Killzone 2: More Than Another Run-of-The-Mill Shooter

Whilst the options, features and deep class-based system are highlights of Killzone 2's multiplayer, the gameplay hasn't been compromised one bit. Killzone 2 is shaping up to be much more than another run-of-the-mill shooter. It not only looks better than any multiplayer game we've played, but it already bears all the hallmarks of a game that will keep us hooked right throughout 2009.

As far as gameplay goes, Killzone 2 plays very much like any traditional multiplayer shooter, with its pace laying somewhere between Rainbow 6 and Call of Duty. The lack of a cover system certainly helps to keep the action flowing and you can run, duck, lie down, lob grenades, re-load and switch weapons intuitively.

The weapons feel meaty, the controls feel tight and the maps are designed in a way to encourage tactical play, with numerous buildings to dash in and out of, narrow alleyways for ambushing, open areas for, er, getting shot, stairwells to throw grenades down to unsuspecting attackers, rooftops and balconies to snipe from and plenty of places to hide, which are ideal for spawn camping (uh,oh). Of course, aside from some excellent level design, what makes Killzone 2 all the more interesting and sets it apart from similar shooters is that all of this traditional multiplayer stuff that we've become accustomed to in other shooters is complemented by the deep class-based system and some of the unique features in the game, such as being able to place sentry bots around the maps or donning a cloak to make you invisible.

Full Hands on Here

Wish I was in the beta so I could experience this awesomeness for myself. :D

Is it me, or does that sound like almost every other multiplayer First person shooter?

Also, it sounds a little bit like Crysis wars with the cloaking thing. 

More from the hands on.

Furthermore, Killzone 2 will be the first game in which the host can switch game modes instantly, in-game without a re-set. We started off a standard 32 player team deathmatch on the larger Market map, but as the numbers dwindled and the players dropped out and we found ourselves just wandering around in that hope that we'd bump into one of the 6 players left in this huge area. The host asked if we wanted to switch modes and immediately, whilst we were actually walking up a stairwell, without even a hint of any loading time, we were straight into a game of 'Search and Hold', a variant of siege. Although it's a feature that you'd think wouldn't have much impact on the multiplayer experience, it's actually turned out to be a welcome addition that has made our experience more enjoyable and varied.

Nice. I think haters are gonna be owned come feb. This is shaping up to be quite nice and a great way to start off the year. The MP sounds like its going to be able to hold its own for quite some time.

Goes to show you what a big budget and lots of time can do.

killzone2 looks really boring imho.

it will get 8.5 here on gamespot and a 9 on ign.

killzone2 looks really boring imho.

it will get 8.5 here on gamespot and a 9 on ign.

ALTAIR360

So if 8.5/9 is boring for you? What's fun? 

killzone2 looks really boring imho.

it will get 8.5 here on gamespot and a 9 on ign.

ALTAIR360

killzone2 looks really boring imho.

it will get 8.5 here on gamespot and a 9 on ign.

ALTAIR360

so what's not boring for you?

on topic:- the more i read/see about KZ2 the more i get interested & hyped... its always good getting positive feedback on the gameplay & various modes, since everyone knows KZ2 is visually impressive for a console game...

[QUOTE="ALTAIR360"]

killzone2 looks really boring imho.

it will get 8.5 here on gamespot and a 9 on ign.

Master_SONY

So if 8.5/9 is boring for you? What's fun?

killzone2 looks really boring imho.

it will get 8.5 here on gamespot and a 9 on ign.

ALTAIR360

what the hell so everyone have to like mgs4 bc it got a 10 here ??

numbers doenst mean you are going to like a game.

and btw i have only AA games ;) only one AAA ( gears of war2)

More from the hands on.

Furthermore, Killzone 2 will be the first game in which the host can switch game modes instantly, in-game without a re-set. We started off a standard 32 player team deathmatch on the larger Market map, but as the numbers dwindled and the players dropped out and we found ourselves just wandering around in that hope that we'd bump into one of the 6 players left in this huge area. The host asked if we wanted to switch modes and immediately, whilst we were actually walking up a stairwell, without even a hint of any loading time, we were straight into a game of 'Search and Hold', a variant of siege. Although it's a feature that you'd think wouldn't have much impact on the multiplayer experience, it's actually turned out to be a welcome addition that has made our experience more enjoyable and varied.

jakarai

That's a great feature

Is it me, or does that sound like almost every other multiplayer First person shooter?

