Killzone 2 floors Insomniac community manager JStevenson

Killzone 2 has floored JStevenson - community manager at Insomniac games. This is what he had to say regarding the game:-

"I did indeed beat KZ2 tonight and it is indeed awesome. I know there will be plenty of comments, opinions, accolades and nitpicks, but for me, the game was fun.

My favorite part of the game was when you get this certain weapon. I really really love it and I got the trophy for oh so fast - wish it was available more.

Anyways --- major props to all the folks at GG. "

[Kotaku_Succs]

But we will be playing the best FPS ever made

:)

[Sheddi]

I thought the release date was 25th feb?

[Max Power]

the 25th is for europe, the 27th is for america. all i know is that i am not coming on to this site for those two days.

[Sheddi]

Thanks max power + bubbles.

[GiantEnemyLobster]

Killzone 2 will be forgotten once Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Halo 3: ODST come out.

[chewy317]

against callof duty 6 maybe but halo 3? give me a break

anyways it is no longer a doubt that killzone 2 will not flop, even if it isnt the best game ever we know its AAA

[Sheddi]

haha so u mean a 60 million dollar exclusive game is going to get owned by a DLC for a game that has been milked out to death?
COD6 wont have a chance...well the odds are better than halo:dlc.
ohh and btw, I cant believe u just said a multiplat would kill it? Doesnt 360 have more games than a DLC that u had to bring in a multiplat? ohh lord.

[Kleptic]

Halo 3 definitely does have a chance though...as there are still millions of mongoloids thinking they are playing something fresh and innovative still...

and what fecking difference does that make?...Killzone 2 is without question a better looking and playing game for me (at least online, judging by the beta) than anything halo has offered so far...

and CoD?...the next IW installment will get some major hype...there is no question that Killzone 2 will handle it on visuals...and Killzone 2 doesn't have any of the cheap ass perks and doesn't encourage camping like CoD games do...but its only on the PS3...so its just a matter of if Sony gets the price down in time...and how many people actually see Killzone 2 compared to other games...this by far has the possibility of being the biggest PS3 game first...and big games move a ton of systems...we'll wait and see...but I have little doubt that the game isn't going to be one of the best of the year...

[Ninja-Sama]

but on another note, would it be possible for Insomniac to use the KZ2 engine for R3? If they could that would be so awesome...

[silverchode]

that would be like halo 4 looking like kz2, i think that insomniac would keep r3 like the resistance games b4

[Lord Anubis]

sony's first party devs share technology. there's probably Insomniac technology in Kllzn2 and it's more likely guerilla has already shared technology back to insomniac. esp the lighting.

[silverchode]

i know they share the technology, im just saying that i dont think insomniac would completely change the way resistance looks.

[soljah]

actually Sony investing so much into gg and kz2 has a dual purpose.
1 to develop the defining next gen fps on any system
2 let gg and their team of engineers develop the technology that will be seen in future ps3 titles for years to come.

the game has been in development since 05 but it is the tool sets and new routines and ps3 tech that will be the real shining star from gg and the game that is kill zone II

[uie4rhig]

Seb Downie (QA Manager - Guerrilla Games) says no comment of sharing the technology for first party, so we could assume that it will be used, since they usually say no comment but then it is true lol

http://boardsus.playstation...

[EXCLUSIVEGAMER]

im buying this twice.

1 for me and one for my friend (friend doesnt have alot of money):)

[Alcon]

@ EXCLUSIVEGAMER: I wish I had friends as generous as you man! that's a real nice present you'll make. bubble to you!

[acedoh]

that made me believe in the PS3. From the very first appearance over 3 years ago to now. For most who buy this game it will be their first Killzone game and I think most will be more than pleased to have the flagship shooter of the PS3...

[Proxy]

They seem to always have nice and respectable things to say.

[LONEWOLF231]

@EXCLUSIVEGAMER

Thats awesome dude, the gaming community needs more peeps like you man.
Bubbles for you my friend.

[BleuStreeks]

day one purchase for me and I will call out of work when it comes out as well.

