Killzone 2 Review

Written by: Darren Cartledge Posted: 31st March 2009

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We re-enter the Kilzzone.

Killzone 2 Details:

	First Person Shooter
	PlayStation 3
	Guerrilla Games
	Sony

18+

Out Now

1-32

Killzone 2 has been hailed by many as the defining game for the PlayStation 3! A real system seller! But can it live up to all this hype where so many titles have failed? The short answer is yes, and with some real grit.

Set two years after the original game, Killzone 2 puts players in the role of Sergeant Shevchenko, as the ISA takes the war to the Helghast by invading their homeworld of Helghan. Their mission is to capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari in a bid to stop the war. Shevchenko or Sev as the game often refers to him as, is a member of a Special Forces unit known as the Legion. He’s teamed with Natko and Garza as well as a familiar face from the first game Rico. They are tasked with performing several special missions that will ultimately lead the ISA to their ultimate goal of capturing Visari.

Killzone 2 is very much a tactical first person shooter and unlike the on rails approach of many titles in the genre. You will be required to seek out cover and flank Helghast troops in order to put them down, which is easier said then done. As you have guessed from that statement, Killzone 2 is pretty tough. But what is it that makes Killzone 2 so tough? It’s a mix of things. Firstly the intensity of the games action! You will often find yourself clinging to any available cover as enemies swarm towards you and bullets fly at you from all directions and explosions ring all around. Guerrilla has done an excellent job of creating a war zone atmosphere that really gives an “edge” to Killzone 2.

Enemy AI is pretty solid! Helghast troops will take cover and blind fire at you, and also try to suppress you so others can move in on your flank. However, as good as it is, it’s far from perfect. Enemy troops tend to use specific paths to move around the game environment, and will occasionally run straight towards you allowing you to easily pick them off. Although it doesn’t really make it much easier as you’ll often be so out-numbered that one of their friends will soon fill you with lead.

AI for your squad mates has been improved upon from the original game, but still isn’t quite right. Yes they’ll kill their fair share of baddies but will still leave themselves open to attack and take some strange paths through the games levels. But, in all fairness you’ll be too occupied with the swarming Helghast forces to worry about them too much. That is until they start shouting for you to come and revive them.

The level design in Killzone 2 is pretty good, if not at times clichéd! There are several sequences that have you defending set areas, operating turrets and even have you piloting some mechanised armour, something that is becoming increasing popular in first person shooters. Despite these all being implemented very well, the lack of originality, from a critical point of view is a little annoying.

Despite these annoyances however, Killzone 2 still serves up a highly immersive playing experience, so much so that it is easy to forgive these flaws. This is partly thanks to the level of concentration that is required and partly down to how well the developers have implemented everything. As an overall package the single player campaign dishes up a immersive and edgy experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Sadly, however, the end does come far too soon. Most players should be able to get through the game between eight and nine hours and you’ll be left wanting more when the end does come. Thankfully though the game does include a rather good multiplayer component!

Killzone 2 is probably one of the best looking PlayStation 3 games, released which many expected it to be. Character models feature an impressive amount of detail and are animated well. Environments are also well designed and varied. But where the game steals the show is with it cut-scenes which are nothing short of superb!

The game sound design is top notch, the soundtrack is excellent and for the most part voice acting is performed well. Sadly, the developers weren’t able to resist the temptation of including all the usually characters you expect to find in a squad based shooter. But this in no way spoils the game.

Fans had high expectations for KIllzone 2, and for the most part the game delivers. This edgy shooter will keep you gripped right until the end. It’s just unfortunate it comes so soon. Is it a must own title for the PS3? We’d say so!