Killzone 2: Finally Spilling the Beans

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
I can finally say what I want to say about this game! Though I have not completed a write-up on it yet (working on a little something), I figured I open a forum (or thread) on the topic so you can ask someone who has comepleted the game anything you wish.


Here is a simple Q&A:

1) Is this a must buy for PS3 shooter fans?
The simple answer is--Yes!


2) How long did it take for you to complete the game?
Though I didnt officially time myself, I'm pretty sure it took roughly 8-10 hours to complete.


3) Did you play a final retail version of the game?
No - The version I played was beta code and though not complete--never crashed once on me. I am already thoroughly impressed with the amount of polish that has gone into this game.


4) How is the multiplayer?
I honestly didnt get a chance to play against live opponants. Sony PR held several MP sessions for press/media over the last month but the two different times I tried to connect via the MP portion of the game--it failed. I dont know if this was an issue with my nework (doubtful) or theirs. But what I've played with the bots was really fun and I think CoD4 fans will love it.


5) How does the game look? Does it look as good as the the screens and videos we've seen on various gaming sites?
Technically speaking this game is a beast. I mean to say that the graphical fidelity is stunning and unlike anything else on any console. Not only that, it runs without a hickup or drop in frame rate. There is one particular area that takes place in the desert and I can only put it like this: You know those moments in gaming where you just have to stop, looking around in awe? You know those parts or sections of a video game you show off to your buddies to show them how graphically impressive games can be on youor new HDTV? This is one of those levels.

Now, that being said (and this is important), will you enjoy the art direction? Though more varied than Gear of War 1 & 2--I wonder if there will be enough variety for everyone. Speaking for myself, I could have used a little more variety.


6) Is there really a trophy for beating the final boss in under 20 minutes?
Yes :)


7) How are the controls?
One of my biggest issues with the game, for me, are the controls. Everything is fine except for the acceleration that is used with the look movement. Some of you Windows users might be familiar with this because the same effect (acceleration) can be applied to the cursor. Basically what happens is the reticle will start moving slowly and will slightly increase in its movement speed as you apply the same preasure. It's not a deal breaker in the slightest but it does take some time to get use to. I found that it was throwing off my aim at times even once I did feel like I had settled in--but who knows, some of you may like this.


I know there are many more topics to cover so feel free to ask away.
 

R Nilla

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2006
3,835
1
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:thumbsup: As always, thanks for sharing warcrow. I'm really looking forward to this game. The 27th is a long ways away, but at least the demo will be out near the end of this week!

What's it like using cover in first-person mode? Part of the advantage of cover in third-person games is that you can still peek around your cover, but first-person obviously doesn't allow for this. How well does this work? Is it useful, or would it be just as easy to simply hide and strafe out or duck and pop-up without using the cover mechanic?
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: R Nilla
:thumbsup: As always, thanks for sharing warcrow. I'm really looking forward to this game. The 27th is a long ways away, but at least the demo will be out near the end of this week!

What's it like using cover in first-person mode? Part of the advantage of cover in third-person games is that you can still peek around your cover, but first-person obviously doesn't allow for this. How well does this work? Is it useful, or would it be just as easy to simply hide and strafe out or duck and pop-up without using the cover mechanic?


L2 is the Take Cover / Crouch button and I have to say that the cover system works pretty well. It's not flawless nor does it work as well the master (Gears), but it does it's job. Like you pointed out, this might have something do with the perspective. Essentially what happens is you near a corner and when hitting L2 you kind of slide over and around the corner. The speed, angle and amount depends on the preasure you apply to it.

The leads me to one of my biggest issues with the game--the controls. Everything is fine except for the acceleration that is used with the controls. Some of you Windows users might be familiar with this because the same effect (acceleration) can be applied there with the cursor. Basically what happens is the reticle will start moving slowly and will increase in its movement speed very slowly. It's not a deal breaker at all, but it takes some time to get use to. I found that it was throwing off my aim at times, but you basically get use to it.
 

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,664
6,547
126
while on the subject of controls, are the controls 100% customizable (like resistance2) ?
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: purbeast0
while on the subject of controls, are the controls 100% customizable (like resistance2) ?

Hrm, you know what? I actually never messed around with the controls beyond inverting the Y-axis.
 

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,664
6,547
126
Originally posted by: warcrow
Originally posted by: purbeast0
while on the subject of controls, are the controls 100% customizable (like resistance2) ?

Hrm, you know what? I actually never messed around with the controls beyond inverting the Y-axis.

Ah ok.

