UGO: Killzone 2 Review Build Numero Dos

UGO writes: "I know everyone seems to jump down my throat whenever I mention Killzone 2, but please bear with me, as I'm a bit annoyed.

Before New Years, we received a review build of Killzone 2. The embargo on the review lifts in February, but I took my time to conquer the game's campaign over the past couple weeks, taking notes and judging it for what would be my eventual review. After all, this is the review code, this is what I should be judging.

Yesterday we received an updated review code for the game. And this is where things get a little dodgy. When we review a game, we often play through it on a "debug" console, which allows us to play non-retail versions of games. From our perspective, the "review build" aspect implies that it's the final version and identical to what will appear on store shelves. Apparently this was not the case, at least for the first "review build" they sent."

[BulletToothtony]

waste of time article don't bother reading.. just complaining because they got 2 review discs.. they should be happy they even get included to send them a disc

The difference in play is probably more polish and get rid of a glitch or two.. use your head please!!

[rucky]

Sorry I clicked at it despite your warning. It was pretty stupid and childish. Looks like we got another confirmed 8/10 from a biased site.

[pixelsword]

...if that's what you want, and comments, too: (and in the future, if an article is a flame-bait article that you went to, please just post it so no one else rewards bad articles with traffic... as even the regular posters called this article very poor quality and immature)

Killzone 2 Review Build Numero Dos
Posted by Russ Frushtick (aka Rusty) on 01/15 at 11:52 AM

I know everyone seems to jump down my throat whenever I mention Killzone 2, but please bear with me, as I’m a bit annoyed.

Before New Years, we received a review build of Killzone 2. The embargo on the review lifts in February, but I took my time to conquer the game’s campaign over the past couple weeks, taking notes and judging it for what would be my eventual review. After all, this is the review code, this is what I should be judging.

Yesterday we received an updated review code for the game. And this is where things get a little dodgy. When we review a game, we often play through it on a “debug” console, which allows us to play non-retail versions of games. From our perspective, the “review build” aspect implies that it’s the final version and identical to what will appear on store shelves. Apparently this was not the case, at least for the first “review build” they sent.

The one that came yesterday came along with a note that said the following:

“We realize you received a version of review code right around the holidays, however the team at SCEA wants to make sure that you are playing the most updated, cleanest version of the game for your reviews and impressions.”

I emailed SCEA to find out what exactly changed from the previous build to this build, but no response yet. Presuming I hear nothing, I’m probably going to have to play through the game again to see if anything major has changed. I know for sure that control issues I mentioned (regarding the game’s inability to let you remap all the controls or set crouch to a toggle) are still in there, but apart from that, it’s anyone’s guess.

Long story short, a “review build” is no longer a holy thing, a perfect replica of what gamers will play when they buy the title on launch day. And that’s deeply worrying, and may require us changing our review practices in the future.

***************************** ****************************** * *********
***************************** ****************************** * *********

(COMMENTS)

• Killzone 2 • Action • Shooters • PS3 • Rants/Raves • WTF?

Trackbacks • Digg!
Comments

u cant be serious....u wrote this #### and uploaded it on n4g? for this ####? stop wasting peoples time u fu#in #####
Posted by sasa k on 01/15 at 04:12 PM

#### you ugo, go suck on all sony’s ##### you stupid ############# D:<
Posted by l;cf,gl,dflgm on 01/15 at 04:12 PM

Russ, people gave you hard time before and were very rude but I really do think that you complain too much brother. This game is a big deal to Sony and if they want you to have the best impression of what they are shooting for in the final release, then I don’t see a problem.

Lets not even mention your last rant about the controls as I agree with most that posted that stated that as a gamer you adapt to small differences between games and the developers have the right to choose how they want the game to be played.

Annoyances are a part of life, we really don’t need to hear every time you experience something that is less than desirable. You have an opportunity to review one of the most anticipated games of this generation of consoles so far, act like an adult and quite sweating the small stuff. If you want I could review the game for you and you can stick to playing Gears and COD 4 if you like, if not just give us information that is useful.
Posted by CG on 01/15 at 04:13 PM

[Daver]

what an idiot... like #1 said, just be happy to have 1 copy of the game to review...