[xwabbit]

This game will rape :P

[MURKERR]

but need to be negative coz it burns,great example..1up who said 'i dont like the helgans eyes' they said it in a way where it must ruin the experience so points need to be deducted lol

[Gambit07]

They also said Helghans butt cheeks are too pimply, so that's one more score reduction.

[MURKERR]

youd think if it had poor collision detection,framerate etc that would be sutin to get points deducted...like i said 1up nitpicking thats how you know the games sick

[Graphics Whore]

I can't wait.

[Gambit07]

I wouldn't call it floored him, he just said it was fun.

[pixelsword]

Hmm...

[chrisnick]

brb guys......i've got something to pre-order.

[Killzonegamer83]

I think we all pretty much know this game is gold and is finished, they just havent announced it yet.. WHY do they have to wait until the tail end of FEB to release it?! I want this game so bad

[KillaManiac]

Prob just bugtesting and doing alot of online closed doors final testing.

[rogimusprime]

hopefully the wait is for sony to get their ad campaign together.

Why do they suck so bad at promoting the PS3 AAA (supposedly) titles?
I can't remember how many commercials I saw back in the day for old PSone games like battle arena toshinden and bushido blade, but now that every games takes 10's of millions to make...

...sony seems to not push the games like they should.

I learned in college marketing jobs were hard to come by...but I still don't see why. I could sell Killzone 2 faster than Amy Winehouse can make a man sober.

but I digress, this game can't come soon enough!

[snipermk0]

Well, that's probably because Sony is broke by the time they are finished investing 10s of millions of dollars that they haven't got enough left for ad campaigns. LOL :P

On another note, sony would really need to promote this game.. And I mean heavily!

[Sarcasm]

Don't rush to get it now, or else we'll end up with another SOCOM for online issues.

WHEN IT'S DONE, IT'S DONE. Then that's when it should be released.

[micro_invader]

I think they're holding it off a bit to release it in the dry season, ensuring maximum sales.

I agree they should be marketing it more heavily, this close to launch.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

Resistance can't compare to Killzone in graphics, but I personally see originality going to Resistance!

Both are great PS3 exclusive titles, for what they respectivley do!

And although I'd absolutely love to see Killzone pave the way of next gen console graphics... I don't want the exact engine to be w#ored out like the Unreal Engine like it's some kind of novelty. Cause if that would happen, it would make Killzone way less special than it is now... and would definatley take away from the initial impact Killzone already has on the console gaming community!

[360RRODFIX]

Yeah sine aliens invading Earth is such a fresh and new subject, no one has ever done that before in game or eve movies /roll eyes

[Boty]

The "things" in Resestance arn't aliens in terms of like HALO. There people who got a virus.(Like a nasty Flu. A REAL NASTY FLU!)LOL

[gameraxis]

just because it comes from the same engine doesn't mean it'll look anything like killzone 2, picture a TOTALLY different art style, with Chimeara, and sci-fi weapons of resistance just looking as good as K2...

Infinite I looked NOTHING like gears or army of two... see what i'm saying??

insomniac could use emphasis on entirely different engine tools, and that alone would make it look different

[Ju]

I think the only thing missing in R2 was time. Time to polish it all the way thru. There are moments in the game which look absolutely gorgeous. And then some seamed to be rushed thru. Add a little bit polish, maybe add the deferred renderer (I think the do a lot of geometry processing already to make 200K monsters work), and there you go. I believe (if they'll do it) R3 will match (or even surpass) KZ2. KZ2 is not the end of the line, there is more possible down the road.

[SmokingMonkey]

Sony games are the best...it's true

[billez]

wats the difference between a 1st and 2nd party dev.???

[firelogic]

First party is in-house or a developer that the studio owns.
Second-party is a company that is independent but is contracted and primarily works for the one console.
Third party is a company like Capcom or Bethesda that makes games for all platforms.

[Gambit07]

1st party developers are owned by the console maker, 2nd party are the developers that only work with a certain console maker but are not owned by them.

