Killzone 2

Killzone 2 is a video game that consists of 2 releases

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Take the fight back to the enemy home planet, Helghan, where you take control of Sev, a member of an ISA special forces unit known as the Alpha Squad, in attempt to capture Helghan leader and dictator, Emperor Scolar Visari.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Killzone 2 CGI Trailer (E3 2005)

Killzone 2, the sequel to the 2004 PS2 title from Guerrilla Games, was first announced during Sony's E3 2005 Press Conference, in the form of a pre-rendered CGI teaser trailer. The footage left many in awe, and even more in speculation and debate of the legitimacy of the trailer being real gameplay. It was soon after confirmed and clarified by Sony that the footage was indeed CG, and not real time, leaving many in disappointment.

But after two long years of waiting, Killzone 2 was finally shown once again at the end of Sony's E3 2007 Press Conference, with a tease from Jack Tretton, "Phil didn't you forget one thing?". Phil Harrison then noted to everyone; "ladies and gentlemen, everything you are about to see, is real time", followed by a trailer and on-stage demo of the game (simultaneously via four massive stage monitors). This gameplay debut left the gaming press and community amazed by the graphical quality of the first-person shooter .

Killzone 2 Debut (E3 2007)

And even though the footage didn't quite reach the visual quality of the controversial (CGI) E3 05 trailer, many were still impressed with how close it managed to get, with some going as far to say the graphics are the best on any console to date. Guerrilla also loosely announced a release date here, saying the game would be available sometime in 2008, though since then it has been delayed till the second month of 2009 (February). But according to Sony, the decision was not made due to the games' stage in development or 'not being ready,' but because of conflicting time frames with other triple-A exclusive titles, namely Resistance 2.

The level seen in the debut 07 trailer, was later available in playable form at events such as Leipzig. Here we were introduced the titles gameplay mechanics, such as its "Lean and Peak" cover system (which we got a glimpse of in the trailer). Since GG is striving to create a cinematic gameplay experience, in what they call "Hollywood Realism," the cameras perspective will maintain in first-person for a great majority of the game (as well very limited on-screen HUD). That includes when taking cover, climbing ladders, as well as cut-scene like gameplay moments. The cover system allows you to simply hold a button to latch on to cover, and then hold the analog stick upwards, to the left, or right, in order to

Lean and Peak Cover System

lean/peak out from cover. You are able to do this with high and low covers, with virtually anything being allowed as use of cover. You can also go into scope/iron sight with your weapon when in cover, as well as blind fire in first-person. Vehicles (such as tanks) on the other hand are not controlled in first-person view, for obvious reasons.

Destructible environments will also be a key part of Killzone 2, with nearly every piece of cover being able to be slowly chipped away until only the frame remains. Objects in the environment will also be destructible and/or interactive, such as trash bags, tin cans, chairs, and so on. According to Guerrilla, the inclusion of destructible cover was not something added for players to be able to tear through everything apart until it's completely non-existent (such as Battlefield: Bad Company), but was added to the game for a better sense of realism, where everything in the world reacts realistically, and portrays movments you would expect to see if the scenario were in real life.

SIXAXIS Motion Controls

Killzone 2 will support SIXAXIS motion controls as well, "in ways that make sense" according to Guerrilla. The only scenario we have seen thus far (in the second level of the game), was a valve that could be turned by holding the L1 and R1 buttons (acting as the characters left and right hands), and then making a twisting motion with the controller, acting as the characters hands turning the wheel open. Killzone 2 will also include full Trophy support, DualShock 3 rumble support, as well as some kind of Home integration which has yet to be shown or detailed. A public multiplayer beta is also in the plans before release, though the details are slim at this point, we do know it will be available sometime in the fall of 08 according to Sony.

More information as it becomes available.

