Killzone 2

[MrBrightside919]

Killzone was said to be the Halo of the Playstation back when it was released on the Playstation 2. The reality of the game was that it was an uninspired, generic first person shooter that had awful controls and nausiating first person actions, like getting in and out of vehicles. Even though the game wasn't very good, people still ate it up for what it was proclaimed to be...atleast Sony did. Fast forward to 2009 and Killzone 2 is finally released, after years and years of teasing from Sony. Is it prerendered graphics or in game engine? Well, now we can actually see for ourselves.

For this review, we are going to completely ignore graphics (literally) because as we all know (or should know) that graphics do not make a good game.

Killzone 2 picks up years after the original and the humans of Velkta, otherwise known as the ISA, are finally going to strike back against the nefarious Helghast on their home planet of Helghan. I'm going to stop their because that is where the story stops being original and starts being generic. You could basically take any plot of any first person shooter of the past 2-3 years and put it in place of Killzone 2's storyline and you basically get the rest of the KZ2 story...seriously. All the characters are stock, the situations generic and interchangable with any other game of the genre. Bad guys are being bad, a friend dies, the hard ass guy does something stupid and etc. That's the storyline in a nut shell...seriously.

Even though the story is generic as hell, I will say that the ending was kinda unexpected and made me smile.

There is no denying that Killzone 2.........sounds great (thought I was gonna say looks great didn't you?). Playing KZ2 in dolby surround sound is a treat for the ears. All the music and sound effects are put in the right channels for almost complete immersion. I say almost because the immersion is only complete with an HDTV (preferably plasma screen) and a dark room. Trust me...it's very much worth having those things for this game.

Gameplay is the most important part of any game and Killzone 2 is no exception. Gameplay is also the place where Killzone 2 fails the most. KZ2 is an almost completely uninspired shooter, just like the original. The game plays just like almost every other first person shooter you have and will play. Players take control of Sev, a gruff space marine who has an assault rifle, an infinite clip pistol and plenty of red eyed baddies to kill. You move from objective point to objective point shooting everything that doesn't have red glowing eyes.

Ok so I wasn't being completely honest with the previous paragraph. You aren't just running and gunning through the levels. Really, you are trying not to get filled with bullets by hiding behind lots of cover while stopping to pop out and pull off a nice, gory headshot. That is the big draw to Killzone 2, the cover system. By pulling the L2 button, you can cling to most surfaces for cover. It's actually a lot like Gears of War in that you really can't stay out of cover for to long unless you have a death wish. Unlike the bad guys from Gears, the Helghast have a little more inteligence. They will group up, hide behind cover and swarm you if you let them.

Unlike your enemies, the ISA allies you get to fight along side are dimmer than a burnt out lightbulb. Garza, Natko and EXPECIALLY Rico are beyond annoying in that they do almost nothing and get killed way to much, forcing you to trudge over to where ever they dropped in order to revive them...because they won't shut up until you get them up. This become ESPECIALLY annoying at the end of the game when you are STUCK with Rico in a place you can't really hide in.

The single player is incredibly annoying, but the multiplayer is gold. Take the generic gameplay and add 32 players online, a nice class system, perks, medals to unlock, the ability to form squads in mid battle, large maps and huge battles, combine it all together and you have something that is just awesome. Playing Killzone 2 online is a lot of fun, but I really wouldn't play it for too long at a time because it can and will get boring.

The gameplay overall is just really generic and that hurts the overall experience more than you'd think. Because there are so many incredibly generic elements in Killzone 2, there really is nothing compelling you to finish the game. That was the trouble I had because I just couldn't find the will to finish the game until recently.

Bottom Line : My biggest problem with Killzone 2 is that is is uninspired, generic shooter fodder that will require a lot of willpower to actually finish. If you have the patience or you like a strong online multiplayer, Killzone 2 might be for you.

Reccomendation : Rent it

 

[oliveira8]

I think you used "generic" too many times. But anyway, considering that the last KZ2 reviews were, very bad and poor, this one is a nice change! Most of the first paragraph wasn't really needed, you could have mentioned graphics-yes KZ2 graphics are good- its still part of the game and in KZ2 case, its worth to mention.

