Killzone 2

"Can you say another PS3 killer app?"

Let me just say this right away: If you buy a PS3, you need to have this game. Not only is it a blast to play, but it's gorgeous, sounds great, and is something to showoff to your PS3 hating friends. The closest game that I could compare this to right off the bat was the "Call of Duty" series. Like "Call of Duty", it's fast-paced, fun, and very easy to get into.

Graphics: 10/10

Obviously pushing the PS3 to the limit, this is definitely a top-notch looking game. From the highly detailed pores on your teammates faces to the smooth engravings on beat up walls, this game shines in all aspects of the looks department. One thing that really stood out for me was how your enemies were distinguished very well from your allies. As in the first one, the enemies you fight have really noticeable shiny eyes, which make them really easy to stick out. All in all, the game looks great.

Control Scheme: 10/10

Don't listen to the haters: the controls are responsive as fast as you wanted them to be and they are in a fine scheme. The game shares the same sprinting button as the "Call of Duty" series on the Xbox, which is clicking in the left control stick. Everything else works great and is the best you're going to get from a PS3 FPS.

Sound: 10/10

From all angles, there is something to be heard. The game has very distinguishable gun noises and enemy/ally voices. Plus, you'll rarely here your allies say the same thing twice-that is until you play the game over again because of how good it was. Footsteps, tank shells, radio broadcasts, to even the whoosh of an RPG coming right at you make the most of your home entertainment system.

Replayability: 10/10

The single play is lengthy with 4 different difficulty levels. The last one will definitely take you some time to beat. Top it off with a fun multiplayer, badges, and a leveling system, and you have yourself a long lasting PS3 shooter.

Fun Factor: 10/10

The game has a great look to it. Building itself upon the previous Killzone, the game has really created its own unique universe with a diverse story (which I won't spoil) about how your enemy's morale has increased beyond your allies' assumptions. Plenty of weapons, enemy types, bosses, and a great multiplayer will keep this one spinning in your Playstation 3 for quite some time.

Overall: 10/10

The game is simply a brilliant and engaging shooter. Along with other console shooters such as Halo, Call of Duty, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, and Gears of War, this game joins the group to some of the greatest console shooters in history.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/06/09

Game Release: Killzone 2 (US, 02/27/09)