Also, it sounds a little bit like Crysis wars with the cloaking thing. 

DragonfireXZ95

I suggest you avoid FPS games in general, obviously not your genre. Or maybe your just sick of it. Its still a shooter, i don't know what you would expect from one. 

New vids BTW:

http://n4g.com/ps3/News-231253.aspx

what the hell so everyone have to like mgs4 bc it got a 10 here ??

numbers doenst mean you are going to like a game.

and btw i have only AA games ;) only one AAA ( gears of war2)

 

ALTAIR360

Uh, you just added onto his argument...

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

 

skrat_01

How many shooters innovate? 95% of them aren't absolutely innovative.

Unique KZ2 Features:
- Dynamic matces (never before see in any FPS)
- First person cover
- Deeply integrated clan system with Valor Points to gamble against other clans online for leaderboard position
- Developer hosted clan tournaments (extremely rare for a console game)
- Mix and match c|ass system (like FF11 and TF2 combined :)). It's not 100% innovative, but you won't find it anywhere else in  a FPS.

Now, KZ2 definitely sets itself apart from the rest. Now we have to see if it will be ballanced with little-to-no bugs/glitches.

killzone2 looks really boring imho.

it will get 8.5 here on gamespot and a 9 on ign.

ALTAIR360

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

 

TREAL_Since

How many shooters innovate? 95% of them aren't absolutely innovative.

Unique KZ2 Features:
- Dynamic matces (never before see in any FPS)
- First person cover
- Deeply integrated clan system with Valor Points to gamble against other clans online for leaderboard position
- Developer hosted clan tournaments (extremely rare for a console game)
- Mix and match c|ass system (like FF11 and TF2 combined :)). It's not 100% innovative, but you won't find it anywhere else in  a FPS.

Now, KZ2 definitely sets itself apart from the rest. Now we have to see if it will be ballanced with little-to-no bugs/glitches.

As for the others well, cover being lean in FPS games (and blind-fire in certain games),and as for the others well I cant say its innovative at all (match and make cla-ss was done in Tribes 1 back in 97' ;) )

Not to say it wont be a good game - I'm very happy it has the addition of bots - at all.

Doesn't have to be innovative to be a solid shooter at all 

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

skrat_01

Do I win ?

More from the hands on.

Furthermore, Killzone 2 will be the first game in which the host can switch game modes instantly, in-game without a re-set. We started off a standard 32 player team deathmatch on the larger Market map, but as the numbers dwindled and the players dropped out and we found ourselves just wandering around in that hope that we'd bump into one of the 6 players left in this huge area. The host asked if we wanted to switch modes and immediately, whilst we were actually walking up a stairwell, without even a hint of any loading time, we were straight into a game of 'Search and Hold', a variant of siege. Although it's a feature that you'd think wouldn't have much impact on the multiplayer experience, it's actually turned out to be a welcome addition that has made our experience more enjoyable and varied.

jakarai

WOW that is a real near feature.

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

skrat_01

Does it really matter? If its a fun game with tight controls, great gameplay and in depth online mode. Then I dont see the problem. Thats like askin someone why they own 2 brand FPS's insted of just sticking to one. Also who knows the SP could be a great experiance. If anything this game seems like if COD4 and TF2 had a baby.

[QUOTE="TREAL_Since"][QUOTE="skrat_01"]

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

 

skrat_01

How many shooters innovate? 95% of them aren't absolutely innovative.

Unique KZ2 Features:
- Dynamic matces (never before see in any FPS)
- First person cover
- Deeply integrated clan system with Valor Points to gamble against other clans online for leaderboard position
- Developer hosted clan tournaments (extremely rare for a console game)
- Mix and match c|ass system (like FF11 and TF2 combined :)). It's not 100% innovative, but you won't find it anywhere else in  a FPS.

Now, KZ2 definitely sets itself apart from the rest. Now we have to see if it will be ballanced with little-to-no bugs/glitches.

As for the others well, cover being lean in FPS games (and blind-fire in certain games),and as for the others well I cant say its innovative at all (match and make ****was done in Tribes 1 back in 97' ;) )

Not to say it wont be a good game - I'm very happy it has the addition of bots - at all.

