The original Killzone was a fairly good game, let down by a short story, poor multiplayer and over-hyped expectation as a ‘Halo Killer’. Killzone 2 also suffered some controversy, when a video released as if it was actually gameplay turned out to be little more than computer generated trickery. So, after a couple of years in development, is Killzone 2 the game that the PS3 was built for? Yes, and more.
Killzone 2’s Single Player Campaign for PS3
The game picks up two years after the events of the first Killzone. The Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA), having pushed back the invading Helghast forces on Vekta, have made an advance towards the Helghast home planet, Helghan, and are preparing for a massive planetary invasion.
The ultimate goal being the capture of the Helghast leader Scolar Visari (played to perfection by actor Brian Cox).
The player takes control of Sergeant Tomas Sevchenko a.k.a. "Sev”, a grizzled soldier and member of the ISA Special Forces Alpha Team, directly tasked with the capture of Visari and the destruction of the Helghast’s horrific technology, which literally uses the forces of Helghan itself as a weapon.
The game has a play time of a fair few hours, and the replay value of each level will keep gamers coming back for more.
Killzone 2’s Gameplay for PS3
Much like the previous Killzone, Killzone 2 aims to create a feeling of being in the thick of the battle through the creation of "Hollywood Realism". The game is played almost entirely from a first-person viewpoint, allowing the gamer to feel a part of the story. Unfortunately, frequent cut scenes showing Sev from a third person view spoils this effect, but serve admirably to reveal Killzone 2’s epic storyline.
Like many modern shooters, Killzone 2 has incorporated a cover system which allows the player to take cover behind almost any bit of the scenery, but unlike many such shooters, the player never leaves first person in cover, and has to peek over and around cover to pick off the Helghast.
This is a dynamic which increases immersion in the game and adds a sense of tension.
Killzone 2’s Weapons for PS3
Many weapons make a return from the previous Killzone, such as M82-G and the StA-52 LA, but many more have been added, and the two-weapon only dynamic keeps the game fast and thrilling, as being left with a rifle while facing a tank often results in a scramble to find a heavier weapon.
The weapons themselves are coded to be much more realistic than in games such as Halo 3- they are awkward and difficult to aim, and reloading and aiming under fire from the Helghast is a frightening experience.
The melee attack on offer is also very awkward, with a selection of pistol-whips and rifle butt attacks being a brutal way to finish a downed Helghast. The Sixaxis motion controller is also put to good use for actions such as arming mines, opening doors and keeping a sniper rifle steady.
Also included in Killzone 2 is the opportunity to drive tanks and other vehicles, adding a little heavy weapons action to a game that could have been dangerously repetitive. However, like the weapons, the vehicles are unwieldy and force the gamer to drive carefully, further adding to the immersion factor.
Killzone 2’s Graphics and Sound for PS3
The game engine used for Killzone 2 pushes the PS3 to its limit. Environments are beautifully rendered, showing lush greenery and blasted buildings in equal quality. Lighting and shadows are excellent, and the muzzle flashes appearing through a haze of smoke as it floats over the battlefield are almost artistic in their execution.
The sound dynamic is similarly superb. Weapons sound meaty and loud, and the yells of fellow ISA soldiers and attacking Helghast mix into the background rumble of the battlefield brilliantly. Lightning scorches the sky, sending waves of light and sound into the tumult and the sound of bullet casings hitting the concrete floor is a constant rhythm.
What’s more, the PS3 weathers the pressure Killzone 2 places on its processors with no discernable slowdown or laggy ‘phasing’ of environments.
The score is similarly epic, adding movie-quality music to both hectic battleground and quiet moment.
Killzone 2’s Online Multiplayer for PS3
Offering up to 32-player multiplayer, Killzone 2 continues the squad-based action of its predecessor, with the added twist of class-based gameplay, much like the modern Call of Duty series. Several game modes are available, as are levels, with more expected to be added via downloadable content.
Currently included are Assassination, Search and Retrieve, Search and Destroy, Bodycount and Capture and Hold, all featuring the fast-pace and stunning graphics of the single player campaign on some very cleverly-designed maps.
Killzone 2 for the PS3- Not to be Missed
All in all, Killzone 2 is the first game to really push the PS3 to its limits, if big-budget action, stellar sound and fantastic first-person gameplay are what the player is looking for - then it's a sure fire hit.
Score: 9/10
Andrew Hemphill - Andrew Hemphill is an award-winning journalist and author from England. A university graduate, he currently works in the media in London ...