[Nathaniel_Drake]

I think a first party developer only can make games for the company they work for and the IP's they make belong to that company

2nd party developers are more freelance and can make games on other systems but the IP's they make for one company can only be made for that one company if that one company publishes it

Example, Insomniac is 2nd party so they can make a game on 360 but can't make another Ratchet game for 360 as Sony owns the IP

I don't know if this is all right better check google =)

[orakga]

well... here's the wiki definition of 2nd party.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

BUT, the term "2nd party" is not really a real term (the wiki page notes this as well). It's the same reason why first-person shooters and third-person shooters exist, but not second-person shooters. (okay i botched that analogy, but still)

Only 1st party and 3rd party are commonly accepted terms, and the distinction is quite simple:

<imagine the following as a statement by Sony/MS/Nin>
- 1st party: I/We made the game
- 3rd party: Someone else made the game

So, if the game was made by the hardware manufacturer (or someone who is owned by the manufacturer), it would be considered a 1st party title. But if the hardware manufacturer did not have a controlling stake in the developing company, it would be considered a 3rd party software.

2nd party is just a term that was sort of made up to help refer to those titles that fall in between, but they are still technically 3rd party titles unless the development contract did somehow involve some form of acquisition by the console/hardware manufacturer.

So, regardless of whether a developer creates games exclusively for one hardware or for all consoles, if it is not owned by the hardware manufacturer itself, it is a 3rd party developer/publisher, and everything they produce would be considered 3rd party software, regardless of platform or exclusivity.

Therefore, unless Sony actually OWNS Guerilla Games, KZ2 is a 3rd party software. Same applies to Insomniac and R2. And Media Molecule and LBP. If I'm not mistaken, Sony has no controlling stake in any of those companies, so all of those games are 3rd party titles (unless someone can kindly correct me).

And that would actually explain why their marketing efforts have been so poor. (just look at how marketing efforts differ between 1st party titles (Mario, etc) and 3rd party titles (Boom Blox, etc) on the Wii, and you'll get the idea)

---

Now, if you really want to get technical... you could imagine a scenario where Sony produces a game for the PS3 but then also releases it on the 360 and/or Wii (this would most likely never happen for obvious reasons). Still, if this ever happened, this title would be considered a 1st party title for any Sony console, but a 3rd party for the 360 and Wii.

But who am I kidding. That would never happen.

[thebudgetgamer]

naughty dog 1st party owned by sony
insomniac 2nd party not owned by sony but makes games only for sony
kojima prod 3rd party makes games for anyone

:)

edit: above you mean like people said sonic would never end up on a nintendo?

[orakga]

Sega did not release Sonic on any other system until their hardware division was killed.

Therefore, by the time Sonic came out on Nintendo/Microsoft/Sony's system's Sega itself was no longer a console manufacturer, making it just another 3rd party developer.

[SaberEdge]

How do you know it will be the best ever? Based on graphics?

Gears 2 is pretty damn awesome and I wouldn't just assume Killzone 2 is going to be the best ever before we learn more about it and, more importantly, actually play through it ourselves.

I have no doubt that it is going to be great and I can't wait for it, but I am just saying 'let's not get ahead of ourselves'.

[Kotaku_Succs]

Resistance 2 is the best fps of 2008 .

KZ2 murders all FPS out there

anyone who played the KZ2 beta will tell u about it

Gears 2 is a garbage overrrated game with bad graphics and gameplay

BOT u wont be here on Feb 27th i guess

[Faztkiller]

Agree with ever thing you said but gears is got some fun parts

[L Ronald Hubbard]

Oh look a party killer... :/

Is that you Silogon?

[PoSTedUP]

gears2 got bad graphics huh... someone needs their bifocals....

[Narutone66]

the beta and they liked it.

[Dr_Nefarious]

lol, uncharted looks on par or barely a little better than gears 2. KZ2 blows both out of the water indefinately. Gears 2 is all pixelated and the trees and most of the scenery is all bland, Resistance 2 had better looking foliage. If it wasn't for all the blur covering up all the imperfections then the game would be just a little better looking than a regular 360 game. By the way Gears 2 is a fun game, just not the god game in the looks department as you trying to make it out to be.

