Killzone 2 Demo Impressions

"Now this is what I call Quality"

The Killzone 2 demo finally hits the PSN today(At least in the UK and in the US for those who received the demo code for pre-ordering from Gamestop) after much anticipation and well-received hype. I've downloaded the demo to see if it can leave a great thoughts in my head since the KZ2 multiplayer demo. Not only did it leave me great thoughs, it made me asking for more.

The game starts you at the menu screen. You will notice the menu is different from other menus in First-Person shooters. This menu adds a nice effect to the menus. In a way, similar to Fallout 3's menu system. After selecting the campaign and the difficulty menu, it will take you a loading screen. The loading screen is actually 3D and you can use the sixaxis controls to move the loading screen around. Pretty cool, eh? After it loads, it will take you into action.

The first thing you gonna notice is the graphics. Very detailed, very gritty and grimy. If anyone ask you to point to a game that looks like pure warzone, just say Killzone 2. You will be amazed at the graphic presentation as you look as what is happening in the cutscence. This is the best graphics I've seen on consoles so far. I can go as far as saying this game looks better than MGS4. So, if you're a graphics whore, you will be locked on to your TV.

After you crash on site, almost instantly you will be in action. As you move along, it will tell you what buttons to press for the corresponding action. I found the default controls to be a little difficult, so I've changed the control scheme to Alternate 2. If COD4 ruined you in terms of FPS controls (like myself), Alternate 2 is the best control layout for you. Another thing I love about this game is that it's not a run & gun type game. If you like to be successful and not be killed, using the cover system is one of the important factors in combat. I found out the hard way by going out into the open only to be gunned down like a innocent man. Another thing I also like is that you have a sense of weight while controlling your character. With the heavy artillery and armor in your possession, you will run slow and aiming can take some time to get used to. This game will require you to rely on your skill and not just spray & pray.

The demo is pretty short. I say just about 15 minutes from a normal run through but just enough to have a taste of what's to come in a few weeks. This demo will make you asking...begging for more.

Killzone 2 is shaping up to be a potential game of the year by getting nothing but 9s and 10s across the internet. Kil(lzone 2 also have the potential to be a system seller. With reportedly 1.1 million pre-orders in Europe alone and a huge marketing campaign in mid-Feb, it's shaping up to put up some awesome numbers in it's first weeks of sales. Be sure to cop Killzone 2 exclusively for the PS3 on Feb 27th. Now I can officially retire COD4.