SINGLE PLAYER CAMPAIGN

The Alpha Team (from left to right: Garza, Rico, Sev, Natko)

Killzone 2 is set two years into the future, after the dust settled from the Helghan invasion of planet Vekta, in Killzone 1. The ISA are now taking the war back to the enemy, in attempt to capture the Helghan leader, Emperor Scolar Visari. But unlike the past games set in a world of Helghast army invasion, Killzone 2 takes place on the Helghast home planet, Helghan, where a fully fledged war has begun. It won't be easy for the ISA to capture Visari, especially due to his strong grip of control over the entire Helghan race, whom will be standing in your way. This is where the special forces groups such as the Alpha Team step in to help. You play as a new character to the Killzone franchise, named Sev, who is part of an elite four man special forces group called the Alpha Team. The squad is made up of Master Sergeant Ricardo Velasquez (aka Rico), Sergeant 1st Class Tomas Sevchenko (aka Sev), Corporal Shawn Natko (aka Natko), and Lance Corporal Dante Garza (aka Garza). You will always be near your teammates throughout the journey, working together in efforts to capture Visari. Co-op will also be available in the game, though no details have been talked about yet.

ONLINE MULTIPLAYER

Online Multiplayer Gameplay

Killzone 2 offers a robust online multiplayer aspect, with Guerrilla going as far to say that it makes up about "50% of Killzone 2". The multiplayer also maintains the amazing graphical quality of the single player experience, while still featuring up to 32 player games (16 vs 16), 12 different military ranks to unlock, 46 different ribbons and medals to unlock (Ex: get 100 head shots), up to 64 player clans, 8 different maps (which vary in size), tournaments of up to 256 clans, 6 different classes which each have a primary and secondary ability, called badges (total of 12 badges to mix and match), and 12 different character models (non-customizable); two character models for each class type (ISA model/HGH version).

Classes in Killzone 2 offer players a way to cater to their custom play style like never before. There are a total of 6 different unique classes; Engineer, Medic, Scout, Assault, Tactician, & Saboteur. Each class has two badges; a primary and secondary badge (the primary badge determines character model), which are tailored to that classes' specific play style.

Online Multiplayer Sniper

For example, the Medics primary badge ability gives the player access to a specialized weapon that can heal downed/injured teammates (by shooting an electric charge at them). The secondary badge allows medics to toss a health pack which other players can pick up. But the unique aspect of classes in Killzone 2, is how you can mix and match the badges; for example, a player could take the primary badge of the Saboteur class (allows to disguise as randomly selected enemy player), and the secondary badge of the Assault class (temporarily increases running speed), allowing the player to run faster and disguise as the enemy. You can change your badge ability combination depending on what game type you are playing as well. The above badge combination for example, may best suit your play style for a game of capture the flag. Since each player may have their own combination of badges, this changes the multiplayer experience greatly, both on a strategic level as well as suiting to your preferred play style. Note that not all badges/abilities will be accessible from the start, players have to unlock some classes fully (secondary abilities) by ranking up. Full class details listed further below.

Killzone's online also features robust clan support, with up to 64 player clans, clan leaderboards, and clan tournaments. You can even setup clan challenges against other clans in-game, this is where the 'Clan Valor' system comes in.

AI Controlled Bot

Valor is KZ2's online currency for clans; whichever clan has more valor points, the higher they are on the leaderboards. Though clans start off with a certain amount of valor to get started, in order for them to climb up the leaderboards they must challenge other clans and bid a certain amount of their valor; whoever wins the game takes all. This system is similar to gambling, where in order to gain more, you must risk more, though here in the end one of the two clans will always end up losing valor, which also means moving down on the leaderboards. If a clan has somehow lost all of their valor points, they will be unable to challenge other clans and be forced to play in specific tournaments in order to gain enough valor to start challenging other clans again. Tournaments can also be made, allowing up to 256 clans to compete against each other, giving them a chance to win large amounts of valor points.