Yea I immediately changed the controls in R2. they had some funky stuff going on by default. It sounds like KZ2 does too if L2 is crouch.

On R2 I immediately changed the controls to basically be identical to COD4 and felt right at home.
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: JoPh
post some ss or vids...

Hrm, I dont know if this is even necessary. Everyone game media sight has countless SS and video dont they?
 

JoPh

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2002
7,312
1
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Originally posted by: warcrow
Originally posted by: JoPh
post some ss or vids...

Hrm, I dont know if this is even necessary. Everyone game media sight has countless SS and video dont they?

of course it is. post something new then.
 
Oct 19, 2000
17,860
4
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If you get a chance to look, I'd like to know if you can turn off the look acceleration. It sounds horrible.
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: blurredvision
If you get a chance to look, I'd like to know if you can turn off the look acceleration. It sounds horrible.

I poked around when I first began playing it last month and couldnt find an option for it. Who knows, perhaps they'll add it into the final retail? It's a pretty subtle effect so I dont know how many people will be bothered by it.

 

UpgradeFailure

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2004
1,672
0
0
I remember seeing something about using the six-axis while in sniper-mode. Do you have to do that, or can you just use the sticks? I hate six-axis with a passion
 

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,664
6,547
126
Originally posted by: UpgradeFailure
I remember seeing something about using the six-axis while in sniper-mode. Do you have to do that, or can you just use the sticks? I hate six-axis with a passion

what i read wasn't really using the six axis to aim, it was that you had to keep your controller still to "hold your breath" instead of pushing a button to steady your aim.
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: UpgradeFailure
I remember seeing something about using the six-axis while in sniper-mode. Do you have to do that, or can you just use the sticks? I hate six-axis with a passion

I don't remember ever using sixaxis for anything in this game other than during the load screens.
 

Kabob

Lifer
Sep 5, 2004
15,248
0
76
Pfft, while you silly people are busy playing this "crapzone 2" game I'll be busy killing zombies while remaining perfectly still on my 360...

Ok, I admit it, I wanna play this game. :p Looks like a big score for the Sony fans!
 

bdubyah

Senior member
Nov 20, 2007
541
1
81
lol, yeah. looks like i have enough reasons and money(yay taxes!) now to get a PS3.
 

hans030390

Diamond Member
Feb 3, 2005
7,326
2
76
Originally posted by: purbeast0
while on the subject of controls, are the controls 100% customizable (like resistance2) ?

According to the beta, no. I had no problems playing, though (especially compared to R2).
 

BD2003

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
16,815
1
81
From the looks of the videos I've seen, this game really seems to nail the feel of actually holding and firing a gun extremely well. That was always the biggest innovation the COD series had over the competition, and it looks like killzone takes it one step further. I'd have to play it to know for sure though, and I'd need a PS3 first in order to do that....one day....
 
Oct 19, 2000
17,860
4
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Review is up at gametrailers.com in HD. Watching it now.

EDIT: Purbeast, they mention control configuration at the 6:25 mark in this review, and show a quick screen.
 

R Nilla

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2006
3,835
1
0
Originally posted by: blurredvision
Review is up at gametrailers.com in HD. Watching it now.

EDIT: Purbeast, they mention control configuration at the 6:25 mark in this review, and show a quick screen.

Yeah it looks like there might only be preset configurations to choose from. Didn't look like it was completely customizable like Resistance.
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: blurredvision
Review is up at gametrailers.com in HD. Watching it now.

EDIT: Purbeast, they mention control configuration at the 6:25 mark in this review, and show a quick screen.

I'm at work--can anyone summarize? Score?
 

R Nilla

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2006
3,835
1
0
Originally posted by: warcrow
Originally posted by: blurredvision
Review is up at gametrailers.com in HD. Watching it now.

EDIT: Purbeast, they mention control configuration at the 6:25 mark in this review, and show a quick screen.

I'm at work--can anyone summarize? Score?

Here are a few of the points I can remember:
- The graphics are amazing and any complaints would just be nitpicking.
- The dark colors and environments in the game make it hard to notice all of the details, but they are there.
- Multiplayer has plenty of options and depth to keep you busy for a long time.
- The game tells you how to solve some of the 'puzzles' (like killing bosses) almost immediately, rather than letting you try to figure it out for a bit.

I think they may have also commented on the dialogue being weak overall (but decent enough) with an unnecessarily excessive use of four-letter words.

9.2 overall (which of course has the GT fanboys in a frantic rage, but it's hard for anything not to).