Xbox 360
Has the PS3 finally found that Holy Grail; a fantastic exclusive first person shooter? Coming in the wake of the sadly dissapointing Resistance 2, Killzone 2 is the third game in the Killzone series, with previous outings on the PS2 and PSP (the second shooter, hence the "2"). Playing the previous games is not essential although those who have will see definite plot ties.
Set in a future where, the "good guys", the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance, are pitted against the Helghast. I say "good guys" as you may find yourself with some doubts about the tactics used. In fact propaganda plays a major part in the game plot and level sub missions to collect "intel" and take out Helghast icons. This time you've taken the fight to their capital. It's time to end this war.
In its development Guerilla seem to have considered the best of their peers in creating the horrors of war. The realistic world surrounds you, winds whip up garbage dust and smoke, and the sky is overcast giving a sense of hopelessness. Playing on easy allows for more gung-ho gaming but you'll need grit to survive the harder levels where single shots can cause devastating damage and elite Helghast troops come hunting you out in your hidey hole. Knowledge of how to use the knife is an advantage as is balancing the pistol with one, yes count it, one other weapon. Those who remember Black will be in their element here as Killzone 2 matches its gameplay style.
Guns feel solid and powerful, enemies proficient and clever and progression is slowly gained by careful duck and cover techniques, using the environment around. Sometimes depending on the pistols infinite ammo rather than risking wasting a more powerful weapon. The balance is good though with more powerful weapons taking ages to reload but being able to take down Helghast in seconds. Add to this some interesting spins in mechanised armour and on a gunnery battery and the game adds some variety.
Online play is equally good with varied mission types to complete. Your standard capture the flag scenarios are here but there are others like assassination where one of each side's forces is highlighted for assassination by the other. With a variety of weapons to unlock and trophies to gain the main question will be whether the PSN can handle the weight of traffic this game is sure to generate. The computer run troops (bots) in these scenarios also act with a good deal of intelligence at higher levels making them fairly dependable comrades.
So is there anything wrong? Well yes. The game is short like Black was short, the intention being the experience was so great, and for most will be, that you want to prove you can do it at a higher level. Level designs are also nothing new; but look exceptional. It's also limited to anyone with no internet access as though the on-line mode is available in single player with bots there is no split screen facility to play on the same console with a friend. This also limits what you can unlock therefore limiting enjoyment. Some of these things are forgivable but limiting things for those who can't do anything about them really isn't.
Is this the mystical chalice then? Yes it is. Finally! A little tarnished but still looking good on the mantelpiece. Hopefully this will be the forefather to a rash of better games and give other developers, especially those of FPS, a kick up the arse about what this console can do.
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