[CaseyRyback_CPO]

For the 360 games, its nothing but very excited writing. Not sure how you can describe it, but you can TELL these guys are gamers. And they LOVE their jobs.. but then when they do a PS3 game its like a terrible first time audition. They sit down in an empty room, the PS3 game walks in, and they ask it to show them something they've never concieved of before. Then when it does, they just say that they don't like its shoes.

I hate the whole unwritten requirement that the PS3 game has to be amazing, but be the same as other games. While many 360 titles get a pass on glitches/graphics/gameplay. I mean everyone pretty much threw Gears & Halo's SP out the window because the MP was there. Same with COD4. But now, KZ2 has to be the best SP game, and the best MP game in order to get an 8? heh...

Thats the only woah-is-me PS3 conspiracy that is actually provable. But thats the gaming media right now folks. if you don't believe me, just travel over to neogaf and watch the KZ2 thread with GamesRadar's comments. Its sickening that these people are going to give it a low score just to screw with the metascore.

[freeblue]

anyone wants to guess what his review score for Killzone 2 will be if he neckpiting a good thing? just imagine the tiny little annoy things he will try to find. oh. look the dirt flying across the screen is look like a tiny rock. it should be dirt not rock. -5 points.

[tplarkin7]

Sony fans are looking more and more like religious Nintendo fanboys. Facts, fun, or innovation don't matter. As long as it's Mario, it's AAA material.

Killzone 2 has exposed the Sony bias.

[FantasyStar]

yes plarkin, this news is like fanboy bait. Let the closet fanboys come. I hope 1UP (or whatever UGO wants to call em') does give Killzone 2 an 8 just to watch them squirm.

Like a "number" really mattered.

[dznutz00]

I need to get this of my chest so u can get of MS's breast (left breast FantasyStar right breast tplarkin)

first - of if this was a MS game u would be sayin the same thing

second - of ur comments make u a 360fanboy and all day ive been reading stupid comments by 360fanboy's that have no meaning or reasoning not to mention facts why because your jealous "maybe" or "maybe" its because u have no games to play or "maybe" just maybe u really feel ur right and these ps3fanboys are going crazy over a system that really is gonna die soon lmfao

but the truth is that as a ps3 owner myself i know that this game and my system will last and do great things but u sit in ur moms house on her couch eating her food playing the system she bought a say "Man i wish i had a job so i could buy myself a ps3" and thats not to say that every ps3 owner on n4g bought their ps3 with money they work 4 just to that u didnt

go a head and disagree with me on this but i know ur moms and there breast milk tastes better than MS's

o and fantasyStar i know u have a ps3 but still shut the hell up

lmao
DzNutz in ur mouth

edit: im not a fanboy because i dont hate the 360 or the wii i just like the controller of the ps3 and its games also i have no room in my life 4 two systems just so u know im 25 and i work dont have time to play that many games

[Sarcasm]

Anybody can smell the 7/10 from a mile away from this guy.

Minuses
- No Co-op
- Controls not customizeable
- No differences in Review build from last Review build

[FantasyStar]

nutz, great job on your post. You put thought into it and that's more than most people here do(although that nutz comment was really unnecessary). Just sit back and enjoy the games that we have now instead of worrying about the games in the future. You'll stress out less that way. A strong man doesn't need to read the future, he makes his own. =D

I do see the PS3 as lasting longer than the 360 just because I'm an advocate of advancing technology. But just because someone disagrees with me doesn't mean I'm losing any sleep or time over this. You should chill out and take the internet less seriously. You'll have more time for your homework and some quality gaming time.

Everyone's a fanboy. I'm a fanboy, and so are you. Whether it's consoles, technology, or the games. There's no such thing as an "Unbiased" person.

Just be happy that you have the privilege of being able to play your PS3 and be passionate about the things you value: especially in these harsh economic times where paying rent and struggling with car payments is more important than arguing with someone over the internet. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time =D

And I know you have games you should be playing. Like Way of the Samurai for PS2?

P.S. - I'm not the one that hit the disagree button!

[dznutz00]

please trust and believe im not taking this seriously im just giving u my 10cents lol

and I do agree that there's no such thing as unbiased but there is also differences between being biased and being a fanboy

game on FantasyStar game on

[prowiew]

People at n4g are the same at this guy!. Complaining because the guy complain in receiveing two review builds. Please!. He is not critizicing the game. People here cant take anything.