You could also talk abit more about the multiplayer part, considering its the part that you liked more, explaining briefly the different MP modes etc etc.

And you failed to mention what platform is Killzone 2 for. xP

 

[oliveira8]

I think you used "generic" too many times.

8 times generic was used, not including when you said it.

Seemed alot more...still to many generics, a word that itself its pretty generic.

 

[johnman]

I think you used "generic" too many times. But anyway, considering that the last KZ2 reviews were, very bad and poor, this one is a nice change! Most of the first paragraph wasn't really needed, you could have mentioned graphics-yes KZ2 graphics are good- its still part of the game and in KZ2 case, its worth to mention.

You could also talk abit more about the multiplayer part, considering its the part that you liked more, explaining briefly the different MP modes etc etc.

And you failed to mention what platform is Killzone 2 for. xP

If sombody doesnt know what platform Killzone 2 is for then they must have strayed onto this site by accident. The Fanboys were screeching loud enough for all to hear.
Nice reveiw, just try to find a less generic word for generic

 

[oliveira8]

*snip*

It was me nitpicking. Theres alot of reviews around that don't mention the name of the game, the platform, type of game etc etc.

 

[oliveira8]

I think you used "generic" too many times.

8 times generic was used, not including when you said it.

Seemed alot more...still to many generics, a word that itself its pretty generic.

Yes, agreed. I find that the word Generic is extremly generic. It shouldn't be so branched out or generic, but rather more in-depth than what it is. Due to the generic word it leaves itself open to many possibilities, quite possibly generic. Which brings me on to say that I thought Steve Ballmer insane rantings quite generic.

Your rant was quite generic to be honest. You could have spiced it a little more. But instead you chosed to go the generic path, ending with a vert generic rant about the genericness of the word generic.

 

[oliveira8]

I think you used "generic" too many times.

8 times generic was used, not including when you said it.

Seemed alot more...still to many generics, a word that itself its pretty generic.

Yes, agreed. I find that the word Generic is extremly generic. It shouldn't be so branched out or generic, but rather more in-depth than what it is. Due to the generic word it leaves itself open to many possibilities, quite possibly generic. Which brings me on to say that I thought Steve Ballmer insane rantings quite generic.

Your rant was quite generic to be honest. You could have spiced it a little more. But instead you chosed to go the generic path, ending with a vert generic rant about the genericness of the word generic.

Really? I didn't know that my last post was a generic rant on the word generic. My apologies. Although for what I'm apologising for I don't know. I suppose it's a generic apologie then, as it can be taken in any form at all, which further goes on about the word generic. Rather I will not go down the generic path again, but rather the more in-depth path of the human vocabulary which shuns the word generic. Although, is it possible for the word generic to be used as an in-depth review? Indeed, the word generic leaves itself open to many possibilities, much like a variable or an algebric X, whereby the user defines the meaning and context behind the word generic and its standard values. Is it...possible that generic can be, and is, the most in-depth word out there? The possibilities are endless I'm afriad and quite possibly....generic

What about bland?

 

[nova18]

Yeah I'd say thats review is bang on the money.
Single player is very predictable, but the multiplayer works nicely.
I own the game and play it now and again, its nothing special without online play and shit hot graphics

I know you didnt want to stray into the "Graphics makes a game" argument, but people have to admit that it is a stunning game.

 

[Stegofreak]

At the rish of sounding like a complete fanboy, let me address a few of your statements.

Killzone 2 picks up years after the original and the humans of Velkta, otherwise known as the ISA.

The ISA is Interplanitary Strategic Alliance (the military) and they do not represent all the citizens of Vekta (no 'l'), a fact that is made clear in one of the loading screens. Sev and co. are members of the Vektan branch of the ISA.

All the characters are stock, the situations generic and interchangable with any other game of the genre...... the ending was kinda unexpected and made me smile

How can it be stock and surprising? While many of the Killzone 2 set pieces are, to use your word, 'generic' that is all part and parcel of what the game aims to be. Unlike how it is portrayed in other games, all soldiers don't experience entertaining and enthrawling stories during war. Ironically it takes a Science-Fiction game to give a more realistic view of the war.

