Arguably the best FPS exclusive on the PS3 (sorry Insomniac), Killzone 2 had a hell of a lot to live up to upon its release back in February 2009. Not only did it need to fulfil the prophecy of being a AAA FPS so many PS3 fans clamoured for, but there was that infamous double-edged target-render trailer Guerrilla released back in E3 2007. Simultaneously damning and blessing the title in one breath, what amounted to a declaration of graphical intent roused up an insane amount of anticipation among PlayStation fans, while also representing an almost impossible goal; a stick naysayers would so gladly beat over the head of both the developer and fans of the game for not living up to the hyperbole.
Amazingly, the actual Killzone 2 stands up quite favourably against the designer’s grandiose vision for the title, a testament to the creative genius and technical acumen over at Guerilla Games. Even now, Killzone 2 fares incredibly well against competing titles released over a year later. But that was Killzone 2. Looking forward, and what Killzone 3 promises is the prospect of how the Dutch masterminds have faired with even more time and knowledge of Sony’s powerhouse system.
We’ve already witnessed first hand just what is in store for everyone come the end of February, and we believe that those who immerse themselves into the lumbering, weighted soldier or Helghast in Killzone 3 will be more than happy with what Guerrilla have produced in their third Holiday on Helghan offering. In other words, you won’t really be surprised, insomuch as the graphical fidelity and gameplay depth in Killzone 2 was also something that you expected and dutifully relished. This should not be viewed as a critique, as Killzone 3 is awesome. We’ve played it so you can rest assured that you will not be disappointed. We’re confident that it is exactly what you’re expecting, a riveting experience that delivers the chaotic, blitzkrieg hell of war at a pace and intensity that will literally leave you shaken.
Guerrilla have also listened to their fans and detractors (and, yes, there are those who really didn’t take to Killzone 2’s relatively sluggish controls and jingoistic overtones) and injected some pep in the control system, while also adding in more than a few modes that fans have been begging for since Killzone 2 arrived. Split-screen offline multiplayer and online co-op will feature, sure to sate the throng of Killzone zealots who’ve lamented their omission the first (technically the second) time around.
It’s not all good news (for some) it seems, as Killzone 2’s Custom Games multiplayer modus operandi has been dropped in favour of the more standard Matchmaking norm. As mentioned in the Q&A forum on www.killzone.com:
We have chosen for Matchmaking for a couple of reasons: to reduce the large amount of exploits, to make sure players are put in better competitive matches and to make it easier for people to find games. As we have noticed Matchmaking is not working properly yet. We are working hard to fix that, but it doesn’t mean the choice is not valid. Custom games created unreadable lists with a plethora of different games, but very often not the game that a player is trying to find. Yes, we have taken away some of the freedom, but we’ve replaced it with a much easier, user friendly system.
Not happy about this decision? Sign the petition. To us, we’re not that bothered by the change. We’re pretty confident Guerrilla know what they’re doing, and if they say their version of Matchmaking is better than the customised games of yore, the empiricist in us just goes: “Okay, prove it to us. We’re open to the idea.” If it doesn’t, well, we’ll be the first to mention it.
Throw in Move and 3D support (whether you want it or not), not to mention jet-packs and an overhauled multiplayer system that looks to balance some of its predecessor’s shortcomings, and February 2011’s return to Helghan with Sev, the despicable Rico and those pesky orange-eyed bastards, looks like the ultimate Valentine’s Day killer. S/he won’t mind, it’s a made-up holiday anyway.
And finally, and in a vain attempt to preempt the expected backlash of why Killzone 3 is not numbers one, two and three on our list of Top 100 2011 games, please read this paragraph before voicing your dissent. If we’re being honest, we really don’t feel the need to justify why a game has appeared where it has on this list, though we do appreciate some people might genuinely be curious. For those people (and not the ones who will invariably call upon the Fail Gods to curse us for our ineptitude), please recall that this list is based on anticipation. It is also a list that is based on the democratic principle that everyone’s vote that was cast enjoyed equal weight. Ask yourself: do you know someone who doesn’t care that much for Killzone 2? Chances are you do. Chances are you’ve probably talked to him or her in our very own forum.
The fact is, we’re really looking forward to Killzone 3. Seriously, as mentioned before, the gap between numbers one and ten on this list is literally fractions of a full rating point. That means the top 10 are incredibly close, with their final ordering decided upon by, in one instance, not the final mark but how many maximum scores it garnered.
The votes for Killzone 3 saw a number of staff members here at TSA cast somewhat indifferent marks for Guerrilla’s big dog, as is their right. Will I name them? No; because that’s not the point. The point is: some people are really not that bothered about Killzone 3. And that’s cool. The game also received a number of full-marks and a rake a 9/10s. Out of the hundreds of games we looked at, anyone that says that a top ten placement for any game isn’t pretty fantastic is a crazy person.
kivi95
Dead Space 2 next? Think so.
ericzap
I can’t wait to see what games are next. Running out of ideas for what’s next.
ericzap
I suppose Mass Effect 3, Dead Space 2, was Dragon Age 2 mentioned? Portal 2, I can’t see Assassins Creed 3 being on the list as I don’t think it’s been announced yet. Anticipation!
eye8have9you3
looking at the gap between 1 & 2, i’d expect another 2 year cycle between brotherhood and 3, if not more
ericzap
Well it’s pretty much accepted that Brotherhood was more like 2.5 then 3. The 2 year cycle between games should still apply. I wouldn’t doubt a 3rd installment in 2011.
stingraz
Played the beta and was impressed. No doubt in my mind that this will be amazing. In my opinion, KZ2 was far better than any of the many COD games (after COD4). Really looking forward to the end product.