Although certain players have the ability to request air support from AI controlled sentry bots, vehicle support will most likely not be included in multiplayer; at least not on day one, according to Guerrilla developer Seb, (aka 'MotherH' on the Killzone 2 forums). When the question of vehicles in online multiplayer was brought up, he responded saying "There will not be vehicles in MP on release. So consider that a yet". With this, one can assume it as likely that the title could be patched to receive vehicles sometimes after release.

Spawn Location Selection

Guerrilla is also trying to differentiate KZ2's multiplayer experience from most shooters on the market, with the introduction of other unique aspects (alongside classes and much more), such as in-game squad mechanics, trustworthy spawning system, as well improving the general flow/pacing of action. Through in-game mechanics, players can easily create a new squad on their team, which other teammates can join on-the-fly. Anywhere from 2 to 8 players can be in a specific squad, allowing a maximum of 8 squads per team if they so choose. Players in a squad will also share unique information amongst each other, such as the squads overall health, each players specific badges/class combinations, as well as a custom chat channel. Spawning in online is also made easy; After death the map will be displayed, as well as what spawn points are available to choose from, to the left of the map is a live video feed of what is going on at whichever spawn point you have selected. This means you will have no one to blame for when spawning in the middle of an explosive battle, but yourself. The player can also choose to spawn on the squad leader (if in a squad), making it easier to always stay close and never get separated. Something else you don't regularly see in other multiplayer games, is a constant flow of action. In Killzone 2, after completing a specific task or mission, the game doesn't bring up a lobby screen or menu, it dynamically continues the game and pulls up the next mission, creating a constant flow of action.

Custom Game Creation

Apart from players being able to automatically join a game using the 'Quick Join' feature (which attempts to match you up with players of similar skill level), Guerrilla has also stressed how important it is to them to allow users to "play what he wants to play". As well as trying to fulfill this goal with the custom classes system, players can also create custom games whenever and however they want. Customizations include the obvious features such as what maps, gameplay modes, and weapons are supported, but also deeper things such as how the classes work. The game will include official dedicated servers from Sony, as well as players' custom servers. Guerrilla promises to enable players with customizations to create their gameplay experience the way they want it to be in Killzone 2 online multiplayer. More information as it becomes available.

Killzone.com User Profiles

Killzone 2 will be heavily tied into Guerrilla's online website, Killzone.com. Users will be able to link their PlayStation Network ID to the site, in order for their online, and even single player stats to be monitored, tracked, and shared amongst the community. As well as having access to the sites forums, Guerrilla Games news updates, and more, each player will have their own profile displaying all kind of Killzone 2 stats, as well as Killzone Liberation (PSP) stats. Statistics include everything from leaderboards rank, current clan, favorite gametype, weapon, map, or class, to awards such as medals and ribbons. Guerrilla promises to have a very strong community aspect in Killzone 2, with integration into Home and Killzone.com, the future is looking bright.

Below is a full list of multiplayer details.

Multiplayer Online Details

Miscellaneous Information

Killzone 2 will feature a pre-game lobby system, which may be similar to the one used in the original Killzone.

Online multiplayer matches will support 1vs1 to up to 16vs16 player games.
Players will be able to track their stats online at Killzone.com
Online multiplayer for Killzone 2 will be hosted on dedicated servers.
Players can form squads on the fly within a MP match.
Squad mates get vital information from other squad mates, including their “Badge” configuration and health.
Game will feature spawn-cameras on the spawn select screen in multiplayer modes.
Online multiplayer will feature a wager system dubbed the “Valor System”, where clans can place bets on the outcome of a match between themselves and another clan. Points attained through the “Valor System” will be used as entry fees for organized, online tournaments. Each newly-formed clan will start with 1,000 Valor Points to wager and use as they like. If a clan loses all of their Valor Points they will be restricted to lower level tournaments as their only option for reacquiring points.
When wounded in MP, players will fall to the ground and make both physical and verbal requests for medical assistance.
Online structuring for Killzone 2 will attempt to separate newcomers from hardcore players using ranked games and clan support.
In all game modes, the player will start out with their primary weapon and a secondary pistol or revolver.
Friends will be allowed to join a player’s custom games directly.
There will not be vehicles in MP at launch.

