Killzone 2, another "average at best" shooter?

[Eipok Kruden]

If I was reviewing the game using some objective system and I found that I could not play the game because of lack of options, or the game caused me pain to play as COD 4, 5, Halo 3 did I would take off points. The controls are the most important part of a game's gameplay. Fighting the controls under any circumstances is not fun. What's the point if it hurts to play the game or the controls make the game unfun to play? Why shouldn't points be taken off when it's not exactly difficult to give the player full control, on the PC this is the standard when it comes to using the Mouse/KB. Why shouldn't I take off points in the event options present in the game are actually physically impossible to use for a human being with two arms, and two hands, and two thumbs or otherwise allow you to break the game? (See Orange Box on 360.)

Good software and good programmers do not pretend that they have any idea what the player wants to do when it comes to key mapping. That is the users territory and his or hers alone period. People that forget this are either stupid or arrogant. Especially when giving the user control is extremely easy and can be done for free.

Oh... You're left handed... I can't believe how dense I am, I didn't pick that up. I guess I didn't see southpaw anywhere. Should've read through your comments more carefully.

 

[McClaud]

It is.

It's the Killzone Moses parting the Red (Ring of Death) Sea after transporting the PS3 across the endless desert (of mediocrity of games that have come out so far for the PS3).

That's my personal interpretation after seeing the comic and talking to a drop-dead-tired comic artist at 2 am his time.

I'm sure the rant that goes up later will be more verbose with elegantly honeyed words of an over-talkative Tycho.

Oh, and btw, I've played KZ2, and it's not as awful or as glowing as everyone is making it out to be. It's going to be a decent FPS game that builds on a solid multiplayer experience. While the single player was only acceptable to me, I feel the multiplayer is going to be one of the best this year.

I'd give it a 8.5 out of 10 (I gave Halo 3 only a 8 out of 10 and TF2 a 8.5 out of 10, so you know about where I stand on this).

Considering he's recounted his love of everything from Metal Gear Solid 4 to Valkyria Chronicles to Resistance 2, I doubt that is his meaning.

Well, considering that he considers those games fun but dealing in a few really fatal flaws for his expectations of the licenses, I think KZ2 is the first game that he's actually LOVED to play on the PS3 multiplayer-wise.

I think Home and Resistance 2's problems really brought him down on the PS3 for a little while. All it took was a few good games of KZ2 to get him back to being somewhat objective. If that's what we can call it.

 

[BubbleGumSnareDrum]

EDIT: BTW does anyone know where to get this keyboard attachment. Want it so bad, keep seeing pictures.

Good God, that thing looks awkward to use.

 

[Sky Blue]

I have been following this since the release of the original Killzone. I have always thought the game quite good and fun with some small flaws...

New games like Red Alert 3, the Empires opening video reminds me of the fun i had in the multiplayer Killzone.

This game is actaully deciding whether i buy a PS3 or not, but from what i have seen it looks fantastic i just hope the game has a heart.

 

[imPacT31]

I posted this on another KZ2 thread but it seems relevant too here. This is the early critical consensus so far, so you can use this to judge whether or not the game is average or if you'll like it.
Well the early critical consensus goes as...

Mind blowing graphics
Tactical singleplayer, that plays great
But despite the first person cover system, it feels like we've been here before
And there should be more colors
It has a forgettable story
With horrible voice acting

Class based multiplayer, that plays great
With great match types
Ranking up and classes are great fun and provide for countless play styles

But seriously, where's the co-op?
And damn, this game looks good!

Final Score: 9.5/10

I haven't played the game yet; this just seems to be what is the consenus coming out of the reviews, and I don't see that changing when the game actually comes out, unless multiplayer ends up being really buggy like Gears 2.

Again this is not my opinion, it is the opinion of the gaming press, as a unit.

One thing I really haven't understood is why all these sites keep questioning why they didn't do co-op; Guerilla have already announced that co-op, and vehicles in multiplayer, will be patched into the game after release.

http://playstation.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/killzone-2-co-op-to-be-patched-after-launch-bots-confirmed/

Admittedly it isn't in the release version but I haven't yet heard one site or person mention this in a review.

 

[McClaud]

I posted this on another KZ2 thread but it seems relevant too here. This is the early critical consensus so far, so you can use this to judge whether or not the game is average or if you'll like it.
Well the early critical consensus goes as...

Mind blowing graphics
Tactical singleplayer, that plays great
But despite the first person cover system, it feels like we've been here before
And there should be more colors
It has a forgettable story
With horrible voice acting

Class based multiplayer, that plays great
With great match types
Ranking up and classes are great fun and provide for countless play styles

But seriously, where's the co-op?
And damn, this game looks good!

Final Score: 9.5/10

I haven't played the game yet; this just seems to be what is the consenus coming out of the reviews, and I don't see that changing when the game actually comes out, unless multiplayer ends up being really buggy like Gears 2.

Again this is not my opinion, it is the opinion of the gaming press, as a unit.