[Masta_fro]

its gonna be called FukU!GO.com...who wants to be a member?

[MURKERR]

developers are still striving to give us the best experience bar none? ..wtf

[FantasyStar]

It's weird huh?

[silvacrest]

that his/her problem was he/she didn't want to do the same "final" review again but you no what? i dont care

anyone with a job knows the pain of getting a little extra work or having to redo something but we all suck it up and do it anyway, we don't b***h and moan on a website

[GarandShooter]

'And that’s deeply worrying, and may require us changing our review practices in the future.'

Yeah, I'm really worried. Maybe your review practices should include purchasing a retail version of the game to review.

@ MURKERR - You're completely right. Every developer should strive to give us the best experience possible.

[Fishy Fingers]

Not something I'd be moaning about. They're just keeping him as up to date as possible and he has TWO copies of KZ2 in hand. I'd be one ecstatic little gamer if I was in his position.

[BRG9000]

What's valid to complain about is that they wasted his time with the first copy. He's spent hours playing it once, and has to play through the whole thing again now with a sharp eye for differences, or else just publish a review based on the first build which may have issues the retail doesn't. And if you listen to game sites' podcasts, they often mention that playing a game for review is very different from playing it for fun. The situation does kind of suck for him.

[Kleptic]

yeah its not like this guy had to play the first disc sent right away...if he is upset about getting an updated version, then why was he playing a game that he can't show a review for for nearly another month...

but its already more or less proven this guys review score is going to be pretty low...he claimed his control issues weren't fixed (that by the way was 2 weeks ago, when this guy flipped out because he couldn't exactly mimmick the controls of cod 4)...and he is basically whining about having to play killzone 2...again...before the people that are really excited for the game get to play it...yeah...tough job douche bag...we feel for you...seriously...

if Sony was concerned...as they should be...about these half-wit crap journalists unfairly judging the game...then they shouldn't have given a copy to shat ball review sites...

I would be very impressed if this guy gives the game above a 7.5...

[Johnny Rotten]

why can't they look at the things they didn't like about the game, see if the devs fixed it, then edit thier review to make it suit the newer version?

This also proves that when the reviews start rolling out we should take some of them with a grain a salt knowing that a newer review copy was sent out.

[Gambit07]

because that would require work

[yoghurt]

Don't click the link. He is actually complaining that Sony sent him an updated review disc, and he still has weeks to review the game. To be honest ungrateful complaining @55hole.

Doesn't deserve a review disc.

[HDgamer]

Biased people only complain, there's nothing wrong with reviewing a newer version of the game. Unless he hated it when he heard it's not a multiplatform.

[Kleptic]

he finished one review build...then probably formed to complaints that had some ground to stand on...and is now upset that Sony sent him another build that most likely fixed his complaints (feck his control whining by the way, that is where this guys rep came from...he can't stand that its not exactly like cod 4)...

we all know how desperate some are to find at least one thing to make a big deal out of...first it was the color...then some control complaints (everyone wanted more sensitivity, then when GG gave it to them, it was not enough)...then AI...all of these have been addressed...and its driving some places crazy...let alone when they get yet another update that fixes the smaller stuff in between...

feck it...this game will be 100% awesome...and the gaming media being the biggest joke in journalism isn't going to change that...

[Michael Jackson]

"lol at this site. I love to #### my cow while my horse is watching, it makes him jelous.
Posted by lol on 01/15 at 04:57 PM"

Maaan was that random. ROFLMAO :D

[Graphics Whore]

Aw crap UGO learn to shut it.

[Xandet]

Just a biased gamer scrambling to find bulls*** reasons to score the game low and not get flamed. All the MORE reason, I say..

[tudors]

because everything looks dumbed down, if the retail version has taken a hit then this is a bit of a problem.

[Sarcasm]

I wish you could be more dumbed down, but it doesn't seem to be possible. You're as dumb as they get.

[GrooveMachine]

you get to review games for a living you lazy ####

[pixelsword]

...like playing videogames on easy is so hard.

The boy needs to get his panties out of a bunch and do his job.

TAKE NOTE:

If this "reviewer" complains about the length, he'll make himself look even more foolish by posting this article, which will only provide proof that he's just complaining just to "be heard", and has no substance behind his statements... which warrants a perma-ban of UGO from my list of game sites.