Online Game Modes

Assassination: One team member is the target and one team has to keep him safe, the other has to take him out.
Body Count: Similar to traditional team death match game play.
Search and Destroy: Defend an objective and make sure the other faction does not place charges.
Search and Retrieve: Bring the propaganda pack to the drop-off point and try and stop the other faction from taking it to theirs.
Capture and Hold: Capture and hold points around the maps and try and keep the other faction from doing the same.

Online Game Classes and Abilities

Rifleman:

This is the default multiplayer character and is assigned to the player when no primary badge is selected. However, a secondary badge can still be added. Riflemen class has available several different weapons to choose from, with the exception being for the specialized ones.

Engineer:

Primary badge ability: Grants to player the ability to set up an automated turret which automatically targets the enemy players.
Secondary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to repair ammunition dispensers, mounted guns, and automated turrets.

Medic:

Primary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to revive downed team mates.
Secondary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to throw a health pack.

Scout:

Primary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to use a cloaking suit to become almost invisible.

Secondary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to tag all on-screen enemy players with a hidden marker, this ability then broadcasts their coordinates to team mates.

Assault:

Primary badge ability: Gives the player heavy armor, which is double the strength as normal.
Secondary badge ability: Temporarily boosts the player’s running speed.

Tactician:

Primary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to throw a colored smoke grenade, which serves as a spawn point.
Secondary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to request air support from a sentry robot which targets enemy players.

Saboteur:

Primary badge ability: Allows the player to assume the disguise of a randomly selected enemy player. The disguised player will display the name of the enemy unit which they are pretending to be.
Secondary badge ability: Grants the player the ability to throw a sticky, proximity-activated C-4 explosive charge.

Historical Background

Historical timeline leading the the events of Killzone 2.

2055-2128 – Terran Era

A shortage of oil triggers a global meltdown as nations fight for control of scarce resources. Tensions run high as what starts as a limited strategic release of nuclear weapons snowballs into a bitter exchange of warheads aimed at civilian population centers. When the dust clears it becomes clear that a new way will have to be found to survive and to secure the raw materials needed for society to continue.

2129-2155 – Early Vektan Era

This era marks the early days of the colonies of Alpha-Centauri. The planets are settled, the infrastructure established and slowly things are built up. This period ends at the beginning of the great boom on Vekta.

2129

The first ships arrive on Vekta. Roughly 12 colonies are founded during the years 2129 to 2140. Vekta, about earth sized, is an agrarian and idyllic world, full of natural splendor and lushly forested - an Eden. Agricultural produce skyrockets on Vekta - the colony quickly becomes able to feed itself.

2156-2199 – Platinum Era

This era marks the heights of Vektan/Helghan civilization - before the dark days of the coming war.

2156-2190

Free to invest and tax in their colonies as they wish a period of runaway economic and industrial growth grips the Helghan Administrations two worlds. The Automated Refineries on Helghan are expanded and developed; the orbital shipyard becomes the largest orbital structure outside the Terran system. The Helghan system is a "Hub" system that connects Earth to her Colonies - every ship MUST travel through Helghan to get anywhere. The Helghan Administration begins to charge each ship for the privilege - allegedly a fee for Traffic Control, Customs, Search and Rescue and other such services, it is actually a thinly disguised tariff upon all trade in Space. Helghan based ships are granted a "Residence Permit" that frees them from some charges, encouraging some shipping companies to relocate.

2199-2204 – First Extrasolar War

This marks the lowest ebb of Vektan/Helghan civilization - the system makes a bold stand for freedom and fails. War comes to Alpha Centauri.

