Joystiq: Killzone 3 Review - Third Time's the Harm

The feature set of Killzone 3 is impressive: 3D support, PlayStation Move compatibility, split-screen offline co-op campaign, and offline multiplayer with bots, but no amount of 3D waggle can change the fact that the Killzone 3 campaign is a miserable experience. Killzone 3 certainly offers more bells and whistles than its predecessor -- it's just a shame they've been affixed to an inferior game.

[BakedGoods]

A SEVEN? Jesus.

Am I playing a different game here?

Joystiq -

Epic Mickey: 4
EA Sports Active 2 'The Perfect Fit': 4
James Bond: Bloodstone (a flop): 4
...
...
...
Killzone 3: 3.5

[zootang]

Yet they will give Black ops a great score because it is buggy as hell and has a storyline involving Americans.

[Istanbull]

There are always the sites that want to be unique, they express it by giving a high profile game like this a mediocre score.

Going against the trend=generating a lot of hits for these little websites.

[ElDorado]

@ zootang

Man when I think about what you said that's damn true. Killzone a 7 ? After this and Gran Turismo should we take reviewers seriously? I mean like Come on Killzone 3 a 7? Graphics don't make a game, but the multiplayer atleast should be a 9.

[guigsy]

Surely the "this website doesn't know what they're talking about" excuse can only work so many times.

Look, reviews are a public service, you don't have to listen to them. How about downloading the beta and judging the game for yourself? You might agree with these reviews, you might not. Lets just have less of these childish wibblings.

[HolyOrangeCows]

"The first game fell short of its "Halo killer" billing"

Didn't have to read past here to know where this fanboy was going with this review. Complaining about some internet fanboys calling Killzone a "halo killer" just shows how fanboy-wars consumed this guy is.

[BattleAxe]

Here we go with the Sony exclusive double standard that even if it blows every other shooter out of the water, the rule is to nit-pick everything you possibly can to lower the score and teach Sony a lesson.

Totally rediculous.

[Arnon]

You guys seriously do nothing but complain and whine. It honestly makes me wonder if you actually care for the game itself, or if you're in it just to continue to try and justify a purchase.

Using the "Everyone hates Sony" card 4 years after the PS3's release, especially when all the websites do nothing but hype these games up for you people is sad. Did Little Big Planet 2 have a low average score? People who are upset deserve to be shot down because the ones who are upset are the ones who hype these titles to ridiculous standards.

The only thing these websites are doing, is playing the game and reviewing it. And considering the majority of you who are telling them they're wrong have not even played it, I'm not sure how your opinion is somehow a higher word than a reviewers' to be perfectly honest.

Just enjoy the damn game.

[Commander_TK]

Apparently, some people can't have different opinions.

[Persistantthug]

I mean, the game is clearly doing well on the reviews

http://www.gamerankings.com...

[IcarusOne]

Jesus. This review is just brutal. And I agree with Arnon. It seems like most of you are more concerned with how a game scores than how much you like it.

[DatNJDom81]

And the hate begins......

[Dee_91]

alright
they are looking for hits
thats the only explanation

has to be

[frostyhat123]

@Istabull
Maybe Maybe just Maybe the game a deserved a 7? No, thats impossible, even tho i have never played it i think that it is TH3 B3ST GAM3 3V3R CAUS3 ITS A PS3 3XCLUSIV3!

[g0green]

wow seems like a lot of you are just trying to convince yourself every ps3 exclusive is a 10/10, some games are gonna get lower scores if they deserve them, chill out

[Dragon_Hiko]

So everyone who is saying that no one has played the game, (full game maybe, but lots and lots of people have played the demo and absolutely love it) will admit that the reviews were bullshit after the game is out to the public and everyone plays it and still loves it? Have you actually thought about the fact that the game might actually be really good, and a whole bunch of big fans of the game are pissed at the obvious downplaying of the game?

God forbid we actually have a bit of honesty in game reviews maybe some sort of set standard? A game review is not supposed to be the reviewers damn opinion on the game, it's supposed to be an unbiased as possible description of the game and it's offerings.

And again to all of you saying no one bitching about the review has played the game yet ergo the reviewer is right, is an idiot. By that logic after everyone plays the game for themselves and still think this review is a piece of shit, it is justified and it will be a piece of shit article.

[jessupj]

@frostyhat123

Or maybe, just maybe once again a site is going agaist the trend for hits.

[airforcex]

The PS3 version is buggy.

[PotatoClock]

Lol Dragon.

You sure live in a perfect world if you think reviews aren't meant to be opinion.

Have you even considered that the review is possibly being bluntly honest and unbiased and that you yourself are the biased one?

Get a grip. Reviews don't change wether people like a game or not, which you yourself said, so why whine about it?

[Dee_91]

@PotatoClock
you have to absolutely idiotic to think Black ops is as good as Killzone 3 ...
the MP beta along i would give it a 4.5
and if the story anywhere near as good KZ2 it deserves a 5

i wouldnt even be tripping if they rated other games like they do ps3 exclusives

if black ops was a ps3 exclusive shit wouldve been like 2.5
and in every paragraph it wouldve mentioned how glitchy it is and how much mw2 is better

these sites need real journalist not just random people off the street

[Dragon_Hiko]

Hey just because world peace is probably never going to happen, should we just all start being assholes and killing one another? No. We should try and get along and be as nice as possible with each other. Same logic for reviews. Did I say they have to be 100 percent unbiased? No. But they should strive to be as unbiased as possible.

And yes...I was replying to people who think that opinion...so how would I reply to someone unless I knew what their stance was?

Reviews should be information based, sometimes when you are on a bad budget and you can only afford one game out of five...you go by reviews. So, I would like them to be as professional and unbiased IE:Informational as possible. Sorry if I'm whining though.

[punkpop101]

They gave the game what it diserved.Black Ops was buggy on the make cash ps3 version.PLayed the 360 one had very bugs in contrast to my friends who sold their ps3 version.

[hay]

Some people are obsessed with PS3 exclusives to get high scores, some are obsessed with people who are obsessed with PS3 exclusives to get high scores, judging by the fanboy wars and butthurtness "PS3 exclusives hate" looks more than real(it looks real and stupid to be clear).

This is clearly lackluster review, quoth the author:
"I never tired of the multiplayer experience."

It appears to be obvious that KZ3 is more multiplayer experience than previous, why excluding major game element from the review while is publicly available? You tell me.

[JeffGUNZ]

@ Dmarc

Enough already. You look like a little child who had their toy taken from them. You played a demo of the MP, that's all. This guy initially stated how he praised KZ2. He said he is comparing it to KZ 2 and other than graphics, he feels it has really moved itself up. Don't hint that joystiq is corrupt or fanboy because if you actually follow their site you will see that they are brutually honest with their reviews.

And yes, I own a PS3 (jeffgunz) and Xbox (cdxjeffgunz) and I believe that Black ops will still be a better OVERALL game due to the variety, customization and replay value that is in that game as opposed to the 3 game types on KZ3.

bottom line is that this is a review. Shouldn't really influence your decision if you are looking forward to the game. But believe it or not, people will have opposing opinions once in a while, doesn't make them corrupt.

[jebabcock]

The review makes me want to get the game. It honestly sounds like joystiq just doesn't have any metrics in place for how to count deductions. And that is why lower calibur games that suprise you a little get good scores and AAA games that aren't just everything that the unrealistic hype makes them to be end up getting lower scores even though they are probably totally awesome games.

When there are no metrics or scale and systematic way of deducting points, then the scores really become moot. Along those lines, using separate categorical scores would help the reader better understand the deductions. you could separate out with
multiplayer, graphics, story, gamplay and then give one overall score. Another part of confusion is that some companies give a rating with respect to the system and some give the rating with respect to all games across all consoles. I don't think either is wrong. but it definitely leads to confusion among consumers as far as what the score means. We all know the wii isn't capable of the graphics the ps3 and xbox360 produce, and even between the ps3 and xbox360 there are different strengths and weaknesses. To scale the wii evenly with the ps3 and xbox360 would mean all wii games would get low scores even though gameplay and story were awesome. Wii consumers are generally less interested in amazing graphics anyway... Ultimately sometimes the bar is alot higher on some consoles than on others as well due to what type of games have been released on the system previously.

Look at the Olympics. The judges don't just don't think up of a number and slap it on. they start from a set maximum value and start deducting based on what they find. Certain things are worth certain deductions. They must also factor in the overall size and quality of the game. Something that most Wii owners don't appreciate, since their games generally don't have the visuals to match the other systems. or vice verse, Wii games get high scores because graphic quality ceases to be factored in while it is still factored heavily for other consoles.

