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Crysis 2
Level Design Document: Invasion
Crysis 2
Version 2.0
Designer:
Pramod Ramesh
Document Date:
05/02/2014
Intended Level Delivery Date:
12/12/2014
Pramod Ramesh
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Document Revisions Table
Version
Description
Requestor
Date
1.0
Initial Document
Professor Skinner
4/29/2014
1.3
1.6
Visual Themes, Key Themes
References
5/24/2014
5/25/2014
1.9
Area 1 and 2 Maps
Professor Skinner
Professor Skinner
Professor Skinner
2.0
Area 2 Layout and information and Level progression
chart
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Professor Skinner
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Quick Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Hook(s) ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Setting Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Mission Difficulty....................................................................................................................................... 5
Mission Metrics ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Characters ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Visual Themes ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Level Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Campaign .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Context .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Backstory ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Aftermath .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Level Flow................................................................................................................................................ 10
Flow Summary .................................................................................................................................... 10
Level Flow Chart .................................................................................................................................. 11
Detailed Walkthrough ............................................................................................................................. 12
Area 1: NYC Street................................................................................................................................... 12
Initial Loadout ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Gameplay/Story .................................................................................................................................. 13
Visual References ................................................................................................................................ 14
Area 2a: Collapsed Freeway .................................................................................................................... 16
Gameplay/Story .................................................................................................................................. 16
Area 2b: Alien Crash Site ......................................................................................................................... 17
Gameplay/Story ................................................................................................................................. 17
Objective Text ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Visual References ................................................................................................................................ 18
............................................................................................................................................................ 21
References .................................................................................................................................................. 22
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Table of Figures
Figure 9: Overview Map, [Area 2 is lower than Area 1 by a minimum of ( 3X player height) ] ................... 9
Figure 10: Level Flow Chart ......................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 11: Area 1 Detail Map with Keys ...................................................................................................... 12
Figure 13: Alien Gunship Foreshadow ........................................................................................................ 14
Figure 12 Cell Soldier .................................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 14 Alcatraz, the main character ....................................................................................................... 14
Figure 15 Nathan Gould .............................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 16: NYC street Themes ..................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 17 Area 2 Detail Map with Keys, [Area 2 is lower than Area 1 by ( 3X player height) ]................... 16
Figure 18 CELL Soldier ................................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 19 Alien Gunship .............................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 20 Ceph Enemies.............................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 22 Alien Drop ship ............................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 21 Ceph Devastator.......................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 23 Collapsed Freeway ...................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 24 Alien Crash Site ........................................................................................................................... 21
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Level Abstract
Quick Summary
“Invasion” is a user created single player level designed for Crysis 2. The player plays as Alcatraz, the
main character, in the recently destroyed New York City. On the instruction of Dr. Nathan Gould,
Alcatraz goes towards the Alien crash site, on a New York City street. CELL soldiers who patrol the street
expect an imminent Ceph attack. Over the course of the level, the player fights CELL soldiers, Alien
enemies and finally fights an Alien Gunship with aid from a wide range of weapons. The level ends with
the player evacuating the area after deactivating the Spear Module standing in the crash site.
Hook(s)
1. The intense moody atmosphere set by of the first area of the game, related to the deaths of
infected human captives.
2. Wide range of weapons, i.e. HMG, RPGs, assault rifles etc. provided across the whole level.
3. Combat encounters balanced to use either stealth and open combat approaches.
4. The dynamic combat sequence against a flying alien gunship while fighting against human
enemies provides an exciting finale to the level.
5. Scripted events that make the environment feel alive such as Falling Debris, Explosions, Bridge
Rumbling and CELL vs Alien Fight
Setting Summary
Theme
Mood
Setting
Time of Day
Season
Weather
Struggle to reach the alien crash site and deactivate the Alien Spear Tube
Fear, anticipation, challenge, excitement
Destroyed New York City street, CELL soldiers patrolling the street, alien crash site
Late afternoon 2pm-5pm
Summer
Warm, clear sky
Mission Difficulty
Position
Difficulty
Beginning
4
Middle
6
Pramod Ramesh
Reasons
The introduction section to the level is slow-paced, and sets the
atmosphere for the level. The player meets two soldiers shooting
infected humans, held behind a chain-link fence. This is a warm up
section with simple combat. The player finds this an easy encounter as
the soldiers are facing away. After eliminating the soldiers, the player
moves forward on the abandoned street to the next section.
