UGO: Killzone 2 Multiplayer Hands-on Preview

UGO writes: "Killzone 2, while pretty freaking gorgeous, has been a bit of a tough sell since we started going hands-on with the game around E3 time. The graphics can't seem to make up for the been-there-done-that feel that the gameplay provides, not differentiating itself enough from the FPS competition. A prettier, more sci-fi Call of Duty 4, in summary. So while the single-player could still use some more innovation, the developers are clearly putting all that and more into the multiplayer component, which is easily one of the most promising online experiences on the PS3.

Killzone 2 multiplayer is class-based, complete with ranks, tournaments, persistent experience and unlocks. But there are several elements that really set the experience apart. Lets go through them now:

1) The Graphics
It's been said before, butt Killzone 2's graphics rock my socks. They are some of the best we've ever seen in any game, and incredibly, those graphics don't even drop a hitch when you play online. There is no noticable visual difference between the online and single-player graphics, which means it may very well be the best looking online game ever. So woo for that!"

[CrippleH]

Blogger....

*Leaves*

[cahill]

BTw awesome KZ2 preview

I have no doubt that this will be the BEST LOOOKING and the BEST PLAYING FPS

"Killzone 2 multiplayer is class-based, complete with ranks, tournaments, persistent experience and unlocks. But there are several elements that really set the experience apart. Lets go through them now: "

"1) The Graphics
It's been said before, butt Killzone 2's graphics rock my socks. They are some of the best we've ever seen in any game, and incredibly, those graphics don't even drop a hitch when you play online. There is no noticable visual difference between the online and single-player graphics, which means it may very well be the best looking online game ever. So woo for that!"

[ScratchMarks]

Halo fan blogger...

Fixed.

[badz149]

it was a good read after all. they obviously are excited about KZ2 and they introduced(at least for me) the modes and features available in KZ2 and now I'm more and more excited about KZ2 after that read! KZ2 is going to be EPIC!

[Beg For Mercy]

it seems everybody loves kz2s multiplayer, can all the ps3 hardeware doubters please shutup now

[cahill]

then KZ2 will get 10/10 from every reviewer

I do hope everything is ironed out

Guerilla has around 6 more months in hand.That is more than enough time to iron things out

@scratch

I am saying that Guerilla needs to make AI a bit more agressive

[ScratchMarks]

Honestly, give the AI BS a rest.

There's nothing 'to be ironed out' with KZ2's AI.

[Panthers]

Quit it with the AI nonsense. They already said the AI is great and that the videos shown have the AI dumbed down to make it easier for the shows.

[mfwahwah]

AI has been dumbed down. I can't believe I still have to tell this to people. They don't need to fix it, they just need to show it so people stop complaining. If I may quote a KZ2 dev: "Judge us on the final product." That's after implying that the AI is good enough (he's said it more than once though).

They've worked with some top notch AI programmers. The FR issues are because they haven't optimized the code (which comes last, basically).

Pretty much, everything should be perfect. Don't worry so much about the AI, since what you see is clearly not what you get with GG. You get much more than meets the eye, despite this being some serious eye candy ("but it's gray lulz" :|).

That reminds me, the bots in MP will behave like real human players, using abilities and tactics and such. If they can get that, then there's even less reason to worry about SP bots.

[NewSchoolGamer]

problem that they state is that nothing makes it different from other FPS. But what about the new FPS cover thing it has?

aren't all FPS the same? Why does Killzone 2 have to be different from all other first person shooters.

UGO probably does not hate Killzone 2, but the bandwagon of haters has gotten bigger.

[cahill]

as for SP -- they say that it is revamped COD4 which is quite good

There is still 6 months to go before the final product is released. Guerialla can and will implement lot of things in the SP mode

The MP mode is incredible and needs to tweak. It is already the best MP experience . U can get the vibe from the videos

[Aclay]

I agree with you NewSchoolGamer.

What really ticks me off is that a lot of people say that there's nothing really about KZ2 that makes is stand out or different from anything else, but I wish some of these game sites would please tell me what the HELL makes Call of Duty: World At War any different than anything else or Left 4 Dead? Both L4D and Call of Duty World At War are just run-of-the-mill FPS in my opinion...