Unlike your enemies, the ISA allies you get to fight along side are dimmer than a burnt out lightbulb. Garza, Natko and EXPECIALLY Rico are beyond annoying in that they do almost nothing and get killed way to much, forcing you to trudge over to where ever they dropped in order to revive them...because they won't shut up until you get them up.

While I agree that the constant reviving teammates is annoying they are by far the best AI I've been teamed up with. Unlike the AI in CoD 4 or CoD WaW, they never push you out from cover and will always move out of your way to give you a good line of sight. They're also pretty good at picking off enemies so it never feels like you're some super soldier fighting with a group of idiots.

Playing Killzone 2 online is a lot of fun, but I really wouldn't play it for too long at a time because it can and will get boring.

You give absolutely no evidence to back up this arguement.

 

[MrBrightside919]

At the rish of sounding like a complete fanboy, let me address a few of your statements.

Killzone 2 picks up years after the original and the humans of Velkta, otherwise known as the ISA.

The ISA is Interplanitary Strategic Alliance (the military) and they do not represent all the citizens of Vekta (no 'l'), a fact that is made clear in one of the loading screens. Sev and co. are members of the Vektan branch of the ISA.

All the characters are stock, the situations generic and interchangable with any other game of the genre...... the ending was kinda unexpected and made me smile

How can it be stock and surprising? While many of the Killzone 2 set pieces are, to use your word, 'generic' that is all part and parcel of what the game aims to be. Unlike how it is portrayed in other games, all soldiers don't experience entertaining and enthrawling stories during war. Ironically it takes a Science-Fiction game to give a more realistic view of the war.

Unlike your enemies, the ISA allies you get to fight along side are dimmer than a burnt out lightbulb. Garza, Natko and EXPECIALLY Rico are beyond annoying in that they do almost nothing and get killed way to much, forcing you to trudge over to where ever they dropped in order to revive them...because they won't shut up until you get them up.

While I agree that the constant reviving teammates is annoying they are by far the best AI I've been teamed up with. Unlike the AI in CoD 4 or CoD WaW, they never push you out from cover and will always move out of your way to give you a good line of sight. They're also pretty good at picking off enemies so it never feels like you're some super soldier fighting with a group of idiots.

Playing Killzone 2 online is a lot of fun, but I really wouldn't play it for too long at a time because it can and will get boring.

You give absolutely no evidence to back up this arguement.

Forum Troll, SMASH!!!

That's all I have to say...

 

[MrBrightside919]

I think you used "generic" too many times. But anyway, considering that the last KZ2 reviews were, very bad and poor, this one is a nice change! Most of the first paragraph wasn't really needed, you could have mentioned graphics-yes KZ2 graphics are good- its still part of the game and in KZ2 case, its worth to mention.

You could also talk abit more about the multiplayer part, considering its the part that you liked more, explaining briefly the different MP modes etc etc.

And you failed to mention what platform is Killzone 2 for. xP

I don't think you needed my review to tell you how awesome the game looks. Although, it was a tad too grey for my liking.

 

[MrBrightside919]

In response to some of the posts here, I wanted to talk a tad more about the multiplayer...

MINI REVIEW

Killzone 2 multiplayer is bundled together in the mode "Warzone", where players can participate in the multiplayer portion of KZ2. Players can join in games of up to 32 players with 16 on each side. Going even further, players can form up into 1 of 6 squads to keep in touch with key players and even spawn on the leader where ever on the map he may be (which is really nice). The squad feature is one of the coolest parts of the multiplayer and it gives more of a connection to your teammates rather than the jargin chatter of all the players in the game.

Each game is composed of 1 to 7 game types (2 being alternating turns of the same game type) reaching from team deathmatch to capture the base and even capture the flag...all with their own killzone spin. The cool thing about the games are that they can be bundled up into one big game. After one game type ends, another can begin. You can play through all game types in one large match probably lasting 30 minutes and up.