One thing I really haven't understood is why all these sites keep questioning why they didn't do co-op; Guerilla have already announced that co-op, and vehicles in multiplayer, will be patched into the game after release.

http://playstation.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/killzone-2-co-op-to-be-patched-after-launch-bots-confirmed/

Admittedly it isn't in the release version but I haven't yet heard one site or person mention this in a review.

Because it is now common ground to go nuts on a developer when the content that reviewers think should be in the game's release isn't.

Especially if you advertised that type of thing, and then said something along the lines of, "Well, we have to patch it in later, because we're going to miss our release date (and you idiots would rip on us for that, as well)."

 

[MrGFunk]

Spoiler: click for massive picture of PS3 keyboard attachment

EDIT: BTW does anyone know where to get this keyboard attachment. Want it so bad, keep seeing pictures.

Good God, that thing looks awkward to use.

Really? I think it looks sweet. If you're worried about the Sticks couldn't you just go 'Over The Top' like Sylvester Stallone (Nice).
I will try to have a go before purchase though.

Still no stockists mentioned.

 

[McClaud]

Spoiler: click for massive picture of PS3 keyboard attachment

EDIT: BTW does anyone know where to get this keyboard attachment. Want it so bad, keep seeing pictures.

Good God, that thing looks awkward to use.

Really? I think it looks sweet. If you're worried about the Sticks couldn't you just go 'Over The Top' like Sylvester Stallone (Nice).
I will try to have a go before purchase though.

Still no stockists mentioned.

I also think it looks awkward to use, mostly because I would type with my thumbs like I do on one of my cellphones. Having to re-adjust my hands every time I msg'ed someone would spell instant death in any deathmatch games.

 

[TehSilentWolf]

I think it looks like a pretty good game the FPS cover system seems to work really well, and now the PS3 will have a game populated by chest high walls.

 

[I3uster]

The game will stand or fall with the multiplayer.
Halo3 had a very nice and lagfree multiplayer thanks to xbox live payments.
If killzone plays fluent it will be a BIIIIG hit, if not, it will sell too, just becuase of sony fanboys (also see: the halo-launch)

 

[MrGFunk]

Spoiler: click for massive picture of PS3 keyboard attachment

I also think it looks awkward to use, mostly because I would type with my thumbs like I do on one of my cellphones. Having to re-adjust my hands every time I msg'ed someone would spell instant death in any deathmatch games.

Wouldn't you pause it to write a message, it's gotta be better than the current on screen keyboard you pull up and takes minutes to write a few sentences. I guess in a fastpace game you'd probably still use the headset.

I know the 360 has a similar attachment maybe someone has used that, how's that to use?

 

[ScarfaceNY]

Your probably right, but i like "go there kill that, then go there shoot this", but it needs to be a little nervewrecking though.. Or else i get bored, must not be to easy..

I agree with ya 100% there mate i am the type to twiddle my thumbs if things just tell me to shoot this and kill that but i dont mind it either but as you said i also think it needs to be a bit nervewrecking also and i hope the A.I just dont stand there like arseholes and just get shot like they are some kind of bullet sponge also I hate it when the npc's get in your way and dont want to move there arses then want to die and its facking mission failed for you

 

[McClaud]

Spoiler: click for massive picture of PS3 keyboard attachment

I also think it looks awkward to use, mostly because I would type with my thumbs like I do on one of my cellphones. Having to re-adjust my hands every time I msg'ed someone would spell instant death in any deathmatch games.

Wouldn't you pause it to write a message, it's gotta be better than the current on screen keyboard you pull up and takes minutes to write a few sentences. I guess in a fastpace game you'd probably still use the headset.

I know the 360 has a similar attachment maybe someone has used that, how's that to use?

Once you get used to typing with your thumbs, it's fast. Like most of my messages are abbreviated code like "go rt" or "go lf" or "wait." Nothing fancy.

I guess if you are typing out some long thesis or plan, it wouldn't matter. But I'd never use it more than to send a tiny message.

 

[shadow skill]

Spoiler: click for massive picture of PS3 keyboard attachment

I also think it looks awkward to use, mostly because I would type with my thumbs like I do on one of my cellphones. Having to re-adjust my hands every time I msg'ed someone would spell instant death in any deathmatch games.

Wouldn't you pause it to write a message, it's gotta be better than the current on screen keyboard you pull up and takes minutes to write a few sentences. I guess in a fastpace game you'd probably still use the headset.

I know the 360 has a similar attachment maybe someone has used that, how's that to use?

The 360 keyboard attachment is mounted at the rear rather than the front of the controller. I've not ued it myself but I would think that makes a difference.

 

[MrGFunk]

Spoiler: click for massive picture of PS3 keyboard attachment

I also think it looks awkward to use, mostly because I would type with my thumbs like I do on one of my cellphones. Having to re-adjust my hands every time I msg'ed someone would spell instant death in any deathmatch games.

Wouldn't you pause it to write a message, it's gotta be better than the current on screen keyboard you pull up and takes minutes to write a few sentences. I guess in a fastpace game you'd probably still use the headset.

I know the 360 has a similar attachment maybe someone has used that, how's that to use?

The 360 keyboard attachment is mounted at the rear rather than the front of the controller. I've not ued it myself but I would think that makes a difference.