Ultimately the numbers in general can be more distracting than useful. Even with the metacritic scores they don't mean much. Metacritic was a nice idea, but there needed to be strict guidelines in place for scoring and reviewers need to have get some sort of certification showing they understand the scoring process before their scores are factored into the metacritic score. Also, metacritic scoring should not allow publishers exclusive to certain consoles to submit scores(playstation mag, xbox mag, nintendo power etc). This would further eliminate skewing. As it stands now I would say ignore the numbers. Read the review and find reviewers that seem to like the same games you do and stick with them. That is where you will be least led astray.

[Dee_91]

@JeffGUNZ
im not even talking about that
Im talking about how they would give shitty uncomplete game rushed in the market for money the same score as a more well put together game

the whole review system from sites are fucked up

if black ops deserve a 3.5 kz3 deserves atleast a 4.5

it seem like they give pity to shity games and only focus on the goods
but on good games they rate it way more harsh and nitpick it to death

and after those gt5 reviews I dont take any review seriously good or bad

[ksense]

the majority of scores is 8.5 and above with some 10's as well so whats with xbots trying to bash it. Every reviewer agrees the game looks fantastic and the multiplayer is awesome and the only negative I hear is that the story is weak and lets face it the majority of gamers buy fps to play multiplayer (halo, cod, battlefield) and in that aspect the game delivers with stunning graphics.

[Zachmo182]

This is a good score. But you know what i find funny you guys do the same thing when an xbox exclusive gets a score like this Alan Wake comes to mind.

[hudsoniscool]

cod and battlefield yes but a good porting buy halo for the story

[trounbyfire]

but is crap
"A submachine gun feels like an assault rifle feels like a machine gun,"

STRAIGHT LIE i am playing the beta and the weight and rate of fire and hit radius is different for each gun. the assault rifle is heavier than the smg, when i unlocked the assault rifle i was like WTF my controls are heavier, the smg is uber light . the medic assault rifle with the silencer feel completely different from the regular assault rifle

LIES MAN they lie its GT5 all over again

[nnotdead]

@trounbyfire

i have yet to play the beta, but the other reviews of KZ3 i have read or watched, seem to agree with you. they all say Guerrilla fixed the controls, but where also able to give different weight to the guns, which KZ is known for.

[ThanatosDMC]

^They want a COD game and someone's hand to auto aim for 'em.

[shinrock]

well some like to play both! some like to play multi,some like to play single. out of a 1000 people,at least half will not agree with you. so what is the point?

[bluwulf]

See Post #3.

[TBM]

Honestly people do we really care about scores or other peoples opinion if you were getting this game anyway?

I know I don't as I have the collectors edition preordered. I love part 2 and im sure ill love part 3

[edgeofblade]

This seems like a lopsided decision, even given my distain for flagwaving PS3 fanboys yelling "killzowned"... the same thing many people hate about arrogant patriotic americans, but I'd rather play the game myself and make a decision. I loved the multiplayer in the first game and I'm more than willing to give it a chance again.

[edgeofblade]

So, I've played the demo. For me to review it objectively, I had to eliminate the part I hate the most: The PS3 controller. I used my 360 controller converter and, after that, KZ3 felt great. I'll be picking this game up. The "weight" is gone finally and I feel like I'm actually in control of my character rather than operating him like a mech.

Good job GG.

[DeFFeR]

Do you have a link for the 360 controller converter for PS3?

Always bugs me that I have to move my left thumb - just feels uncomfortable.

[ChefDejon]

something is up

[trancefreak]

I doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that this ps3 generation has had its woes with reviewers.

There are other games that have scored higher and are on another platform that don't seem to adhere to the same unique criticism that Sony titles get.

Its pretty sad and I have my theories regarding this.

In fact there have been so many movies that have scored like a turd and Ive absolutely loved them.

I have been enjoying the closed beta and the new open beta immensely. I put down mass effect 2 which seems like a great game but feels stretched and boring imo for this m player game.

[RadientFlux]

Am I playing a different game here?

How can you say that every reviewer is wrong about the single player portion, when the game hasn't even been released yet.

I'm all for personal preference but at least what in till you play the game before making that statement.

[trancefreak]

how do you know he doesn't have a copy or a preview copy.

Hes probably making a generalized statement but still.

The mplayer alone so far has been worth the time.

[arika]

all i can say is reviewers like joystiq don't make or break the game. it will always be gamers like us who does. try the beta of killzone 3 now on your ps3 and judge a part of its epicness and then when the game comes out ask a friend or rent and review the game yourselves. i have lost my trust on reviewers because most of them just want to get hits just like this site. play it, review it and buy it! power to the players. game on!

[xCaptainAmazing]

I own just a PS3 now, and Killzone is NOT as good as you people think, end of damn story. You need to stop whining about double standards that don't exist. The game is GOOD, but doesn't live up to their expectations. Sony has FAR better games out there, I have no idea why people cling to this average, average franchise. It does not hold a candle to any of the hall of fame FPS games.

It has a unique, fun control system, and is dead gorgeous. It has NO substance though. In this day and age, shooters don't have the excuse of being shooters and not needing good characters and story. Everyone always brings up Call of Duty as well. Black Ops had a reasonably good campaign, some excellent voice acting, and felt complete. Most of the bugs are in the PS3 version, and you can't bring down a game because one version suffered if the others did a reasonably good job. Not ALL the reviewers are wrong about it. It was overall a good entry.

From the looks of the reviews, the game is good, but just has no substance. Substance is everything, and what makes a game "feel good" as a whole. It's not memorable, and that's why it isn't getting perfect scores across the board. For a triple A game, it needs to do better.

Then again, if you truly love the game so much for reasons I can't understand, be happy with it. I'm enjoying the open beta for what it is, but I certainly won't be purchasing the full game. Not after KZ2, which also had ZERO substance and nothing memorable. The best way I can describe Killzone is by calling it the most gorgeous shooter with the intellectual capacity and awareness that the industry had 15 years ago.

Bring on the blinded disagrees, I'll fight them off with Rico's face.

[Close_Second]

It may not be perfect but KZ3 is better than many of the multiplatform FPS games yet it scores lower.

If KZ3 is a 3.5 then Black Ops is a 2.75.

[BakedGoods]

Ironic you suggest KZ "had ZERO substance and nothing memorable" in the same breath as touting the CoD single-player story. I've played every CoD, MoH, BF, Halo, KZ and surrely, out of those CoD (and MoH to a lesser extent) stand out as shallow single-player stories.

I think you missed the point of KZ. Fair enough, stick to BLOPS.

[xCaptainAmazing]

@BakedGoods

If you can actually enlighten me with the "point" of Killzone, I will withdraw my prior argument. Needless to say I'm fairly confident whatever you come up with will be inadequate. Not because you're unintelligent or anything, but because Killzone offers NOTHING to the game industry. Absolutely nothing. The game is plain and lame to its core. I can only assume that people like it because it is "pretty" and they have shallow taste, considering 9/10 arguments on this shitty website are based around "OMG exclusive GRAPHIX teh best."

In the realm of bias I have defended Sony and its titles when necessary, but this game is so uninspired it insults my intelligence. It doesn't deserve to be in the pile of great system exclusives, and I only hope I'm not the only person that recognizes it's not a good franchise. Call of Duty, for example, has become worse and worse, but overall it's still a better franchise than Killzone because it has actually accomplished something and, for better or worse, was compelling enough to shift the entire industry.

I doubt anyone with there head on straight would say otherwise.

[nnotdead]

all the games you guys are mentioning have average to poor stories. the things any of us can say that are good in the sp are the set pieces.

KZ2-making the final push to Visari's palace

COD4-crawling in the brush while the oposing army is moving all around you.

BOs-base jumping, russian roulette, or wehaterver

MoH-hunkering down in a small building while the enemy is continuously pouring over the hill side to kill you.

all may be cool moments to play, but do little to give the story any depth.

[nevermore]

It's just that some ppl get brainwashed with the hype before a game's release. Joystiq, ign and gamespot are some of the biggest and major game websites on the planet. I read a comment here saying they refrained to give kz3 a perfect 10 just to get hits. Wow a website with millions of followers wants to get hits... bravo

[Kurt Russell]

I like the Resistance franchise better and agree with CaptainAmazing. KZ2 looked fantastic, but I just couldn't get into it... it didn't have much going on for it. Been watching for KZ3 on the hopes that has changes and the general consensus is it hasn't which is a pity. There are a lot better more involving games on the Playstation worth playing before these titles.

