Lookout Helghan. Daddy's home!

     Here's a fresh new rant for the month of March. If you haven't already figured out by reading the title, I'm going to be talking about Killzone 3. This game was developed by Guerrilla, who created the other Killzone games. This is the new big blockbuster shooter for the PS3 of 2011, and it's only on the PS3. I will keep this rant/review a little "in the shadows" because I don't want to spoil anything major for those of you who haven't played or who are still playing it. Much like the other reviews I've done I'll stick to the main points. So let's get started!

     The story of Killzone 3 takes place (naturally) after the events of Killzone 2. The once Helghan dictator is dead and now the Helghan council are fighting over who should take charge and what should be done. There are two main council members named Stahl and Orlock. Of course they both have different intentions on what should be done and this causes tension. You play as Sev, a member of the ISA and it is your duty to stop the vicious Helghast army from invading the destroying Earth. You have teammates who will help like the always annoying Rico. Those of you who are familiar with the series know what I'm talking about. The single player campaign can be about 6-8 hours and it is not short on action. There's always firefights and explosions to keep you on your toes. Something that has been added to the gameplay is brutal melees. This is exactly what it sounds like. If you get up close and personal with the enemy you can pull off some really sweet, and painful, melee moves to finish them off (que Mortal Kombat music).

     Now onto the graphics. When Killzone 2 was first being showcased everyone was shocked at the visuals. I was a little disappointed when I noticed that Killzone 3 didn't look a whole lot better. This does not mean the game looks bad. It is a very good looking game. I just didn't think it was a graphical leap compared to the last Killzone. With that aside, the environments still look great. From frozen tundras, battle stricken wastelands, to a "Pandora" type jungle, everything looks colorful and is full of detail. The attention to detail and lighting on the different weapon models is something to take note of too.

     

     So what's a FPS without online huh? Killzone 3 has you covered here too. There are three basic modes which include team deathmatch, a take on capture the flag, and warzone. Now warzone is interesting because it consists of seven randomized objectives throughout the whole match. Sometimes you have to just kill the other team, blow up something, or even protect a certain teammate. This is fun because the match objective constantly changes. Personally, I'm more of a team deathmatch kind of guy! There are five classes to choose from and each has their own special abilities. Some of these abilities include turret drops, cloaking, healing teammates, and even disguising yourself as the enemy to try and sneak behind lines. There's the usual variety of weapons at your disposal as well. The multiplayer maps are pretty well laid out and are just the right size.

     My only real complaint about this game is there is no online co-op. If you want to team up with a friend for the campaign they have to be sitting in the same room with you. Seriously?! Who doesn't put online co-op in a game these days? By now, if you haven't already noticed, Killzone 3 is a great shooter and another much welcomed addition to the PS3 library. Despite the lack of online co-op I really like this game. If you own a PS3 and enjoy shooters then go pick it up. If you don't own a PS3, then find someone who does and find a way to play it on theirs! With a great single player campaign and a solid multiplayer experience, Killzone 3 should have have you occupied for good while. Enjoy slaying those Helghast!

Final Verdict: 9/10

Written by: Alter Ego 83