KIllzone nazi-esqu Hellghast
- Platform: PS3
- Genre: FPS/Action
- Developer/Publisher: Guerilla Games/Sony
- Release: 22/02/2011
The third instalment of Guerrilla Games’ Killzone series, puts you straight back into the action, taking control of the gruff Sergeant Sevchenko (the same fairly one dimensional character from the first two games).
The concept is incredibly simple, two races fight a brutal war on the planet of Helghan; on the one side is the ISA (the good guys), and on the other is the Helghast (the familiar nazi-esque alien bad guys). In Killzone 1, Earth was attacked by the Helghast; in Killzone 2 the ISA troops from earth headed up a retaliation, and invaded the planet Helghan. Killzone 3 picks up the action straight after Killzone 2, things didn’t go incredibly well for the ISA, and so you take control mid-planetary-retreat.
Killzone 3 is one of the best shooter campaigns out there, with an impressive and lasting multiplayer section to back it up
That’s really where the story telling ends and the shooting begins. There is a story hidden away here somewhere, that follows the plight of the Helghan generals; but as these are the guys that you are aiming to kill, and their actions are having no direct effect on your character, the cut-scenes just seem pointless and are really just a break from the otherwise constant action.
Killzone 3 is a brilliant cinematic experience; the visuals are incredible, sharp and realistic. Guerrilla does a good job of mixing up the environment just enough to keep things looking interesting; this is a contrast to the previous two dusty looking games. At times it feels there is almost too much happening on the screen in front of you, but the balance is always met quite neatly. The lighting effects and the decent (but slightly clunky) character animations, add up to a visual experience that is unparalleled on any console (although Crysis 2 is looking pretty good). This game can’t really be faulted in terms of the way it looks.
The controls have been vastly improved in this game; the movement is much more responsive without taking away the feeling of motion. You still feel as if you are heaving a heavy trooper around the environment, up ladders and over walls; you don’t get the moving camera effect that other FPS’ often fall victim to. The option to change the control system is a welcome change; you can alter the control system to fit to your play style. I opted for the Call of Duty style left trigger to aim right trigger to shoot, whereas others may prefer the right stick click in to aim. The default setting is the latter, but this just feels awkward with the PS3 controller; guerrilla have chosen this setting as if they feel this is the way the game should be played. It will be interesting to see what the community says about changing the control settings, and also to see if Guerrilla changes the default setting in the fourth edition of the game if the players respond in that way.
The standard weapons in the game return, and feel just as violent and huge as before. The new addition of set piece jetpack moments, and a larger giant-walking-mech section makes killing the Helghast more fun than ever. The combat isn’t anything groundbreaking, in the end Killzone 3 is just another FPS, on the huge pile of FPS games, but it is consistently good, and Guerrilla do throw thousands of enemies at you to make sure you never get bored in the 8 hour play through. A new stealth section adds variety, and new enemy types do make things more interesting; the new predator Helghan troop will run at you, forcing you to take a different approach, while the jetpack troops add a vertical dimension to the otherwise horizontal action.
The real star of the show is the sound design. The orchestral score, huge sounding explosions and deafening rifle blasts will keep you on the edge of your seat. This combined with the stunning attention to detail on the visuals, really do make you feel as if you are part of a gory battle. The first play through the game, you will feel overwhelmed when you’re supposed to, or empowered when the time is right; but after that first play through you have really seen it all, and probably won’t be too inclined to play again. A brilliant cinematic experience is what’s on offer here, with a solid shooter mechanic backing it up. Killzone 3 is one of the best shooter campaigns out there, with an impressive and lasting multiplayer section to back it up.
Verdict: 8/10
Female First Edward Lewis