[kewlkat007]

who cares about reviews...Right? It's only an opinion like yours..(Well if you've played it), right now nobody has played this game.. so your already bias.

Hopefully this game is reviews as the whole experience. I'm waiting.

[Fishy Fingers]

Played the beta. Not quite the same, but it's a start.

Edit: No, but it's closer to the final build than you've played no? Guess basing my impressions on the beta still makes me bias in your book huh...

[kewlkat007]

..

[Graphics Whore]

Way to take it out of context Kewlkat.

[kewlkat007]

"Edit: No, but it's closer to the final build than you've played no? Guess basing my impressions on the beta still makes me bias in your book huh..."

Excuse me Mr. I've played KZ2 BETA Bigshot...taking it personal I see.
Let me separate fishy from the 99% that have not played the game on N4G. There you go, I'm sure you enjoyed a Perfect BETA.

No I have not played myself but this article is about somebody that has but let the outcries begin.

[Fishy Fingers]

Personal? Haha no I'm afraid not. I was just saying I played the beta and that is what I used to gather my impressions of the game. So at least I have some experience and there for dont see myself as bias.

And like I said first off "Not quite the same, but it's a start."

I seem to remember people commenting on COD4/5 or Halo 3 after only playing the beta. Why is KZ any different?

[DJ]

When I was in the Beta, it looked like I was playing E3 Code. Game has better lighting and character models now. A little more color, too.

[Fishy Fingers]

Graphically, much better now yes. But the beta give you a better impression of how the game plays than any video or hand-on could. Because well, your playing it.

[DiabloRising]

Weird thing to complain about, especially if you want to REVIEW the game consumers get.

[callahan09]

This ass hole gets paid for this crap? He is sent a full version of Killzone 2 months before the game comes out. THEN, when Sony's got an even more polished version of the game, he gets THAT for free, too! And he's getting paid to receive & play these free games well before release and then tell the unsuspecting masses his worthless opinion about them.

Quit complaining, guy.

[tudors]

hopefully it is, I know some will not like to hear this but doesn't the IGN final build video worry some of you, even on easy the AL should still respond well or at least hit there target, anyway whats the point of a so called experienced gamer playing it on easy anyway? I am just a little concerned after seeing so many great videos that all of a sudden we have this IGN version which not only has poor AI but IMO looks worse, the animations are nowhere near as good as previously seen.

[slave2Dcontroller]

has become a one BIG STANK(not stink) ASS JOKE!

@tudors- Relax dude, the Enemy A.I. depends on level of difficulty and the Gaming Press tend to play things on the EASIEST SETTING. IGN also said the visuals come close to and at times seem to surpass the Target visuals.

[McLuvn]

numbnuts.

[Drekken]

Damn ingrates... Send me a review copy, Sony. I wont complain!

[Mike134nl]

When you send out a review code for a game it should be the correct version, otherwise it's just bad (time) management.

Though since it's game with so much riding on it for Sony, sending a second review code is not that bad a thing.
Esspecially since the guy now got another reason to play Killzone a second time.

But if it was some crap game it would feel sorry for him if his boss made him review the game again.

[geminibros]

What's wrong with you people? From the comments section at UGO:

"Jeez… you people are ridiculous. Is what Rusty’s saying even getting through or are you all too hung up on defending Killzone to notice?

Across the entire industry, any publication with access to debug consoles is going to get review code. These discs won’t play in retail consoles, but they are otherwise perfect reproductions of the final release which everyone will get to play when the game hits stores.

Increasingly over the past couple years, game journalists have been finding that this is not always the case. Ninja Gaiden 2, for example, arrived pretty early for most publications in review code form. The disc was accompanied by a note explaining the the final release would run more smoothly. It was pretty widely reported on, if memory serves.

This thing with Killzone however is completely new. The KZ2 review code has been in-hand for three weeks (or more). To get an updated build now, after so much time has passed, is quite frankly unprecedented. As Russ said, even though he’s already played through and beaten the game he’s now going to have to do it again. That’s a serious problem.