[snipes101]

I agree with Captain, what has Killzone actually brought to the industry besides some great tech? Sure, the graphics are pretty but what have you ever seen in Killzone BEFORE you saw it in another game? If anything, Killzone takes inspiration from just about every other shooter out there. Yes, I own a ps3 and played through KZ2 twice to get trophies, but not because it was special. The characters dont give people a reason to remember them, the game plays like any other one (besides the realism of the movement) and there is just not a lot there to make it stand out. A pretty, solid and functional experience is all I have had with the series thus far. I'm not speaking about three here because of course I havent played it yet but based on the first two my hopes are not high for it to be anything besides a good game (and isn't that what a seven usually means? Good?).

[jessupj]

You're an idiot if you think double standards don't exist as far as the PS3 is concerned. A blind monkey can see the gaming media is filled with childish fanboys.

[FinalSpartan]

hmm average reviews in coming? some trolls are going to have a field day.

[tastelessgamer]

Some of you are pretty ridiculous. I mean, you will only accept a PS3 review as long as it is glowing and raving!

3.5 isn't bad but it does follow in the tradition of the Killzone series. No ones expects this to be the GAME OF YEAR.

Some talk about the review being fan-boyish....Just ridiculous!

Clearly you can see who the adults are on this site and who the kids are (pretending to be adults).

[jessupj]

No, we're just annoyed because once again a PS3 exclusive has been reviewed against a doulbe standard. If you've played the beta you would know this game if far and above a 7 and your just discrediting yourself by trying to defend it.

[pain777pas]

If Microsoft had an exclusive to hype they would have rated it higher. With LBP2 and Killzone out without a MS rebuttal you would be inclined to purchase a PS3 to get a fix. This is called Metacritic tampering. Some reviewers read others reviews and basically reiterate what another has complained about even if they did not remotely experience the same thing. I feel like making my own site for gamers at this point.

[gamer2010]

Oh yes, we can't wait for your "fair" reviews where you give nothing but 9.5 to 10s for every PS3 game.

I like the beta, it's a lot of fun. But it's not the end all be all some of you make it out to be.

[pain777pas]

I don't give 2 wazoos about giving games that don't deserve it a good review. If you must know I could careless about any of the fanboy stuff that everyone is typing about. However, consistently PS3 games have been put through the ringer for no good reason but they don't want them to catch up in sales. I just came off the beta. Firstly the game looks better than the first. Wow! This is a beta. Wow! The game has been CODified in the gameplay. The jump is floatier and higher. The reloads for some weapons are faster. Everything seems a bit faster. The only reason I'm typing here is because there was a connection issue and everyone said they were going to call it a day. Across the board from the gamers I've played with, based on the map that we were playing on. The gameplay is awesome. There is less weight and it feels toned down in a way but for those who love COD they will feel at home by the pace. I will go online again tomorrow to see what shakes out. I like gaming man F the BS freaking journalists. KZ3 will be good enough for me.

[JeffGUNZ]

Pain777pas, did it ever really come to you that the game just isn't AS GOOD as the hype? I mean come on. I recently got a PS3 with extra income around the holidays. I bought Uncharted and it was great. I then bought KZ2 because I heard it was the best thing EVER on this site. I started the campaign. Beautiful graphics, TERRIBLE SINGLE PLAYER. Non-exsisten storyline, voice-acting my 7 year old neice could do better, and just reptitive feel throughout the game. The multiplayer was stale and boring. It felt sluggish and sloppy. I was very disappointed in the game, because I let all the hype from idiots on this site make me think this game was the real deal.

It's funny, all you people CRY corruption when PS3 exclusives don't score perfect scores. What about Uncharted 2? That game scored well ALL AROUND, but no one calls any of the sites "Corrupt" that they are now. Dude, all the PS3 fanboys (including you) make me sick. You are such hyprocrites it's pathetic. Just because one of your exlcusives are not praised by everyone, you think their is a conspiracy. I coul take a crap in a paper bag and write "SONY" on it and all you people would hpye it to be the best smelling, looking, and feeling crap you have ever seen.

You know why call of duty scores higher? They have mastered an ADDICTING multiplayer gameplay with an equally addicting ranking system. Sure, the graphics are not the best thing, but who cares, the fun factor is what most of us normal gamers care about.

This generation of gamers are so childish.

[pain777pas]

JeffGunz childish my A$$. I could not careless what you thought about KZ2. I thought KZ2 was great in comparison to the other shooters on the market at the time. Bioshock is the only shooter that even has a story worth a damn anyway. I play shooters to shoot stuff. No game this gen made me feel like you were in a battle like KZ2. I like shooting stuff in that game. What is the big deal? Mario has no story. If the game mechanics are great and clever the game gets a 10. KZ2 has no story but the game mechanics have weight and you feel immersed in the game. Some may not like the gameplay. I did I thought it was not floaty it was more realistic. You fire in bursts with precision. The game is awesome. Some people talk out of their asses and do not even know why tetris is great anymore. Strip off the BS glases and you will find that KZ2 was one of the best games made this generation period. Play the game and disect it. Play tons of shooters after and compare. KZ2 in many ways is underated but some youngsters have been too Halofied and CODified to realize it.

[JeffGUNZ]

Your comment is exactly why I am confused. You stated you don't care if I didn't like KZ2, which is great because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Therefore, why isn't this reviewer entitled to his opinion without ridicule? I strongly disagree with you that KZ2 was one of the best shooters this generation. What has this game brought to the table that no other shooter has? KZ2 is a beatiful looking average shooter.

You mentioned Halo. I personally don't like Halo. I think the best FPS this generation is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. I still haven't seen a game that has brought something so innovated and fresh to the genre since that game. Sure, I like Black Ops, but I still think COD4 is the defining shooter this generation. Trust me man, I was really hoping to be blow away by KZ2, but I wasn't and the beta/demo for KZ3 was pretty much more of the same. It's a fun game, but it will not hold many gamers interest like COD does.

[pain777pas]

Do I see why people love COD4? Absolutely. I kinda like the game. It has that resistance 1 feel of just run and gun. I did not play the whole game but played it a bit. I liked it ya it was a fun game for the time spent. I did not get engrossed in it because of where I was playing it. It should be cheap and may check it out one day thoroughly. From what I played it did not seem that different from a Halo run and gun game with a different setting and a running mechanic which is awesome. The game looked pretty good. Gameplay is pretty fastpaced. I am not a mainstreamer. I've been gaming for many years now so I look for the diamond in the ruff. As much as the Okamis and Uncharteds are praised they are not the Halos and CODs where no one would dare risk ad revenue to tell the truth. The first COD probably is a buy because it kinded took gaming over after that on all HD consoles so I will check that out this weekend to be honest.

[Achemki]

They gave 007 Bloodstone a higher score? Yeah, they're drunk. Arguably the worst 007 online ever. Everything or Nothing is still better. Joystiq...that's a paddlin'.

[airforcex]

When exactly did you play a game that hasn't released? Oh you mean the Beta? Why is KZ3 supposed to be better than Epic Mickey? Why not complain about LBP2 getting a better score? 3.5 is a decent score.

[m2345]

hold on, some of you need to understand why people are annoyed with this. it's the fact that there is a lack of CONSISTENCY in these reviews. while these sites attack killzone 3 for the story and the single campaign, these sites would then turn around and give something like the cod series a 9 or a 10.

it has *nothing * to do with the reviews or 'oh ma godz, no one can have an opinion!111'

maybe you guys should stop with the self righteous attitude and understand what the issue is.

[WetN00dle69]

WOW, really? A 3.5 out of 5!
The hell is wrong with these guys............

[Xwow2008]

To ps3 fans: plz ppl stop the rage we are not new for ps3 games gets underscored ..i think over all the reviews were great and can,t wait to play the game.
just pre order it ppl and be happy,i really hope we begin to not value the game based on few individuals(reviewers)..i really miss the ps1 and ps2 era were a good game is good game no matter whats the platform it was released for, and no matter if the games got 6 or 10.

To users of other platforms: i really hope u ppl try KZ3..it will be a great game and so much fun :)

To 360fanboy whos laughing on KZ3 reviews: just SHUT UP ppl when u have a 360 exclusive for the next 9 months then come and post.

And about Halo vs killzone debate: personally i think halo(even if see it a bit overhyped) is a very good game i played a bit of halo1 and finished halo3 and can,t wait to play reach with my friend next week.. but i like KZ alot more and thats ME(opinion).

At the end of the day both games are great and offer a lot and if ppl wana debate between them lets make a gamers debate not a fanboys debate....like i said before a good game is a good game no matter what the platform because truthfully iam sick of this console war that made this gen the worst.

[Kon]

This ^

[iamgoatman]

I don't think the part about the 360 not having any exclusive games for 9 months was needed, but I'm still bubbling you up.

