I am a Noob. I can admit it when it’s true. Having just recently bought a PS3 I am quite a Noob when it comes to PS3 games and the PSN service. I’m trying though, give me some credit. I told myself when I finally get a PS3 that I would have to catch up with some of the excellent releases from Sony and it’s exclusive developers. Titles like MGS4, LBP, Uncharted 1and 2 are some of the most recognized games in modern gaming. There is one title that has always sparked my interest, of course Killzone 2.
I am not a Noob when it comes to the FPS genre so I had confidence in myself before even laying my eyes on Killzone 2. Expecting to start Killzone and sail my way through the Helghast reinforcements because of my vast experience with FPS games was probably not the best strategy for this specific FPS. As I would soon find out that Killzone 2 is not your average FPS.
The opening sequence of the older gentleman verbally harassing you showcases some of the most beautiful graphics I have witnessed on a console exclusive. My 32” Samsung only puts out 720p but you would think you’re looking at full 1080. Even Crysis has a hard time rivaling what Killzone 2 accomplishes graphically, from what I have experienced anyway. Shades of grey and red are as abundant as water is in Bioshock, and they give the player an immediate sense of speculative ruggedness in futuristic warfare.
The story elements are lacking thus far. Nothing that has happened (not much has actually happened) has been able to really grab my attention and stimulate my immagination like other excellent AAA titles have before.
Controls are sluggish from time to time but their sluggishness only adds to the games obvious attempt to add an aspect of frustration for the player. The sluggishness also seems to exude a realistic approach to the weight a marine would most likely be carrying. The ability to run is available but unlike some of Killzone’s FPS relatives *cough MW2* it is not necessary to run every second you are not shooting. Run and gun, as I quickly learned, is not the best strategy for this game. Stop and pop action very similar to Gears of War seems to be the main gameplay element. Overall the controls work well but I did find myself adjusting and tweaking them throughout my 2 hours of play time thus far. Cooking grenades is tedious and most of the time deadly…for me. The melee actions are so far my favorite activity, sometimes I feel bad for the asshole that I just butted in the face with my assault rifle. The satisfaction of accomplishment quickly sets in after I watch his lifeless body fall to the floor though.
As stated before the gameplay defiantly reminds me of Gears of War, which is no doubt a good thing. The cover system is alien at first but the player quickly realizes that it is necessary for survival in the Killzone atmosphere. Leaning out of cover to pump a couple rounds in to the asshole cursing my name is very fulfilling when a clutch play is overdue. Gun recoil is HUGE and adds more of the frustration element, not a bad thing just necessary for the creation of an FPS who’s purpose seems to be to set itself apart from the regular FPS pack. I am currently playing on the hardest available difficulty as I do with most new games. The hard difficulty is not as hard as I thought it would be but then again I am only 2 hours into the game. Aiming with zoom is tedious but I’m sure with time and experience my skillz in this category will improve. Hopefully my pathetic attempt to maneuver my dude around the battle field improves as well. The motion control sequences are my biggest pet peev about the game thus far and are entirely not needed.
Overall my “Noob’ish” impressions of Killzone 2 are very good. Since I am borrowing the game from a friend I mean co-worker I mean employee, and have to return it in a week or so I will not be involving myself in the multiplayer matches and the HUGE learning curve that most likely comes along with it. Maybe, if I like the game enough I will purchase it with my Christmas bonus this week…that is unless my beautiful wife gets a hold of the check card before I’m out of bed…