The player faces a group of four enemies in the middle of the street.
There are three chain-linked fences, each with a soldier patrolling
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around. The player can get up a checkpoint structure and use the
verticality to fight the soldiers. However, the furthermost soldier used
ranged weapons and shoots projectile explosives. This forces the player
to move forward from cover to cover, to take down the four soldiers.
The player then has a fight against two CELL soldiers on the Bridge.
End
9
This section has 4 waves of enemies:
CELL and Alien Grunts, Alien Devastator + Grunts, Alien Grunts, Alien
Gunship
The human enemies fight from the weapon locations / vantage points
and the player needs to take hold of these quickly to survive/fight the
attacking Alien Grunts. At a certain point, another Alien Dropship
shoots out alien pods, holding alien stalkers within them. The player
also faces an alien devastator. Finally, in comes the Alien Gunship that
moves around the crashed alien pod, in the middle of the area. The
player is required to move constantly around the area using vehicles as
cover. Weapons such as an HMG, RPG and assault rifles in different
parts of the level help the player take down the gunship.
Scale: 1-10 (1 is Easiest and 10 is Hardest)
Mission Metrics
Play Time
Critical Path
Physical Area
Overall: 10 minutes. Area 1: 4 min, Area 2: 6 min
Area 1: 135 m
Area 2: 40 m
Area 1: 130 m x 65 m
Area 2: 65 m x 45 m
Characters
Character
Alcatraz
Dr. Nathan Gould
CELL Soldier
Alien Gunship
Description
The player character, a former US Marine who possesses the Nanosuit 2.0.
Alcatraz’s goal is to find the reason for and defend against the recent alien
invasion of New York City.
Dr. Nathan Gould, a Crynet scientist aiming to find the reason for the alien
invasion.
Hired military soldiers, working for Crynet Corporation under the contract
of the US Department of Defense. The soldiers are under orders to take
Alcatraz into custody, hence their hostility towards the player.
A flying alien gunship, belonging to the aliens called Ceph. A very powerful
gunship with machine guns and missiles.
Visual Themes
Theme
NYC street
Area 1
Pramod Ramesh
Description
This is a certain street of New York City. Abandoned cars and trucks towards
the sides, makeshift barricades, sandbags on the road make up the street.
Tall buildings surround the road, mostly intact, few damaged and in flames.
Blowing wind and flying paper rubbish give the feeling of a desolate and
abandoned street way.
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NYC street: Alien
Crash Site
Area 2
Confidential
Crysis 2
Chain link fences to hold infected humans captive. Some of the infected are
still alive, soon to be executed. Infected human blood spilled around the
camp. The road has faced a lot of wear. The damaged/worn out road splits
in half, at the end of the area.
Warm orange sunlight directly in the player’s view upon spawn, guiding the
player forward. Under the sun at a distance, the player sees the alien crash
pod.
This is an extension of the previous area, in the same street in NYC.
However, the road split in half and has fallen down to a lower level. The
area has an alien pod crashes in the middle. Abandoned and destroyed cars
and trucks make up the play space of the player. Vehicles of different
heights allow for varying cover for the player, some vehicles piled on one
another. A nearby alien gunship hovers over the location to protect the
crashed pod. CELL soldiers on patrol to find out the mystery behind the
alien spawn pod. The player sees CELL soldiers holed up temporarily in
vantage spots, prepared for an incoming alien attack. Different weapons in
several locations with appropriate fortifications i.e. RPG – high vantage
point, destroyed armored tank with HMG mounted, etc. Buildings surround
the road, some destroyed. Fire and some rise up from destroyed buildings.
Destruction on the damaged road, near the crashed alien pod.
The lighting is clear to ensure complete visibility. Though late afternoon,
warm lighting to around the area, to promote visibility. Shadows cast due to
the crashed alien pod standing tall n the way of sunlight.
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Level Summary
Campaign
Context
“Invasion” takes place after the “Corporate Collapse” level from the main campaign. The player
character, Alcatraz, finds himself in an abandoned street of New York City. An alien gunship flies toward
the recently crashed alien pod at a distance ahead. The player’s objective is to reach the alien pod crash
landing site to gather information about the aliens. On the way, the player has to get past CELL soldiers
patrolling the street, surrounded by abandoned and destroyed vehicles and buildings. After this level,
the player continues on to the level “Train to catch” from the main campaign.
