A heavy action section in the closing stages of the game (on whatever difficulty) is frustrating and annoying enough, but when you add in a partner that constantly needs looking after, it makes it even more so.

 

Fortunately, as a whole, Killzone 2 is much more forgiving than the original game, thanks to more generous checkpoint spacing.

 

 

Ever since the first trailer of Killzone 2 was shown off back in 2005, we’ve all been wondering how the final game would match up to that target render shown off at E3, the answer is actually admirably well.

 

 

Sony’s flagship shooter is not only artistically beautiful but also technically gorgeous as well: it’s a game that really displays the amazing power of the PS3. The graphical problems, be it tricks or glitches, from the first game have been completely shown the door, therefore lighting is some of the best I’ve ever seen, animations are wonderfully natural and the whole visual package contributes to making Helghan feel like the dangerous, oppressive place that it’s supposed to be.

 

It may not completely match up to the bold target render, but it’s still one of the most attractive games that I’ve ever seen, and quite possibly the best looking game on the market today. It also sounds nice as well, with decent enough music (very generic though) and enough bangs and yelling to make you think that a war is going on.

 

 

It may not have co-op, but Killzone 2 still has a wonderful multiplayer mode for up to 32 players, it’s curiously lacking in the cover mechanic of the single player campaign though. Multiplayer is team based and, like recent Call of Duty’s, you’ll level up the more you play.

 

 

Levelling up will earn you access to new weapons, skills and classes (uniquely, a badge system allows you to mix and match two of them) and there’s various modes included, which can all be played in a single match.

 

Like the levels in the single player campaign, the maps look and feel great. If you can’t play online or would just prefer to go up against the AI, an offline skirmish mode is also an option.

 

 

"Killzone 2" was certainly worth the long wait, the cover-based single player campaign may be a tad short, although it’s certainly memorable and has a smart opposition army to contend with, whilst the multiplayer is up there with the greatness of the likes of Call of Duty and Halo.

 

Overall then, if you’re a shooter fan and have the means to play it, you should do so as quite simply this is one of the best yet.

 

 

 

 

+ The cover system works very nice
+ The Helghast are a clever bunch
+ Visually spectacular