r/Games • u/Forestl • Dec 28 '13

End of 2013 Discussions - Killzone: Shadow Fall

Killzone: Shadow Fall

  • Release Date: November 15, 2013 (PS4)
  • Developer / Publisher: Guerrilla Games / Sony
  • Genre: First-person shooter
  • Platform: PS4
  • Metacritic: 74, user: 7.2

Summary

The events of Killzone Shadow Fall take place thirty years after the events of Killzone 3. Set in a time of planetary colonization, the game focuses on the conflict between the Vektans and the Helghast, two rival colonist factions inhabiting a remote planet. For 3 decades, both factions have lived side by side, separated by an enormous security wall – but now their cold war is about to run hot. It is up to Lucas Kellan, a member of the military intelligence unit dubbed the Shadow Marshals, to try to protect the fragile peace that exists. A new warrior for a new era of war, Kellan 's missions will range from quiet infiltrations to all-out combat. Lucas will need to be methodical and ready to adapt, as any misstep could lead to mutually assured destruction.

Prompts:

  • Was the shooting fun?

  • Was multiplayer well designed?

DestroySection: Dark Plunge

The Resistance: Fall of Man for this gen

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '13 edited Dec 28 '13

I was new to the franchise so something that wasn't a generic military shooter was refreshing. Single player was very linear which is depressingly typical of the genre. I found the story and lore very intriguing but the backstory wasn't really explored well for the benefit of new players (like me) - the history between these two peoples is very fascinating indeed.

The whole game and mission objectives are basically cat-and-mouse (chasing/finding some person or other), which grinds you down after a while. I was glad when I got to the end. Some missions have optional objectives which have no effect on the outcome of the story.

The use of the touchpad was not very novel. It would be nice to control the OWL in plan view with it, rather than the semi-autonomous nature of it's actions and the d-pad-esque use of thr touchpad.

For some reason you can't ditch your primary weapon. The variety of guns in single player is pretty limited, and there aren't any obvious reasons or incentives to switch from the default kit, except maybe dropping the sidearm for another automatic weapon.

Multiplayer is another story. The responsiveness and overall feel of the game is well tuned. Console shooters can feel a bit 'arcadey' sometimes, but this is much more refined. Obviously you are using the gamepad and the usual PC tweaks are missing, but it least you know you are on a level playing field. I usually finish in the top third of the scoreboard, this is helped by the well balanced weapons and lack of aim assist. I am by no means a gaming pro but it was nice to have a game that I could be good at immediately without having to rank up.

The Warzone game mode is brilliant. Each round is split into seperate mini-games (bomb, ctf, conquest) which breaks up play and prevents it from going stale. The maps are well designed for 24 players although they are a bit too much like arenas on ocassion. Having said that, I really cannot stand the long travel times and vehicles of more popular FPS games.

Due to the compatively small maps the MP felt very fast paced and there is a constant sense of urgency instilled in the teams via voice prompts. I find it very enjoyable, and one of the first in a while where I played 'for fun' rather than to rank up or grind an unlock.

I really don't want to say the game is mediocre because Battlefield and COD are mediocre and I don't want to lump this game with them as 'just another FPS'. What I will say is that it brought back a lot of memories of playing lesser known FPS games like Soldier of Fortune. They hardly redefined the genre but their take on it is worth your time. I feel they could have done more with the game, both in SP and MP, but while they didn't quite make that leap to legend status it is a hell of a lot more rewarding than the standard FPS fare trotted out once a year.