[nycredude]

Bro it's been preordered and paid for for a while now over here. I don't put much stock in any reviews except my friends on my friends list. However it is great entertainment to watch and read these reviews and see how incompetent many of these "writers" are.

"third time's a harm" I wonder how proud this fool at Joystiq must have felt when he came up with this?!

[m2345]

well said. i really don't care. it just amazes me to see how low journalism has gotten.

[edgeofblade]

"To 360fanboy whos laughing on KZ3 reviews: just SHUT UP ppl when u have a 360 exclusive for the next 9 months then come and post."

That won't be me. Not until I see PS3 fanboys claiming this game is something it's not. That's just common courtesy as far as I'm concerned.

I have the demo downloading now. I personally can't wait.

[Chaoshead]

hey guys get a Asia/J360 and you can play 360 exclusive every month if you JUST WANNA PLAY EXCLUSIVE

[Chaoshead]

disagree me?why don't go check the Schedule
but also,i don't care it's exclusive like some"peoples",i just care the game is good or not
KZ3?no comment now,i will go play beta later

[visualb]

I agree.

If reviews mattered so much they'd actually make sense most of the time

ignore them. judge it yourself =)

[Zir0]

Another 7, that obviously means Edge will likely go for a 5/6 I bet.

[Karooo]

why do you post in a bad score article?

[renegade]

People not hit this pages is not worth it.

[NateCole]

lol!. They always have to find something to fault.

[ps3rider]

i dont know why halo always get good score, what the fuck, even gears of war

[Kon]

Because they're good games?

[MajestieBeast]

Halo:reach is probably the worst fps i played in 2010 its so basic that goes for both single and multiplayer.

[ps3rider]

no because they have been develped by american

[PandaJenkins]

@Majestiebeast, please don't tell me you are saying Halo is basic but Killzone isn't???! 0_o

[Joe Bomb]

Because Halo and Gears of War have more going for them then just great graphics.

[ps3rider]

yes, they have boobs

[donkeydoo]

YEP your right, I always felt Killzone 2 and now 3 are tech demos. The games story actually sucks.

[iamgoatman]

Alright, slagging off some other games isn't going to change someone else's opinion on the matter, it just makes you look incredibly immature.

[ps3rider]

kiss my ...

[iamgoatman]

Thanks for proving my point.

[Inzo]

Mmmm, interesting, didnt they give black-ops 9-9.5? just asking.

[JeffGUNZ]

What the hell does black ops have to do with any of this? It clearly us comparing KZ3 with KZ2. Did you read the review or no?

I am tired of people comparing everything to Black OPs. Hate to say it, but the multiplayer is much better on BO then KZ3 (at least to the demo I have played)

[Inzo]

"I am tired of people comparing everything to Black OPs"

The reason for that is because you are a COD fan boy, and I wasnt comparing KZ3 to black-ops, I was merely stating that they somehow found a way of giving a crap game like black-ops a high review score, and letting their COD fan boy-ism(which is a fact) blind them.

[JeffGUNZ]

Do you know what irony is? You just said you weren't comparing it to black ops yet you stated they gave a "crap game" like Black Ops a higher score. You do realize you just COMPARED the two games by their scores, correct?

Also, i must be a call of duty fanboy because I personally enjoy the game? How old are you? I love Call of Duty, but still can't wait for Gears 3, Uncharted 3, Metal Gear Rising, etc. Just because some people, whether your average gamer or reviewer perfers Call of Duty to a PS3 exclusive does not mean that they are Fanboys.

Also, how could you accuse joystiq for being COD fanboys? Where are the facts that you claimed exsist? It better be something more than a higher review score than KZ3 or your argument will hold no water. I hate to break it to you but joystiq usually has brutually honest reviews.

[BXbomber]

so much hate and trolling on the kz3 reviews, let every site give this game a 1/10 and i still will buy it. F*** the haterz seriously!

[BXbomber]

i don't kno why all cod games keep scoring soo high

[gamingisnotacrime]

or you dont want to know because the truth about it is too ugly

[BubbleSniper]

is because reviews are bought. truth for breakfast man. lol!

[edgeofblade]

Because they give the people who buy them exactly what they want: cheap, smooth, and goes down easy.... like a malt liquor. But just because you fancy yourself a drinker of pinot noir, that doesn't change that there are people who enjoy malt liquor exactly like it is.

[GarandShooter]

So, by your analogy only sophisticated people with a refined palate will enjoy KZ3?

WOOHOO, I am sophisticated and refined!

[visualb]

because video game reviews are generally bullshit, most coming from people with no idea how to review something objectively.

yes...

[Sizzon]

Aint fair, sorry no fanboyishm w/e... but a 7 for a game like Killzone 3 is not fair, and yes Halo/Gears/Uncharted does not deserve that of a low score either.

[hudsoniscool]

how do you know a 7 isnt fair. have u played the final game. by most reviews 7 means fair or good and if the singleplayer is just okay we will see a lot more 7's.

[trounbyfire]

did we have to play UC2 or GOW3 no we see video after video and article after article saying its so good then bam 7 and 8's

after all the shit KZ2 went through this is a slap in the face. the media wanted changed controls, a story, play all class from start, revamped leveling system WELL THEY got it and then craps on it

[hudsoniscool]

we just dont know how good it is for sure. gears of war 2 looked amazing but what we didnt see was how buggy it was.
i absolutly love halo but before the game came out everyone thought(from the bungie forums) reach would have the best singleplayer of any halo but what we didnt see was how boring the characters(i still loved it but not as good as it looked) were.
people need to stop being ignorant. there is no way to tell how good the singleplayer of KZ3 is. if joystiq thinks it isnt very good(as do alot of other reviewers) and if singleplayer is important to them than whats wrong with them giving it a seven.

[PandaJenkins]

@trounbyfire, I have seen many sequels that have improved complaints before but at the same time created other issues, it happens.

[DigitalAnalog]

You're taking the score by it's numerical value and not by it's context. Look at all the 7's and 6's in this generation. Are you telling me, that KZ3 is proven to be leagues better then KZ2 in technical terms only qualifies to meet that standards of those games that barely pushes tech or gameplay. Wow, in that case, why bother making games better and better. In fact, why don't we just rehash the same game over and over and over again. Wait a minute.... I know such a franchise:

CALL. OF. DUTY.

People who judge the scores LIVES by the scores. People judges the review content LIVES by the content. And so far, this review content is one of the worst types I've ever seen. A review is there to inform the audience what the game is all about, instead we get to hear the author's ramblings.

I guess it's high time I start making a website and reviews of my very own.

-End of Line

[lugia 4000]

Just because killzone 3 has so many graphics doesn´t mean it gets a 10.

[MajestieBeast]

Now please explain this in english.

[BubbleSniper]

i dont think he understand KZ3 situation. just misinformed.

[fooltheman]

joystiq lol..you know where they can put their joystick XD

[jadnice]

its called money and leverage. The game will talk for itself and we as fans just have to do the ground work to make sure its very VERY successful. Word of mouth is powerful.

See you on the battle field my friend. Hopefully for you it will not be at the end of my knife or the hot nozzle of my gun.

[GraySnake]

Yup exactly. Just how even though Gt5 went through some of the MOST STUPID complaints by the media.. the game sold well.

[TheMrMadzen]

Epic fail
This review is on Metacritic!!
Last time I'm ever gonna read a review.
I'm sorry Xbots and Xbox-infected sites. You still lose even if you try to downgrade the awesome games for the ps3, because the only thing you got atm that's "good" is a toy-looking shooter and a gore shooter coming later this year......
I'm kinda feeling you guys....or not.
Bubbles rejoice!

[SJPFTW]

cool story bro

[BubbleSniper]

SMFH. it not the review that tick me off, its their inconsistency.

[visualb]

KILLZONE 3: 3.5

JAMES BOND: BLOOD STONE: 4

enough said...

[jadnice]

They will always fear what they cannot have and will dominate. downloading the demo right now. :)

[NateCole]

LMAO!! at x360 fans.

Here are some highlights from Meta.

Destructoid
Feb 3, 2011
100
As close to perfect as online shooters get, and I do not say that lightly. The single-player could still use a little bit of work, but its faults pale in comparison to the amount of entertainment that the multiplayer provides, not to mention that the story mode itself really provides some greatness when it needs to. I don't think the PlayStation 3 has ever had quite such a rounded, satisfactory package as this, with this level of polish, refinement and pure, simple,

Cynamite
Feb 3, 2011
95
Killzone 3 is the best entry in the series so far and one of the best shooters of all time. The game is the new genre king and sets the visual bar very, very high for future PS3 games.

