Killzone 2

Developer: Guerrilla
Publisher: Sony
Rating: M (Mature)
Price: $59.95

By Joe Ziemba

The first person shooter (FPS) genre has been reiterated for many years as I can remember playing Wolfenstein 3D on a friends IBM clone back in 1992. The fundamental components of said genre have remained relatively constant throughout its lifetime. Of course, there have been many innovations but none have changed these components instead only adding new layers. Killzone 2 doesn’t stray from the trusted format but what it’s lacking in revolution it more than makes up with delivery and polish. It’s possible that FPS games haven’t changed very much in so many years because the formula just works so well. Killzone 2 proves this point clearly.

The graphics are awesome with detailed textures, grim and effective lighting and believably realistic particle effects. The color scheme suits the war torn environment offering a grey and neutral range. Animations in game are seamless with the exception of rare awkward ragdoll reactions to environmental objects. Like icing on a cake, the developers included the subtlety of depth of field and motion blur effects nicely. They also did very well with the weapon textures and animations making them robust and easy to use. One gripe I do have about the game’s graphics is not being able to see one’s own body while navigating the battlefield. Too many times have developers overlooked this simple idea of looking down and seeing your own legs instead of a floating gun and arms. However, when performing certain scripted movements your body does become visible. Overall, the game’s graphics are great.

What’s also great in Killzone 2 is the sound. The music plays like it’s from an A grade blockbuster movie with big symphonic sequences that really build up the excitement and tension in game. The voice acting is only slightly cheesy but for the most part is done very well. Infrequently during the game a characters voice will become overrun by other sounds making it difficult to understand. I assume that if I had a 5.1 instead of a 2.1 speaker system this wouldn’t be the case. The sound effects are crisp and don’t become overbearing when lots of action is taking place around the player. The game makes use of spatial recognition such as weapon report echo when entering a room with hard surfaces, and in general does a great job of sweetening the experience.

Killzone 2’s intro sequence is short but immersive and it transitions into battle via an awesome drop ship sequence. The control scheme in which the player experiences the game is standard and simple. Like most FPS games, the player’s learning curve is extremely short since not much has been changed. The game does employ some newer FPS elements such as a non-player character (NPC) partner that backs you up and assists in special movement scripts. There is also the feature of using cover which feels a lot like Gears of War or Rainbow Six: Vegas mechanics. The enemy artificial intelligence (AI) is mediocre but aggressive. This doesn’t create a very complex battlefield but does offer plenty of Helga scum to blow away. Another feature worth noting is the game’s use of the controller’s accelerometer offering a bit more in terms of immersion. At certain points during the game the player must turn a valve wheel or plant an explosive using the actual movement.

Generally this game is a fast past shooter with plenty of baddies to blast, beautifully grim graphics and immersive music and sounds to boot. The developers over at Guerrilla have found a way to take the standard and common elements of FPS games and create a polished and balanced title that’s loads of fun to play.