4 Things Holding Killzone 2 Back

Submitted by Richard Windsor on March 2, 2009 – 1:26 pm24 Comments

kz2

Let’s get one thing out of the way. Killzone 2 redefines nothing whatsoever. Please don’t drink the Sony kool-aid they are forcing down your throats. Killzone 2 is a very standard and very vanilla shooter, but that is not a bad thing. The overall Killzone package is a very good and worthy of some praise. The problems arise from the fact that the game has some glaring issues that any shooter with as much hype as Killzone 2, shouldn’t have. These issues keep the game from being what could have been a classic FPS. You might think I am nit-picking, but all these complaints were heard time and time again while I played the game this weekend. Some of these can be addressed with future updates, but some cannot. These issues make me wonder if any of the reviewers actually played the game for more then 10 minutes!

1. Map Design – They did a great job making Killzone 2 look realistic, but they forgot to make more then one map. Every single level in the multi-player looks 80% similar to every other level. The only thing different is the layout of concrete and metal, and what color they tint the light. This annoys me because creative maps are what help the longevity of a game. In Killzone 2 we get the same 10 textures over and over again. For the most part the larger levels are well designed, but when they all look alike it gets old really quick. Each map is just another maze of concrete and rusty metal. Where is the variety?

2. Multi-Player Options – The lack of game options in Killzone 2 is quite frankly appalling. How can they spend this long on a game and come away with 5 game types, 3 of which no one wants to play, and also not allow a free for all game. When you make a custom game, which is ranked by default, you have very few options compared to most popular multi-player games. This is supposed to be a huge major multiplayer game yet we are stuck with bare bones options. We can’t even make custom non-ranked games!

3. Controls – I harped about this when I played the demo, and the retail release is no different. Killzone 2 controls can be utterly frustrating at times. I played the game all weekend long and to my surprise I was really good at it. I even got a Valor Medal for being in the top 6%. The problem is even though I did well the controls still are annoying even after I spent so much time with them. How a game controls is 75% of what makes the cream of the crop FPS’s shine above the rest. Killzone 2 fails at this miserably. I had to listen to so many people over the weekend bitch about how bad the controls are that I ended up just taking my headset off.

4. Ranking – Can I ask what is the point of a ranking system that can be maxed out in a matter of two days. Thats right two days! I am still one rank away from the top after two days of playing, but I could easily be done by now if sleep was not a function of the human body. Why does the ranking system move so quickly? You still have ribbons and medals to collect and that’s all good, but I really would have liked to see a more expanded ranking system. Luckily they can do this with a title update…right Guerilla! This might not be an issue for some people, but for me and many others it cuts down the motivation factor a lot.

With all this negativity I should point out that I did have a lot of fun playing Killzone 2. Even with all the issues in multi-player I would advise at least a rent because there is fun to be had, even with the control issues, just be patient and you will be fine. Killzone 2 is one of those games that will be fun for a month or so, but then wear thin once the look alike levels and lack of gametypes starts driving people away from it. I hope they plan to add new gametypes, and possibly some more creative maps in the future. What did you guys think of Killzone 2? Let me know in the comments.

Tags: fps, killzone, Sony

Jordan_Snyder

I haven't gotten my hands on the game yet, but I would buy it just for the visuals. Okay, that was an exaggeration, but Killzone 2 is the best looking console game to date. I think I'll be able to get by with the scarce amount of game types because I typically pick one mode and go. The main thing that bugs me is that the game looks so good, but the flame thrower and revival tool look horrendous. The image of the flaccid, gel-like flames and the jagged, zig-zag electric shock will plague my memory. Overall, the game helps the PS3 to start on the right foot in 2009.
Richard Windsor

In all reality Killzone 2 is not the best looking console title. Yes in terms of realism it does go beyond most games. The problem is that everything is similar and nothing really stands out as overly impressive. The art design is rubbish. I have only played through about 5 levels of the single player and thus far the game looks the same on each level. Graphics should be about more then realism, at least that's how I feel.
InfinityDevil

Negative Nancy again, huh.

You had fun playing the game. Really, if you led with this bit of truth at the beginning of the article, the rest of it would be cast in the proper light of someone just looking to pee on Sony some more. If it's high profile, Richard has to complain about it real loud and still say nice things at the end.

Are people allowed to play games on the PS3 that they like, hm? Is that too much to ask?

I find most of your criticism to be poorly written and add little value to understanding the title. Let's take it from the top.

1. You say the levels are well designed at the end. Maybe you mean texture choice? It's important to note that you're not complaining about the quality of the textures, either. Just wanted to point that out.

2. You don't say what modes you like and don't like. I don't even know what's in there, myself, and would like to hear about it. Lately, for me, co-op modes and team modes are far more important than free-for-all die-every-2-seconds games. I've heard lots of scorn for straight deathmatching from Joe here in his criticism of Unreal Tournament 3, so your craving for that in a military-themed shooter just might be in the minority.

