Released in 2004, Killzone is the first game released by developer Guerrilla. Early on billed as a "Halo killer" for the PS2, much hype surrounded its release. Regrettably, Killzone is remembered for all the wrong reasons. It may not kill the Haloz but its presentation and story alone are worth a play through.
With Killzone 2 arriving within a month, and me being impatient for its arrival, I decided it prudent to play the first in the series. Initially it was slow to pick up and enjoy but the characters, story, and overall universe pulled me in. Ambitious, describes this title well. Clearly, this is a game filled with ideas but limited by technology and execution. As a freshman effort by Guerrilla, good job.
I believe as a reader of game reviews sometimes it is easy to lose focus of what is most important: fun. This is the merit I will base my score.
Graphics:
Killzone is a good representation of the graphical prowess of the PS2. The environments are huge, the character models are quite detailed and the world is believable. Initially it was hard on the eyes, but only because I'm used to playing on "current gen" consoles. Give it a chance. I must warn you there are certain parts of the game that stutter and have poor viewing distances. In other words, expect fog. If your outside, get used to it:-p The Helghan are visually great enemies to fight and fun to bring down. The CGI parts of the game really look great and immerse you in the world. Play with a component cable and widescreen turned on for extra graphical umph.
Sound:
The music is ominous, boding and well done. The voice work is excellent and the high production values are evident in this respect. If there is one complaint I will throw out there are the Helghan voice overs. Initially they got the job done just fine...however every encounter they say the exact same thing. If anything it makes you want to kill them even more! :-)
Gameplay:
Killzone is a functional FPS. I can imagine that hype made the game somewhat disappointing for some but I enjoyed what it had to offer. Make no mistake, its not going to wow you but helps progress the game. The game is all about small arms combat and its fun while it lasts. My only warning is don't expect the enemies to be smart: they're not. Fortunately most of the battle sequences are scripted so AI isn't a big deal. I was surprised that my squad was somewhat decent in disposing of enemies. The controls are solid and combat is mostly fluid. Expect the framerate to mess with your shooting a little bit. Otherwise, it feels good to mow down Helghan. Refreshingly there are four characters to choose from. Jan Templar is your typical soldier, able and willing to get the job done. He packs an assault rifle which is a good all around weapon. Shadow Lugar is a spy with zoom SMG and heat vision googles; good for range. Rico Velasquez is a minigun packing bad ass; very good close and medium range. Last but not least is Gregor Hakha, whom is Half-Helghan and a spy; he traditionally sports the Helghan combat rifle which is excellent for close and far shooting. Outside of the weapons I listed, you aren't going to find too many more. This wasn't a problem for me, but maybe for others.
Story:
The story for me was the main draw in the game. Your actions have consequence which are believable unlike many recent games. The game is brimming with detail; a great effort was put into making the story flow and believable. The characters are interesting and make you care about what they're going to say or do next cut scene. The progression of story is aided mostly by CGI, which is excellent and really sets the mood of every level/chapter. While some of the dialogue may be cheesy its entertaining to say the least. The story is reminiscent of World War 1 and 2 politics and war...except set in the future. The Helghast are very much the Nazi's and the ISA are the Allied forces. The twist is that the Helghast are no longer human after being subjected to the hard world they come to inhabitant. Without giving anything else away, Killzone is a great filler for anyone interested in the world of Killzone.
Online:
I didn't extensively play online however I know there are still people that play it. In my online bout of Warzone (aka multiplayer) I played team deathmatch. The match was very quick and fun; definitely not COD, but fun. If you happen to jump online, know that you will get pwned. These guys are die hard fans and will frag you within seconds. If I played a bit more, perhaps I would have fared better...perhaps...
