Even before Killzone 3 was announced, the previous iterations left gamers with quite high expectations for the next installment. Developer Guerrila Games appears to have taken all fan feedback into consideration and put together a tight offering complete with extra trimmings into the fourth iteration. The company embeds PlayStation Move capability and 3D into gameplay, mixing intense gaming and realism into one boiling pot, and not to mention a little arm pain in the process. As we indulged in the PS3 review of the much-awaited Killzone 3, we find out just why this game was among the most-awaited FPS titles of 2011.
At the beginning of our long campaign, we were treated to a cinematic introduction that didn’t hold back on any aspect. There was even a cool soundtrack accompanying the unfurling which extended throughout the game, right up till the credits. We went in well prepared, knowing just what to expect as we were already well-versed with the earlier tastes that came in the form of the Killzone 3 multiplayer beta and single-player preview offered before the complete unveiling. Owing to the cinematic graphics propounded by the company, we did indeed get a bucket of popcorn along. The salty flavor didn’t even get a chance to touch our taste buds as the game itself was so captivating it left little room for other distractions. For such instances, we were certainly glad there are things like a Pause button.
The events in game follow close on the heels of the second iteration and put players once again in the boots of the brave Sev Sevchenko. Besides the conflict between the Helghast and remaining ISA troops, there seem to be clashes occurring within the two sides as well. On one hand we see the death of Visari bringing Chairman Jorhan Stahl, Helghan’s lead weapons manufacturer and Admiral Orlock at loggerheads while ISA’s Captain Narville is constantly disagreeing with Rico and Sev. The latter two want to inflict as much pain as possible even if it means losing their life in the process whereas the captain insists on being completely defensive, without wanting to put any more lives at stake.
Selfless acts of bravery are awarded points here. Some situations call for entering with all guns blazing while others demand a sneak attack that requires you to switch into stealth mode and slit the throats of Helghast soldiers. Combating against the enemy at close quarters was quite satisfying as we literally got into the face of the foe. Brutal Melee was fun to execute especially when there were many ways to do the dirty deed. We however had to get used to the close-encounter factor as we were simply too trigger-happy throughout the game. The events played out during the game kept us engaged at all times, yes even the cut-scenes were quite captivating even though they had a ‘cartoony’ aura about them. Coming to gameplay, at no point did we feel totally abandoned. Various parts of the game had us being accompanied by fellow soldiers, showing the way around the planet’s plain or in some instances, Riko jumping the gun, bellowing orders for us to follow.
Gameplay included a variety of actions that weren’t limited to simply aiming and shooting at the enemy. On the cards were adorning jet packs, indulging in air combat and even stepping into the shoes of an enemy disguise. A wide array of weapons was provided such as St A52 Assault Rifle, LS13 Shotgun, VC21 Boltgun and StA3 LMG among others. The new deadly weapon called StA5X Arc Cannon which emits fluorescent green plasma is a great inclusion to the artillery. On impact, the unfortunate enemy explodes with blood spluttering out. This fate is seen awaiting quite a few people on Helghan. The Helghast are seen as sadistic inhabitants who torture their captives and hence the small ISA group strives to leave no prisoners behind when they evacuate the planet.
The game also accommodates Co-op Campaign that enables you to throw in another player or call on your little brother to fight alongside you. This mode indeed comes in handy without posing to be a hindrance even in split-screen. While the first player retains his role as Sev, the second player comes in as another random ISA soldier. The only downside here is that the onscreen instructions are laid out in minute script leaving you and your partner squinting to see the data. Another option lying in the menu was the Botzone segment which allowed us to get familiar with the different maps featured in game. We could choose from various careers such as Tactician, Infiltrator, Field Medic, Engineer and Marksman in this mode.
This iteration of Killzone enables even rookies to overcome their fear of first-person shooters and pick up that controller or PlayStation Move accessory. The company has molded the controls, gameplay and features to be more appealing to newcomers while not disappointing hard-core fans. Various attributes are embedded into the game in order to strike a balance while catering to the needs of both player segments. The slide and take cover option was an excellent addition which ups the overall ante while peeping out to take a shot at enemies without actually losing too much life. It also allowed us to quickly take shelter while reloading our weapons before facing the flurry of enemy bullets once again. Grabbing the grenade and hurling it at the foe also produced results. Ammunition refilling stations were seen strategically strewn across the plains.
Fighting against the evil Helghast and surviving the chattered course is what this game is about. Spotting the enemy was quite an easy task and didn’t really have to rely on the red and green crosshairs chalked out for the bad and good guys respectively. Friends and foes could be easily distinguishable as the Helghast scum sported big red bug-eyed peepers that could be spotted from miles away while the ISA soldiers had blue indicators attached to their clothes. So shooting the stinkers from a distance was a breeze.
Killzone 3 pleases both the aural and visual senses, bringing to the forefront a perfect mixture of sound and graphics. The original music score for Killzone 3 is composed by Joris De Man as he makes a comeback in this iteration as well. The audio bits perfectly complement the action being played out onscreen while putting you in the mood of the moment. The backdrop employed by the developers has brought to light the complete world of Helghan and its inhabitants. Harsh and varied environs like wastelands, snowy peaks and a deadly jungle filled with not only Helghasts from hell but toxic plants are also portrayed at its best. It was refreshing to smell the nuked air about us and feel the falling snow rather than just roaming around in dreary old buildings of cities. The environments however could have been more responsive and destructive for that matter. And how can an FPS of such proportions leave out the ‘squirmish’ factor. Blood splattering everywhere and heads getting clearly blown off their shoulders with a headshot was seen ruling gameplay.
Final Word: Killzone 3 certainly drops you in the midst of the danger zone where failure or retreating is not an option and surviving means going all out with guns blazing. Selfless acts such as reviving a fallen mate and repeatedly rescuing your comrades from the jaws of the Helghast have added a tinge of tenderness to the game. On the whole, this iteration has taken the FPS genre up a notch by adding the PlayStation Move capability and 3D aspects to gameplay. Besides simply just owning the lone game, Sony has also come out with limited editions and Helghast bundles in order to provide owners with the complete Killzone experience.
Graphics: 8.5/10.
Gameplay: 9.1/10.
Sounds: 9/10.
Environments: 8.5/10.
Replay Value: 8/10.
Overall (not an average): 9.2/10.