GameTrailers
Feb 3, 2011
94
The revamped controls result in the best Killzone experience yet, and the thoughtfully-conceived multiplayer elements will keep you in the game until you've maxed out and mastered its finer points. Killzone hasn't forgotten its roots--it's just improved its fundamentals in every way that matters.

Videogameszone.de
Feb 3, 2011
93
Killzone 3 is epic. Players get some of the best graphics ever and a lot of variety in gameplay. Move gameplay is very intuitive. This Month, Call of Duty will be dethroned.

flop eh? You guys are funny.

[vandal GAB]

IGN 8.5 =)

[NateCole]

What? 8.5 is a flop now?.

[vandal GAB]

No Just not AAA.

[Game0N]

@natecole your awesome

[Silly gameAr]

Joystiq is actually one of the few gaming sites that I trust. I guess Andrew Yoon just wasn't feeling Killzone 3 as much as Killzone 2.

Regardless of any review scores, I can't wait for Killzone 3.

[Master of Unlocking]

*Sigh*

We get it already: SONY, STOP INVESTING SO MUCH IN QUALITY EXCLUSIVES AND START DOING LIKE THE OTHER BIG GUYS LIKE MICROSOFT & CO. DO AND SPEND THOSE MILLIONS TO BUY YOUR OWN SHARE OF THE MEDIA! CAN'T YOU SEE THOSE PEOPLE ARE STARVING? THEY WANT YOUR...

...MONEYZZZZZ!!!
So just start doing that and you'll be fine and your games will be reviewed properly! Didn't you get it? It'S tHe UsA HeeeeRRre!

Phew!

[jbiz320]

I read that in the voice of the comic book store owner from The Simpsons banging at his computer in anger..

[Death]

It's very naive to think Sony is in the business for anything besides your "MONEYZZZZZ!!!!". They simply have a different approach at getting it. Sony didn't create these games, they bought studios that make them. Hardware is a loss for most of a consoles lifespan. Software is where the money is. Sony chooses to invest in software to recoup their hardware investment which is a sound strategy. Nintendo has thrived on this for decades, but they sit at the far end of the platform/software scale. Third parties have always struggled on Nintendo platforms when compared to friendlier platforms like the Playstation and Xbox.

On the other end, Microsoft has decided to limit their risks with first party development and chose services and third party support. Their hardware losses are offset by royalties gained by third parties and on services like Xbox Live. Micro transactions have also helped their bottom line quite a bit.

Sony stands somewhere in between. I honestly don't know who has the best strategy. Nintendo puts out some stellar games, but third party offerings aren't always the best. For a hardcore Nintendo fan they are in heaven. The rest of us quitely scratch our heads in the corner trying to figure it out. Sony's varied first party studios put out some interesting games, but none that seem to make a significant impact on sales. Third party support has suffered since they don't have a structured service like Live which has many benefits gamers don't see. All devs need to maintain their own servers for peer to peer match making and the lack of basic requirements make luxuried like in game chat that works and cross game chat impossible. For unknown reasons gameplay suffers for some third party games also. Microsoft has the needed structure and their third party support is second to none, but actual exclusives are getting more rare with time which isn't ideal for gamers that want to brag about it.

-Death

[Ashby_JC]

@Death

Bubbles. What are you doing on this site. THat is to much knowledge your dropping on this site.

You basically wrote what I have always thought. They all have there pros and cons and its ALL ABOUT GETTING OUR MONEY!! PERIOD!

Think of the audience....there in here whining about a 7 out of 10 from one person.

Happens on EVERY and I mean EVERY PS3 excl. if it rates below a 9. Its a conspiracy. THe site sucks. THe reviewer sucks. ETC ETC YADDA YADDA!!

[Killzone3___]

hahahaaha

[Raider69]

For me the real reason KZ3 is getting some average scores on some gaming sites is: The gaming community is saturated with FPS!KZ3 came too soon after KZ2,so if its more of the same with some visual graphics upgrades;whats new?!Sony shoud have wait more to release KZ3 in a such crowded FPS moment were living!EX:The reason games like DS2 are having great reviews is not just because the game is great!Its also because its a missing gender on gaming this days!An over saturated market gender that every body plays more regular and does not offer nothing new besides upgrade graphics is bond to have this kind of greetings from the reviewing community!EX:Probably people will see Bulletstorm having better reviews than KZ3 and some will not agree!But if you have played Bulletstorm the game is indeed an FPS but the diversity and fun you can have from the gameplay makes it a little more different and perhaps appealing to some!Games are not just about graphics!This is a personal opinion!

[skrug]

killzone 2 - 2009
killzone 3 - 2011

halo 3 - 2007
halo odst - 2009
halo reach - 2010

cod mw 1 - 2007
cod waw - 2008
cod mw2 - 2009
cod bo - 2010

[distorted_reality]

Is interesting that all the sites marking the game down are stating the story as the main reason, whereas (most of) the sites that are giving the highest scores are concentrating on the multiplayer.

Tbh it doesn't surprise me, I don't know if there would be that many people that would buy a game like KZ3 for the stellar story telling and narrative. Another case for maybe giving each section of the game an individual score for those that really care about the numbers assigned at the end of the review.

Will be interesting to watch as more reviews come out to see what the general consensus is, i'm tipping the complaints about the SP to be pretty much consistent though.

[Death]

You make a very valid point. Games are evolving while reviews are devolving at best. Killzone 3's single player campaign most likely is a 7/10. If the multiplayer really shines and is more of a 10/10, there really should be an average which in this case is 8.5/10. If the review treated the game like it had two separate gaming experiences, it would be more beneficial. We already know that a horrid online aspect detracts from a score, a well made one should add points more clearly.

This review is obviously aimed more towards gamers playing single player only. A dual review would make more sense.

-Death

[colonel179]

There is something wrong when you get very mixed scores on a game. I know there can be different opinions, but if a game is good is good, and if it is bad, well, is bad. Whether you like it or not is something else.

Like the first commenter said. Are they playing a different game? Because how would a game get a 10 and then a 7?

This is where I hate reviews, they score the games based on the liking, and not on what the game offers.

If I don't like Action RPG, I can't score Demon's Souls a 6/10. If the game is good, and deserves a 10, is 10. Reviewers don't do that. They don't like it, or the game is not like another, or plays differently than the other game they like? Those are NOT reasons to review a game!

[Pollak]

It's because reviews are OPINIONS! I can understand that this may be a difficult concept to comprehend. I will agree that if something is good anyone can recognize it just like Joystiq did. They didn't give it a 3, they gave it a 7. This is good by any review standard in any entertainment medium!

If everyone just gave the same score as your last paragraph suggests than what would be the point of having multiple reviews?

[colonel179]

You don't get it Pollak. Reviews are NOT supposed to be OPINIONS!
If you look at a fat girl, she is fat. You might like her, you might think her body is perfect and you might fall in love with her, but the fact is, she is fat; and everybody who sees that girl, will know she is fat!

So a review should state the FACTS of the game (She is fat) and the OPINIONS ( Her body is perfect, I fell in love with her) should not be in a review

Why? because what you think of a fat girl (perfect body) I could think that she has the worst body ever.. So i you come to me, and tell me: " Dude I met a girl with the perfect body, you will be thinking of a fat girl, and I will think of a blond girl that came out of baywatch..

Your opinions are different than mine, so by stating them instead of facts we will get misunderstood and expect different things.

A great review would read: The controls for this game are very responsive, whenever you press a button it responds immediately so it lets you react instinctively whenever you are in trouble (FACT) I, personally, prefer laggy controls, because they represent more challege for me (OPINION) See? You are giving the game the credit of what it is, but also you are letting the reader know what you like, so if you are into laggy controls, you would know for the FACT that the game does not offer, but you will identify with the writer about his OPINION

Oh (EDIT) And the writer should score the game according to what the game HAS (responsive controls), not based on what he likes (Laggy controls)

It obviously depend on the context on the game. A fighter game needs responsive controls, so having them, would get it a HIGHER SCORE. If the writer likes laggy controls, and the games has laggy controls, the game should score LOWER, because is not about what the writer like, but about how the game SHOULD BE

[Death]

A girl is fat...

Other than incredibly offensive, it is also very subjective. What is fat? Anyone besides a supermodel? It's generally easy to tell when someone is obese, but the word fat is used to label anyone from healthy to needing a forklift to move them out of their house. Games are labeled the same way. Anything less than a 10 sucks. This can be no farther from accurate as calling people fat. A 7 isn't bad for a game with a shallow story line.

