Sorry for the length of time with no posts, but things got a little hectic with my academics and Spring Break, but now it’s back to business and time for some major catching up!
Killzone has always been a strange series to me. While none of the games in the trilogy so far are by any means bad, they never seemed to aquire the distinct balance between game mechanics and story that the most successful games nail. Though some reject the series because of this, I often find myself in love with all the things Killzone has ever gotten right and all the elements the series seems to pioneer. So, with Killzone 1 and 2 in mind, Killzone 3 becomes an amazingly smooth experience with amazing visuals, audio, mechanics, and pacing.
Gameplay
When Killzone first came out on the Playstation 2, I distinctly remember how much I loved the add-on grenade launcher and shotgun attachments on each rifle. While that may have been one of the only distinctly unique elements in the first game’s mechanics, Killzone 2 and 3 have pioneer what I consider the next generation shooting experience, though not simply because the latter can incorporate the Playstation Move. Killzone 3 continues to explore the sleek FPS elements that the second game began to really pioneer, but this time succeeds beyond my expectation by refining the controls and generally applying more polish to the overall experience.
As Killzone 2 began to incorporate cover mechanics for an FPS, I was blown away. Such a seemingly small detail was so ambitious in my mind seeing as only 3rd person shooters really began to perfect these mechanics. But while I loved the ambition, i never found myself taking full advantage of taking cover simply because the controls felt slippery and sensitive. Well, where KZ2 failed, KZ3 polishes and delivers exactly what I wanted. The controls feel great (even though I will never quite get used to the PS3 controller on FPSs), and the cover mechanics are simplified, letting you utilized them without even really thinking about it.
One of the bigger questions about KZ3′s mechanics has to be how the game stacks up with every other FPS out there and more importantly, how it separates itself from merely running and gunning through the whole game. While I have to admit that KZ3 does blend in to generic FPS genre at times, the developers at Guerrilla Games perfectly paced the game by introducing various vehicles, rail shooter segments, and the introduction of mechs and jet-packs to help the player feel a unique experience throughout the plot. While there are levels of merely shooting, moving to the next room, and shooting some more, the incorporation of these other vehicles, as well as a more stealth based level, really perfects the pacing and does provide one of the best and smoothest FPS experiences out there- especially for the PS3.
While KZ3 supports the PSMove and Sharpshooter attachment, I still don't find myself wanting to commit to the purchase.
On top of the smooth gameplay, KZ3 also delivers some breathtaking level design and set pieces. Where KZ2 did explore amazing visuals in general, KZ3 not only ups the graphic expectations, but explores the planet Helgan and it’s different topographical elements, varying the aesthetic experience for the player. While this not only looks amazing, it also provides a variety of level design to keep the player looking for new elements within clearing areas of the enemy.
Another mechanics new to the series is the inclusion of the Playstation Move. With the ability to use a plastic gun attachment, Sony is attempting to sell the perfect way to play an FPS. Unfortunatley, I haven’t bought the Move, nor do I want to. While other reviewers say the Move does work, they are quick to mention that the gun attachment feels awkward when moving the character and that it doesn’t particulrly enhance the overall shooter experience.
Story
Killzone’s downfall as a series has to be it’s story. While starting out on a high note by incorporating amazing visual references to the WWII Nazis, I never felt like Killzone delivered the breathtaking experience I longed for. Even though I found the beginning of KZ2 to be all sorts of epic as the ISA begins an assault on the Helgast’s home planet, I quickly found myself bored as everything was reduced to clearing room after room of enemies.
On top of KZ3′s amazing game mechanic pacing, it also delivers an amazing pacing in terms of location, making the setting of KZ3 more of a character in itself. Though planet Helghan is no Rapture, it’s nice to see some variety in set pieces. Instead of seeing the once awe-inspiring destroyed cities until you are fatigued, KZ3 is quick to engage the character in jungles, snow, and even space which all combine to help the amazing pacing throughout the game.
KZ3 does deliver some pretty epic and cinematic battles within the game.
As for the over all plot, KZ3 comes just short of delivering what I was hoping for. As the player resumes the role of Sev, the game drops you right where the second installment of the series left off… which is basically saying you’re picking up in the middle of an ambiguous plot line that had so much potential. KZ3 does have plot elements to intrigue the player more and more, but you will still find yourself forgetting character’s names and some of the objectives because they merely don’t resonate as well as they could. For instance: the first game explored a motivation of former oppression to fuel the Helghan army, but now the series merely regards them as enraged “badguys” who kill everyone. All this being said, KZ3 does explore some epic events within the plot- I just think it could have hit the player’s emotions a little harder.
Multiplayer
When exploring KZ3′s multiplayer, you might as well address the white elephant in the room: How does this game’s online matchmaking compare to Call of Duty. Yeah, yeah, CoD is over played and over referenced- but rightly so, the game mechanics and online gameplay have resonated so well for a good reason. But back to addressing Killzone’s multiplayer, I found myself very entertained with the massive levels, variety of game types, and the organic feel of constantly shifting objectives. And, as a plus, veterans of Killzone 2 will be proud to note that the online experience has received a major overhaul in a good way. The controls and overall “feel” of online gameplay has been tweaked for the optimum smooth gameplay experience. For once, I found myself not blaming my deaths on the inability to control my character.
KZ3's multiplayer features jetpacks, mechs, epic level design, and the ability to level up classes.
But the real star of KZ3′s multiplayer has to be the unique element of constantly shifting game objectives. While regular death-match may be available, nothing beats having to capture a room, assassinate a specific player, protect your team’s player, and then proceeding to plant bombs on the enemies spawn points all in one match. That, my friends, is an organic experience that utilizes team work for a more… dare i say, “real”… experience. What’s more, Killzone also offers another unique twist in their new Operations mode, featuring mini cutscenes throughout the match actually showing players, screen names and all, who did the best and worst during that match. While this is amazing, it would have resonated a little more if players could customize their character’s armor to be that much more recognizably unique.
All in all, the online experience is great! Players will find amazing fun in complex maps with the help of jetpacks, mechs, brutal melee kills, and classes that can be leveled up to the player’s liking. While there’s not much visual or personal customization like in CoD’s weapons or Halo’s armor, Killzone 3 has definitely pronounced it’s ability to stand out as a unique multiplayer FPS, which is really saying something.
Summary
So, how does the game stack up all in all?
Killzone 3 is by no means another “average FPS” to drown in. This newest installment of the series has introduce some amazingly fresh concepts on every level. From smooth gameplay with cover mechanics to a revamped online matchmaking, this game really does become a buy for anyone who ever remotely liked the series to begin with. With all of these tune ups taking place on massively epic and beautifully detailed levels, there’s much to be enjoyed- even on the surface.
But, by the time the credits were rolling, I did still have my gripes- mainly with the story. While I can remember Sev and Rico’s name, this game lacks the ability to REALLY have the characters resonate with you. I have no problem telling everyone that KZ3′s ending becomes an epic struggle for survival, but something within the writing of this game just kept me from popping out of my seat in excitement. By all means, Killzone 3 is a great FPS for the Playstation 3, and I recommend this game as a buy for anyone who is interested in an epic scale single player FPS with a very competent online experience to go with it. I just think that there is still room to improve.
I give this game a n 8.25 / 10
Images from: http://fuzion9.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/0killzone3.jpg?w=300 , http://cdn.thetechjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PlayStation-Move-Sharp-Shooter-Attachment-600×317.jpg , http://gamerfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Killzone-3-Screen.jpg , http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/111/1113945/killzone-3-20100818095659308-000.jpg , http://playstationlifestyle.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Killzone-3-Ship-Feature.png