Backstory
Dr. Nathan Gould previously instructed Alcatraz to find information about the recently crash-landed
alien pod, in the streets of New York City. Several CELL soldiers patrolling the street stand in the player’s
way. This base holds infected humans in isolation who were not evacuated and quarantined. Due to the
lack of promised support for their evacuation, the infected humans either died a painful death due to
the infection or at the hands of the anxiety ridden CELL soldiers. The CELL soldiers are also on alert for
Alcatraz’s whereabouts. The recently landed alien pod attracted some soldiers form the base to
investigate the crash site. These soldiers are ready for an inevitable attack from the aliens. Before long,
an alien gunship appears near the crash site just as the player enters this area.
Aftermath
Alcatraz gets the necessary information from the crashed alien pod to find the reason behind the CEPH
invasion. Dr. Nathan Gould desires this information for his research on the CEPH, getting closer to the
answer.
Objective(s)
Eliminate the CELL soldiers on the street
Get to the Alien Crash Site
Secure Location
(Optional) Pickup C4s
Destroy two Alien Spore Veins
(Optional) Pickup C4s
Destroy two Alien Spore Veins
Destroy the Ceph Gunship
Destroy Alien Spear Tube Module
Prepare for evacuation
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Overview Map
Figure 1: Overview Map, [Area 2 is lower than Area 1 by a minimum of ( 3X player height) ]
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Level Flow
Flow Summary
1. The player finds himself in an abandoned and destroyed street of New York City.
2. At a distance, the player sees the crashed alien pod (WOW moment). Reaching the alien crash
site is the overarching objective. Right ahead on the street are CELL soldiers patrolling the area.
3. The player infiltrates the street, drawn forward after hearing gunshots and eliminates two
soldiers who are shooting infected humans held behind a chain-link fence (Warm Up section /
Narrative moment).
4. The player then moves forward to a combat section against five soldiers. The player can climb
atop a checkpoint structure to use the verticality as an advantage. In addition, the weapons
provided allows the player the either stealth / openly offensive gameplay (Action section /
Challenge).
5. Next, the alien spear tube at a distance draws the player towards it, walking on a narrow road
with debris from the destroyed buildings engulfed in fire and smoke on either side (Cool down /
Visual Piece).
6. As the player reaches the end of the road, an alien gunship rises in front of him and flies towards
the Alien spear tube (WOW moment).
7. The player jumps down to a lower level of the destroyed street.
8. The player takes a curved and narrow road forward, with deep pits, rubble and destroyed
buildings on either side. The player engages few CELL soldiers investigating the alien crash site
(Warm-up).
9. The player enters a street intersection with four main interest points. The alien gunship initially
engages the CELL soldiers in the area (WOW moment, builds up tension).
10. Wave 1: (Action).
As the player gets close, nearby CELL soldiers and the alien gunship target the player.
The player has the option to use weapons such as a mounted HMG, RPG, Grenade launcher, etc.
placed in different corners of the area.
Appropriate triggers as the player uses these weapons vary the alien gunship attacks.
Wave 2: (Action / Challenge).
Once the player eliminates all CELL soldiers, a drop ship flies by and shoots out alien pods, which
contain alien stalkers for the player to fight.
Wave 3: (Action / Challenge).
After eliminating all the alien stalkers and an alien devastator, enter the area.
11. Once the player eliminates all aliens in the area, the player’s objective is to retrieve an Alien
DNA sample from the spear tube. Once the player retrieves the Alien DNA sample, the level is
complete (Cool down / Level Completion).
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Level Flow Chart
Figure 2: Level Flow Chart
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Detailed Design
Detailed Walkthrough
Area 1: NYC Street
Figure 3: Area 1 Detail Map with Keys
Initial Loadout
 The player starts out with the default equipment and abilities.
o Nanosuit
 Cloak
 Armor
 Visor
o Weapons
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Primary: Scarab Assault rifle
Gameplay/Story
1. This section starts slow, building the atmosphere of the level. Regarding the visuals, this section
sets up the desolate and abandoned feeling of the NYC streets. Gunshots draw the player
forward at S1.
