One can't really say that Crytek did a good job with most of the changes that came with the big re-release about a year ago. Sure, the new engine brought phenomenal (!) graphics and a solid new map - but they also stripped away many beloved features (Roster, Lore Books, Trials...), introduced a flood of bugs (to the point where you’d get disconnected multiple times per match), and saddled the game with a TERRIBLE UI. This interface, despite supposedly being designed for console users, managed to frustrate both console and PC players alike. And trust me - I was among the most vocal haters out there.

BUT:

Credit where credit is due - Crytek really caught themselves. Over the past months, update after update, they’ve steadily chipped away at the chaos. While the game is obviously not the same as it was before, it’s genuinely playable and enjoyable now. I can’t even remember the last time it crashed - and on the rare occasion I did lose a hunter to a bug, Crytek support was quick to respond, restoring my lost hunter (loadout and traits included) and even offering Hunt Dollars as compensation.
Every old map they’ve brought back into the game is now way more fun to play. Even Stillwater is genuinely enjoyable now (sometimes). The new engine makes just moving around between encounters feel satisfying, even on relatively low graphics settings. The vibrant autumn colors of newly returned DeSalle, the beautiful water on Stillwater, the lush green forests of Lawson - it’s all so beautiful that I find myself forgiving Crytek for the little bugs and quirks that still remain.

I’m writing this review because it saddens me to see that the game still holds around 55% negative recent reviews - mostly from bitter, lonely Redditors and people like me who deeply miss the old nostalgia this game once had. Sure, that frustration was somewhat justified when the engine update first dropped. But now, especially after recent patches, I can clearly see Crytek working hard to fix what they broke and genuinely improve the game. I really appreciate how quickly they tackled the server issues after the patch - working even through a national holiday to deliver the update before the weekend. And within the update itself, you can clearly see they’re on the right track toward a clean, usable UI and an overall more satisfied player base. Just give them some more time, and participate in the frequent surveys, i believe in them.

After all, us players are the ones who pay the cost for this unnecessary hate when Crytek can’t afford to run the servers anymore. That’s the downside of live support games. I mean - where would you go... Tarkov? 🤡

update 11/25 - oh no not post malone again