As soon as a reviewer can’t trust the content s/he is being sent to consider for review, it throws the entire process into question. Read and think before you respond. Whether you agree or disagree about the control issues, there is a different concern being addressed here. And a far more worrisome one, at that.
Posted by Adam R on 01/15 at 05:36 PM"

[thewhoopimen]

If Rusty has explained it the way AdamR did from the start, he wouldn't have gotten such a huge backlash. But EVEN given the explanation, he should have kept his whining to himself. No one, gamer or non-gamer, is ever going to believe Mr. Rusty's job is the most mission-critical, challenging work in the world. His deadline? A written piece due a week or two from today. The manual work he needs to put in? Pressing buttons and getting shot at by game AIs... oooh sooo stressful.

So Geminibros, while I understand both you and AdamR's explanation. It isn't going to convince me or the vast majority of WORKING people that he's just a whiny spoiled b1tch. Everyone has to adapt to changing market climates, and situations, and deadlines. I had to source a LCD panel internationally, find a kit to run it, coordinate the shipping and payment, hire an engineer to assemble the kit and test it, and submit it to IBM for approval for a 50,000 pc project deadline in under a week, all b/c of a last minute f*** up by my regular supplier. I dealt with it. Why can't Rusty rewrite his stupid article in 2 weeks and STFU?

[pixelsword]

Yet, getting a note from Ninja Gaiden didn't disturb him.

These same people would complain if they had to wait for the finished version, which would put their review schedule behind, so I don't wanna here it, besides; these people likely played the game on easy anyways.

People complaining to play games for money don't deserve that job.

*rolls eyes*

[weezy12]

soo hes upset that gg is still working to make the game better for us the consumer? instead of doin a bunch of patch work after we buy the game like many other games do thats interesting to say the least....

[geminibros]

...but then they shouldn't have sent out the review code in late-December/early-January! If the game's not finished, it's not ready to be reviewed. That makes any disc sent out a full game preview and nothing more. Only these discs were sent out as review copies. I have to wonder why. And if you all put any value in video game reviews - whether or not they're from UGO (since it's pretty clear what most of you think of the site) - then you should be wondering too.

[DeZimatoR]

This tool acts like its a sacrifice. F*cking muppet! If you don't want to play, send it to me, I'll gadly take it.

And he's still b!tching about the controls? And according to him not being able to 'map every single button' and 'set crouch to toggle' (which were both design decisions, not laziness of the devs) are issues? GTFO!

Its safe to say this idiot will be shafting Killzone 2 when he reviews it...

[thor]

He seems like with the controls he wants to map shoot to X, crouch to a lovely toggle on select, looking up to L2, looking left to L1, looking down to R3 and looking right to "up" on the d-pad, movement to circle, triange, square and L3 and grenades to the start button.

I don't see why he has to bring that up. He makes it sound (even though he might not think this) that the lack of toggle on crouch spoilt the game for him. (Which was an intentional decision; GG tried including a crouch toggle in SP but found it didn't work and slowed the game down too much.)

His point is sort of valid; he does now have to play through the game again, and it's not just playing through it again, it's his job; writing notes, analysing the game, typing up his thoughts. He's already done all that, and now he has to do it again. That's his complaint. But it's all wrapped up in one big KZ2 hate article. He should have worded it a lot better (though I suppose he gets hits this way).

[jackdoe]

Lol. I'm sorry, but if you are still embargoed from releasing a review, then it is fine that Sony sends you a second review build. Once that embargo lifts, final is final. But before that, it is fine.

[Playa7970]

what a moron.. that article just proves how these reviewers are nitpickers.... they play it over and over to find any flaws

[Alcohog]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaah.

[sinny]

hahahahaha
It's the same idiot who wanted to crouch with the circle button....
hahahaha

now he is complaining because GG is still working to make the game even better? god

[weezy12]

what a loser good job gg for still working on the game rather than having it released for months and patching it... i love how he says of sony about what has changed in this new build "assuming they dont get back to me" ha they have sent you 2 review builds but you think they wont let you know whats improved after you ask funny

[FantasyStar]

The only thing the article said was that they got 2 review copies because one is older than the other and SCEA wants UGO to have the latest build in their hands for a review, so UGO now has to replay the 2nd disc just to make sure nothing major changed for the worse.

Half these comments are just downright retarded. Way to go fanboys. You just proved your ignorance and prejudice, once more.

