CryEngine 2 is the middleware behind Crysis — the game that made even high-end PCs beg for mercy when it was released in late 2007. Following its claim to fame, CryEngine was licensed out IMAGTP, a French firm specializing in urban-planning communication, due to the ease with which one could use the engine to build an accurate virtual representation of structures before any actual construction commenced.
CryEngine 2 features what Crytek call a "visual programming interface," which, to some extent, allows designers to bypass the need for a sound knowledge of C++. While functions like artificial intelligence still require a knowledge of Lua — a scripting language commonly used in games — CryEngine 2 is, even in my own experience, fairly easy to build levels with, and what you see in the engine is pretty much what you’ll get ingame.
Perhaps this is why Polygon Games licensed the technology for Project E:st, their upcoming fantasy MMORPG set in Asia, which they intend to show at this year’s GDC. Take a look at the teaser trailer above and see what you think of it. Project E:st is scheduled for closed beta-testing in Korea later this year and is planned for release in Korea, North America and Europe.