[Kleptic]

35+ hours in the beta...best console shooter I have ever played competitive wise...simple as that...

that is beyond graphics...it has the best class based system, and the dynamic objective system is absolutely awesome...plus all the unlockable abilities and ranks...with full integrated community features like clan betting and weekly leaderboard awards (honor ranks are given every week to the top 10%, 6%, 3%, and 1% of players overall based on the leaderboard...you get the awesome symbol for one week, then it resets...and if you didn't do as well the second week, you lose the honor rank...its awesome, and gives a lot of replayability even if you unlocked everything...)...

but the graphics definitely don't hurt...Crysis is more gimped online than Killzone 2, resulting in Killzone 2 being without question the best looking multiplayer game ever made...

its time to let comparisons with graphics go...there is not one media source since early december saying the game isn't perfect visually...everyone was proven wrong with the 'gray' complaints of before, as the game has more color than even Resistance 2 or Gears 2 now...everyone was proven wrong with it being too dark, and only small environments...and every 'professional' in the business is admitting that its the best looking console game ever made...let it go...

[cayal]

Damn I want this game! Now!

[Bob Dole]

Bob Dole too :)

[ShinFuYux]

People say it's an amazing game but I'm not completely sold until I get a demo or see something so new an spectacular like FarCry2 did (I was sold when they showed the dunia engine).

Right now, I Sony hasn't released LBP demo nor does the LBP commercials sell me.

For Killzone 2, what makes this game so much better than R2 or FarCry2? My impression of it, right now, is "it's another FPS game using the same stuff as every other FPS game."

[Bob Dole]

Rent it.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

Killzone 2 having more quality invested in it than Farcry 2, especially because Killzone 2 carries more weight to deliver something graphically that we've never done on a console before, on its shoulder than ANY console game this gen. Something that beyond fact Farcry 2 didn't have to even begin to worry about!

If you were impressed with Farcry 2, I find it too hard to believe that you aren't impressed with KZ2!

[Sarcasm]

"If you were impressed with Farcry 2, I find it too hard to believe that you aren't impressed with KZ2! "

Seriously.

It's like saying "I'm not impressed seeing God. I've seen Jesus already"

[himdeel]

...on the God and Jesus comment. It got me to chuckle.

[ronando]

My friend,

your sceptisism of LittleBigPlanet will immediately be addressed once you either purchase the game, or atleast rent it. LBP would not make a good demo as their are so many aspects that can't be summed up in a 10 minute experience. It's truly a unique and incredible game, the best I've played since the likes of Mario Bros. 3 (truly legendary).

If your a person who appreciates creativity and loves a challenge, LBP is for you! Trust me, this game makes Tim Burton look like an accountant.

As for Killzone 2, trust the redundant, over written articles that appear every single day. This game is going to set the bar, high enough that the current competition won't be able to touch it. Don't spoil the anticiaption with a silly demo and shotty Youtube footage, go to your local game store on Feb 27th!

Good luck, my friend!

[Ju]

I am surprised that you are impressed by FC2. Nice game, but nothing to be impressed about, IMO. R2 is way more fun, more scale, more impressive already.

[sinncross]

Wow, I can seriously see the next title that uses the Killzone 2 engine (perhaps R3) to be able to incorporate split screen multi player.

[mrsatan]

I read a comment from the devs that they are thinking of adding in coop mode. Not sure if that means split screen or not. The engine may not handle split screen well.

[Fishy Fingers]

GG have been clear that there is no chance of split screen as the engine is far to demanding and would require huge sacrifices to support it.

Basically, it just isn't possible to have split screen and maintain the KZ quality.

[orakga]

Online co-op would be the wisest move at this point.

I mean, there's always a way to wash down the graphic quality slightly to make split-screen look respectable. Halo has been turning off some of the post-processing effects in their split-screen, and it has kinda worked. But I totally agree... I'd rather see GG get it right with one screen first, then work on split-screen when they have the time. Either through a patch or in KZ3... but not for KZ2 at launch.

[himdeel]

...with respect to K2. While I'm not as savvy with online competitive modes in shooters I still enjoy them. I've really enjoyed the co-op for R2 and would like a similar experience with my pals in K2 that don't play competitively online.