Fun Factory:
My fun was tied in part to the story and excellent production values of Killzone. The universe is believable and well thought out; I wouldn't mind a novel. The game play is not the most memorable although it is functional. I had a lot of fun gunning down Helghan. They are excellent enemies; proof is fact that I didn't mind fighting only 3-4 enemy types (correct me if I'm wrong). If you don't expect much and can get over "last gen" visuals you might come away impressed like I did. I purchased the game for $8 used on half.com and definitely got my money's worth of game play. On normal I clocked in 12 hours. If anything, I believe the first game will help me enjoy the second. I was letting hype get the best of me for the upcoming sequel. I believe I am much more realistic about my expectations now, for the better. Killzone is a reminder to never let hype color your expectations but rather appreciate a game for its own merits. I enjoyed Killzone and hope the review helped you make a decision to play it. :-)
The first Killzone game never met lofty expectations of dethroning Xbox’s Halo, but if any game needs a PS5 remake, this is the one.
I like Halo, but I don't think there is any need for a 'Halo Killer' at this point. If anything, the franchise is slowly undermining itself by making some of the dumbest mistakes possible. Infinite has finally reached a good point in terms of multiplayer, but it took an extra 2 years to get there. Meanwhile, the single-player experience is fine but rather mediocre when compared to the franchise peak.
That said, I would like to see the Killzone franchise back, if anything, to offer more variety to the PS5 exclusive catalog.
sony should remaster all killzone games and bring back killzone multiplayer that is very similar to the style of killzone 2 multiplayer.
Halo killed itself after Halo Reach.
Killzone went a little down in quality with SF on PS4 and I wish they kept them coming..
I'd love a killzone trilogy, fully remastered on a single disc like they did with Uncharted. Maybe they could make it the full killzone saga including PSP and Vita games converted to console.
Yes please. Put me down for a copy, price irrelevant too. Loved allow those games in the franchise :)
I've never liked the idea of a 'franchise killer', why can't both thrive, without one killing off the other? Its such a childish mentality.
That being said, if there ever was a true 'Halo killer', then it would have to be 343 Studios, and the Xbox division. They're doing a fine job killing off their own IP, apparently.
@eonjay
Yeah and I still cringe super hard when IGN runs their next gen console watch segment 3 years into the consoles lifecycle we are approaching midgen likely by December and they are out there milking clicks like it's mid 2020 and were starved for information
Halo doesn't need to be killed, they've done that themselves. It's a shell of its former self.
And yet Halo is still here. Where is Killzone? Resistance? Haze? All the supposed "Halo Killers" are dead franchises 😂
"Dead" really isn't the right word for any of these franchises (except Haze). You're also calling these games dead for different reasons. oIMyersIo is saying a Halo is dead because it is not what it used to be and is saying it has gotten much worse. You are saying those franchises faded into obscurity and no one cares. I also find it funny that your first reaction is to name PlayStation franchises because you perceived their comment as a slight against Xbox. I hope you're at the very least part of their ambassador program...
Anyone that sees Killzone as dead is pretty myopic. A decade since their last Killzone, but they themselves have developed two full games since Shadow Fall. That's not many in context at all.
Resistance is a bit less clear. Insomniac is pretty tied up at the moment. Including all of their games on all platforms and ignoring Spider-Man Remastered, we're looking at 23 games since Resistance 3. That's alarmingly prolific and still no R4. My guess? In the modern era, a new Resistance is probably going to have to be a live service and Insomniac is not that studio.
I don't think it's dead though. Not at all.
Halo infinite is still the best exclusive fps and is doing great but you think it's dead lol. Its also one of the top fps games out here so i dont get where your coming from. Just because you don't play it does not mean it's dead or dying.
I liked killzone 1 & 2 and I think Sony should bring it back along with resistance cause they are in need of more variety in their first party lineup. Sony & MS are sitting on some great franchises that need a revival.
"Just because you don't play it"
And there your argument was derailed.
Through making such an assumption, you have only served to show that your response is that of a fanboy and any criticism of your beloved franchises is met with speculation in order to downplay any counter argument.
As a matter of fact, as many in team blue on this site will tell you, I often do defend Xbox just as much as I defend PS, so for you to make such a silly comment is laughable.
I have played plenty of Halo: Infinite - on Series S, Series X and PC via Steam. To say the game comes anywhere near the franchise greats such as Combat Evolved and Halo 2 is delusional. The franchise is a shell of its former self and that is a FACT.
