Killzone 3 Review -- Clear Example Why Most FPSs Need To Be Multiplayer-only

You know what would be really awesome? If there were some sort of narrative tie-in as to why this beautifully, illustrated head-spearing is occuring.
With a more refined engine, we now get to enjoy all the hammy dialogue and nonsensical twists and turns in a campaign mode, that is as insulting as it is comically entertaining. Killzone 3 is a game and it exists. Why it exists, remains to be seen. Guerrilla Games previous foray with Killzone 2 played as a technology experiment that bore intriguing results via its creative multiplayer modes. The single-player campaign seems marred by a team that could careless if the player experiences it. As is the case with the previous PS3 exclusive, the most poetic bits are in the opening cutscene of the game. The potential to explore something more in a first-person console shooter flies out the window. If Killzone 3 has its way, it will make sure that it looks superficially immaculate during the plummet.

Gone are the weighty controls and extended animations of your pal Sev loading his meticulously detailed assault rifle. Killzone 3 has learned from its previous errors and is hell bent on proving to PS3 owners [and potential buyers] that this game is for you. Apropos of the voice talent wasted in Killzone 2, due to awful sound engineering and abysmal ADR mastering, in this game every sound is clear. Gun shots echo off of walls and when its time for Sev and Rico to shout something “Who-rah”-worthy, you better believe the actors involved are enthusiastic and surprisingly capable. I mean, they got Malcolm McDowell to play the bad guy. Who, oddly enough, looks a lot like Malcolm McDowell.

 
Even Malcolm McDowell, voicing a character, dauning a Japanese haircut, and surrounded by space-suited Helghast, couldn't save this story. Now THAT is an accomplisment.

Well, you know the story is bad, because I told you earlier remember? The stakes were higher for Killzone 2, because the story hinted at a depth that was never explored. Killzone 3, merely had to not be as awful. It failed. Miserably, in fact. The story takes place six months after the lackluster resolution found in the previous game. Only, Guerrilla decided to take a chance this time around by spoiling the story of Sev and the ISA’s fight with the Helghast, within the first 20-minutes of the game. I guess its my own fault. In the previous game I was hoping for the writers to take more chances, but they zigged where I zagged.

There is also something to be said about this Killzone’s graphical appearance, that a lot of reviewers haven’t quite touched on. Why is it so hard to have these fairly realistic looking character models’ mouths move along with the words they’re saying? It’s the uncanny valley thing. The closer you try and mimic reality, the more the blemishes and jagged edges appear pronounced. Killzone 3 has done away with trying to convince the player that there is one ‘bad guy’ behind it all. The trade off is we get an incomprehensible plot centered around Helghan political intrigue -- or lack thereof. Basically, the game has morphed from conventional boss battles at the end of a level to the blue squad versus the red squad method of game design. Very digestible for the less discerning gamer.

 
Protip: The Multiplayer is the only reason to play a Killzone game. However, be ready for a faster pace. The framerate and controls are smoother. I'd suggest picking either Medic, Engineer or Marksman to start with.
Oh, but wait, there’s a girl, and her name is Jammer. Out of all of the semi-realistic character designs in the Killzone franchise, and by this I mean everyone in Killzone 3 has a papier-mâché head, with hair that never moves, and eyes as soulless as a mannequin -- Jammer has the most cartoony head of them all. A mouth wider than a four-laned freeway and eyes as big as potatoes, Jammer serves as Guerrilla's answer as to why we’ve rarely seen a female character in any of these games. Yup, they really tried didn’t they?

That is all I can really say about a story that seems to insult my intelligence at every turn. There is a plot to destroy Earth and only a small group of soldiers are close enough, to -- get this -- the kill zone to stop it. You are treated to lifeless scenes of yelling and staring which crescendos to playing in drab [but detailed] environments with more yelling, but shooting. And everybody likes shooting stuff, right? At least the controls feel decent enough to tolerate the awful delivery Guerrilla Games is feeding to its fanbase. This is my second plea to Guerrilla, just make the next Killzone an online-only shooter. Leave the story writing to those who care about that art.

 
The inclusion of the Jetpack functions as an interesting story distraction in the single player and an obvious slow-moving target in the multiplayer.
Making matters worse, the story just ends. Nearing the completion of your trek-of-boredom the designers introduce the ‘tried and true’ Call of Duty level design that has some difficulty spikes. So this means, be prepared for the snow level, the vehicle level and my personal favorite, the learn-by-dying level at the end. Fans were clamoring that there is a level where you get jet packs. Unfortunately the old adage has be proven false. Jet packs do not make everything better. It’s only used once, which I actually applaud Guerrilla for designing the game in such a way. While you’re trying to wade your way through these linear levels, try and look surprised when the games story simply quits. Well, it quits right after admitting to the player that there will be an eventual sequel. No need in killing a cash cow, but congratulations, you just wasted eight hours of your life.

Because of such a disgusting attempt at telling a story, I expected more out of Killzone 3’s multiplayer. Much like the single player, everything looks and feels better than its predecessor. The Operations mode is interesting enough to keep me around for a couple weeks before putting in a less annoying game. Other than that, it’s a sharper, sleeker Killzone. Real easy to fall into and have fun with friends. Is it worth $60? No, but Killzone 2 wasn’t worth that either. Had no story mode been attached, there would be an argument to be had. But here we are. Another mindless shooter, for a generation that isn’t demanding anything past the superficial. Good job Guerilla.

I give Killzone 3...

It's bad enough that those tatoos are forever, but the t-shirt? Damn homie.

The “Red vs. Blue Lightsaber Tattoo Of Idiocy” Award

Comments

[Mr. Logical]

xbox 360 fanboy. dismiss entire article

[Isaiah T. Taylor]

sure wish I owned a 360

[Joe]

As an avid Playstation-only gamer, I agree 100% with this article. By the time the credits had finished rolling I still couldn't believe that the game had JUST ENDED. What the hell just happened? It was as if Guerrilla had a checklist (Vehicle segment? Check. Jet pack? Check. Betrayal *twist*? Check.) and once they marked everything off they called it good and shipped it out. It's simply pathetic.

With that said, I am in love with the multiplayer. Give us more Operations maps though, dammit! :)

[SteveM]

I finished Killzone 3 twice, once in 2D with the normal Dualshock controller and once with Move gun attachment and in 3D. The game is simply awesome, dare I say it is the best first person shooter that's ever made. The gameplay is top notch with one of the best graphics I've ever seen in any game. I dont know what the fuck this author is going on about obviously he hasnt played any other FPS out there to compare. Killzone 3 kick Call of Duty ass wide open and any other FPS out there at present. Eveyone should give this game a go, it simply is the best of the best!!!!

[Isaiah T. Taylor]

@Joe

Thanks for reading. And it would be great if there was a weapon/map dlc option in the future.

[Isaiah T. Taylor]

@SteveM

I'm glad you liked the game. I liked the multiplayer...that's all.

[Dan]

Wow dude, you couldn't portray unbiased journalism any less here. You know this is a solid game you just hate the franchise. The graphics alone demand an applause, still probably the best for an system, which you completely failed to acknowledge.

Your not very good at this reviewer job.

[Isaiah T. Taylor]

Whoa dude, let's get a couple things straight.

1) You expected a video game review [or review of any kind] to be unbiased? Wouldn't you be better off reading a buyers guide in a sales paper?

2) You came to someone's personal blog and DIDN'T expect a biased viewpoint? I'm glad you think this game is the best for ANY system. I'm glad you think the graphics demanded applause. I just don't see games the way you do. Maybe you should start yourself a blog and have your viewpoints read?

3) Thanks for reading.