Killzone (PS2)

The game pushes the PS2 to its absolute limits which is evident in almost every single aspect of the game. The AI of the Helghast is refreshing in that they simply don't just run into your gun fire and will only charge you if forced out of hiding or rush you with a partner.

The game is not without it's flaws - You'll hear your team repeat the same phrases an immeasurable number of times, and it's possible to get stuck in parts of the environment (this has only happened to me twice however). Some texture breakout can also be seen in more complicated scenes.

Whilst Killzone may not be all that the media hyped it up to be, it is certainly a better game than most would believe. It is worth a purchase even just for a taste of what Killzone 2 may offer on the PS3.

I am in my thirties and have been gaming since i was a kid and the FPS is my favourite gaming genre. I have the XBox, PS2 and a rather dusty Game cube and the pinnacle of the FPS is shared in my opinion between was the original doom and Half Life. (Ihave not played Doom 3 or HL2 as my PC is nowhere near up to spec).

I have read loads of reviews for both Halo2 and Killzone and whilst Halo 2 has consistenly scored 10 out of 10, Killzone has been unfairly been scored 7's and 8's. I believe that the reviews of Killzone have been overly harsh and far too lenient on Halo 2!!!

Of course Halo 1 and 2 are great games and every gamer should experience them. However, playing Halo 2 recently seemed a very shallow experience in comparison to that of Killzone. The storyline was the most amatuer, puerile nonsense i have had to play though in a very long time and whole experience seemed - well kind of empty. The game is obviously very polished, apart from the awful cut scenes, however it really does not offer a great deal of depth in terms of gameplay and atmosphere. When playing on line, the shallow gameplay design is even more exaggerated. Live games require little strategy or team work and in most battles, success is simply determined by who has the most powerful weapon. Thats not to say that Halo 2 does not have some outstanding elements. The AI is awesome and there are some genuinely breathtaking sequences, however to consistently give it 10 out 10 seems an exaggerated score to me.

Killzone on the other hand, is the most atmospheric, engaging and gritty FPS i have played since the original Half Life. Furthermore, i believe that Killzone is one of the most innovative FPS games available on any console. Most reviewers don't agree with me on this point. However, i believe that the outstanding visual style and overall design provides a truly unique gaming experience that no other game matches. Killzone exudes atmosphere and tension in all areas.

The Helgast are truly intimidating enemies and are the best designed adversaries since the stormtroopers of the original Star Wars. Taking a whole encampment of them out with nothing more than a stealthy approach and an assassins knife is one of the most exhilarating gaming experiences i have had. Believe me, these are the best melee attacks of any FPS so far.

The plot and cut scenes are truly engaging,providing a reasonable, low key story set against a huge and escalating conflict.

I knew Killzone was a masterpiece as i embarked upon the first level. However, the sense of awe continued throughout. OK, so the levels are very linear and there are plenty of staged events, but think to yourself, is this really a bad thing when this approach is implemented so perfectly? Reviewers in the gaming press don't seem to agree. I don't think that they are taking into account the fact that this is a PS2 game and the hardware is now - well lets just say - getting on a bit.

Anyway to finish off, Killzone beats Halo 2 in so many areas that it has totally restored my faith in the good old PS2. Ultimately though, it's a matter of taste - If you are just after a quick arcadey blast, then Halo is for you. If, on the other hand, you like engaging atmospheric games like Rainbow six and Ghost recon, then check out Killzone, and you could be in for one of the best gaming experiences to date.

Cheers for reading.