For the most part, I don’t buy video games unless they have a multiplayer aspect. Whether it’s co-op, or competitive multiplayer, the game just has to have something to keep me coming back months after buying it. Lucky for me, Killzone 2 does have a multiplayer, and a meaty one at that.
While Yamster is handling the single player Impressions of Killzone 2, arguably the PS3’s biggest release yet, I’ll be giving my impressions of the Multiplayer part of the game. Check out my initial impressions after just over 4 hours played in multiplayer matches, and I’ll give you the low down on what to expect from Killzone 2’s multiplayer, after the jump.
Multiplayer is a fickle mistress. Leave it for a while and she’ll turn on you, but if you stick with her from the beginning, she’ll treat you right. Nowhere is that more evident in Killzone’s multiplayer offering. Right from the start, you’re biggest obstacle is finding a control scheme that fits your play style. In my initial play through in both the single player and multiplayer, I played with the default set up, which has you zooming with click of the right thumb stick, shooting with R1 and meleeing with L1 and the rest of the controls in their regular spot, L2 for crouch, R2 for grenade, and so on and so forth. When I first played the game, I liked the set up, especially in single player. Online was an entirely different story.
Using the standard set up, you have toggle your aim, which I found to be too clunky for my run and gun style. There was just too many times where I would toggle the zoom on and the fight with the controls, half expecting it to resume firing from the hip without me inputting another function. The real problem is, when in a crazy fire fight, sometimes the difference between you living or respawning is the single twitch reflex and I found that extra click throwing off my game. It’s a personal preference thing, I wholeheartedly acknowledge, but there’s something to be said for the developer NOT putting in the ability to customize your controls, ala Resistance 2.
In any event, lets get back to the gameplay. Once you’re able to get used to the controls, no matter your configuration, the first thing you notice is just how freaking good looking the multiplayer maps look. Sure they’re all basically some different version of a run down factory or other mechanized area, but darn if they ain’t purty!
One map sticks out in my mind, for the most part because its the only map that isn’t a run down factory. It’s a sandy map with a reddish color palate that is unlike any of the other maps in the game. I don’ recall the name of the map and really it doesn’t matter, but it’s your basic multiplayer map, with two different “bases” across a wide swath of open ground with three bridges extending over a chasm, serving as both choke points and pathways to your opponent. What is so great about it is the weather effects. You’re basically fighting during a dust storm of some kind with constant debris and sand blowing across the battle field. It’s a sight to behold.
Once you’re in a map, the game is split up into five minute segments, with each segment representing a different game type that are variations on tried and true shooter gametypes. For the most part, you’ll either be grabbing something to take somewhere, taking and holding areas like Domination in CoD4, searching and destroying stuff, going after a certain player in the Assassination mode, or doing a straight up deathmatch. Each segment is scored and at the end of the match, the team with the most segment wins is the victor, who also earns a nice xp bonus.
More on the multiplayer including my likes and dislikes, on page 2.
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Sounds great. I can’t even have a 16 player match on Halo 3 without lag, so 32 player with no lag sounds awesome! Especially since it’s for free unlike Xbox live. Looking forward to seeing what you guys think of the game.
I’m unbelievably happy to hear this. I’ve got Killzone 2 queued for rental simply because I didn’t want to buy it unless the multiplayer got reviewed as at least equal to Call of Duty’s replayability. I’ll still be renting for the time being, going to want to check out more than one review before deciding to buy, but this definitely is a step in the “buy” direction.
To be honest, if Lono is praising it that’s a great start! Can’t wait to listen to the next Uncle Gamer episode, Parris really didn’t think this was going to be anything special. It’ll be interesting to hear his comments based on this insight.
i think you can make the zoom holdable for multiplayer.
anyway im having a great time with it so far (even if im having a bitch of a time getting the sidearm ribbon).
id like to hear an updated impression when you unlock all the classes Lono, just to see if the experiance is any different
Wow, I’m surprised. I figured that after I destoryed you round after round, you would hate the game! lol.
j/k, I was no match for Lono… except the time we meleed each other at the same time and both died, that was hilarious
Glad to see I’m not the only one concerned with the turrets. I’m not gonna go so far as to say they are a problem now but I’ve been in a few games where it was almost impossible to get out of the spawn room due to the turrets.
I’ve been having a lot of fun playing KZ2 multiplayer. I havent had any problems myself with bot turrets, though I can see it being a problem.
The communication issues are definitely problematic.. there’s just too much damn open-mic in tight spaces. This game NEEDS a party system! Having to set up squads every match is rediculous if you want to play with friends.. getting put on opposite teams is especially frustrating.
I also already miss bots online for lack of a co-op campain.
But, I can’t say I’m not having a blast. Warzone is fun as hell.
The option to change the control layout is great. For me, it just feels more natural to use R2 to fire a gun. My biggest complaint is that you can’t shoot your gun while jumping. Then again, I’m also transitioning from the Halo universe to KZ2 and it’s a big DIFFERENCE. Love the game, love the review !
One thing the class system is doing is making the gameplay change every time, it will balance out soon enough, but because people are still unlocking new ranks the game really changes.
That problem with the headset seems to be a problem with the headset itself. I found that if I connected it up using a USB cable like instructed, you get better sound quality in games designed to support its high quality audio. However, the problem is that the mic volume is really low when you play in a game that doesn’t support the headset specifically.
When I first got End War it was borderline unplayable with the microphone because my orders weren’t being heard clearly. The solution is to sync it up to your PS3 like a standard bluetooth device. You lose the HQ audio in supported games but it actually works in all games correctly then.
its haves vehicles????
Nice post! But I need to mention a few things about your dislikes.
1. Mics
It all depends on the range of the person. If they are close you can talk. But as they start to get out of range you cant speak to them. Heck, I’ve even spoken to my enemies as I’m fighting them. Join a squad so you can remain in constant contact.
2. Enginner Turrets
It may seem unfair to get in your situations, but we enginners have our reasons. Turrets are incredibly weak alone and hardly do damage, but multiple ones can guard anything. To destroy the bots in one shot, just quickly lob a grenade at it. Its as simple as that.
Well, I hope I helped and I hope to see you sometime. my PSN is Lser
TO GET RID OF TOGGLE.
Go to controls and check the box
HOLD AIM
they are actually fixing some of the issues in KZ2 in a patch coming out soon apperently.
http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=killzone2&thread.id=217956
Gilarus from the forums is already a general -_-
I agree about the turrets, they give such a big advantage over people who aren’t ranked up
While the turrets are unfair to those of lower levels they are not particularly useful to those of higher levels. In a 1 on 1 fight man vs turret most people will be able to kill the turret or run past it/dance around it without getting killed. decent support weapon but crappy for actually getting kills. Air support is similar though even less useful (I think I have a kill with air support after multiple uses). Besides Lono knows that my turrets aren’t as scary as me with a shotgun.
The turrets are easy to kill, plus you get a point for killing them. Also, aim toggle can be changed in the options.
Otherwise, this game is legendary. If you dont own it you like men, it’s that simple.
good news.