Its actually the words between the game name at the top of the page and the number at the bottom that is important, but somehow that is always skipped. If you are primarily an online player, you would know by reading the review the game is a no-brainer for you. If playing online scares you, then this isn't a perfect game. The numbers are only there for people with short attention spans. The words in between are what people should focus on.

-Death

[VenGencE999]

@colonel179

more people should see and read your post. It has become lost to gamers for whatever reason that reviews are SUPPOSE to state the FACTS about something, not YOUR worthless OPINION.

I say worthless because everyone has one and unless we all think alike YOUR opinion of a game doesn't help me.

[distorted_reality]

But what facts are there about a game?

If all a reviewer is able to post is facts, it would read like "insert disc. game loads. game plays. game ends. eject disc." There can't be any comments on the way the game looks, sounds, plays etc.

Any comment on the audio/visual/gameplay/story etc is inherently subjective. Facts would be great, but there simply aren't any meaningful facts that you can state about any game that people would want to read.

You've just realised why reviews are generally pretty useless when judging a game. Reviews are there as a guideline, as entertainment, not as a means to judge a games worth, which is what people aren't getting.

[VenGencE999]

Before I give an example(something I didn't think I'd have to do) let me ask you, what good does his opinion does anybody?

Do you know his likes/dislikes?
Are they the same as yours?
How do you know he's giving his honest opinion?
Does he prefer one console over the other?
How will that affect his review?
Does he hate the controller he's forced to used to play the exclusive he's required to review?
Is he playing a genre he greatly dislikes?
Without the answer to these basic questions, what is he really telling you about the game?
If I hate the halo series don't you think that will have an affect on my review?
If I own stock in MS/Sony don't you think that will have an affect as well?

Now as far as facts about a game go, there are plenty one can give.

Fact: if the game is played on easy, it can be completed in about 5-6 hours.
Fact: if the game is played on normal the completion time is roughly 8 hrs.
Fact: The controls are similar to x game.
Fact: The game uses (?) which provides a brighter backdrop.
Fact: the game has splitscreen Co-op as well as online Co-op
Fact: the game uses a class system for it's MP
Fact: the game uses Dolby 5.1 sound
Fact: the game enables 3D,60fps, 30 second load times, etc,etc,
(Did I really have to type all that out to prove an obvious point?sheesh)

I could go on and on, but do I really need to? As a journalist it's his job to take the facts and make a cohesive NON-BIAS review out of them.

I agree reviews are suppose to act as a guideline, but I ask you how a strangers opinion is of any use as a guide? And I think you are very wrong about that last part. If reviews were meant for entertainment people would not lose their jobs over them, which has and does happen. There's nothing entertaining about that.

As a stock holder myself in several companies I wouldn't be entertained one bit at someone saying or doing anything that could affect the bottomline of my profits. This is a business, and a multi-billion dollar business at that, you think these people are making games because they want to entertain you? Get real.

I don't know how long you've been gaming bud, but back in the early to mid 90's reviews were structured just that way. It has only become common with this new gen that things have skewed out of whack. New gen gaming, new gen of gamers.

Seems this gen doesn't care about gaming, AT ALL, they just want to prove somehow they are better than the other group. These same people are now reviewers, you don't think that affects their opinion?

And no, I haven't read a review in more than 10 years. I don't know how many times I've heard the "mainstream" claim that game x (Red dead for example;hated it!)is just great and to me, it wasn't and of course vice versa.

I say if you're unsure about a game, rent it. Of course with these greedy pubs implementing online passes and what not, it really makes it tough to see if a game is worthy of your money, but hey that's another story...

Hope that was thorough enough.

[Ashby_JC]

Definition of REVIEW

1. To look over, study, or examine again.
2. To consider retrospectively; look back on.
3. To examine with an eye to criticism or correction

If you want FACTs, read the back of the game box.

Has Singleplayer - FACT
Has MP - FACT
Has GUNS - FACT
Has BLOOD - FACT

You get the point I hope....you can not review a game without an opinion on what your reviewing. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!!

[VenGencE999]

You know what you are right. Make you feel better about yourself? I hope so. To any and all those you guys are right as well. A strangers opinion should be entertaining to you, it should tell you how the game made THEM feel.

It should tell you, well it should tell you whatever you want it to tell you. How's that?

Your first line proved my point, but you completely missed it. Are you telling me you are incapable of examining something, state the facts about what you examined, WITHOUT throwing in your opinion?

Have you EVER done a book report in your life? Did you throw in how the book made you feel? Did you state your opinion ANYWHERE in the report? No, you didn't. The teacher didn't care about your opinion, nor should she have, she wanted to hear/know about the book.

You telling me you don't have the mental capacity to read/play something and point out facts about what you read/played?
Don't think you should be gaming bud, there are more serious issuses you might want to remedy.

As I said, this gen of gamers could care less about gaming, they just want to prove SOMETHING to someone..

FYI, looking at the back of games is EXACTLY what I do, I at least find out about what the game offers, not some jackass's arrogant almighty worthless opinion on why he thinks this game is good/bad...

again, hope that helps

[Pollak]

I have done many book reports and what teachers/professors are looking for is your opinion and if you can actually form an argument to back it up. They aren't looking for a synopsis of the book, they are seeing if one can think critically.

All the facts you listed can be found on the back of the game box and tell you absolutely nothing about how good a game is. Some facts are necessary for a review but overall a review is completely subjective. One only needs to look at any other entertainment medium for proof of this.

[VenGencE999]

Book report-
Book reports usually follow a set format, but may vary in length and complexity depending on the academic level at which they are set and the importance of the individual assignment. They are commonly assigned in primary and secondary schools. The first few paragraphs usually give the SYNOPSIS. The following paragraphs are most times the writers main points or the most relevant to the subject being discussed. The reaction also comprises the body and is the arguments supporting the writer's work.

What was that again about the synopsis NOT being part of the report? I see the problem with this new gen, your teachers failed you in more than one way.

Seriously, if you'd rather rely on some strangers opinion rather than be told the facts about a game, regardless of where the facts can be found, more power to you guys, but please stop misinforming others of what a real review should consist of.

Though I used book reports as an example I think games are a completely different beast than other entertainment mediums, as I believe devs and pubs feel the same way. I don't see anyone in the movie/music biz complaining about used sales(not bootlegs) nor do I see movies fail because they got a bad review. Quite the opposite really.

To be fair I will say that ones opinion should be part of the review, as the summary of what they experienced. How they rate what they reviewed should not be based on opinion, but facts,

but hey, if you like finding out how a game made a stranger feel, rather than about the game, have at it...
last bubble-last post

[Raider69]

Im not making any judgement on KZ3 because i have not play it yet!I like playing KZ2!And my post above is just a personal feeling i have of the gaming market!

[xxxxxxxxxx1]

HAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TheMrMadzen]

2x 7/10 score reviews on metacritic...........pathetic

[DeathMetal1474]

Let the crying begin, you guys talk to much shit and the game is nothing but generic linear crap, like I have said all along, and now the reviews are confirming this. Let's see how the Sony defense force spins this one. Never was a top tier FPS l ike all the fanboys on this site think. Now all the reviews are biased except the 10's from playstation websites LOL.

[Sizzon]

Que???

[helghast102]

People, STFU.
It's not a 7/10, read the explanation on their scoring system and most importantly READ THE REVIEW ITSELF.
I hate scoring systems...

[Figboy]

I see what you did there, Joystiq. Too bad I haven't gone to your site in years, and I won't do so now.

3.5/5 is a fine score, by the way, but it's obvious that joystiq is doing this for hits.

For me, a game has to miss quite a few important things in order to shave off a full 1.5 points from a total score of 5/5.

Weak story? That's barely a .5, but fine, take that off. 4.5/5

Can't deduct points for the graphics, as it's obviously a visual benchmark for console FPS titles. Still 4.5

Can't deduct points off for controls, as people whined about the "heavy controls," while praising Call of Duty's floaty, arcadey controls, and now KZ3 has those arcadey controls, so it'd be very hypocritical to deduct points for the new feeling controls. Still 4.5

Multi-player is apparently excellent (I'm loving the Beta so far), and improves upon Killzone 2's MP. Logic dictates that if something is an improvement over the original, it should at least receive the same, or better score. Unless you're Call of Duty. Then you can have a complete step or 3 BACKWARDS, and still receive top marks for MP. Still 4.5

No online co-op. That's a bummer, I guess. I personally play games with my wife, and we enjoy split screen co-op, or same screen co-op. Sure it sucks that I can't play KZ3 co-op with my buddy that lives in Santa Monica, but hey, that's what socializing and gaming parties are for. Either I'll visit him, or he'll visit me. Human interaction is GREAT! Even so, for some people, lack of online co-op is bad, so I can understand deducting, but not a full .5. Of course, because most sites use a .5 grading scale, they'll lop off .5 from Killzone 3 and call it a day. 4.0

So, what's the other .5 deduction for? If the game play is as good as the text of these reviews say it is, if the graphics are as good as they say, the multi-player as good as they say, WHAT, exactly, is making it lose another .5 points? Deduct points for weak story and lack of online co-op if you must, but that extra .5 seems kind of unnecessary.