Left 4 Dead is just a First Person shooter with Zombies and I don't see what's so unique or different about that considering that there's been tons of games with Zombies and COD World At War is just another WWII shooter with updated graphics, but KZ2 has it's own unique enemies that aren't found in any other game, it has it's own First Person Cover System that isn't found in any other FPS game, and KZ2 has it's own unique setting (Helghan).

Still, I'm buying Killzone 2 day one regardless.

[TheExecutive]

No one has seen enough of the single player to comment on it.(2 parts to 2 levels). Thats really not much to base ones opinion on. Now GG has stated that it should take about 10 hours to complete the single player. If it is 10 hours of what call of duty brought for 6 hours then i am all set.

As for the MP. Its a different beast, once youve seen it and heard about the features and how it plays, the rest is history. They say the MP is great, which it is, but everyone needs to reserve judgement on the single player

[mfwahwah]

"Why does Killzone 2 have to be different from all other first person shooters."

Wild guess: It's PS3 exclusive. I swear, if Halo 4 is linear and people say "it'll be so cinematic /gush" then I'm going to be very mad at the double standard. Hopefully that's not the case, because I'll be *very* disappointed with some parts of the gaming community for that.

[ScratchMarks]

"The graphics can't seem to make up for the been-there-done-that feel that the gameplay provides, not differentiating itself enough from the FPS competition. A prettier, more sci-fi Call of Duty 4, in summary."

googles Russell Frushtick

Surprise!

http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html...

Nothing more than another worthless Halo fan. What a pathetic joke.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

So instead of disproving someone who has actually had hands-on with the game because he is being a bit critical he has got to be a fanboy? WOW! You ever heard of taking the good with the bad?

Prove him wrong? If you can't then stop trying to discredit him because his opinion does not fit with yours.

He complimented the game left and right, yet he has complaints that doesn't make him biased or a Halo fanboy. His, like any review is an opinion. He is not the only one that has had negative to say once they got hands-on with it.

I've seen less credable sites get approved and this is at least a gaming related blog like a Kotaku or Joystiq.

"A prettier, more sci-fi Call of Duty 4, in summary." = Awesome! And as a 360 fanboy this is one game I am jealous of.

[TheExecutive]

ok just because the dude is a Halo fan doesnt discredit what he says. Some people can like Halo and OTHER fps you know. Killzone's single player will be really really fun to play, I am sure of it. COD4's single player was a blast and I dont mind if it isnt all that different than COD4's. Thats actually a good thing.

I cant remember the last time I played a SP campaign and went "wow thats new". Anyway, this game is going to be epic when it is released so dont worry about what some blogger says.

[mfwahwah]

"So while the single-player could still use some more innovation, the developers are clearly putting all that and more into the multiplayer component, *which is easily one of the most promising online experiences on the PS3.*"

STUPID HALO 3 FANBOY. HE THINKS HALO IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN KZ2. IT MAKES ME SOOO MAD! GAH WHY ARE PEOPLE SO UNFAIR TO KZ2.

Why don't you read the whole thing and take it for what it's worth: Praise AND criticism.

If you're too sensitive to hear a game you're interested in being criticized, then don't read previews. Just buy the game when it comes out, because you're only paying attention to the good news anyway (well, not all that well apparently).

[NewSchoolGamer]

Killzone 2 will probably be a victim to the biased press. A dark and pointless cloud of hate is growing above this game.

I will buy it, and probably I will present my review here in the user review sections.

[spectyre]

'cause I will be to busy playing KZ2. LBP & KZ2 are no questions asked, drop my $60, Midnight launch, vacation day titles. I will read some of the reviews when my hands are too cramped up to hold on to my dualshock 3. I held off on Heavenly Sword because of the reviews and I thought it was a genuine AAA title.

[CViper]

oh well :) another 360 owner that won't enjoy Killzone2. All of these idiots do need to apologize to GG about the BS about the CGI trailer. Yeah they got 99.9% there, now what? Onto how a FPS does the same thing as all FPS's like all FPS's have done since the inception of FPS's?

