Killzone 2
Killzone 2 has been said to be "one of those" games. What I mean is that it was one of those games that had been so distended with hype that it seemed no matter the outcome of the final product, it would never meet the expectations that the argumentative masses had placed upon it. Or so I thought. You see ladies and gentlemen, Killzone 2 has definitely met these expectations and so much more. So in another way, Killzone 2 is "one of those games" that so rarely play the part.
The game starts as your forces, known as the ISA, invades Helghan, the Helghast home planet. You take the role of Sargeant Tomas Sevchenko, or "Sev", as a part of Alpha Squad. Your task is to go behind enemy lines and take down the Helghan leader, Scolar Visari. Of course it's never that easy as you face off against hardened opponents throughout the entire experience. One of those opponents is Colonel Radec, who basically does what Visari tells him to do. You are accompanied by three others in Alpha Squad; Rico, Natko, and Garza. They come off as the typical "badasses" you would find in a war game. The story in Killzone 2 is not complicated, yet it still packs a punch with hinted deeper meanings.
The action in Killzone 2 is intense. Despite many complaints about clunky controls I found them to be fitting. They keep it varied by adding cool little details like using your Dualshock 3's motion controls to turn valves and plant charges. In an effort to break the repetitive enemy encounters so many other games find themselves wraught in, they make you face some heavy opponents in which you need to strategically figure out a way to get behind them and shoot their backs. It consistantly stays fresh with the addition of a first-person cover system that works extremely well. You'll also be exploring in a mech-type vehical which is totally rad.
In terms of visuals, Killzone 2 is absolutely astounding. So much technical prowess lurks in the game that it's almost a joy every time you see a cutscene. Not only the cutscenes looks great, either. The animation of weapons and the dark gloomy atmosphere is just breathtaking. It simply packs so much beauty into such a small package. The only complaint I have is that seemingly because it's so technically raw, sometimes it slows down when autosaving, as I experienced some lag-like issues. Even so, there is no denying the amazing job Guerrilla Games has done with Killzone 2, as it has become a game that all others are compared to visually.
The game also has online multiplayer support for up to 32 players. It's class-based with seven classes in total. Players can choose to be on ISA or Helghast throughout eight maps with five different game modes; Assassination, Bodycount, Search & Destroy, Search & Retrieve, and Capture & Hold. Players can rank up and unlock new things throughout their venture with multiplayer. Killzone 2 manages to stay relevent with addicting multiplayer. It's the total package.
Killzone 2 is by no other word, a masterpiece. It combines evolutionary gameplay features, technically sound visuals, an engaging and intense singleplayer, and an addictive multiplayer mode that you will be digging for a long time. Guerrilla Games deserves all the congratulations for creating such a great product. Say thanks with your cold hard cash, you won't regret it one bit. Now, who's up for some Multiplayer?