Doesn't have to be innovative to be a solid shooter at all ;)

It's pretty hard to 'innovate' according to the definition. But the unique twists and take on existing mechanics/ideas is great. KZ2 does this perfectly and it's visual flair sets it apart from others.

I personally can't think of a game (on consoles especially) that totally innovates. Can you name some shooters that have this gen? A game doesn't have to innovate to be AAA or fun. What GG is doing is more than feature-rich and appreciated.

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

SecretPolice

Do I win ?

Well theres a beta out there and bound to be some cow in it. So some have played it and from what I hear sounds like its coming along pretty good.

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

 

SecretPolice

Do I win ?

It's pretty hard to 'innovate' according to the definition. But the unique twists and take on existing mechanics/ideas is great. KZ2 does this perfectly and it's visual flair sets it apart from others.

I personally can't think of a game (on consoles especially) that totally innovates. Can you name some shooters that have this gen? A game doesn't have to innovate to be AAA or fun. What GG is doing is more than feature-rich and appreciated.

Episode_Eve

People should stop enforcing that the game suddenly 'sets itself apart from all shooters' and embrace that it is a great looking linear fps, with interesting quirks - that looks rather promising for the ps3.

That feature is worthless, created for screaming adolescents who forgot to take their Ritalin and can't bear to wait more than five seconds between shooting something.chutup

Actually that feature isint worthless at all. Its actually very handy. If you have ever played a team deathmatch or even deathmatch and most people leave. It takes forever to find someone to shoot and gets very very boring. So insted of leaving a game and changing it. You could pick something that makes bumping into people more likely. Therefore making action happen. Therefore making fun happen.

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

 

SecretPolice

Do I win ?

How many cows/KZ fans outside of Killzowned actually say, "KZ2 will be better than all other shooters". You will be hardpressed to find many.

KZ2 hype will definitely be AAA, but the only time cows really speak of KZ2 being better than any other game it's based on graphics (which is an absolutely legitimate and reasonable argument on the console front).

[QUOTE="SecretPolice"][QUOTE="skrat_01"]

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

finalfantasy94

Do I win ?

Well theres a beta out there and bound to be some cow in it. So some have played it and from what I hear sounds like its coming along pretty good.

[QUOTE="Episode_Eve"]

It's pretty hard to 'innovate' according to the definition. But the unique twists and take on existing mechanics/ideas is great. KZ2 does this perfectly and it's visual flair sets it apart from others.

I personally can't think of a game (on consoles especially) that totally innovates. Can you name some shooters that have this gen? A game doesn't have to innovate to be AAA or fun. What GG is doing is more than feature-rich and appreciated.

skrat_01

People should stop enforcing that the game suddenly 'sets itself apart from all shooters' and embrace that it is a great looking linear fps, with interesting quirks - that looks rather promising for the ps3.

It does "set itself apart from other shooters" (funny how you throw 'linear' in there to try to downplay it as much as possible). Beta testers and publications alike have echoed these words. Also, its feature set and appeal is more than promising for PS3 owners, but shooter fans in general. To make it simple, here's a link to my blog about KZ2 and what it offers. If you're interested you should check it out :).

Bit Boy Blog

[QUOTE="Episode_Eve"]

It's pretty hard to 'innovate' according to the definition. But the unique twists and take on existing mechanics/ideas is great. KZ2 does this perfectly and it's visual flair sets it apart from others.

I personally can't think of a game (on consoles especially) that totally innovates. Can you name some shooters that have this gen? A game doesn't have to innovate to be AAA or fun. What GG is doing is more than feature-rich and appreciated.

skrat_01

People should stop enforcing that the game suddenly 'sets itself apart from all shooters' and embrace that it is a great looking linear fps, with interesting quirks - that looks rather promising for the ps3.

The point is that KZ2 definitely sets itself apart from other shooters. Why you can't see this is beyond me. Not every game will be 100% innovative.

[QUOTE="finalfantasy94"][QUOTE="SecretPolice"]Hmm, let me take a stab at the answer. A relentless stream of threads fromCows proclaiming it's greatness over all other months & months before the game is even released or gasp, tried out a demo ?

Do I win ?

SecretPolice

Well theres a beta out there and bound to be some cow in it. So some have played it and from what I hear sounds like its coming along pretty good.