3. You didn't say what you don't like. The developers stand behind the controls according to another release today. Do you think it goes too slow? I really like the slightly slower pace I experienced in the demo. I'm not hopped up on jolt cola and junk food when I get to play games, maybe that's why. Maybe this isn't your style of game. You played the demo and it didn't turn you off on the final product? You're allowed not to like a game, you know, instead of playing the demo, not liking it, then getting the full game and complaining about it.

4. I still have the screen shot my brother sent me of his PSN ID ranked #3 worldwide on one of the PS3 leaderboards for a puzzle game the night it came out. Hint: he's not there anymore since just a few other people played after him! With 750k copies of Killzone sold so far I don't think your status will stick around since, by your own admission, you can't play it 24/7.

There's my 0.02.
Jordan_Snyder

I meant in terms of realism. Some of my favorite stylized games are Prince of Persia, Mirror's Edge, and Super Mario Galaxy. Except for the two flaws I mentioned earlier, Killzone 2 is definitely the most real looking game.
http://www.twitter.com/mja926 mja926

Has anyone else noticed that when you go into cover that your guns textures are really shitty? Maybe its just me but it sure looks like it.
Richard Windsor

First of all did I ever say the game was bad…no! That is what you read because you are a fanboy. My purpose was to point out several items that I and many people I have played with over the weekend noticed. Remarkably many gamers I played with were not shy about complaining about issues with the game. Not all PS3 owners are fanboys and they will gladly share any disappointments and not gut react and become all negative towards someone because they said something negative about their chosen console.

1. If you learn how to read then you would realize that I liked the way the levels were laid out, but I didn't like the fact that they all looked the same. If that confused you I am so sorry. Maybe if I said it realllll sloowwww!

2. A basic free for all deathmatch is almost a standard in FPS games. There is no reason not to have this built in the game. Remember that some reviewers call this game genre defining, how can you redefine a genre if you don't do anything different! A game like Killzone that can be a lot of fun to play and it deserves to have a lot more options so you can create some custom gametypes, which lengthen the playability of a game. I am surprised you don't know that. Do you even play FPS's?

3. The controls are slow because of how the game looks. Don't let the developers convince you otherwise. They are pushing the hardware and they know if they make it any more responsive the frame rate will dip. The speed of the controls is hardly the issue. The issue is with the lag and how it affects the gameplay, When you combine the speed of the game with kickback of the gun it produces an unnatural feeling that no matter how much you play still feels weird.

4. The ranking is my own issue. I even said that in the text, which I guess you didn't read. Ranking up so quick is something I didn't like. I was in no way bragging about my Killzone abilities. I could care less about being the best at a game. I was surprised to be in the top 6%.

P.s. Maybe you should actually play the game before sticking your foot in your mouth. The point of this was just to tag a few areas of a good game that kept it from being great in my opinion. Yet you get so obsessed with fanboy nonsense that you have to come back with snide remarks. You really need to get your head on straight and take Sony's teet out your mouth. If you don't like it then don't read it my friend.

If any other game came out on the PS3, 360 with the same issues I would write the same damn thing no matter what platform. I like games no matter what I play them on, obviously you don't!
Richard Windsor

I think that is a depth of field issue. I Think it blurs to create depth and that creates the poor looking texture. The weapons overall look great.
FUCK U

You fucking 360 fanboy, this game is the best FPS ever. Period.
InfinityDevil

1. Got a good laugh out loud at “reeeal slowww”. Thanks, should make my trip home start off right! But you were still wrong to lead this number with the level design being bad and then complain about the palette and texture choices.

2. I haven't seen a single reviewer say this game is genre defining. Every last review says this game does absolutely NOTHING new, but it looks and feels great, to the tune of 9.x, which if you like shooters, is probably great stuff to play!

3. The theory that they sacrifice movement speed to keep the framerate high is an interesting one. I hadn't heard that before, but I didn't notice that in the demo. That could be because of the challenges in the demo were keeping me behind cover, moving about slowly except when running around in the garage-like area going after the controls.

4. Then I don't see how it's holding the game back. Ranks will fluctuate as time goes on.

I told you up front that I didn't play the game. I just found your tone and writeup way too loose to let go as-is. It would've been better had it contained more of what was in your response and less of a “why are the controls bad why god WHY!” attitude.

Oh and by the way, this is the world wide web with a non-read-only comment forum. Expect comments. Even ones you *gasp* don't agree with! Ones I don't agree with, too.

As for fanboyism, I'm going to be positive about games that I think deserve praise and on rare occasions I give a little slap to something I think is misleading. This is the latter.
Jordan_Snyder

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare says hello. It's a good game, but it's not the best FPS ever.
http://www.twitter.com/mja926 mja926

lulz.
Mal Faction

Devil,

You need to read number 1 again, and then your post for number 1 and then Richard's reply for number 1.