Besides this game is so nice and I'm so enthusiastic for it I could just watch someone else play from the comfort of my couch and wait my turn. Split screen for me it not a necessity.

[0verdrive]

in my opinion, split screen multiplayer games are becoming a thing of the past. games are becoming too intensive both graphically and quantitatively to make split screen gaming a viable option. look at all the recent attempts: l4d, r2, re5. all of them make huge sacrifices to make splitscreen gaming possible. l4d and r2 look noticably worse when playing split screen, and re5 has been said to reduce the screen sizes to pretty tiny. its a shame, because gaming sometimes is more fun with someone sitting next to you.

[mrsatan]

I've played the beta and it was really good. I expect great things from the single player. For me it was the best console multiplayer experience I have had ever.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

online co-op Im all for... I don't want split screen taking away from this beautiful game!. I actually avoid split screen Gears co-op and just do it online. I don't care that I own a 52" LCD Sony Bravia, it just isn't the same. Playing 1 player to the screen, you get to bask in all the beauty of the game instead of squinting to see all the bad a$$ little pinches of sick detail in the game. From single player perspective... you get to marvel and swim in the technical beauty that these devs pour their heart and souls out for us to enjoy in their games!...

Im all for co-op, just keep it online!

[JDW]

JStevenson, who works for Insomniac, the company who helped code the AI for Killzone 2, has announced that the game his company helped to make is awesome.

I'm shocked.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

when backed by Sony, the way Sony backed GG?... Holy hell, heres to hoping for some sick a$$ Resistance 3

[JDW]

Who does not agree?......My comment is made entirely of the truth.

If you disagree, please reply and let me know which part of comment number 14 you actually do not agree with.

[Dr_Nefarious]

......and your point is? While watching the new videos at IGN I have come to my conclusion (notice I said my). This game is by far the most beatiful game I have ever seen (looks on par or a little better than crysis in my opinion). As for gameplay it looks like all the rest of the shooters I have ever seen, except with a huge bonus of....actually looks fantastic. No its nothing new, but still looks like a blast to play.

As for your little fact about Insomniac help making the A.I who really cares.

[Sarcasm]

I get his point. But come on, it doesn't take a half dikked monkey to tell that Killzone 2 is VISUALLY awesome.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

this is where the fanboys roam!... bashing both KZ2 and Gears2 is rediculous. Both ARE truely BA games for their respective consoles. Glad I own all 3 consoles this gen, so Im not missing out on any awesome games. Open zone seems more for elitest cult followers rather than TRUE gamers.

Gears & Killzone FTW!

[n4gzz]

lol, you must be blind if you claim gamerzone is fanboy proof.

[PureGamer]

Cannot wait for this game, my only gripe is no split screen bit poor that the game cannot handle it.

[PotNoodle]

They advertise this game like they advertised killzone 1.

What they did with the first game is probably one of the best ive seen anyone market a game, they even went to the extent (at least in the uk) to going through third parties to find playstation 2 owners to send these killzone 2 packs by post which had all these killzone stickers, and letters pleading with you to join the ISA army.

[Magic_The_Celt]

I Think Killzone 2 is the PS3's defining FPS, Resistance 1 was good, Resistance 2 was worse, all kind of mediocre.

[Darkseider]

Resistance 2 was worse? Bigger, better graphics, awesome online modes and good single player campaign yet it's worse? Drugs are bad, m'kay.

[Kleptic]

I wouldn't say worse...but there were definitely things about it I liked less...

I actually liked the first games visual tone...I liked the muted brown WWII like look to it, as even full blown WWII games didn't do that as well...

the new game took that in a different direction...which wasn't too bad, I just didn't like it quite as much...oh well...

I do prefer the gameplay mechanics added to R2 over R1...it controls better...

but competitive multiplayer?...R1 all the way...R2's competitive mode was where the game really fell short...the co-op is great...but the competitive 'protect/attack this node' is gimmicky and boring imo...

