Some games have a very public moment of truth, and for Crysis, that moment has arrived. The Crysis Beta Test has started! For a couple of years now, gamers and the gaming press have been in awe of the spectacular graphics of the Crytek engine (an evolution of the engine used to render 2004's impressive Far Cry). But screenshots and in-game videos are one thing ... what about the real thing?

FilePlanet Subscribers get the first crack at the new title in this week's closed multiplayer beta. You'll be able to jump in, tool around in the game world, and put on the hurt online while testing the game engine and multiplayer gameplay balance. KEYS ARE LIMITED, so you'll want to move fast and check back daily:



So, how exactly do these beta tests on FilePlanet work? It's like this: There are a limited number of beta keys available, rolled out in stages. Check the beta landing page to see what the status is and whether or not keys are currently available. Be sure to move fast!

Longtime veterans of FilePlanet betas will tell you that the best way to be ready is to have GameSpy Comrade running -- the Team FilePlanet ambassador (that's me!) sends out a note about fifteen minutes before each key release, so you'll be notified in real-time.

1. Keep in mind that it's a beta -- the graphics won't yet be optimized for maximum performance and the gameplay might still be a little rough. But that gives you a big opportunity to shape the future of the game: your feedback on the beta forums will help make the final product that much sweeter.

2. All beta participants will be under an NDA, a "non-disclosure agreement." That means that -- as much as you'll want to -- you can't talk to your online friends about the game, post screenshots on forums, or anything like that. If you're caught posting details about the game you'll be kicked out of the beta (and worse).

3. Never leave mysterious crashed alien meteorites under North Korean control.

Enjoy the beta!!



      -Fargo