[GarandShooter]

'I know for sure that control issues I mentioned (regarding the game’s inability to let you remap all the controls or set crouch to a toggle) are still in there, but apart from that, it’s anyone’s guess. '

That's saying something different than a second build to review.

'so UGO now has to replay the 2nd disc just to make sure nothing major changed for the worse.'

Or to highlight things that have changed for the better. Your wording reveals alot about you.

It's his job. Period. End of story. All of us who work have problems happen. Deal with it. If this is the biggest gripe he has with his job/life, he should consider himself a very lucky person. Why does he feel the need to vent it on the internet?

[beavis4play]

i've noticed your posts because they are all written as if you think you are vastly superior to everyone else........and you're not.

also, i question your intelligence. do you actually think GG is gonna make another review build of KZ2 that changes "for the worst"? think about that for a minute. to borrow a phrase of yours: "i think YOU just proved YOUR OWN ignorance.

[cayal]

My thoughts on the issue:

Big f**king deal!

[beavis4play]

exactly.

[S1nnerman]

Someone give this numbskull an award for being the most whiney git alive ... poor him having to play KZ2 again. Gosh, darn it, life is just so unfair!! (that last bit was sarcasm btw) I'd swap with him in a heart beat. Perhaps he'd like to do my job all day instead and write papers on legislation? Very exciting ... <yawn>

[ironcreed]

This guy plays video games for a living, and he complains that he recieved an updated review copy of one of the years hottest titles? Boo Hoo, you have to play one of the years most highly anticipated releases for a second time....what a chore.

If anything, Guerrilla deserves points for trying to make sure the final version is as polished as possible, which is why they sent you another review copy. This is actually a good sign.

So, just do your 'job', and judge the game according to it's quality instead of purposefully trying to find a reason to dock it. As it sounds to me like you are just afraid that this second review copy they sent you may be even better then what you already played. God forbid you have to force yourself to give this game an AAA score. Although we know you will do no such thing based on the attitude you are expressing here. You are already complaining and setting the stage before your review even goes up.

[joevfx]

gimme a break dude, thats part of your job. I have to do stuff over and over at work everyday , big freaking deal, its part of the job. Stop being a big baby and do your job or quit and find a different career.

[proArchy]

Hilarious comment thread in article is hilarious!

[NaiNaiNai]

funny how every sonyfanboy says every site online is biased to the ps3, maybe just maybe, no one thinks its everything in the world, but then again, everyone including your mom is on M$ paylist.
-nai-

[omega7]

are u idle now

since there is nothing worth playing on that suck box 360

[ActionBastard]

Just be happy you have ANY build to play.

[bviperz]

Give me both copies and I'll review both with no complaints. How's that?

[demoneyeslaharl]

You can't. He needs to eat too.

[SSCOOLCHEA]

Momma jokes how original. You must be that ugly kid with the cute mom .

How did that happen ?

[NaiNaiNai]

sorry did i offend you. well it must be true, since they pay everyone off, wouldn't surprise me if one of you droids said the president was paid off by M$. LMFAO.
-nai-

[proArchy]

Well Obama IS giving up his Blackberry for a Windows Mobile phone. what's that say to you? ;)

[goflyakite]

DAMN!

Every time I see a screen shot of this game, I want to play it so badly.
-nai-

[NaiNaiNai]

no no, yours is supposed to be -goflyakite- or -gfak-
-nai-

[goflyakite]

Then shouldn't yours be -NaiNaiNai- or -NNN-?
-nai-

[NaiNaiNai]

no no its either -nai- or -nnn-. none of the letters in the name are allowed to repeat. see like your name.
-nai-

*edit* theres 3 sets of NAI in my name, that makes 3 of each letter, so it cant be -nainainai- because it repeats. how ever you can use your full name -goflyakite- because none of the letters repeat. or you could have the -gfak- like i have -nai- which would be a shorter version.
-nai-

[goflyakite]

I'm sorry, but you're not making any sense.
-nai-

[likedamaster]

@goflyakite

LOL
-nai-

[silverchode]

ill join

-nai-

[proArchy]

WTF? lol

[omodis420]

So lets get this straight. No one has a right to criticize Killzone 2? Is that what this site has become.

Well I guess I'm in the right place.

KILLZONE 2 will own 09!!!!!