To say Killzone 2 had high expectations entering 2009 would be a huge understatement.
Since the game was first show at E3 2005, many people have argued that the game would never meet the graphical and game play expectations the stunning trailer showed in 2005. It is safe to say that Killzone 2 has delivered upon all its promises. Developer Guerilla has created a First-Person-Shooter gem that will likely live on as one of the best PlayStation 3 shooters and as one of the best games of 2009.
The Story
Guerilla wanted to deliver a futuristic, yet realistic, take on warfare. The game has a definite raw look and helps exemplify the grittiness and realism of war. Killzone 2 takes place after the events of the original Killzone.
The ISA has successfully driven away the Helghast forces back to their home planet Helghan. Killzone 2 takes the player on a ride to Helghan where the ISA look to end the war on Helghan soil. The game’s story, although simply, is delivered with draw dropping cinematic sequence that are likely to keep the player engrossed in the great single player campaign.
The Feeling of Firing a Real Big Gun
The game play mechanics are solid and unlike any shooter on the market today. The guns actually feel heavy as the player carries them throughout the uniquely designed levels. The guns have true recoil, meaning that one cannot expect to hold down the trigger and expect positive results.
The game rewards tactical decisions and those who look to carefully aim their guns. Using the cover system in the single player campaign is extremely satisfying. Taking cover is important because run-and-gun tactics will only have you restarting from your last checkpoint.
These Are Some Smart Bad Guys
The enemy A.I. is some of the best to dateof this generation. The Helghast do not blindly charge into battle. They stay behind cover and only move when they see that the player’s focus is turned to other Helghan on the battlefield. When shot, the Helghast react differently depending on where they are hit. They also scramble when they know they are about to meet their doom.
This is Next-Gen
Aside from the game play, the real star of the show is the graphics. Killzone 2 is a visual tour de force. The presentation of the game truly makes the player feel like they are dropped into a warzone. There is a true sense of chaos on the battlefield with soldiers yelling over gunfire and explosions. Visually the player see’s enflamed soldier screaming for mercy.
Bullet marks and debris are flying left in right in stunning detail. The game’s physic engine is truly amazing. Grenades tossed in the air are blown to one way depending on the direction of the wind. The character animations are realistic and movie-like. The guns are extremely detailed from the top to the bottom of the ammo clip. The levels are fantastically designed because of their detail and depth.
High Flying Multiplayer Action
Guerilla delivered an excellent 8-12 hour single player campaign. But with every shooter on the market, there must be multiplayer and Killzone 2 delivers. The multiplayer features up to 32 player action. The multiplayer features Body Count, Assassination, Search and Destroy, and Search and Retrieve. These modes can be played in one online match.
This means that, instead of going back to the lobby to start another mode, the game’s next mode begins seconds after the last one ends. This adds a frantic and strategic intensity to the multiplayer aspect of the game. The game also allows players to create their own matches, so if a player is just in the mode for a simple death match (body count) the player can easily create a room with one mode.
Multiplayer games are easily customizable, from the length of the match to the number of maps. Maps ranged from claustrophobic corridors to vast desert terrain fields. The maps in the game are uniquely designed and offer a great variety. The game also features a bots which allow the player to engage in epic multiplayer battles without going online.
Class System
The class system is also the best part of the Killzone 2 multiplayer. There are seven classes in Killzone 2; rifleman, assault, medic, engineer, tactician, saboteur, and scout. Only rifleman is available in the beginning and as the player gains experience points, new classes are unlocked. With every class, a primary ability is unlocked.
For example, a medic has the ability to revive fallen comrades. Every class also has a secondary ability which is unlocked by using the primary ability a certain number of times. Leveling up in Killzone 2 never feels like a chore, it’s exciting and helps keep the game fresh as you unlock new classes. All the classes have particular perks that are truly enjoyable to use.
Conclusion
With Killzone 2, Guerilla has delivered on all fronts. Single player campaign is excellent because of its intense action and great level design. The multiplayer is deep and engaging. From the game’s graphics to the awesome class system, Guerilla really put a lot of hard work into making a truly amazing game. Expect this game to be nominated for 2009’s “Game of the Year.”
10/10
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