But hey, that's just me applying logic to what is an arbitrary score at the bottom of a review. For me, I like to make up my own mind about gaming, instead of having corporate mandated gaming "journalists" tell me what I should buy, but maybe that's just me.

3.5/5 is a great score, and I'm not bothered by it at all. I just find it puzzling when arguably WORSE games, with WORSE production values/care put into the title as Killzone 2/3 receive higher scores. Puzzling indeed.

[helghast102]

What's this crap about "deducting points"? There are no numerical points to deduct!
@every idiot in this thread, read this: joystiq.com/2010/06/11/welcome -to-the-latest-joystiq-we-call- it-futurestiq/#4

3 and 1/2 stars =
"If you like this type of game at all, you'll want to play it."
and
"Maybe, but only if you like this type of game and are able to forgive some problems."

Okay people? Would you kindly un-scrunch your panties now?

[RAVEN81]

maybe they dont like killzone

[turgore]

wtf is this ?

[vandal GAB]

8.5 from ign.

"Along with its fun multiplayer, Killzone 3 is so enjoyable because it’s not just a shooter, it’s an experience. Guerilla has crafted scene after gorgeous scene that made me feel like you’re a part of a brutal, human war that is somehow fantastic in setting but also eerily reminiscent of the wars we see on TV. Combine this with the superb pacing and you have a campaign that’s totally fun despite its boring characters and uninspired story. This may not be the best game on the PS3, but it’s a fantastic option for shooter fans, and the type of title that non-PS3 owners are sure to envy.

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/artic...

http://www.ign.com/videos/2...

[RockmanII7]

Halo Reach - 5
Black Ops - 4
Killzone 3 - 3.5

Reach is king baby

[Thoreau]

enjoy that crappy bloom, poorly designed stages, archaic no ads, no dev support...yeah i bought it, traded it in for codbo, which will be traded in for kz3.

[Rattlehead20]

Did you say Reach has poor dev support??

Man I aint even gonna bother..

[RockmanII7]

I will, enjoy your 7/10 game

[ilovemyps3]

as usual: a multi platform game, xbox version will get better scores.

a big exclusive game for ps3 : on your marks.. get set... everybody pull the thriger... bang, bang, boouumm, take this, your ps3 game, 3 points here, 2 points there, let's give a 7/10 or even less, because no ps3 game should get a 10 or a 9, so the xbox is "still the best".

how many games are finished in 6 hours, on xbox, and still get 10/10 ?? cough.. reach cough...

if tomorrow another halo game comes out, on 320x240 pixels, 10 minutes long with mono sound, it will still be game of the year, the best experience since 6 months, the best gameplay, etc, and shit like gamespot or mother f.uckers like jeuxvideo.com will give it a 10/10.

that's the way it is.

as usual, ps3 developpers strive for giving us the best graphics, the best sound, the best everything, and, as usual, xbot websites /reviewers take half the score because of 1 bad texture in the whole game, or because of this or that. lamers.

just look at GT5. everybody (xbox fanboys and pro xbox websites) gave shitty scores, no damage, no this, no that. they tried 3 cars on 2 tracks, and that's all. and they give a 7/10 because the menus, or because of this and that. do they give it +1 for 3d ? no, not important to mention it, otherwise people will learn ps3 can do 3D and actually have games running in 3d, while xbox don't.
so they don't even talk about 3d.. lamers...

haven't read gamespot review, yet. and jeuxvideo.com. what are they doing ? they are looking for a bad texture in the game, so they can give killzone 3 a 5/10 ??? mother f...ers...

day one for me, killzone 3.

[vandal GAB]

Nice rant! oh yeah grow up!

[gcolley]

everything's a conspiracy on here

[Tachyon_Nova]

Amazing how ps3 fanboys are sure everyones out to get them, yet UC2 still gets an average of 96, LBP 95, etc

Most multi platform games these days score exactly the same or maybe a difference of 1 accross the platforms

[Shani]

One less site to check reviews on.

[Shani]

wait a sec. I don't read reviews anyway.

[Raptura]

CRY ME A RIVERRRR

[Bluemaster77]

This game is ok , People who like eye candy and are fans of the series should pick it up

[DanSolo]

Seriously, who gives a fuck if a website gives a game you like a score lower than it deserves??

I have been playing the beta for the last few hours and it definately feels like an improvement over Killzone 2 and it is a good game.

Do some game "journalists" seem biased towards certain consoles and brands? Yeah... it's not as bad as some of the fanboys make out but it is noticeable... but so what... that's life, it happens in most things if you examine them enough to see it, it always has happened and always will... Welcome to the big boys world, it ain't fair, shit happens so unless it is something actually important then just man up and stop worrying about it!

[Firstkn1ghT]

Oh man, looks like I'm gonna take a break from this site for a few days and wait for all the tears to wash away.

[KotC]

8.7 on meta and will probably bottom out at 8.3 or 8.5, still a good score though.

[Thoreau]

american gaming journalist=pack of wild dummies that live in the forest.

[Tachyon_Nova]

Bro, USA is a complete pack of dummies full stop!

[KotC]

Eurogamer gave a low score. So, what were you saying about americans?

[Winkle92]

Just making an observation... Has anybody else noticed that every time a ps3 game gets a low score the website is just "looking for hits"? Geese, 90% of gaming websites must be desperate for hits according to the complaints of fanboys. Get a new excuse for a while. Game websites DONT have some personal vendetta against Sony. If you really believe that, you are paranoid. And lets not forget this happens to every game at least a few times. There will always be a few bum scores. Just brush them off to the side. better yet, ignore them!

[DA_SHREDDER]

the controls still suck but the game as a whole is a big leap from its predecessor.

[Dellis]

GG focused to much on GAMEPLAY/GRAPHICS

and the reviewers hate that LOL

so they go bash the story mode?

NOBODY PLAYS FPS FOR STORY!

[tiger06]

This site, IGN, and Gamespot ALL said the campaign is horrible. eventually you have to stop accusing sites of "fanboyism" and catch the pattern. I actually care about single player more than multiplayer so this is a red flag. Gonna try before buy.

[gcolley]

positive reviews only please.

[Game0N]

I. Am. Devastated.
I know there's only been 19 critical reviews but gamespot 85? IGN 85? 1UP 83? somethings fishy...wasn't killzone 2 gamespot's choice for best shooter of the year, yet the obviously improved and much better sequel doesn't garner at least a 90?

expect more ps3 exclusives to be undermined and nuked critically in the coming months. somethings definitely not right. The xbots are gonna have a field day with this one.

[ivant]

Crappy review

However,

...in all honesty, the storytelling, dialog, characters, etc have always been the weak point for GG.

Look at Halo, Gears, MW and they all delivered simple enjoyable campaign....and it's really easy to do GG.

So what's the problem?!!

[RumbleFish]

The writer is another ***** who does not know the difference between the weighty feel and input lag.
Killzone 3 has the same weighty feel but the broken controls are now fixed.
I played the beta today and it has nothing in common with CoD exept the controls are working now.

Lame review!

[LMS]

I'm gonna catch a ton of flak for this, just played 15 min. of the open beta and I am not impressed at all, this was a day one purchase, still might be, but honestly, graphically it looks worse than killzone 2 in my mind , maybe i need to fire up part 2 for a comparisson, or maybe it's just that the last console game i played was god of war 3(blown away by the gameplay and graphics in that), the last things i have been playing have been bfbc2 dx11 and it destroys this graphically and in smoothness of gameplay, also playing a shit-ton of starcraft 2, which, while not on par technically, it looks perfectly crisp with no jaggies(i freaking hate jaggies.

The snow effects are terrible and would have been better left out imo.

It looks low res, blocky and has a ton of jaggies, I am truely disappointed in the graphics, the map is a lame corridor, no feel of an expansive alien world. I sure as hell hope the single player looks 100x better or else it is absolutely time for a new console.

[gamer2010]

I wasn't overly impressed with the visuals either. What I was most impressed with was the improvement to the controls. It feels SO much better to me than Killzone 2.

The graphics are still very nice for a console game and it is definitely a little sharper and crisper looking than the second one. On the other hand the aliasing seems to be worse. It might just be a side effect of the less blurry visuals that makes the jaggies all the more obvious.