It absolutely isn't the best fps exclusive but at this point we're arguing over preferences which is pointlessly subjective.
Where I do agree is that a Resistance comeback would be great for Sony.
KeenGamer: "Classic PlayStation franchises like The Legend of Dragoon, Killzone, SOCOM, and more could benefit from a fresh coat of paint. With the next generation of consoles nearly upon us, let's take a look at the PS5 remakes we'd most like to see. Classic PlayStation franchises like The Legend of Dragoon, Killzone, SOCOM, and more could benefit from a fresh coat of paint. With the next generation of consoles nearly upon us, let's take a look at the PS5 remakes we'd most like to see."
i would like to see Uncharted 1 or 2 but with visuals equal to Uncharted 4 ...similar to Demons Souls Remake ....also other more obscure games like Patapon would be nice to change their visual style and adopt in cel shaded or photorealistic graphics ...SOCOm would be nice if it is to be made with care and have the realism of DCS World combined with MGS4 gameplay mechanics and visuals
That's my wish Uncharted 2 in Naughty Dog's new engine
1. Uncharted 2
2. Silent Hill
3. The Legend of Dragoon
4. Resistance 3
5. Syphon Filter
I'd love a Mark of Kri remake.. That game had so much potential and only few will remember it.. Still looks good today and had amazing lighting
Primal was also a silent hit back in time
@bouzebbal: Now THAT was an under rated gem. I loved Mark of Kri and Rise of the Kasai.
Ape Escape! I need that synth heavy, happy, DnB/electronic, feelgood OST with the pleasant anime aesthetic and colorful pallet in my life again. C'mon Sony, gimme
Financially if done right Socom is the best bet, with a solid campaign and addictive multiplayer its a no brainer. Syphon Filter is something Sony I wish will remake because it looks like were not getting an MGS or Splinter Cell anytime soon.
You beat me to it, would love a new Warhawk. I bet Bluepoint could give as an amazing remake of the original game.
Killzone was a shooter that set itself apart, and in the age of fast-paced FPS it's time to bring it back.
Resistance 2 was also good as well, I had a crappy 512kbps internet connection but always had no lag on a 64 player match. It blew my mind
Recently replayed Killzone 2 on PS3 after a decade. Still awesome, but was disappointed to discover that MP servers were shut down years ago. :(
Damn I cant begin expressing how much I've missed playing Killzone 2. I really hope GG reboots the game. They should definitely take KZ2 as their baseline and built on that. Heavy, gritty atmosphere, great hard hitting and sounding guns, mind blowing visuals (ray tracing!!) and a revitalised story between NSA and Helghast, maybe as a prequel of sorts taking us back when everything started...
I believe GG today has the knowledge and talent + a phenomenal engine (Decima) to resurrect Killzone and take it to new heights.
FPS not meant for noobs? Play Halo then.
The Killzone games have been shit apart from KZ2 (the mp for which still doesnt compare to Halo but is still decent). I think GG could do Killzone justice if they took a few bold steps and really amped the gritty nature of gameplay.
KZ3 was undeniably good.
Killzone 3
Game Rankings - 86.38 https://www.gamerankings.co...
Halo 5
Game Rankings - 84.21 https://www.gamerankings.co...
Review scores aren't always indicative of a game's quality, but in this case it was the quickest way to establish a baseline.
Even KZ Mercenary was PHENOMENAL. It was GC that developed it, but truly a remarkable feat considering the hardware limitations. That game is criminally underrated.
They have made the games gritty, particularly KZ2. The games are gritty, dark, the guns are weighty, the melee is violent, the Helghast are dark and menacing. That's what makes KZ great.
Errr you're holding up Killzone 3's mp up against Halo 5? Come on Tyler...that's a losing battle right there.
The dark and gritty atmosphere can be really enhanced in a future sequel in terms of gameplay. Killzone 1 for all its failures had a really nice aesthetic sheen and feel to it. If the studio could capitalise and build on that it would be great.