2200

As the situation worsens, the Helghan Administration attempts to first co-opt and then expel all ISA forces from Vekta and Helghan. The ISA Marines and Navy respond with lethal force and a number of skirmishes erupt on and around the two colony worlds. Despite their overwhelming numeric superiority, Helghan troops are poorly equipped, trained and inexperienced and many ISA forces escape the initial fighting. The experienced ISA troops and ships scatter to conduct hit and run operations from hidden bases.

2204-2340 – Early Helghan Era

The loyalist Helghan peoples leave Vekta on a trek to the harsh and unforgiving world of Helghan. Long seen as a chemical and mineral storehouse, now Helghan must be tamed - but it changes the Helghan as much as they change it - if not more. This era covers the early days on Helghan.

2215-2220

The surface of Helghan is formally settled. The bleak existence on Helghan is a far cry from the paradise of Vekta. Initial casualties due to illness, storm damage and starvation are very high. Within ten years, though, the death rate subsides as the Helghan begin to adapt to their surroundings. Slowly a civilization arises from the refugee camps and token Helghan Industry and Food production starts again.

2340-2357 – Helghast Era

The tough conditions finally spawn social and economic change. Forced to adapt to a situation so tough that mere humans could never survive it, a charismatic new leader pronounces the birth of the Helghast people: a people no longer human, with a bold drive and vision to succeed.

2356

The second orbital platform begins construction. Concerned by the Helghan military build-up in progress, the ISA Governor orders the construction of an additional Orbital Platform to complement the 52 year old network already in place. ISA General Stuart Adams is appointed the Military Commander of the network.

2357-2360 – Second Extrasolar War

Swollen with pride and new strength the Helghast embark on a bold plan of conquest to rejoin the two halves of the Alpha Centauri system and rebuild their great empire. Their gamble fails and their armies on Vekta are defeated, leading to their worst nightmare: the invasion of Helghan itself. But does Visari have a trick up his sleeve?

Mar-2358

With the Helghan forces on Vekta shattered a council is called at Vekta City to decide the best policy for the further pursuit of the War against the Helghast to its conclusion. The Council quickly establishes a working list of priorities:

Remove the Helghast as a military threat.
Capture Autarch Visari for a public trial.
Establish a more easily controlled regime on Helghan that avoids the oppression that sparked this conflict.

These priorities are in clear violation of the UCA orders given before their Fleets withdrawal - but the ISA Council becomes concerned that the UCN wishes to blame past decisions regarding treatment of the Helghast upon them.

Sep-2358

Operation Archangel commences. The ISA fleet launches for Helghan to begin the most complex military action in human history.

Nov-2359

The invasion of Helghan begins. Twelve battle groups arrive at Helghan. One, Battle Group Mandrake, is comprised of one division of ISA and 10 divisions of Legionnaires. ISA Cruiser New Sun is the Flagship of the Battle group, under the command of war hero Colonel Jan Templar. Mandrake is to deploy to Pyrrhus and take the city, hopefully snagging Visari in the process, as it is one of the primary population bases as well as a center of trade for the planet.

The ISA and Helghast warships engage each other in orbit. The ISA fleet outclasses the Helghast fleet significantly and quickly establishes a total orbital blockade.

At this point the ISA Council reaffirms its decision to break the UCA orders to simply isolate the Helghast and launch their invasion. Channels are cleared for the troop deployment and the way is made clear for the invasion. Negotiations are not a possibility. Visari vows the entire world of Helghan will repel the invaders. The ISA knows it has to complete the invasion swiftly.

General Information Edit

Game Name	Killzone 2
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3
Publisher(s)	Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Sony Computer Entertainment America Sony Computer Entertainment Australia
Developer(s)	Guerrilla Games
Genres	Add a new genre Action Adventure First-Person Shooter
Themes	Add a new theme Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic
Original US Release	need a fuzzy date?
Original US Release	February 2009 know the real date?
Aliases	KZ2 Killzone PS3 Killzone 3
ESRB	ESRB: M