[xg-ei8ht]

The cover system is new.

Does every ps3 game have to re-invent the wheel.

(next review)

While motorstorm 2's racing is excellent, we just can't help but feel that the wheels are still round on all the vehicles. and this reminds us of all other racing games, doh.

[Tacki]

Bubbles man. That just about sums up what seems to be happening here.

[CViper]

so they are stuck at a point to where they can't deny the games visuals(which was the most important thing to debunk remember?) and now they have to find something else so that they don't have to come around and just say "you know what, we made a mistake."

Its too bad KZ2 wont innovate though, that will just add on to the long list of FPS titles that haven't innovated jack. Halo3/Cod4/BadCompany/Bioshock + many more that have done things that were all done before. Oh bother.

[Splenda14]

game radar does not like it i dont know whats wrong with game radar because everything i been reading seems to be postive

[silverchode]

cant wait.

[Xheratuul]

a scifi COD 4, this is a sign that killzone 2 will get 10/10

[Panthers]

but its for the PS3, so half of the reviews will be 5/10...

Stupid biased internet.

[hotshot127]

yea, im glad the multiplayer is good but i bet the single player is just as good in its own regards. its funny because i dont remember ever hearing about cod5 having problems innovating?(when it doesnt)

or gears 2 innovating because it doesnt....
so why does killzone 2 have to innovate? its sad, because if it gets hammered by reviews for its single player(which halos wasnt all that great according to reviews) when its just as good as cod4's single player which was good.

[2paclives]

motorstorm's physics are untouched compared to other racers. They felt as good as waverace did back in the day. Other racing games feel like you are riding on ice.

[xg-ei8ht]

I'm not sure what kind of engine waverace uses, i do know all they had to work with texture wise was 4kb, and if mipmapping was used it was down to 2kb ouch.

But that game was fantastic, and it felt like you were on the water, i still have project64, and still love that game and many others from the n64 console, mariokart being one of them:)

[NewSchoolGamer]

saying that Killzone 2 brings nothing new to the table is officially a dumb and biased excuse to bring this game down.

The guy that wrote this hands on preview probably loved the game but he probably only mentioned that the game does not innovate because that is the ONLY thing as of now that you could use against the game and that is pretty sad.

[Madgunner]

by reading this review... or hands on i should say... i think its done an AMAZING job innovating itself the cover system is brilliant .. so it seems sixaxis implimentation looks good and.. did anyone catch the whole changing gametype during a match with no LOADING times... wtf how many FPS has done that... and im sure Killzone has more up its sleeve

[Droid]

what I've been saying for months now. funny how all you droids missed that little part of the article.

droids were owned. enjoy your motion blur tech demo.

[Xheratuul]

yes, i know the months of pain you have suffered.

[cahill]

"Killzone 2 multiplayer is class-based, complete with ranks, tournaments, persistent experience and unlocks. But there are several elements that really set the experience apart. Lets go through them now: "

"1) The Graphics
It's been said before, butt Killzone 2's graphics rock my socks. They are some of the best we've ever seen in any game, and incredibly, those graphics don't even drop a hitch when you play online. There is no noticable visual difference between the online and single-player graphics, which means it may very well be the best looking online game ever. So woo for that!"

the MP of KZ2 is beyond anything out there

[Droid]

lol, no.

that would be Halo 3.

[Cajun Chicken]

That's like 2x awesome.
Game sounds great, graphically and technically Killzone 1 on the PS2 was really good; but I didn't like the gameplay.

The sequel however, totally appeals to me, I like chaos and battlefields in games, also the camera movement in the game looks amazing.

I hope people don't complain about it (the shaky-cam) like they did in Cloverfield, which I thought was BRILLIANT and made me feel more involved.

[Bladestar]

I know sony fans get angry when anyone say anything other than KZ2 is the second coming... this game is not what sony is portraying to be... though it will probably be an OK game it will not be the new Tetris, Mario, Street Fighter and even Halo that change the game industry and many of the features and gameplay were implemented in many games after...

