Games

Killzone 2

Title: Killzone 2 (18)

Release date: February 27 2009

Publisher: Sony

Format: PS3

RRP: 44.99

Rating: 10/10

The eagerly awaited first person shooter for the PS3 has finally arrived and after more than 1.1 million pre-ordered sales across Europe - fans will surely be thinking it's about time! But is this epic war game worth the wait?

The answer is simply yes. The adrenaline filled fighter literally plunges you into a hellish warzone right from the start and at times has you hanging off the edge of your seat.

In brief

The game is adrenalin filled and gripping, especially for those who love a classic action movie. Fascism, aggression, revenge and the costs of war are constant themes throughout the game - and your mission? Fight a bloody battle to take out the Helghan threat.

For those who are not familiar with this sci-fi title, 'Killzone 2' is the third offering from developer Guerrilla Games which began life on the Playstation 2.

One big difference from the previous two titles is that you play as Sgt Thomas 'Sev' Sevchemko, a hardened military fighter (instead of the previous hero Templar.) However you don't need to be familiar with the earlier games to truly enjoy and understand this one.

But hardcore fans may appreciate the references to places and the appearances of familiar characters from back in the day.

The story starts two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta and you play as part of a Strategic Alliance team (ISA) who are taking the fight to the enemy's dark and cruel world, Helghan. The goal is simple: Do what ever it takes to capture the Emperor Visari Helghast leader and bring their war machine to a halt.

What's the score?

The single-player experience is truly enjoyable and trying at times.

But the aiming controls can be tricky for long distance shooting, using analogue for precision aiming has never been short of a chore! And the AI of the game is pretty spectacular, the enemy certainly doesn't make it easy for you to get that successful shot forcing you out of hiding if you stay in one place for too long.

But the weapons are all good fun to use, ranging from automatics, pistols, grenades to assault rifles and rocket launchers. You can never carry too many at a time which is great as it forces you to explore them with more will.

Visually the game is breathtaking. It uses the idea of 'Hollywood Realism' throughout, making everything in this twisted world come to life - even down to the most minor detail such as dust rising. This is the same for how the game is lit. From the devilish looking eyes of the enemy to the shimmer of armour it's spectacular.

Unfortunately though, Hollywood Realism is a reality when it comes to bad voice acting and plot. Although Brain Cox plays a pretty good Emperor Visari - the rest of the voiceovers seem pretty week- its certainly not as enjoyable as Kiefer Sutherland from 'Call of Duty'.

But as the plot and whether the actors voices are any good really is not the key aspect of a fist person shooter game, 'Killzone 2' is still a must buy for every genre fan and a welcome release for an iconic title exclusively to the PS3.

Buy online Be one of the first to own 'Killzone 2'.

Future productions have a lot to live up to as 'Killzone 2' raises the bar. It rivals the likes of the mighty 'Halo' and 'Gears of War', filled with unforgettable action adventure with varied gameplay, while keeping its own immersive style.

Those PS3 gamers, who were jealous of their 360 chums for 'Gear of War 2', it's your turn to smile.