Riachu

User Score
9.4

Presentation - 9.5
Gameplay - 9.5
Value - 9.0

Killzone 2 was a game I didn't have high hopes for at first.  However as the game got closer to release, the game seemed to be coming really impressive to me.  When I finally played it, I was pleasently suprised by how great it really turned out to be.

Graphics: First off, I just have to say that this game is a visual tour de force.  The texture work is impressive and the lighting is great as well.  Some of the character faces do look a little akward but this is only a minor problem.  The level design is well done and the animation is top notch in both the gameplay and the cutscenes.

Story:  In the game, you play as a soldier name Sev who leads a squad known as the ISA Special Forces Alpha Team.  They are fighting again the Helghast and the leader, Scolar Visari.  The plot is very straightforward and simple and is just an excuse for your squad to shoot at the enemies.  It doesn't help that like Gears 2, the characters are one dimensional and the dialogue is sometimes sophmoric and immature.  It is easily the weakest part of the game.

Gameplay: The gameplay is the best part besides the graphics.  There is the campaign and the online modes.  Both are well worth playing through.  The campaign, despite containing a relatively weak story, is still well paced and almost never boring.  The online mode is also a nice diversion being able to play with others.  The online modes include Assassination, Search & Retrieve, Search & Destroy, Bodycount and Capture & Hold.  The controls aren't quite as intuitive as Gears 2 but you will get used to them.  You need to hold the L2 button to stay in cover and also, control the character takes sometime to get used to since you really feel the weight of your character and the weapons he is holding.  Thankfully, once you get used to the controls, it all becomes second nature. 

Sound: The soundtrack is very good as well as the sound effects.  The voice acting is suprising good considering the poorly written dialogue.  Too bad good VA can't make a generic plot great.

Value:  The campaign lasts a healthy 8-12 hours of well paced and engaging gameplay.  Even after you beat the game, you can get more of the trophies and play online with friends.  This game could easily last you months.

Overall: While I still considered Gears 2 as the better of the two games, Killzone 2 is still an excellent shooter in its own right.  If you are looking for a shooter to play and you have a PS3, go get the game,  If you don't have a PS3, go out and buy one now if you want to play the game.