That does seem to be more ergonomic/logical. I wonder why SONY didn't copy that design.

 

[shadow skill]

Spoiler: click for massive picture of PS3 keyboard attachment

I also think it looks awkward to use, mostly because I would type with my thumbs like I do on one of my cellphones. Having to re-adjust my hands every time I msg'ed someone would spell instant death in any deathmatch games.

Wouldn't you pause it to write a message, it's gotta be better than the current on screen keyboard you pull up and takes minutes to write a few sentences. I guess in a fastpace game you'd probably still use the headset.

I know the 360 has a similar attachment maybe someone has used that, how's that to use?

The 360 keyboard attachment is mounted at the rear rather than the front of the controller. I've not ued it myself but I would think that makes a difference.

That does seem to be more ergonomic/logical. I wonder why SONY didn't copy that design.

The USB port is on the front of the controller. It would have had to or of wrap around the controller to be reachable from the rear.

 

[Corpse XxX]

Your probably right, but i like "go there kill that, then go there shoot this", but it needs to be a little nervewrecking though.. Or else i get bored, must not be to easy..

I agree with ya 100% there mate i am the type to twiddle my thumbs if things just tell me to shoot this and kill that but i dont mind it either but as you said i also think it needs to be a bit nervewrecking also and i hope the A.I just dont stand there like arseholes and just get shot like they are some kind of bullet sponge also I hate it when the npc's get in your way and dont want to move there arses then want to die and its facking mission failed for you

Haha.. Yeah, i just love it when npc's center themselves directly in front of your barrel, eating your bullets like it was a hobby of theirs.. Resistance 2 i suspect of having their npc's trained to do this.. MY GOD it is annoying, wasting all my ammo shooting my own men in the ass..

 

[dcheppy]

I posted this on another KZ2 thread but it seems relevant too here. This is the early critical consensus so far, so you can use this to judge whether or not the game is average or if you'll like it.
Well the early critical consensus goes as...

Mind blowing graphics
Tactical singleplayer, that plays great
But despite the first person cover system, it feels like we've been here before
And there should be more colors
It has a forgettable story
With horrible voice acting

Class based multiplayer, that plays great
With great match types
Ranking up and classes are great fun and provide for countless play styles

But seriously, where's the co-op?
And damn, this game looks good!

Final Score: 9.5/10

I haven't played the game yet; this just seems to be what is the consenus coming out of the reviews, and I don't see that changing when the game actually comes out, unless multiplayer ends up being really buggy like Gears 2.

Again this is not my opinion, it is the opinion of the gaming press, as a unit.

One thing I really haven't understood is why all these sites keep questioning why they didn't do co-op; Guerilla have already announced that co-op, and vehicles in multiplayer, will be patched into the game after release.

http://playstation.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/killzone-2-co-op-to-be-patched-after-launch-bots-confirmed/

Admittedly it isn't in the release version but I haven't yet heard one site or person mention this in a review.

Because it is now common ground to go nuts on a developer when the content that reviewers think should be in the game's release isn't.

Especially if you advertised that type of thing, and then said something along the lines of, "Well, we have to patch it in later, because we're going to miss our release date (and you idiots would rip on us for that, as well)."

When co-op gets patched in, I'll probably buy it. I was on the edge before, but co-op would put me over it. It is something that should be mentioned in a responsible review, but if it's patched in 6 months after release, that's pretty worthless to guys who bought it at launch.

 

[JaguarWong]

Yeah 'Flower' and 'Fat Princess' look excellent, nice to see fresh, original ideas on the PS3, I'm really looking forw...

Oh sorry, I've walked into a boring thread by mistake.

 

[Extirpation]

One wonders why the ideals of an unbreaking first person perspective under all circumstances even when combined with the ideals of a cover system, mixed with life-like AI is dubbed unimaginative.

For the same reason Picasso is more revered then Rosalie Bonheur.

And I think you're forgetting the difference between refining beyond its peers and doing nothing. To put this in perspective, Far Cry 2 ran with the idea of an open world, better flame physics, driving and a buddy system. Did that make it a good game? No, it was crap. Alone In The Dark was imaginative as hell, and was one of the most reviled games of 2008. Making something as good as possible is still a major achievement.

The whole "quality over originality" argument would be fine and dandy had there been no other game trying to implement the same aspect. Its often more then not that a developer will try and make a "realistic" and "polished" game (Far Cry 2) over the coveted Individuality.
You see in a market as flooded as this making another "real like" shooter is like throwing another penny into a crowded lake filled with shiny pennies. So unless you offer a little more there's no reason to pick you up.

The only way to set yourself apart from the rest is to pack an edge into your game. COD4 did this by setting up new controls new rules for engagement, implemented a level and reward system (both in game and out of game), allowed for customizable weapons, added new game mechanics focused heavily on balance, allowed both tactical and trigger happy players to have fun, It also featured a memorable epic single player campaign and a lot more. Sure there was an abundance of polish on the game but it brought a lot of things to the consoles that had never been fully implemented.

KZ2 is coming to the plate with nothing that hasn't been seen or done before(excluding a cover system not found in its multiplayer), its going to be a good game, but in the way COD:waw was.