Rocket_345
This is my most wanted game of next year (sorry Uncharted). I played the beta and it was amazing and i’m assuming the campaign is going to be just as good. Has anyone played this with Move as i would love to know in advance if it’s good.
UKZ-N3M1515
Killzone hasnt struck me, and i fail to see how KZ2 is so good, i find it truly awful, graphically its great, but the gameplay is poor and i hate how slow they turn even with the sensitivity right up. KZ3 will be a miss also. So glad i got KZ2 when it was cheap and didnt fork out the £40 at the start, as it was tempting me, and the small amount of the original killzone i played was good. i was so dissapointed though.
UKZ-N3M1515
sorry, i scan read this as i wasnt too bothered about it, and missed the part where they asid they added some ‘pep’ to the controls, so that may be my major fuss with this game sorted out. will have to play it now to find out.
uber-BARBIE
if dead space 2 is next or even further to the number 1 spot then theres something totaly wrong with todays gamers. killzone 3,uncharted 3 and battlefield 3 should be in the top 3 as far as graphical,audible,pure next gen games and of course the main reason gameplay is concerned. as i say if dead space 2 is in there ill be like wtf as the demo is a crap as the 1st game.
Kovacs
Yeah, but how do you really feel about Dead Space?
:)
Joking aside, I respect your opinion. This list was based on about a dozen of them. You’re not going to agree with all of it. And Battlefield 3 was listed aaaaaages ago. Sorry!
uber-BARBIE
lol dead space has terrible controlls as far as ive witnessed,kept bumping into walls ect and felt so clostraphopic just like its predesesser.i dont see what the fuss is about.it may just be me lol. i am fussy when it comes to games these days.20 years ago id play almost everything but looking back i dont know how i coped without multiplayer lol.. strange how things change.. battlefield never gets true appreciation and i cant understand why.bad company 2 is by far the best multiplayer experiance there is.loved all battlefields. dice rock ;)
BIGAL-1992
uber-BARBIE, that is your opinion, and I respect that. However, I must stress the fact that you’re comparing a survival-horror game with shooter game. Two completely different ways of gameplay styles. And also, you seen to be Criticising gamers of today, just because of one game, which does sound childish.
Forrest_01
@ uber-BARBIE – Surely if Dead Space feels claustrophobic to you then they have got it spot on no? It’s supoposed to be sci-fi/horror, so that sounds just right to me. & if you kept bumping into walls, surely that was you rather than the game? Not trying to flame or anything here, just interested how you could hate DS so much when so many others love it?
eye8have9you3
I think i’ll prefer matchmaking, I hated it when the only game you could find was either in phyrus rise or had all the game modes on for ridiculously long times and you would spend about an hour and a half in one round,
uber-BARBIE
i also wana add that killzone 2 was a beast in terms of gameplay and woulda been worth 100 quid,it was and still is a masterpiece and sets the next gen standards to beat which nearly every game released afterwards has failed to do.. coff (cod) dont get me wrong black ops is great but nothing next gen and nothing mind blowing about it.i remember playin killzone 2 demo and i was like wow this is bloody truelly awesome.never had that feeling since.uncharted 2 came close but the graphics there are totally different and a tad cartoony compared to the visual expertease that guerilla games offered.
ericzap
Reading that hurt my brain.
UKZ-N3M1515
really? Killzones graphics are superior to uncharted2 graphics? Dont get me wrong, the graphics are top notch, but i think UC2 has the edge of all games i have seen and played to date, the only games i have been mind blown by was the 360 version of fight night round 3 and oblivion, since that, i have only seen games improve little bits, discounting games like CoD which rely on replayability or online experience and graphically arnt up to scratch. Anyway, i just dont feel as though Killzone was a benchmark point in terms of graphics, such as UC2 was, and im sure UC3 will raise it again. I cant comment on gameplay wise though, as i havnt played it to the end, and i didnt really enjoy what i have played, down to sluggish controls or not, i shall not know. Sorry if some of this didnt make sense, im in a rush, im dead on SnD and the rounds just about to start D:
uber-BARBIE
dont get me wrong brother uncharted 2 graphics are amazing. just lack atmospere a little where as killzone 2 dust,explosions,this and that just all came together as beastly.uncharted 3 will be another great looking game but personally i think killzone 2 had more the wow factor for me.when u go playing cod4 for a year non stop then u stick the demo of killzone 2 on for the 1st time you would understand where i am coming from lol.
rht992
i’m the same. i feel UC2’s graphics weren’t as good but only by a little bit. i also find it hard to compare them since killzone is far more gritty and brutal. uncharted is more arty in its setting. its setting is a beautiful thing as well which makes it more pleasing to look at than killzones gray industrail backdrop
ARUMIR
Well thats completely different I believed that it was only worth £20… its okay but it wasn’t the best IMO I liked Resistance more… it was well more original in weaponary and aliens?
uber-BARBIE
maybe starhawk will be there somewhere. warhark is awesome. ;)
Kennykazey
got kz2 this month just so I can follow the story in the 3 one, played the beta and was convinced. With offline split-screen, this could be my new halo.