Review: Killzone 2 (PlayStation 3)

 Killzone 2, a first-person shooter created exclusively for the PlayStation3 that was first teased back in 2005, finally arrived this year.

But was it worth the wait?

In the game, you are Sergeant Tomas “Sev” Sevchenko, part of an elite team once again battling the Helghast.

In the original Killzone for the PS2, humans were attacked on planet Vekta by the Helghast, a Nazi-like race from Helghan.

In Killzone 2, the tables are turned, as humans journey to Helghan to take the fight to the enemy and capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari. This assault proves to be a daunting task, with fighting unfolding on windswept landscapes, urban environments and everything in between.

The first-person shooter provides a diverse selection of weapons, all usable by you. Many of the engagements require teamwork and cooperation with the rest of the squad. The game also includes an all-too-brief level using a mech robot.

The gameplay is solid and the visuals are spectacular in their scope, from the slow destruction of a flying fortress to the detonation of a nuclear warhead before your eyes. Enemy artificial intelligence is actually quite good, with foes fleeing from grenades and responding tactically to situations.

In order to be more immersive and to unclutter the screen, Killzone 2 features a minimal HUD (heads-up display), keeping your view clear to better take in the action. Ammo levels and grenades being carried briefly display and damage taken is indicated by the level of blood that splatters on the screen.

As you near death, the screen begins to bleed into black and white, indicating that you need to find a safe place to recover.

Using cover during battles is essential to successfully play through a level.

In addition to the single-player mode, Killzone 2 offers a robust online experience called Warzone mode.

Matches with up to 32 players can be created or joined in progress in this mode. Five game types are available to play through in sequence, although which are played can be configured by the game host. They are:

Search and Retrieve – Each team must locate and transport items to a designated point on the map. The team that completes the transport the most times in the allotted time period wins.

Search and Destroy – One team defends a spot on the map while the other attempts to destroy it with explosives

Capture and Hold – Each team tries to capture three areas on the map and hold them for the longest time.

Assassination – One member of a team is designated as the high-value target, with his team members defending him, and the other team tries to kill him

Body Count – All-out team deathmatch. More kills equals victory.

As you play, you accumulate badges and unlock new soldier classes. Badges can allow you to customize your class with specific abilities.

In larger matches, squads can be set up, allowing direct communication between squad members.

All of these scenarios play out alongside gamers from across the world on maps that are vast and visually spectacular, especially the windy wasteland map.

Of course, if you are the type who doesn’t like other people but enjoy the multiplayer experience, Killzone 2 offers Skirmish mode.

Skirmish mode is set up identically to the Warzone template, but your teammates and the other team are all comprised of bots, computer-controlled players. Playing Skirmish, however, means you don’t earn badges or unlock classes.

But offering the mode is a nice feature of the game. More FPSs should offer this option.

The game brings heavyweight first-person action to the PlayStation 3, something the somewhat-ailing console has needed. This game should spur a few people to finally buy a PS3.

I realize it’s only March, but Killzone 2 has taken the lead as 2009′s game of the year.

Oh, and it was worth the wait.