Basically, the post culminates in an image (found here). The image describes a fan of Killzone 2, but points out the flaws – all flaws that were generally given out by fans at the time anyway.

It then goes on to show that these flaws were pretty much entirely ironed out of the third game. And hence, the thank you. The comment thread is interesting to watch as the debate goes on. As a fan of the series it’s nice to see this kind of thing – even if it does stink to holy hell of guerilla marketing!

Killzone 2 took the series to the next level. Ditching the bugs and grey experience, the second iteration took on a much higher level of detail, far superior to its Xbox kin (Halo) in terms of looks. The action was more realistic, with many complaining that the gun mechanic was too jerky and recoil was too punishing, particularly online. This, however, introduced a learning curve that most modern console-based FPS’ wouldn’t dare introduce. Challenging the player? Madness, they said!

The third installment in the series directly picks up after the events of Killzone 2 (you’re on Helghan, they’re angry and your squad isn’t in the good books with the boss). The ISA is trying to pick up where it left off – and get off the planet without being killed by the feuding (internally) Helghan.

The same technology is being used to render the beautiful and pristine world of Helghan, except this time Guerilla took it upon themselves to add more spice and color to the mix, showing that their engine is a true contender for ‘best in class’. Comparisons won’t be drawn to Halo anymore, but now we’re on a par with Crysis 2. The impressive engine doesn’t end at graphics, as the physics models are excellent too. Ragdoll effects are not over the top, but just right when you shoot Helghan foes from rooftops, adding to the immersion rather then adding comedic effect to a serious game.

So we know the technology is right – but what about the story? Guerilla said before the release that they were focusing on how to tell a story this time around. It must be said this is not initially apparent. While the story is quite linear, it is well told. Dialogue leaves much to be desired but this game is a big guns and action kind of game – it was never going to have the same level of dialogue as Heavy Rain. They’ve added more guns and action while reining in the story to keep it easy for players to focus on why they’re mowing down hordes of Helghast. There’s a lot of internal political wrangling on the Helghan side, while the ISA is trying to focus its troops on getting out of there.

This explains why you’re doing what you’re doing without taking away from the fun of shooting evil nazi-esque dudes. Which, for an FPS, is all the player will really ask.

I noted that there is more guns and action. The guns themselves are quite similar to Killzone 2, and veterans of that title will feel more then at home here. However, Guerilla have added some extra oomph to this title. Mechs were briefly introduced in Killzone 2, and in Killzone 3 there is more of that kind of action. We’ve also all seen the gun-toting jetpack. Anyone who came to the shoryuken.ie event last year got to play with this – long before release, or even beta!

These things add a lot of thrills for short periods of time. They’re not going to change the dynamic of the game, or make you think any more or less of it, but it’s the same effect as seeing a huge car chase in a movie – for a brief moment you’re delighted with yourself but afterwards it’s right back to business.

The main selling point of Killzone 2 was, perhaps, the online mode. Killzone 3 has taken the odd approach to not push things out. There is a danger with online shooters that adding more oomph just makes you compete with bigger titles. 64 player teams are useless because you’re never going to beat Battlefield. Simply having huge open spaces for 32 player teams to run around competes with Halo. So instead, Guerilla have decided to funnel their online mode into very tactical games. It’s very similar to Killzone 2, but maps are designed around 12 man teams fighting against each other in tighter, more refined levels with better laid out goals.

This means, as time goes on, Killzone 3′s online lobby is more likely to have more populated games, but also allows for longer, more cohesive teamwork to occur with less people with more to focus on. It’s a bold move to try and not be Battlefield or Halo (something most console FPS’ could be accused of) but already it appears to be working for them.

Overall Killzone 3 is much like the second game. A huge technical showpiece with a lot to offer. The single player campaign will thrill and excite but it’s really the online gameplay that will keep people coming back to it.

Picking up right where Killzone 2 left off, you return to the role of ISA Sgt. “Sev” Sevchenko. Beaten, bloody but not broken you and your fellow ISA veterans find yourself outnumbered and isolated following the events of Killzone 2. New enemies, new environments and new threats wait for you as the story for survival unfolds.

Add in 3D support including online, split-screen co-op campaign, and full PlayStation Move support including the new sharp shooter peripheral and it’s more to do than you can shake a stick at.

We’ve got two flavors of Killzone 3 for you on Feb 22nd. The standard edition and the hardcore Helghast Edition. The Helghast Edition includes the uber-cool Cloaking Helghast Marksman figure and the Helghast Helmet replica. It’s also replete with a super voucher including access to the Killzone 3 Soundtrack, dynamic theme, Retro Map Pack, and the whole slew of pre-order unlocks.