I dont have a cookie.Want some pudding insted?:P

As far as I'm concerned Resistance is the Quitessential Playstation first person shooter franchise. As great as it is you still get alittle bit of that "just another FPS" feel from it. If Resistance couldn't shed that skin I doubt KZ2 will do any better. That doesn't mean KZ2 can't be great but It will just be another FPS.

it's hilarious that people are actively hyping this game based on graphics aloneMarloStanfield

Actuall some are now hyping it cause the MP feautres and gameplay they have seen. Also some are in the beta so yea.

As far as I'm concerned Resistance is the Quitessential Playstation first person shooter franchise. As great as it is you still get alittle bit of that "just another FPS" feel from it. If Resistance couldn't shed that skin I doubt KZ2 will do any better. That doesn't mean KZ2 can't be great but It will just be another FPS.

Bread_or_Decide

I can agree with that and I love resistance 2. Hey COD4 was praised alot to,but at the end of the day its just another shooter.

It does "set itself apart from other shooters" (funny how you throw 'linear' in there to try to downplay it as much as possible). Beta testers and publications alike have echoed these words. Also, its feature set and appeal is more than promising for PS3 owners, but shooter fans in general. To make it simple, here's a link to my blog about KZ2 and what it offers. If you're interested you should check it out :).

Bit Boy Blog

Episode_Eve

:?

I dont see how that is bad at all.

Whilst the options, features and deep class-based system are highlights of Killzone 2's multiplayer, the gameplay hasn't been compromised one bit. Killzone 2 is shaping up to be much more than another run-of-the-mill shooter. It not only looks better than any multiplayer game we've played, but it already bears all the hallmarks of a game that will keep us hooked right throughout 2009.

As far as gameplay goes, Killzone 2 plays very much like any traditional multiplayer shooter, with its pace laying somewhere between Rainbow 6 and Call of Duty. The lack of a cover system certainly helps to keep the action flowing and you can run, duck, lie down, lob grenades, re-load and switch weapons intuitively.

The weapons feel meaty, the controls feel tight and the maps are designed in a way to encourage tactical play, with numerous buildings to dash in and out of, narrow alleyways for ambushing, open areas for, er, getting shot, stairwells to throw grenades down to unsuspecting attackers, rooftops and balconies to snipe from and plenty of places to hide, which are ideal for spawn camping (uh,oh). Of course, aside from some excellent level design, what makes Killzone 2 all the more interesting and sets it apart from similar shooters is that all of this traditional multiplayer stuff that we've become accustomed to in other shooters is complemented by the deep class-based system and some of the unique features in the game, such as being able to place sentry bots around the maps or donning a cloak to make you invisible.

Full Hands on Here

Wish I was in the beta so I could experience this awesomeness for myself. :D

jakarai

Thanks for the info.  It has been annoying trying to find legit info on this game so this helps a lot. 

[QUOTE="Episode_Eve"]

It does "set itself apart from other shooters" (funny how you throw 'linear' in there to try to downplay it as much as possible). Beta testers and publications alike have echoed these words. Also, its feature set and appeal is more than promising for PS3 owners, but shooter fans in general. To make it simple, here's a link to my blog about KZ2 and what it offers. If you're interested you should check it out :).

Bit Boy Blog

skrat_01

:?

I dont see how that is bad at all.

Shooters are linear by nature. At least in standard game design this generation. When using a word like "linear" its often implied as a denotation for a game (especially in SW). But Crysis allows you to play differently much moreso than other games in its genre. It was and still is described as being "open-ended". Even though there's pont A-B, the environments, vehicles, and mechanics allow you to approach situations with extensive diversity.

BTW, did you check out the blog post? I think shooter fans should be more than satisfied with what KZ2  has to offer :).

On what basis are people claiming KZ2 to be "another run-of-the-mill shooter" (it has guns?)? Everyone who's played it (beta testers/publications) say the opposite :?.Episode_Eve

Actually some of the impressions from the media have been fairly negative, which is pretty surprising given the normally positive nature of previews

and proactive cows who did whatever they couldto get into the beta are not reliable judges of a PS3 game. Cover mechanics and character classes arent new

the only thing that really bothers me about Killzone is the relentless hyping of it by people who if the game flops, will swear up and down that they didn't write thread# 100873 of "Why Killzone is so great"

I actually think the game looks pretty damn solid, with just a few things that have me worried. But just brace yourself for the avalanche of pain if this game flops. You all brought it on yourself. 

