On the topic of technical prowess vs artistic or optimised direction, I do think we should have a graphics tech comparison thread of some kind. Something I actually wanted to discuss with you guys was for example, KZ3's use of LDR (pseudo HDR) and Clamped Highlights (supposedly offers more artistic creativity) as a lighting option vs Crysis 2's full HDR. One is obviously technically better (proper HDR), but I guess the question is, is there even a noticeable difference? That's one artistic argument, then there's the argument based on cost. Imo, KZ3 has considerably better IQ, (textures, resolution, sharpness, AF, AA etc) than Crysis 2 (consoles), and I wonder how much of the compromises to Crysis 2 were because of the lighting engine. If the real world differences between such lighting options are negligible, or come at the expense of many other IQ additions, which is the more intelligent design choice?
Obviously this is a purely subjective thing, but I personally think IQ basics and a stable frame rate not only look/play better, but offer a more balanced design.
That said, there is no telling as to how costly C2's lighting engine was. The slightly more open world nature of the game could have been just as if not more responsible. But then there are obviously many segments in Crysis 2 that aren't quite so open.