Speaking of pre-order unlocks, check them out in detail below, and find us online on February 22nd!
Looking forward to the mayhem and slaughter online, see you on 02.22.11 and while you wait, make sure to check out the awesomeness of the Killzone 3 Justice trailer again!
Mike

Pre-order Killzone 3 at one of the following participating retailers for an added bonus!

GameStop – Guerrilla Pack
Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive a GameStop Exclusive PSN code unlocking all multiplayer weapons and abilities for the first 24 hours of multiplayer gameplay. Also includes the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2.
Best Buy – Fast Starter Pack
Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive a BestBuy Exclusive PSN code allowing you to rank up faster, as you earn experience points at double the normal rate for the first 24 hours of multiplayer gameplay. Also includes the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2.
Amazon.com – Unlock and Load Pack
Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive an Amazon.com Exclusive PSN code and get instant access to 3 Unlock Points to use on the weapon or ability of your choice and get the early edge in Killzone 3 Multiplayer. Also includes the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2.
All other participating retailers – Retro Pack
Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive an exclusive PSN code giving you the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2. Also receive an exclusive PlayStation 3 Dynamic Theme.

While you’re having a very gamey Christmas, remember those less fortunate and donate to Childs Play

A page on the official site popped up and soon after was taken down but some intrepid internet ninja’s screen capped it, for us to all enjoy!

Many moons ago Sony released the original Killzone to much hooplah, but it failed to quite hit the mark Halo did on the competitions’ console. A few years later and with the PS3 powering the game, Guerilla Games managed to make a game that ticked all of the boxes, but importantly, was clearly “going somewhere”. And here we are, facing an early 2011 release date of a game that arguably looks more impressive then Crysis 2.

Not only is the game beautiful, it will be released with PS Move compatibility. This means instead of using your controller to aim and shoot, you can point-and-shoot at the screen as you would with an airsoft gun. This could open the game up to a new audience of people who enjoy hobbies like airsoft, paintball etc. I say this as someone who’s brother is getting into airsoft in a big way, so I can see him and his little friends wanting this kind of technology. Not just the ability to wave a controller around like a lunatic – but the software to back it up. Furthermore, the controller is a great way to showcase what Sony are trying, but the game will also be available for those lucky few who own 3D TV’s!

No such thing is on show for us though. It was pure, HDTV glory. And it looked beautiful. We’ve all seen the clips and videos from various game shows with the game being played. We’ve all seen the new technology, like the flying boost suit and mechanised weaponry in the form of the “swarm” level which features you mowing down Helghast on a 50 cal gun on the side of a hovership.

The game is suitably epic, and suitably testosterone-filled for a big budget FPS going up against the likes of Halo or Call of Duty. Moreso, in fact. While Guerilla have said they’ve put more focus on writing and the ability to tell a story then on just gun-ho action, none of that was on show for us. Instead, it was balls-to-the-wall action.

Beautiful graphics aside (the opening sequences are stunningly lush) the game addresses one of people’s biggest complaints: recoil. The game was built with the idea of “hyper realism”. Big guns, big noise, lots of action and a realistic sense of these guns firing big, loud, obnoxious bullets. However online, when competing against Halo and games that treat you a bit easier, Killzone 2 failed to appease all of these gamers. The new game engine feels more refined in many ways, but the recoil is addressed and will open the game up to a whole heap of extra people. It’s a competitive market, and most people love the way Killzone looks, but just can’t quite get used to the guns. This game will bring them all in.

The Helghast didn’t seem smarter then in Killzone 2. It had good AI anyway, but the duck-and-cover mode of avoiding your bulletstorm was a little tried-and-tested, so easy to avoid. Setting the game on a harder mode simply makes them more indestructible rather then smarter. Though, running up to one and snapping their necks needs to be felt to be believed.

Given this was pre-alpha code it ran remarkably well, with only one hiccup, but it didn’t hinder the game. Though it did take quite some time to load the game up.

You don’t need me to tell you this will be an epic game – but now Dublin residents can check it out for themselves. Regardless, this is one to seriously wait for. Rumours of a beta being released to the public are hopefully true, because this game will shine online with it’s newly refined control scheme.

Martin de Ronde and Michiel Mol are forming a new company called Vanguard, which will swallow up indie developers W!Games (Greed Corp). Their ethos will be to explore “the fundamental mechanics of the fast growing market of PC online games and applying them to products for consoles and other premium platforms.”

So what happens when you pit the urban setting of Crysis 2′s graphics against the gritty future of Killzone 3? A graphical showdown, which appears to show the console game in the ascendency. Check out the video below featuring both side-by-side, and judge for yourself.