I ask this.

What does KZ2 have that all other shooters dont?

skrat_01

why does it matter when the game is fun?

anyways the controls are not tight, button response is slower then normal and sprinting + zooming + ducking is just horrible. it might be coz im not usedto playing fps with sixaxix

[QUOTE="Episode_Eve"]On what basis are people claiming KZ2 to be "another run-of-the-mill shooter" (it has guns?)? Everyone who's played it (beta testers/publications) say the opposite :?.MarloStanfield

Actually some of the impressions from the media have been fairly negative, which is pretty surprising given the normally positive nature of previews

and proactive cows who did whatever they couldto get into the beta are not reliable judges of a PS3 game. Cover mechanics and character classes arent new

Yeah, some previews have been fairly negative. But that's a minority and not all previews are always positive (look at Too Human for example). And not every beta tester is a Cow lol. Fun ideas don't have to be new, KZ2 does alot things that are unique twists on existing ideas/mechanics. Some, to there standards (GamingIndians), even consider some features innovative.

Since you're a skeptic or maybe just not interested. I highly reccomend you read the link I sent to scrat_01 (above: Bit Boy Blog). You may read somthing you like about the game :).

the only thing that really bothers me about Killzone is the relentless hyipng of it by people who if the game flops will swear up and down that they didn't wrote thread# 100873 of "Why Killzone is so great"

I actually think the game looks pretty damn solid, with just a few things that have me worried. But just brace yourself for the avalanche of pain if this game flops. You all brought it on yourself. 

heretrix

I do not understand the hype for this game

It has great graphics and animations, so what? it cost 50 million to make

Chracter classes are nothing new. Monchrome shooters are nothing new. Scripted events are nothing new. Cover mechanics haven't been implemented to this extent in an FPS as far as I know but they've been in a lot of third person games

I see a linear FPS with scripted events, bad AI, amazing graphics and a samey multiplayer mode. A sequel to a flop made by failed developers 

the only thing that really bothers me about Killzone is the relentless hyping of it by people who if the game flops, will swear up and down that they didn't write thread# 100873 of "Why Killzone is so great"

I actually think the game looks pretty damn solid, with just a few things that have me worried. But just brace yourself for the avalanche of pain if this game flops. You all brought it on yourself. 

heretrix

Yeah, if it does flop, Cows will never hear the end of it lol. But most 'hype' threads concerning KZ2 have been graphics thread (that won't flop). Only recently have we seen a flux of new gameplay hype threads.

I'm personally hyping it AAA, it it flops, I'll accept ownage :).

Seriously... As a fan of shooters in general I can't see how KZ2 isn't impressive. I also can't understand how it doesn't set itself apart from other shooters. Oh wait.... it's linear, has a 2 gun system, and regenrating health :(.

Just know that there is no blind hype for KZ2 now that features and mechanics are coming to light ;).

[QUOTE="heretrix"]

the only thing that really bothers me about Killzone is the relentless hyipng of it by people who if the game flops will swear up and down that they didn't wrote thread# 100873 of "Why Killzone is so great"

I actually think the game looks pretty damn solid, with just a few things that have me worried. But just brace yourself for the avalanche of pain if this game flops. You all brought it on yourself. 

MarloStanfield

I do not understand the hype for this game

It has great graphics and animations, so what? it cost 50 million to make

Chracter classes are nothing new. Monchrome shooters are nothing new. Scripted events are nothing new. Cover mechanics haven't been implemented to this extent in an FPS as far as I know but they've been in a lot of third person games

I see a linear FPS with scripted events, bad AI, amazing graphics and a samey multiplayer mode. A sequel to a flop made by failed developers 

That said, so far I have been extremely disappointed by the PS3 shooters and how they feel with the DS3. Like I said, I'll wait for the game to come out before I go off on it, but yeah, all of the hype comes off as pretty desperate for the PS3 to have a great shooter, something that the cows have bashed the 360 for having too many of. It's sort of like the lems and their JRPGs. Lol.

BTW, props on the avatar. Marlo Stansfield is one of the all time great TV bad guys. GOD DAMN, I miss The Wire.