UK, January 14, 2009 - After years of anticipation we've finally played the final code for Killzone 2 through from start to finish. Naturally, there's a lot of stuff we're not yet able to talk about, due to heavy restrictions from Sony, but also because we don't want to spoil the game for you. However, what we can say is that PlayStation 3 owners are in for a treat come February, with Guerrilla's much-hyped shooter promising to blow all other PS3 FPSes out of the water. Here's why:
Eye-Popping Presentation
Not convinced Killzone 2 will live up to that E3 demo? Wait until you see it in action. Seriously, Killzone 2 is without doubt the best-looking game on PlayStation 3, boasting some of the best effects and use of lighting we've seen not just on Sony's console but anywhere. From the familiar opening scenes as you drop down onto Helghan, cutting through the smoke clouds to leave trails of vapour in your wake, to an explosive climax that's guaranteed to set forums alight with heated discussion, Killzone 2 is a game guaranteed to impress from start to finish.
Killzone 2 is an assault on your senses from start to finish.
Whether you're trudging through the run-down shanty town of Suljeva village or creeping along the corridors of Visari's grandiose palace in the Helghan capital of Pyrrhus, every new level presents countless jaw-dropping moments when you sit back and take it all in. It's not simply the scale of it all either although there are moments when Guerilla really likes to show it can do things big but more to do with the attention to detail. Indeed, there's a real sense of grittiness to the game, that there really is a war going on around you, whether it's the once-grand cities of Helghan scarred by relentless shelling or vistas plagued by countless plumes of black smoke billowing from fires across the battlefield.
The weather adds a real atmosphere to the game too, with barren landscapes battered by strong winds carrying dust and debris and bolts of lightning cutting like daggers through the blackened skies. It's an impressive assault on your senses, especially if you're playing through a rig hooked up to surround sound. The constant thud of distant explosions and the whoosh of bullets cutting through the air in Dolby 7.1 is often enough to make you duck for cover, even though you're playing from the comfort of your living room.
Blood-Pumping Gameplay
There's never a quiet moment in Killzone if you don't like the crack of gunfire then this simply isn't the game for you. However, if you find gut-wrenchingly visceral action to die for there's nothing better on PlayStation 3. From initial skirmishes with Helghast resistance to full-blown wars against innumerable waves of enemies, Killzone 2 quickly shifts into top gear and never eases off the throttle.
To play, Killzone 2 sits somewhere between Call of Duty and Gears of War 2. The pace of the game is very much full-on, much like Gears, but it's not quite so epic in scale and has more in common with Call of Duty in terms of mission objectives you don't have to blow your way out of a giant worm or ride a beast into battle, but overturning Helghast encampments and punching through enemy lines is very much the order of the day. The cover system isn't quite so forgiving as Gears' and if you duck behind a low barricade you'll still expose yourself to fire, meaning you've got to choose your resting points carefully, especially when Helghast troops are clever enough to attempt to outflank you.
Importantly, it's all superbly balanced, presenting enough of a challenge to ensure you won't breeze through the entire game without breaking sweat but still throwing in a number of solid battles that require you to use your noodle as much as your trigger finger.
Tools of Destruction
On paper the weapons in Killzone 2 are unlikely to cause excitement the assault rifle is standard issue, the choice of automatic pistol or the powerful revolver is nothing new, there's an SMG, grenade launcher, rocket launcher... It's all stuff you've played around with for years, but what Killzone gets right is that each weapon feels perfect to use. For example, the dot sight on the machinegun makes it reassuringly quick to get a bead on the enemy, while hitting an enemy square in the chest with the shotgun results in a satisfying scream as they're knocked off their feet.
The Arc cannon makes light work of Helghast troops - and you, if you get on the wrong end of it.
There are two standout weapons of note though, the first being the flamethrower. It's ideal for flushing out enemies hiding in dark corners of the slums, torching the cover they're lurking behind until they're eventually engulfed in flame. Make sure you finish the job properly though, as while a quick blast is enough to stop them from attacking you a little longer, only a more thorough roasting will prevent them from dragging their burning bodies up off the ground. Beware Helghast carrying flamethrowers too, because it's just as deadly in the hands of an enemy as smart as they are.
The Arc cannon is without doubt our favourite weapon in the game, although it's hard to find. It spits out streams of lightning that instantly paralyse its targets, causing them to shake and jerk uncontrollably as their bodies are consumed by thousands of volts of electricity. A second blast quickly seals their fate, leaving behind a sparking, smoking corpse and of course any weapons they're carrying, which you can then nab.
There are countless additional weapons scattered around each level too, from gun turrets to anti-aircraft cannons you can turn on the advancing army. You're also given the chance to play around with some really seriously military hardware, but we'll let you discover that for yourself when you play the game.
Killer AI
The normal reaction to being shot at is to dive for cover, so why is it that most video game bad guys will quite happily stand in the open and soak up bullets before slumping to the ground in a bloody mess seconds later? Not so in Killzone 2, where the Helghast actively hide behind available cover, where they'll pop out to rattle off a shot or, if it's getting too heated, fire blindly to minimise the chances of taking a bullet. But what's really clever is the way they react to how you play: for example, lob in a grenade and they'll run into the open and risk being shot rather than face certain doom when the pineapple explodes in the face. Similarly, rather than pop out of cover at exactly the same point every time, they'll keep moving around to prevent you from training your sights on one area and blowing their brains out the moment they stand up to take a shot.
The Helghast are smarter than most enemies you've encountered before.
What's more, the Helghast will also work as a team, with heavy weapons troops sitting back and laying down a wall of fire while light infantry close for the kill. All too often we focused our fire on heavy machine-gunners in the distance, only to succumb to a grunt who'd sneaked round the side and lumped us with the butt of his rifle. Clever.
It's a shame then that your team-mates aren't quite so smart and often stand out in the open rather than fire from behind cover. True, when they're alive they draw fire away from your sorry arse, but all too often the only thing they contribute to a battle is the pathetic cry of 'Help me!'.
Monster Multiplayer
We admit we're a bit disappointed there's no co-op mode to get stuck into, but Killzone 2's Warzone multiplayer mode is a gem in its own right. It's much more than a straightforward deathmatch too, although the option to play a basic 32-player scrap is certainly included. Multiplayer staples such as Capture and Hold, Assassination and Search and destroy are all in there too, but given their own Killzone 2 twist.
ISA and Helghast multiplayer classes from left to right: engineer; medic; scout; infantry; assault; tactician; saboteur.
What makes Killzone's multiplayer stand out are the seven player types available to both ISA and Helghast forces. Initially you're only able to play as the bog-standard infantryman with a choice of just a couple of weapons, but the more you play the more badges and ranks you earn, which enables you to select different character classes such as a medic, heavy weapon trooper and so on. Each class is gifted with unique skills, so engineers can set up automated turrets to protect objectives, scouts have active camouflage that makes them difficult to spot and tacticians can call in air support in the shape of ATACs, flying drones kitted out with miniguns. Players are therefore encouraged to put in as much time in multiplayer as possible, because you're able to mix and match skills rather than forced to only play as one specific class.
Importantly, even if you're a rookie with no experience Killzone 2's multiplayer is a cinch to pick up and play. The basic arsenal is decent enough to stand up against the big weapons provided you've got a steady aim, plus there's always the option of nicking a better weapon from the still-warm corpse of a downed enemy. Alternatively, hone your skills in the Skirmish mode, which serves up the same experience as playing online, only against bots. As you improve you'll climb up the online leaderboard, which frequently dishes out additional rewards and badges to the most outstanding players.
