Many people skipped on the original Killzone on the PS2; the game was mediocre and didn’t garner much attention. The PSP follow-up, Killzone Liberation, suffered much of the same fate. Guerilla Games blew the doors off when they introduced Killzone 2 and the hype train rolled for over 3 years until the game’s release at the end of February. There aren’t too many games that can match the level of hype and expectation surrounding Killzone 2. What began with a CGI trailer at E3 2005 is now reality, and is pretty damn close, if not superior, to that original trailer. Killzone 2 is one of the best looking games we’ve ever seen, but how about the more important factor, the gameplay? Does it hold up? After spending plenty of time popping off Helghast helmets, the answer is a resounding yes.
Graphically, what no one thought possible is now happening on PS3 systems around the world. Just about every aspect of Killzone 2 is flat out beautiful, from the character models to the environments. Explosions look utterly amazing and the clouds of smoke that billow around blown up barrels and doors add to the overall ambiance of the game. Seeing a Helghast soldier’s red eyes coming at you through blinding smoke from a grenade completely immerses you in the experience. Trying to take cover behind a flimsy piece of metal or a wooden box only to have it blown away will certainly make you yell and run away to keep from dying. Even concrete pillars can be destroyed, so staying in one spot isn’t the best option. The only graphical issue I have with the game is the flamethrower; it just doesn’t look all that good streaming out at enemies. Once things are on fire, it looks terrific, it’s just that shooting fire at someone is a bit muddy.
The sound is equally as impressive, with gun shots, explosions, and enemy screams coming at you from all 7.1 channels of surround sound. Listening to the Helghast Emperor Scolar Visari’s inspirational speeches makes you understand why the Helghan armies are so gung-ho. It’s all about drawing you in, and Killzone 2 does that in spades.
As the game begins, you take control of Sev, a member of Alpha Team charged with aiding the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA) during the invasion of Helghan. Your main goal is to take out Emperor Visari to try and thwart the Helghan army. The story is better than I expected, but it’s nothing to get overly excited about; it serves to keep the gameplay moving and does a good job. As expected, there are a few twists and turns, but I’ll leave that up to you to find out as to not spoil things.
One of the best features of the campaign is the enemy AI, which will try to whoop your ass at every turn. The Helghast soldiers aren’t just cannon fodder, they’re trying to win this war. Enemies will flank your position and use various tactics to take out you and your squad-mates. Like I said before, it all comes together to truly immerse you in the overall experience. The only hiccup, which can briefly pull you away from that immersion, is how the game slightly pauses when loading new areas or saving. While it’s only 1-2 seconds and by no means a deal breaker, it’s an annoyance none the less.
The controls work very well in the game, especially the interspersed uses of SIXAXIS. If you need to place a charge to blow a door or a column, turn a wheel, or steady your sniper rifle, the motion controls come into play nicely. It doesn’t feel tacked on or cumbersome, which is great. The vehicle controls aren’t the best, but thankfully there aren’t many vehicle sequences in the game.
Once you get past the game’s single player campaign, the Warzone multiplayer mode is there to provide hours upon hours of entertainment. What could easily be the best multiplayer experience of the year, Killzone 2 really excels in providing an extremely fun and fast paced online component. Matches with up to 32 players can be setup to use one game type or immediately switch to new modes once a previous is completed, which keeps the action flowing. The maps designs are great and some are enormous. My only gripe with the multiplayer is the amount of time it takes to unlock various badges. You’ll need to put in a good deal of time if you want to play as a Medic or a Scout, but once you get there, these class tweaks are insanely fun. You can customize your character class to suit your style, such as the Scout cloak and the Assault heavy armor.
The lasting appeal of Killzone 2 cannot be questioned. With a single player campaign that can easily be played over and over coupled with the tremendously deep multiplayer options, this is a must have for every PS3 owner. Unless you have an aversion to beautiful, very fun games, run out and pick this one up right away.
Overall: 9.5 out of 10
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Good review. I’m thinking I might need to pick this up once school gets out or have ma Crowley pick this one up as a bday present. giggidy
Great game, great review. KillZone 2 is definitely a must have for any PS3 owner. Not having it is like eating a breadless sandwich. Just makes no sense. The story is great, the combat is great, and the visuals are just sick. There’s no reason not to get it.
Much, much better than I expected. It’s one of the best games I’ve played in a long time. Certainly the first current-gen after MGS4 and GTA4 that made me appreciate how far the video game industry has come in the last 3 years. I say it’s a good reason alone for any hesitant chap to pick up a PS3.
ps – To be totally honest, I can’t understand why some reviews (nudge, nudge) made such an issue of the story. It isn’t nearly as derivative as the WW2 narratives we’ve been force fed for the last 6 years. My only complaint – and it’s minor – are the two or three half-second loads. Hopefully a future patch gives up the option of an install.
While I agree some of the WW2 stories were pretty meh, the story in Killzone 2 isn’t the best either. Does it work? Sure. Is it as engrossing and immersive as the gameplay? Not really. I think better voice acting and a bit less cursing could have beefed it up a bit.
I agree – I just was expecting utter tripe based upon some complaints. It’s a purely functionary tale designed to give you a modest excuse to keep fighting, but it works. The storylines in World at War, Far Cry 2 and Fear 2 were no better or revolutionary.
I agree about the cursing. It’s as if developers and publishers think it adds a degree of authenticity to the dialogue.
It doesn’t.
if you want good storylines you aint going to find no elmore leonard but it had me glued to the 15 inc black and white for gours
I dont mind the cursing. if bullets were going past your head and explosions booming near your position do you think you wouldn’t be cursing like a sailor. regardless the story is good in the game and if you go to killzone.com and read the background section I think you will appreciate the story 50 times more. The multiplayer is Friggin sweet and i cant wait till we have a gamenight with it.; oh yea and the clan support is revolutionary.
Hi.
I really liked how well written your review was, but I find it interesting how you relished the use of SIXAXIS, but didn’t like the vehicle controls.
In my review of Killzone 2 I pretty much say the opposite haha. The vehicle parts are exciting, especially controlling the mech – but perhaps I’ve misunderstood what you wrote.
I also liked the concept of the SIXAXIS controls, but really, can they be described as responsive?
Anyway nice review
I highly recommend this game! I have been playing the full version for almost a week. Still loving it! One major complain is it feels so slow when trying to aim around. Making aiming a lot harder than say, Call of Duty 4.
Multiplayer rocks! Though its really tough when you first start, you have little bonus and little ammo, always have to look for new guns.