[Timgt5]

One of the most anticipated PS3 exclusives the third installment of the epic Sci fi shooter, Killzone for 2011 dropped in February. . A lot of hype came out about the improved mechanics, and interesting bells and whistles, which include 3D and Move support.

Does Killzone 3 have what it takes to join the elite group of FPS games out there? Read on.

Killzone 3

Type: First Person Shooter
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Guerilla Games
Released: February, 2011
Platforms: PS3 exclusive

Highs: Excellent Graphics, Intense gameplay, top notch AI, Fantastic Sound Track, improved mechanics, well executed Move integration, 3D

Lows Occasional slowdown, paper thin plot writing.

Background: Sometime in the future humans begin to fan out and colonize several nearby solar systems. Two such planets, Helghan and Vekta are at war with each other. Helghan was a mineral rich but inhospitable place, the initial colonist there suffered from famine, disease and an unstable environment. Over time the survivors adapted to the conditions, and became the Helghast. Vekta by comparison was a temperate planet, whose colonist lived well. The Helghast, believing that the Vecktans were unfairly taking advantage of them, launched an invasion of Veckta. Forces from Earth, known as the ISA launch a counter attack that ultimately repels the invasion (Killzone)

Sometime later the Helghast regroup under the dictator Scalari Visari. Earth, deeming Visari a major threat orders his capture and retrieval from Helghan. ISA forces arrive to find the Helghast far more capable and willing to fight than intelligence had led them to believe. The majority of the ISA forces are wiped out in the incursion. Against all odds, two marines from a special forces unit, Sergeant Rico Vasquez and Corporal Thomas “Sev” Sevjanko mange to reach Visari. Rico disobeys his orders and executes Visari. Rather than putting an end to the conflict, the remaining Helghast, launch a massive counterattack.

The Plot: Visari is dead, but the Helgahst forces, now led by a coalition of the military elite and industrialist Johann Stahl are launching a massive counterattack against the ISA forces that remain on Helghan. Earth had ordered a withdrawal of all ISA forces in an attempt to broker peace with the Helghast. Both Rico and Sev is suspect of this idea, but reluctantly go along with their orders passed down by their field commander, Captain Narrville. On route to the evac zone, Helghast forces cut off Narrville’s unit, leaving them stranded on a hostile planet with no support.

Meanwhile, the Helghast leadership is divided between the Military leadership and the industrial sector. Without Visari to keep them focused and united, the coalition government begins to come apart.

The plot as such is not bad, but it feels a bit borrowed and generic. There is not a lot of depth here, but frankly how many FPS’s are really noted for their story writing.

Gameplay: Much of the mechanics of Killzone 3 remain the same as its predecessor. The controls are tight and precise. Improved from the previous game, the weapon selection, and reloads are much more fluid than Killzone 2. In addition a number of up close melee attacks have been added, including a very sweet stealth kill. To break up the FPS action a number of vehicle sequences have been added, all very nicely cinematic with spot on controls. The jet pack sequences really rock and are a lot of fun. In future installments, Guerilla should expand their use.

Killzone also takes excellent advantage of the new Move control system, there is even a specially made gun controller for this game, in which you attach The Move at the end of the barrel and volia, you are playing soldier. The control is incredibly responsive and illustrates how much better the Move than Nintendo’s Wii Mote playing similar shooting games. (Sorry Wiitards, but it is the truth, the Move is superior to the Wiimote in every way)

The AI like its predecessor is tenacious and smart, making effective use of cover, baiting, and calling up superior numbers. KIllzone 3 is not a game for novices. This is especially true in the online multiplayer modes as well. The matches are well set up, and have plenty of variety. The players here are hardcore for the most part; again it is not a game to cut your FPS teeth on.

Sights and Sounds Killzone 3 sports some of the best graphics in the shooting genre. In my opinion only Crysis 2 looks better (as far as console games go) the environments are incredibly detailed, with superb lighting and particle effects. Character models are improved from the previous game. Of particular note is the sheer volume of action on the screen. In addition the 3D effect works incredibly well here and adds a bit of extra depth to an already superior package.

Equally worth noting are the fantastic sound effects, gun sounds, vehicle noises, explosions are all carried out with a substantial and epic feel. However at the start of the game, you may want adjust the sound balance as the games effects drown out what is an absolutely excellent music score.

Kids Corner: Killzone 3 is rated M and as one would suspect, is a rather violent title (the name might give you a hint J) There is a lot of blood spilled here and some of the melee stuff can be rather brutal. War is portrayed in a very dark way. Also there is a fair amount of rough language here, but less than found Killzone 2. Overall this is not I title I can recommend for children.

In Summary: With each itineration of Killzone, we see further refinement as the series comes closer to the promise made by the original game back in 2003. If you are hardcore FPS’r looking for a good single and multiplayer challenge, this game is definitely on your short list of titles to acquire.

A bit of video from early in the game: