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Killzone: Liberation
Review
Killzone on the
Playstation 2 was knighted as the Halo killer that unfortunately was
greeted with mix reviews from around the world. The initial screenshots
of this first person shooter on the PlayStation 2 were simply amazing;
however the developers used a combination of high resolution textures
with low resolution that caused great debate among the gaming community.
Needless to say, Killzone was a hit on the PlayStation 2 and this time
it’s the PSP’s turn with a sequel entitled Killzone: Liberation that
promises the same thrills and action as its precursor.
Once again the game is
still set in a post apocalyptic future where the tyrannical and
nefarious General Metrac is still enforcing genocide upon the population
of the world through his powerful Helghast army. Set two months after
the original game, gamers control Jan Templar and fortunately for the
people of Southern Vekta, this hero stands in the way of General Metrac
who has been given orders to rescue ISA hostages and to use deadly force
with any who stand in the way.
Features
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Unique Third Person Camera: This new
intelligent camera system gives the player the best overview
capturing all of the intense action, enabling them to make tactical
decisions before engaging in a firefight.
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New and Returning Characters: The
player reprises the role of the battle hardened Templar (although
other familiar characters appear including Rico) as he attempts to
save ISA hostages taken captive by the evil General Metrac and leads
the battle to gain the liberation of Southern Vekta. The player will
have to overcome all new Helghast enemies including bodyguards
(complete with riot shield defence) and trained killer dogs.
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Missions: The fight against the new,
sinister General spans over 16 missions in a variety of new
environments.
-
Weaponry: Players will be able to
utilize a wide range of weaponry including sniper rifles and a
crossbow with explosive tipped arrows and more.
-
Tactical Command System: At specific
points in the game, players will be able to use a new Tactical
Command System to give orders to an AI buddy during frantic
firefights.
-
Vehicles: Killzone: Liberation also
allows players to drive vehicles including tanks and hovercrafts to
help defeat the powerful and intelligent enemy.
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Challenge Games: Players can compete in
challenge games to sharpen their skills and earn new abilities.
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Multiplayer Functionality: The
multiplayer functionality in Killzone: Liberation takes full
advantage of the wireless capabilities of the PSP hardware, with two
distinct styles of gameplay: 1) Two player cooperative gameplay in
the single player mission 2) One to six player games over six
multiplayer maps.
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Gameshare Mode: Killzone: Liberation
will feature gameshare mode where players can share demo levels of
the game with other PSP system owners.
The gameplay of
Killzone Liberation takes a twisted turn from its predecessor as the
first person shooter aspect has been replaced with an extremely
entertaining top-down view that is similar to games such as Fallout,
Gauntlet or Diablo which makes perfect sense for the PSP.
In its essence,
Killzone Liberation is a futuristic slaughter fest of Gauntlet that
gives the gamer access to a variety of futuristic and technological
advanced weaponry. Apart from running around and annihilating your
enemies, Templer can also perform a variety of manoeuvres such as rolls,
climbs and ducks and match that to other equipment available such as C4
explosives and the army of Helghast has just received their latest cure.
Another interesting addition to the series is that players can also
commandeer vehicles and navigate the gaming environment which is a great
twist to the series and actually quite entertaining.
The control system of
Killzone on the PSP is perfect and uses the analog stick to move your
character with shoulder buttons and the d-pad used for firing, changing
weapons and accessing different equipment. With that said, the control
system is perfect and even the novice gamer will have little difficulty
in mastering.
Combat in Killzone
is also extremely well coordinated and gamers can attack their foes from
a variety of different positions in the gaming environment and with a plethora of
new weapons such as flame throwers and even crossbows, there’s
definitely a weapon of choice for you. Even the AI will go out of their
way to find a better position to take your character which is great news
for those wanting a little bit more out of their game.
Apart from the 16
single-player campaign missions, Killzone Liberation also features some
great multiplayer access that allows 2-players to play via a co-op mode
or up to six players via the combat zone for some pure action packed
adrenaline pumping excitement.
Graphically, Killzone
Liberation is a visual treat on the PlayStation Portable that features
state-of-the-art graphics with highly detailed post apocalyptic
backgrounds that really immerse the gamer into this dangerous and ruined
world. Match that with realistically modeled characters and a wide
range of special effects from Hollywood style explosions, lighting and
some amazing firing affects and this is one top class title.
Musically, Killzone
Liberation features a great soundtrack that matches the genre perfectly
and add in a variety of background ambience and all the sounds of war
such as weapon muzzle or your enemies being challenged and it’s very
easy to get lost while playing this game.
In conclusion, Klilzone
Liberation is a brilliant addition to the PSP library that features an
extremely original concept to the system with great graphics, an
engaging storyline and some of the best damn gameplay in months. Highly Recommended! |