In game, players have the option to choose a player class and special skill to use in game. These classes range from Medic to Sniper. Unfortunately, each class has to be unlocked from the start. Thankfully, unlocking classes is a lot of fun and worth the play time you put into the game. Not only that, but there are a slew of special skills, ranks and medals to obtain, adding more play time to the already immense multiplayer mode.

The maps themselves you will be playing on are massive, usually consisting of lots of places to hide and alot of verticle space to get the higher ground on your enemies. Most of the maps are very open, but a few make it so that you will need to get up close and personal with your enemies.

Basically what i'm trying to say is that Multiplayer gives players the things that Single Player didn't...a reason to keep playing. There are tons of things to unlock and earn in multiplayer, making it worth playing through again and again where as Single Player pretty much pulls you along, trying to tell you a story you have already heard before countless times.

If I had to say anything bad about the multiplayer, it would be that after playing first person shooters from Halo 2 to Call of Duty 4, I am REALLY good at Killzone 2...which takes a lot of the challenge out of the game. I can finish in the top three during most matches and have only begun to see the competative side of the KZ2 community.

To sum up this entire review...

Killzone 2 isn't a bad game...it's just bland and generic (I guess that makes it 9 times now). If you like that sort of stuff then don't let my review stop you from picking it up. After all, I bought it.

 

[Stegofreak]

Forum Troll, SMASH!!!

That's all I have to say...

Isn't the very act of labeling someone a troll trolling?

Anyway there was no intent to argue, just to outline some problems I found with your facts.

 

[Sacell]

I thought it was a nice review

Same here.

 

[MrBrightside919]

Bottom Line : My biggest problem with Killzone 2 is that is is uninspired, generic shooter fodder that will require a lot of willpower to actually finish. If you have the patience or you like a strong online multiplayer, Killzone 2 might be for you.

My problem with your review is that it is a half-baked troll rant. You seem to be trying to channel Yahtzee, if you are, then you failed at it.

I thought the escapist community was better than this. I guess you really can't get away from the idiots of the internet...

...but what should I have expected from someone who has posted THAT many times in less than a year.

 

[MrBrightside919]

Forum Troll, SMASH!!!

That's all I have to say...

Isn't the very act of labeling someone a troll trolling?

Anyway there was no intent to argue, just to outline some problems I found with your facts.

He was more of a fanboy than a troll...feeling he had a need to correct my mistakes...

 

[Frank_Sinatra_]

Forum Troll, SMASH!!!

That's all I have to say...

Dude what the hell?! Stegofreak had some good points on how you could improve your review.
Also I don't see how him correcting you on some of your points is acting as a troll or fanboy.
Danzorz also brings up some good points, if your channeling Yahtzee you just failed.

 

[MrBrightside919]

Forum Troll, SMASH!!!

That's all I have to say...

Dude what the hell?! Stegofreak had some good points on how you could improve your review.
Also I don't see how him correcting you on some of your points is acting as a troll or fanboy.
Danzorz also brings up some good points, if your channeling Yahtzee you just failed.

I'm SICK of people thinking i'm just channeling Yahtzee. You treat me like this is my first review on this site. Do you really expect me to be entirely professional with my review?

What am I supposed to say to those people who accuse me of that? "I'm sorry I had a negative opinion about a game. I'll try harder next time not to compare bad AI to dim light bulbs and i'll be sure to stay positive."

I'm sorry for calling Stego a troll, it wasn't my place to say that. I'm NOT sorry for having a mainly negative review. Just because Yahtzee is very negative in his reviews doesn't mean I can't be too.

I'll be sure not to use any references to Australia, Vegiemite or Branston Pickle in later reviews...

 

[joe the janitor]

good review, keep it up!

 

[Deguasser]

The single player is incredibly annoying, but the multiplayer is gold. Take the generic gameplay and add 32 players online, a nice class system, perks, medals to unlock, the ability to form squads in mid battle, large maps and huge battles, combine it all together and you have something that is just awesome. Playing Killzone 2 online is a lot of fun, but I really wouldn't play it for too long at a time because it can and will get boring.

So basically go get Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare instead of that? Because it is the same fucking thing!