Richard says the maps are designed well, they just used the same textures, so it makes it feel like you are playing the same map even though it is different.

Making maps but putting them in cities, wharehouses, at the beach, in the mountains, in the snow, in a cave, etc. add variety and make the maps “feel” different. This is a very common problem. I remember listening to some developer diaries during Halo 3 development and the guys were talking about how important it is to makes thing standout in a team game. You can yell, “I need help by the downed Pelican!” or, “He is by the waterfall.” How can you play a team game and yell, “he is by the concrete wall!” and expect anyone to know what the F! you are talking about.

Reading comprehension 101 dude, go back to school.

Good post Richard, I understood your complaints right of the bat and they make great sense to smart people.
Firemind14

I do agree about the map design; with the exception of the desert-ish level, all of the maps are variations of metal sheeting. But, in their defense, the variations in level design (being all of the vertical vs. ground level things) are great.

I have no problem with the multiplayer options.

The controls did in fact take alot of getting used to. I found that at first, they were incredibly heavy, slow, and not sensitive (i upped the sensitivity). But I eventually got used to them and am happy to say that I usually kill more than I die, and last time I checked, had a KD ratio of 0.96.

I have no idea what you're talking about for ranking. It's taking me FOREVER to unlock everything. All I have is the medic, and the weapons unlocked before it, and I got the game on day 1. I think that is why they pulled bots, though…people were ranking up too fast.
Richard Windsor

1. What are you trying to say about number 1. You do know they are not in any order right? I can't understand what you are trying to say. Do you understand what I meant by liking the design of the levels (the geometry), and not liking the lack of art design and variety.

2. When I speak of reviewers I mean the ones who get greased to do reviews. Many have made statements about Killzone 2 setting a new standard for FPS games. Heck it was in one of the ads Sony ran. P.s. I don't hate Sony. I have been disappointed with them in the past but I am always willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

3. Games that use a lot of anti-aliasing and motion blur can suffer from frame rate issues and they sacrificed a bit of control for sharper visuals, but for me I would have preferred better controls.

4. You can't de-rank unless you finish a game with negative points. Its a level up system, not really a rank system.

How I am misleading at all? These are opinions for god sake! Its not misleading, just maybe over your head…JK!
Richard Windsor

I agree that the geometry of the maps is very good. That they did well. I just wish that there was more variety. It would also be nice to see some interactive elements, but that's not that important to me.

Without options games tend to fall by the wayside. Look at the games with tons of options and how popular they still are today. Then look at those who limit those options. They may be good games but lack enough depth to keep people playing. I don't complain because I hate the game or Sony, I complain because a game like this has so much potential just by allowing more options and variety. Since Halo 3 came out I have been waiting for the next FPS to match its overall depth and quality. I could care less which console it plays on. I just want to play the next big FPS. Killzone might not be it, but its a darn good game to burn time till it comes out.

I started playing on Friday and I have unlocked almost everything. Maybe I played to much huh?
Richard Windsor

What a well thought out comment!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=39102958 Andrew Adam

Wow harsh comments. I'm a bit shocked, but good to see you took the time to find flaws.
http://www.aeropause.com mclazyj

Whoa, there seems to be a lot going on in here. I can't say much about the controls, because I have not played the game, but I can say a bit about the multiplayer and environments. I have seen a fair amount of Killzone 2 while others have played it. While the environments are similar from one level to the next, it is a crime that a lot of games have made. I could make the same arguement about Halo 1, 2 and 3. Most of those levels are the same. Does that make Halo bad? No, but it did have flat level design at time, to the point of being bland.

I am not sure what your arguement is with the multiplayer. You don't really explain the options available and how they limit you as the player. I have to go with Paul on the basis that Deathmatch is almost done as a mode of gameplay. With games like Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2, etc, the multiplayer arena is more about team play. You only have to look at sales of the underperforming Unreal Tournament 3 to realize that people want more out of their multiplayer games.

Gaining the full ranks in two days is not uncommon for those that drill through for 24-48 hours straight. Look at how many people power grinded through 10 levels of WOW in one day after Lich King was released. 10 frickin' levels in 24 hours. Any game will have people capping out levels, because there are lots of people that grind through a game right away after getting it. Killzone is more affected by this due to its earned title of “core playstation 3 title”

I have not played the game personally, so I maybe off basis with some of this, but I have watched a chunk of the game being played by others.
http://www.aeropause.com Shane

Good to see the new comment system workin' LOL.
Salesmunn

There will be additional experience points available when they release the co-op patch and additional map packs/chapters. Hang tight.
Salesmunn

I should say, there “should be” additional experience options and classes available.

As for the levels, I've played through them all and the second half of the game is actually better than the first. The level design is also more varied.
Salesmunn

I really should've said, “there should be” additional experience points and classes to earn with the co-op patch and map packs/chapters.

the second half of the Campaign is better than the first (what a concept), play it all the way through. It's longer, harder and much better than I expected (on Veteran difficulty).
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