Kill Zone 2 will be pretty, since Sony is being working for many years polishing and enhancing the graphics... this game is all about the graphics... This game is Sony's tech demo to show off the benefits of blu-ray and the cell... this is why you see the huge difference in graphics, gameplay, scope between games like this one and resistance 2... not to mentioned that Sony made 2 Resistance and yet 1 Kill Zone 2...

I don't doubt this game will be Sony's pride in the graphic department and the product of a huge budget, 2-3 times what it takes to make most games, etc... but as far as gameplay and fun factor it will just be an average FPS that will get raped by games like the new COD...

[chitown]

you hit it right on the spot. it will probably be a very good game maybe even a great game but def not revolutionary, not counting the graphics department though, because the graphics are bar setting. however my one fear is that they will solely focus on graphics and not gameplay, which counts the most.

[beavis4play]

you 2 need to give it up. if this were on the 360....your position would be much different.

[Tacki]

It will be a great game.

It will be an average game.

^ Which of those statements is more true?

Answer: Neither

The truth is no one has any idea how this game will turn out (especially since it's about 6 months off) and while those who have hands-on time with the game may be in a better position to have an opinion... even they can't say how it will turn out. It's had some previews that praise it... some that say it's just ok. Now I know you're likely not going to like the game no matter what since you've basically already written it off despite having no time with it.

Do I think people should say it's going to be the best game ever? Not really. I don't think we should get ahead of ourselves with these kinds of things... but it's just as dumb to believe you KNOW it will be an average game. Or that it will get 'raped' by other games. You're welcome to your opinion as is everyone... but let's remember that's all it is. There's no more truth to it than mine or anyone elses.

Some here may just be complaining about this because it has some negatives in the impressions... but many (including myself) simply take issue with the fact that this title is, for some unexplainable reason, expected to be the most innovative thing ever put into first-person view! The criticisms they have could be applied to nearly every FPS on the market today. And even most on the horizon. Yet you don't hear how Call of Duty, Gears of War 2, Far Cry 2, and so many others are going with the same stuff that's always been done. Why is it that Killzone 2 can't just be good at being a shooter? Why should it have to change when nothing else is? It's funny because most fanboys aren't saying it does a billion fresh new things... but many journalists are cracking down on it because it's not pushing the FPS genre forward enough I guess? Seriously, that's what people are getting so worked up over. Other games get a free ticket for recycling the same gameplay over and over again... but if Killzone 2 doesn't somehow allow you to jump into the television screen taste the shrapnel while cooking you the best eggs your mom never made then it gets chopped down. I'm not saying this game WILL without a doubt be amazing... but what I am saying is that it's wrong and unfair the way that so many in the media are treating this title. It's hypocritical.

[Kyur4ThePain]

Enlighten us, your subjects oh exulted one, of how come to know of this knowledge?

[vlazed]

COD4 is way overrated and I am tired of all these needless comparisons. For the record Halo didn't revolutionize console first person shooters, Quake 3 Revolution did. Killzone 2 appears to be raising the bar on so many levels and the media just wants to dumb it down so they can have an excuse to praise Halo 4 and COD6.

[chitown]

why the hell are you guys getting your panties wet? the guy had nothing but praise for the game. learn how to read you idiots before you call someone a "halo fan". "A prettier, more sci-fi Call of Duty 4, in summary." that is a good thing dumb sh!ts, not bad. i personally cannot wait for this game.

[EnforcerOfTheTruth]

Looks like they found nothing negative so they just say it's like other FPS games lol

[WengYong]

He actually had good things to say about Killzone 2. Cant wait to give it a go. Have to say, CANT WAIT TO GO THE HELGHAST !!!!!!!!!!

[tudors]

COD4 single player bores me but the online rocks, Halo 3 single player boring but online rocks, trust me on this one, I have been online on Xbox-live since the start and even if you do not like to admit it MS have broken the mould and now others have followed, if they get the online right there is nothing to worry about, as a Xbox-360 owner I can tell you that I will have a PS3 at some point but I am glad that I waited, every early adopter in most cases is a beta tester, I think there should be a early adopter bonus e.g free games because we keep them going through the hard times.

[N2NOther]

I certainly hope this turns out to be as good as it looks, because it looks fantastic.