Tried to get into Halo but couldn’t. Too cartoony for what I look for in shooters. Corny looking garden gnome enemies. Cones, stubby little legs. The needlers and energy swords are just not weapons I want. You want me to collect skulls that make the game less fun? Always thought Master Chief was a cringe name. Never liked RTS games so of course there’s two of those too lol. Just on every level. Why is there something called Cortana shoehorned into my Windows OS? Not a fan. Don’t like Destiny either. Wizard came from the moon? Ya lost me.
Fair enough, each to their own :)
I do agree with you on some level though; I actually prefer KZ1's grittier vibe. If they could have mixed that with Halo somehow it would be cool. But then again I guess Halo benefitted from its unique look.
Killzone has never matched anything Halo except for visuals maybe. But there is potential there to create something special. The fake KZ2 gameplay video kind of touched on that potential but even more could be done, esp with the Helghast.
I have no problem playing Halo MP. that makes it a noob MP experience. Not that I'm a noob, just that I'm not very good at FPS games, and I hate MP so don't play it much. I think Halo MP has depth though.
KZ I wasn't that good at playing. Was a little less lenient on those who are twitchy with the control pad.
I wound love to see a proper Killzone 4. There is a lot of room between 3 and Shadowfall. They have to keep the weighty feel of the original 3.
Still want my Killzone 2 remaster.. if EVER there was a game worth 1080p & 60 FPS.
Yes! I absolutely loved Killzone 2. Still my personal favorite First person shooter. I’d love a remaster, maybe on PS5.
Unfortunately the rumor is that GG's second team is making a MP SOCOM game..
I'd rather a KZ1 or KZ2 remake/boot. Or KZ4 proper. The end of KZ3 had a tiny cliff-hanger.
Very different type of games. Socom is unique online social team clanbased tactical real military non respown round based.
Killzone is realistic futuristic tactical with drones jetpacks team based with classes (team fortress but in a more serious way)
They are two amazing games ip sony needs to keep supporting at least once a new generation.
GG are perfect fit to revive socom online. They did nan'67 which is very similar to Socom. I actually had suggested this om Killzone forums. It will be amazing to see a launch Ps5 socom online game made by GG with decima engine wow!! I rath3have a proper Killzone game with history mode a proper one not lifeless side history like shadow falls was. But after this online game Killzone or Socom i am sure they will focus fully on Horizon. That IP became way to big and gameplay is so good to let that go. But hopefully after a proper killzone. I suggest them to focus on helgash world make it open world in were we control a young helgash who was born after their defeat by the isa and this new yong helgash reclaims helgast free his people from isa and makes a new army to defend themselves from isa invasion for next part. That plot will give us what we all want play as helgast side of history. Anyways will see what happens
Yes for the switch please! Mercenary's online MP was soo freaking fun. Exceptionally well balanced too.
Letting my friends play the SP convinced them to go out and buy vita systems for themselves.
Killzone is an impressive IP that's why I bought a ps3 in 2009 and sold it 3 months later, just so I could experience Killzone 2's SP and online MP.
Hmmm...
I never played the game, but my friend really liked it. I'm excited for KZ2, so maybe I'll try out this one between now and the end of Feb.
For A second I thought you were reviewing KZ2.
I've never played the first one, and doubt I will. But I want to watch the video play through of it at least.
I played the first one and the game was to much for the ps2. The game chugged like craaaaaaaazy.
Solid review. The game wasn't bad by any means, but my main complaint was more the idiotic AI, and some of the levels weren't laid out in the best manner. Don't get me started on the helghast and their same five comments when you attack them, which got annoying.
Minus those complaints the game was solid, just felt a bit rushed out the door. The graphics were great (a few framerate issues but thats because they pushed the ps2 to it's peak), game play, sound, and story(great stuff). Multi-player was entertaining and fun as well.
you know what i would love?
if GG remade the original for PS3 with KZ2 level graphics and no slowdown... only glitches and technical issues marred the first game... other than that it was an intense and gritty shooter, just like it's successor
Sony should put it on PSN at least so people can get to grips with the series