Rating: Dig It

The release of Killzone 2 meant only one thing to me: I could finally stop using my PS3 as a decorative piece and start actually playing it. I’ve been looking for something to pry my cold, dead fingers off Call of Duty 4’s multiplayer and there was a chance that Killzone 2 (KZ2) could make this happen. So did it? Sadly, no. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great game.

Two things about KZ2 stood out to me at first: the graphics and the game’s pace. Where KZ2 shines (literally) are in its visuals; they’re easily the best-looking graphics I’ve ever seen on a console. They’re even more amazing when you realize how well they hold up during multiplayer. The general pace of the game is slow and deliberate. You can’t pull that “run ’n’ gun” stuff here. It’s best if you find a spot behind cover and pick enemies off from afar. If you’re having trouble adjusting to the style of play, you can practice against A.I. “bot” players that, surprisingly, behave like a real player would.

During the multiplayer, you come across matches that have dynamic mission objectives. One minute you’ll be playing Team Deathmatch and the next you’ll be playing Capture the Flag. I found this to be extremely entertaining and it really keeps you on your toes. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough for the game to keep my attention.

My main problem with KZ2’s multiplayer is that it simply does not reward me often enough to keep me engaged and coming back for more. I’m pretty decent in the game so far and usually find myself in the top half of the score sheet after every match. I average somewhere around 20 XP each match.

You need 200 XP to unlock the first set of new weapons (a shotgun and SMG) and 350 XP to unlock the first new class (Medic). It took me nearly two hours to get to 200, which seemed like an eternity since I was stuck with only two guns from the start (one of which I disliked since it lacked a dot scope). Gaining Ribbons (class-specific challenges) gets you some extra XP, but you’ll not be able to complete them until you’ve unlocked your first class. I’m motivated to get a sniper rifle, but that takes over 2,000 to receive, which I’m nowhere near.

Now I’m less motivated to play. They really could have taken a cue from Call of Duty 4: Bombard the player with easy rewards when they first start and then wean them off much later as they get the hang of the game. Give them a good taste of the carrot first, then start pulling the carrot away. KZ2 keeps the carrot far from arm’s reach from start to finish and I’m not willing to chase.

Oh, and there’s no party system. Have fun trying to get you and your friends into a match in one piece.

Flaws aside, Killzone 2 bring the outstanding, original, triple-A, multiplayer experience that I feel the PS3 has been missing since its release. It’s a must-own for existing PS3 owners, but Xbox 360 fans shouldn’t feel jealous.