[jrbeerman11]

To all of you complaining about this review, all I have to say is that the article "worked". Meaning that they are getting what they wanted at joystick.

The title of article bashes the game so they know that rabid ps3 fans will read it to argue against it. And Xbox or wii fanboys will read it for ammunition.

There are a ton of reviewers now a days, not all of them are going to have the opinion you want to hear. Most people who are on this site are reading multiple reviews. scores aside, we can get a feel of how much we are going to like the game. I for one am more excited after reading reviews (dont care about scores but actual pros cons).

This review is bait for hits. Best way to stop it is not click on it.

[dkgshiz]

Useless review. The beta alone is at least a 9/10. Addicting game.

[tunaks1]

wow the rage from the ps3 fans make them seem insecure.

[_Q_]

No in this case these guys dont like KZ series blindly. You should hear them. They knew they hated this game long before they touched a demo.

[gamer2010]

They are insecure. That's why they are so rabid compared to Wii, 360 and PC fanboys.

Personally I am really enjoying the beta. The controls feel smooth and responsive, the graphics are nice, I like the different objectives and it is most of all fun to play. I don't know how the single player will turn out for me, but I think it should be decent enough. All in all it has definitely convinced me to buy it.

[tunaks1]

who cares if joystick didn't like it, if you like KZ2 then you will probably enjoy KZ3

[dkgshiz]

Looks like you are the one who is insecure.

[_Q_]

I used to listen to the Joystiq podcast but they got so jaded and high and mighty about games. They are mostly Journalist that seemingly fell into games not so much gamers who became journalist. On the podcast they'd rip KZ2 any time its mentioned. I already knew they were gonna crap on third. When KZ3 was annouced all they did was talk crap on the franchise. Dont trust this review. There isnt an objective line in it...

[Hozi89]

This review totally contradict the IGN review. This guy is saying the weapons don't have a sense of weight and IGN says the weapons feel much more realistic. wtf?

This is why the best way to know how good a game is is to play it yourself. Everybody has different preferences and it's clear these guys prefer COD and Halo over Killzone. I for one like them all and in my honest opinion I believe this game is definitely setting the bar in terms or Graphics, and Gameplay. Maybe not the story.

[clrlite]

This review contradicts every review I've seen so far and objective reality. Having played it myself I'm not really sure this reviewer has actually played the game.
It's a shame that with all these great review scores coming in, some people seem to be taking this one so seriously.

Oh and "third time's the harm"... seriously?

[Hozi89]

My thoughts exactly. I never played the the beta but from reading this review, it seems as if he has never actually played the full game or review copy for that matter.

People are liking this because he gave it a near perfect score.
I too wish to see great scores for this game, but this review seems fake IMO.

[MiloGarret]

Great read, Andrew really wrote a thoughtful review. Good Job! I knew there was a reason why i bookmarked Joystiq.

[clrlite]

LOL nice try...^

http://www.gamerankings.com...

[Tachyon_Nova]

I love the smell of shattered fanboy delusions in the morning!

[fr3d0]

scandalous

[Kos-Mos]

Let`s be honest people.
How on earth could this game have scored 10/10? A 10/10 game is a game that sets standards in gaming world like Resident Evil 4, Metal Gear Solid 1.
This is killzone 2.5. It`s the same type of game with better graphics and maybe better gameplay. It`s just like halo, cod, gears, me. They evolve slightly from game to game.
Stop being foolish and have fun with the game you probably will love.
Ps:
I`m not trying to defend bad reviewers, I`m defending the score.

[Platinum_k]

STUPID REVIEW
BY
STUPID WEBSITE
RUN BY
STUPID PEOPLE

[ChronoJoe]

In Killzone 2, whilst the game overall had a weighted feel, each weapon carried the same weight. They use missinformation to, 'hate' on the game. It's rather tragic

They also don't seem to acknowledge that Warzone, is customisable and in turn equates to several modes. Warzones default will play a mix of TDM, CTF, Ground War, and assassination. 4 game modes tucked into one, better, dynamic experience. Ie 7 game modes total, again something they picked to complain about. Players generally appreciate the ever changing experience, I personally find it more fun than just one game mode alone, that's for sure.

[Bobbie001]

Goddmn stupid fanboys. Stop complaining. Did you even read the review? Did YOU play the game entirely?
I THINK NOT. The criticism in this review doesnt sound fanboyish it sounds like a genuine honest opinion. Stop treating every website who gives the game lower than a 9 like a fanboy site. You did not play the game, they did. So you might as well just shut the hell up

[Jazz4108]

I would love to see the devs take all these multiplat games that are on the ps3 and move them to the 360 only since according to ps3 fans the 360 has no games for 9 monts. Since you don't care about them then ps3 can just have sony games and until this year you were lucky to get one or two games ayear so you better hope all these games don't finally release or you won't have anything to play if they don't get pushed back. My point is quit ragging on the 360s games when we play games not exclusives just because killzone 2 is not perfect nor is three and by the looks of the reviews it will score worse then 2. This is not the 360s problem nor multiplatfor gamers problems. Thes issues belong to the close minded people who refuse to playthere game on any thing else and think there machine can't be beat as its the best thing ever. I hate to break your heart but pc beat the ps3 and the 360 5 years ago.

[Jazz4108]

They need to concentrate more on a great gaming experience and less on the content. Same way I felt abot gt5. Both good games that had a lot of potential.

[cheatcode78]

I feel sorry for sony because regardless of the great job that sony does to provide for its consumers theres always politics and ignorant bias opinions like this post that keep them from shining. Im a sony fan but when microsoft does or gets somthing good i give them their props. You shouldnt hate on someone because they got somthing good or did somthing right. Listen guys dont humor this bullshit we all know that this is going to be a great game and when it comes out the numbers will do the talkin. Killzone 3 all day baby.

[RealtorMDandDC]

KZ3 is a core gamer's game.........

[RealtorMDandDC]

I'm playing the beta right now....so far so good(A great change of pace from OCD). Loved Killzone 2 without a story....I will appreciate KZ3 even more with an attempt of a story....

[Sirik8]

Poor Sony Killzone!Its seems nobody is reaady to put the Move gun to use on this visually breath-taking game. I wonder why? Well maybe killzone 4 will give you kids that Halo/Half-Life feel. I hate Sony products but I have to say that their tv and surround sound system goes well with my 360& Kinect. Oh! and the baby monitor as well. Show your support and just buy the damn game.

[shinrock]

@Dragon_Hiko weather the reviewer had fun or not is part of that review weather you think so or not.

[Minute Man 721]

you know what,s funny when MGS4 was released on PS3 all the fanboys said that 360 can,t push those graphics. Come June Rising will look better than MGS4 and run in 7720p on the 360. Good devs get the most out of a hardware.
Edit : posted in wrong article

[Quisp]

Im not going to bash this Reviewer. I too, am disappointed by the score, but, at least this Reviewer gave in-depth review, and got specific on the gameplay pros and cons. Without having played it myself, I cant agree or refute the Reviewers opinions. It will just be a matter of "Is whats important to the reviewer, weighted the same for me?"

No harm no foul

[Minute Man 721]

Day 1 Helgast Edition

[TheMutator]

mehhhh killzone is a mediocre game anyway only sony fanboys like it

[Hayabusa 117]

Hahaha, this is too funny. The reviews are coming in and it turns out Killzone 3 isn't the best game ever and all the Sony fanboys simply refuse to accept reality.

Seriously, Joystick give it an average review and you say the site is biased. IGN review it and you say they got the wrong person to review the game...what more do you want? Even the official Playstation games haven't given it a perfect score.

Oh hang on, I see a TREND...if all the reviews say it's just above average, that probably means IT'S JUST ABOVE AVERAGE.

So all the sites hate Sony for some reason? How about LBP 2? Didn't score better than both games?

Grow up.

The game does actually look pretty sweet by the way.

[btk]

Lets imagine:
A single level of KZ3, called Halo Whatever, with Kinect support working as well as the Move support in KZ3, for XB360.
Now tell me, what do you think the score from the "reviewers" would be?

[RealtorMDandDC]

...I own both systems...and in my opinion the PS3 has had some of the best gaming moments to date...

So with that said...I will be purchasing KZ3 day one...KZ2 was a great experience..and from the Beta so far...KZ3 looks to replicate that experience if not exceed it...

The only FPS that ever had a story that was awesome was Bioshock...I do not expect compelling engrossing stories from FPS...btw

But...a review is what it is some one else opinion...with that said....."I Can't Wait"-----in my Brat Scott voice...