2. Regarding combat, across the whole area, the player takes on a group of two soldiers. The
enemies encountered in this area are Assault class Human Grunts with different assault
weapons at C1.
3. As the player moves forward, the player has a direct view of the crash-landed alien pod, far off
at a distance ahead.
4. As the player enters the street, the destroyed vehicles and buildings surrounding the base give
the sense of abandonment and desolation. Scripted event S2 triggers falling debris from
buildings.
5. The player sees chain-linked fences with infected humans trapped inside. A single CELL soldiers
begin to eliminate the infected humans behind a nearby chain-link fence because no evacuation
support arrived from Crynet.
6. The next section, the player encounters a group of four CELL soldiers at C2. Until the player
engages the soldiers, their AI action is set to shooting at nearby infected humans. The road has a
lot of cover for the player to use. The player can use them appropriately while moving forward
to eliminate the soldiers.
7. The player can get up the structure and use the verticality to fight the soldiers. However, the
furthermost soldier is a ranged weapon soldier who shoots projectile explosives. This forces the
player to move forward from cover to cover, to take down the five soldiers.
8. Picking up some ammo if necessary, the player walks up through the narrow road into the final
section of the area. This is a visual piece showing destroyed buildings engulfed in smoke and
flames on either side. On either side of the narrow road, there is a huge pit with debris from the
road and buildings. If the player falls down into these, it results in instant death.
9. Guided by the alien spear tube ahead, the player moves to the end of the road at V1.
Objective Text
 Eliminate the CELL soldiers on the street
 Get to the Alien Crash Site
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Visual References
Characters/Vehicles Introduced
Figure 4: Alien Gunship Foreshadow
Figure 5 Cell Soldier
Figure 6 Alcatraz, the main character
Figure 7 Nathan Gould
Theme
NYC Street
This area is a certain street of New York City. The camp is on a road, abandoned cars and trucks towards
the sides, makeshift barricades, sandbags around the camp. Tall buildings surround the road, mostly
intact, few damaged and in flames. Blowing wind and flying paper rubbish give the feeling of a desolate
and abandoned street way.
Chain link fences to hold infected humans captive. Some of the infected are still alive, soon to be
executed. Infected human blood spilled all around the camp. The road has faced a lot of wear. The
damaged/worn out road splits in half, at the end of the area.
Warm orange sunlight directly in the player’s view upon spawn, guiding the player forward. Crackling
fire on barrels used as light sources during the late afternoon/dusk. Under the sun at a distance, the
player sees the alien crash pod.
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Environment References
Figure 8: NYC street Themes
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Area 2a: Collapsed Freeway
Figure 9 Area 2 Detail Map with Keys, [Area 2 is lower than Area 1 by ( 3X player height) ]
Gameplay/Story
1. This triggers a WOW moment wherein an alien gunship rises in front of the player and flies off
towards the alien spear tube at S3.
2. The player now stands at the end of the road, with full view of the next area, an extension of the
street, only fallen down to a lower level. Once the player jumps down to the lower area, the
player moves to Area 2 and cannot return.
3. The player jumps down into this area, the player sees two CELL soldiers at a distance.
4. As the player walks on the destroyed narrow road, the player engages the two CELL soldiers on
the way at combat location C3.
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5. As the player enters the crash site area, the previously seen alien gunship hovers around the
crash site, protecting the pod, shooting at CELL soldiers on the ground. The crash site is on a
large street intersection.
Area 2b: Alien Crash Site
Gameplay/Story
6. At combat location C4, the player has a view of the CELL vs Aliens Fight around the crash site.
They attack the player when detected. The player has to eliminate the two soldiers stationed at
C5.
7. The amount of ammo available to the player around him allows the player to stay in this
vantage point only for a certain amount of time. This encourages player movement around the
level in an engaging and non-intrusive way.
8. After the player eliminates all the CELL soldiers in the area at combat location C5, an alien drop
ship flies by and shoots out four alien pods, which contain Alien Devastator and two Alien
Grunts for the player to fight.
9. Once the player eliminates the Alien Stalkers, an Alien Devastator and two Alien Grunts join the
fight at C6.
10. As soon as the player is near the crashed alien pod, the gunship attacks the player at C7.
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11. Based on the gunship’s movement patterns around the area, the player has to utilize different
elevated vantage points and weapons available.