[n to the b]

I prefer orig GEARS graphics. the muted background colors really made the selective use of color more interesting. there was a lot more pop to the shock of red on locust uniforms or blue sky peeking out from the clouds above.

can't speak to Resistance since I have 360 only but I think I know what u mean about the color Kleptic and I agree.

new tech is great and we need devs to push the envelope but... equally important is the application of artistic STYLE.

[Magic_The_Celt]

No, it was worse, resistance was just a way better game, the story was handled better with the narrative inbetween, for its time and place the graphics where better, in resistance 2 everything is just weird and shiny 0.o

[Grimhammer00]

Does anybody know if KZ2 has a leveling/reward system like CoD does?

[resistance100]

Yes it has a simlar system, however unlike COD your level can go up or down (however if your level go's down you won't lose any unlocks).

Also it has a badge system which really made the multiplayer fun, i suggest you look up info on that.

[Alcohog]

I believe there is, and from what I hear it has unlockable weapons. I also heard you can LOSE rank, and thus lose weapons as well if you play poorly. Online sounds pretty robust.

EDIT: Looks like Resistance100 knows first hand.

[OhReginald]

He was held by gun point by sony when he wrote this message.

[phalanges]

Insomniac makes quality games. So for them to like the game so much, it should be quiet good. Can't wait for Feb.

[karlostomy]

is that it?

is that what has been defined as 'floored" in the title?

kinda dissappointing.

[resistance100]

"I did indeed beat KZ2 tonight and it is indeed awesome"

However he started his sentance with that ^^^^

[emitsomla]

Another over-hyped title... From his quotes, it didn't seem like he was "FLOORED", he just seemed like he enjoyed the game. Sony fanboys crack me up!!! you guys over-hype anything Sony!!! what's wrong with you people? You guy's are like cult members.

[JayX666]

nothing to see people, no need to reply to his "opinion".

[Andronicus]

its called sharing technology

[devilhunterx]

Bet he is talking about the bowgun. Love it in Liberation

[donalbane]

You mean 2 Sony-exclusive developers who help each other with each others projects like each others games?!? It's a Christmas miracle!

[Violater]

How is this news?

[SSCOOLCHEA]

The halo crowd will never like this game .Cause if they don't have Halo the xbots is dead. just how i will never like the xbots. Now do you people get it.

@kleptic....got you beat on the beta 90 hours 3 weeks ....I can't wait to play the saboteur again thats the best class for me...The cloak is nice if your playing from afar . but its cool that the other snipers is looking for you to...

FEBRUARY 27.....We are all having a threesome...put the lady to sleep and killzone 2

[Woundedpeasant]

so ready to blow some f*&%ing heads off...come on febuary

[Omega6]

Killzone 2 will be a great gaming achievement wether its the best game ever or not. These guys DESERVE the credit for raising the bar graphically for consoles. And this is only the beginning, imagine the games that will come out once parts of the engine are shared throughout the development community.

[OlvaR]

killzone 2 will be one of the best fps expieriences of 09...i don't have a ps3 my own..only an xbox 360 but i played the beta on a friends house and i liked it...i can only say about the multiplayer...something like call of duty 4 on steroids, i believe all the ps3 owners will have a blast...i would really like to play the campaign though KZ2 multiplayer is fun but not really my thing ,buy i think i would love the campaign mode

[No Way]

"I know there will be plenty of comments, opinions, accolades and nitpicks, but for me, the game was fun." Indeed.. So true. I wish people nowadays would just play a game for the fun and not to find faults. =(

I have no doubt that Killzone2 will be a great game, wish I could have try the game though, but I just wonder whats gonna happen if the game doesn't sell well..?

Hmm, is there supposed to be a demo releasing for Killzone2 here in a little bit??

[Leg-End]

ANyone? lol i honestly don't understand the term...

[LinuxGuru]

Floored (v)

Stunned; overwhelmed

[soxrock99]

This is what i like to see. 2 rivalish developers working together to make the playstation 3 and it's games better.

[samura]

"My hearts beatin my hearts beatin"
"My Hands r Shakin My hands r Shakin"

Can't wait to play this game with Doug's voice, hehe.