For one, each is equipped with a Nanosuit that provides permanent invisibility. Each also carries a compound bow capable of silently taking down a CELL operative in a single shot. Hunters also carry a single explosive arrow (and believe me, it's terrifying when you get stuck by one).

CELL operatives meanwhile, can choose from several different equipment loadouts. The loadouts available for my demo included basic assault, sniper and demolition builds (i.e. assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles or explosives). Each CELL soldier also packs a special grenade that will deactivate the cloak of any nearby hunter.

The goals are pretty clear: hunters try to kill all the CELL operatives while the CELL operatives try to survive for two minutes, earning points every few seconds. The player with the highest score at the end of five two-minute rounds is the winner. There is a catch, however, in that any CELL member killed by a hunter will become a hunter himself.

What results is a slowly-tipping balance of power as the mission progresses. CELL operatives start dropping like flies, their numbers dwindling and the odds of success steadily declining. I imagine it feels pretty great to survive for the entire two minutes, though all I can do is imagine, because the hunters took me down every time.

Being a hunter is no picnic though. The bow takes quite a bit of time to fire, and movement speed is very slow when you have an arrow drawn, making hunters an easy target if their position is given away. Landing shots with the bow takes a bit of patience, but rounds only last two minutes, so time is of the essence. Still, that just makes each kill that much more satisfying, from the split-second headshot to the crafty melee takedown from behind.

While Hunter was easily the most interesting of the two modes I played, neither mode really felt like they had much of an original hook. As I mentioned above, Hunter will be familiar to anyone who has played a zombies match before (in Halo, for example). It's worth noting, however, that the build I played was pre-alpha, and plenty is subject to change before Crysis 3 launches in February. I also wasn't able to try out Crysis 3's progression system at all. There are plenty of customizable options, including equipment, weapons and lots of attachments, none of which I was able to futz with during the demo.

Another multiplayer feature I couldn't try was the New York Feed, a social component very similar to Need for Speed's Autolog feature. The New York Feed helps players keep track of their friends' accomplishments and generates dynamic in-game challenges. These are divided into three categories: social, chance and lobby. Social challenges are based on your friends activities, chance challenges are chosen by the developers at Crytek, and lobby challenges are based on a random statistic of another player in your multiplayer lobby.

Should you win a given challenge – break your friend's high score, for example – the person who set the challenge will receive a notification and be invited to beat your new benchmark. As Autolog has proven, these kinds of challenges are bound to be addictive, and should provide plenty of competition among friends.

Crysis 3 Will Make me Upgrade my PC, if This Beautiful Trailer is Anything to go on

This clip, which is masquerading as a Crysis 3 trailer but is really a showreel for the game's engine, is beautiful. It claims to be running in real-time, and to have been captured from Crysis 3 the game, not Crysis 3 the tech demo.

Unless it's a clip full of lies, this would have to be be the PC version of the game. Making me feel slightly uneasy about the state of my current rig.

Whether the top secret toad tech makes it to the console versions of Crysis 3, we'll just have to wait and see.

CRYSIS 3 'NOT CURRENTLY' IN DEVELOPMENT FOR Wii U

It looks like Crysis 3 may not be coming to the Wii U after all, according to Crytek general manager Nick Button-Brown. "Just to answer the speculation, we are not currently working on a Wii U version of Crysis 3," reads a recent post on Button-Brown's Twitter account.

The news comes only a week after Crysis 3 producer Mike Read stated that Crytek was "working with Nintendo" and that a Wii U version was a "possibility." Alas, it sounds like your dreams of poking bad guys with your power-suited fingers via touch screen will have to wait.