12. The player has access to a mounted HMG, RPG launcher and ammunition around the area.
13. Once the player eliminated all aliens in the area, the player deactivated the Alien Spear Tube to
complete the level objectives at E1.
To summarize the Waves of Enemies:
Wave 1: CELL Soldiers + Alien Grunts
Wave 2: Alien Devastator + Alien Grunts
Wave 3: Alien Grunts + Alien Gunship
Objective Text
 Secure Location
 (Optional) Pickup C4s
 Destroy two Alien Spore Veins
 (Optional) Pickup C4s
 Destroy two Alien Spore Veins
 Destroy the Ceph Gunship
 Destroy Alien Spear Tube Module
 Prepare for evacuation
Visual References
Characters/Vehicles Introduced
Figure 11 Alien Gunship
Figure 10 CELL Soldier
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Figure 12 Ceph Enemies
Figure 14 Ceph Devastator
Figure 13 Alien Drop ship
Theme
NYC Street: Alien Crash Site
This is an extension of the previous area, in the same street in NYC. However, the road split in half and
has fallen down to a lower level. The area has an alien pod crashes in the middle. Abandoned and
destroyed cars and trucks make up the play space of the player. Vehicles of different heights allow for
varying cover for the player, some vehicles piled on one another. A nearby alien gunship hovers over the
location to protect the crashed pod / spear tube. CELL soldiers on patrol to find out the mystery behind
the alien spawn pod. The player sees CELL soldiers holed up temporarily in vantage spots, prepared for
an incoming alien attack. Different weapons in several locations with appropriate fortifications i.e. RPG –
high vantage point, destroyed armored tank with HMG mounted, etc. Buildings surround the road, some
destroyed. Fire and some rise up from destroyed buildings.
Destruction on the damaged road, near the crashed alien pod.
The lighting is clear to ensure complete visibility. Though late afternoon, warm lighting to around the
area, to promote visibility. Shadows cast due to the crashed alien pod standing tall n the way of sunlight.
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Environment References
Figure 15 Collapsed Freeway
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Figure 16 Alien Crash Site
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References
Nathan Gould:
http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120709132944/crysis/de/images/8/82/Nathan-Gould-crysis2.jpg
Alcatraz:
http://crysis2strategyguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/crysis_2_Wallpaper_1m7ec.jpg
Title Image:
http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/crysis-2-holds-back-zumba-fitness-invasion-on-uk-charts/
NYC Street Images:
http://cdn1.voxcdn.com/entry_photo_images/9180447/nyc_led_street_light_concept1_1020_large_verge_medium_la
ndscape.jpg
http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2012/01/01/2/192/1922729/ced64053894fe49a_NYC.xxxlarge_0.jpg
http://thingstodo.viator.com/new-york-city/files/Viator_NYC_Chinatown-photo_1347192-raw.jpg
http://thejointblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nyc.jpg
Caged Infected:
http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/07/77/67/2096626/9/628x471.jpg
Abandoned Highway:
http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/cb20111115175049/walkingdead/images/c/c5/The_Highway_2.jpg
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Destroyed Buildings:
http://photo.sf.co.ua/g/154/2.jpg
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/icons/med_res/21/21_430.jpg
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01213/gaza-buildings_1213529i.jpg
Building / Car on fire:
http://canadawood.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/shanghai-fire.jpg
http://stockarch.com/files/12/09/traffic_intersection.jpg
http://static0.nydailynews.com/imageserve/1ee4807530c61efe68c2e81724901c5c/1200x.jpg
Gunship:
http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130416183143/crysis/images/e/e7/Gunship.JPG
Destroyed Cars piled up:
http://thumb1.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/1366408/156744704/stock-photo-stack-ofcars-in-junkyard-156744704.jpg
Alien Drop ship:
http://media-titanium.cursecdn.com/attachments/46/136/dropship.png
Destroyed Road:
http://www.urbansurvivalnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Earthquake-Pictures-44.jpg
http://www.legoengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/earthquake.jpg
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Alien Enemies:
http://images1-1.gamewise.co/214068-large.jpeg
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120722002257/crysis/images/e/ee/Semperfiordie(43).png
http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100710221932/crysis/images/5/5d/Pinger.jpg
Remaining Screenshots:
Crysis 2 in game pictures
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