PlayStation LifeStyle » Killzone

Original Killzone Coming to PS3, But Not In HD

Jonathan Leack — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:22:04 +0000

Chances are you’ve taken up arms in Killzone 2 or Killzone 3 by now, but have you wondered what happened before the series made its way to the current generation? Maybe you don’t have a backward compatible PlayStation 3 or a PlayStation 2. Well that’s okay, because soon you’ll have a new affordable option.

Sony has confirmed that the original Killzone will be added to the PlayStation Store as a PlayStation 2 classic. It’s scheduled to arrive in the US on January 24th, and will be available at the golden price of $9.99, but details for Europe were not given. Unfortunately, it will not be an in HD Collection form, so those wanting to experience the series’ roots in full-HD glory are short of luck. Oh, and there won’t be any trophies either.

Killzone debuted in November of 2004 and was received moderately well with many critics praising it for its remarkable visuals, a trait that both of its successors would retain, but many felt the game was a bit too buggy and tried to push too much out . Plot-wise it precedes the second installment, so if you enjoy the story found in the second and third games, then this may be $10 well spent.

Killzone 3 Limited to Only Three Operations Maps, Additional Levels ‘Unlikely’

Jonathan Leack — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:18:10 +0000

Killzone 3 has been well supported by Guerrilla Games since its launch back in February. A total of three DLC packs have been released, and best of all, they’ve included quality content for an unbeatable price. However, Killzone fans have been asking for one thing in particular which has yet to be addressed: additional operations mode maps.

Guerrilla Games has displayed some doubt on whether or not additional operations maps would be added post-launch. We can now safely, and sadly, say that there is very little chance that this wide concern for Killzone 3 will ever be addressed. The official Killzone twitter account had the following posted in response to a question regarding DLC and operations mode:

It is unlikely there will be any more Operations maps for Killzone 3.

There are currently only three maps that support operations mode, and they are Frozen Dam, Akmir Snowdrift, and Mawlr Graveyard. Coincidentally, many argue that these are the most entertaining maps, and the mode sets the game apart from competitors with its player-integrating cutscenes and big moments. It’s a shame that Guerrilla Games is doubtful that additional levels of this mode will be added, and hopefully they can deliver a larger variety in Killzone 4.

Killzone 3 has just had its third DLC pack launched, and it includes four maps for only $4.99. Be sure to check it out!

Killzone 3 Welcome Back Bonus Bolsters Player Ranks

Tyler Minarik — Fri, 20 May 2011 01:20:15 +0000

After over 3 weeks of PlayStation Network downtime there’s no doubt players have been excited to hop back online and shoot some more Helghast, and Guerilla Games is happy to provide a bonus welcoming players back.

All that downtime can really lay some stress on a gamer. Three full weeks of turning on the PS3 only to be greeted by the “PlayStation Network is currently down for maintenance” message. Three full weeks of owning one of the greatest multiplayer shooters to date, and being unable to wreak havoc on your online enemies. I’m sorry if I’m bringing up painful memories here, but know that you’re not alone. Guerilla Games feels your pain, and has decided to help you make up for lost time by providing players with a double experience weekend, starting tomorrow:

To celebrate the return of the PlayStation Network and welcome you back to Killzone 3’s online battlefield, we’ve got a Double XP Weekend lined up! Starting this Friday, May 20 at 17:00 PM UK time, and lasting until Monday, May 23 at 10:00 AM UK time, all XP you earn in Killzone 3’s multiplayer matches will be doubled.

If there was ever a great way to celebrate the return of the PlayStation Network, it’s exactly this. It’s time to put that rebuilt network to the test, by jamming the servers with as many Killzone 3 competitors as humanly possible. Couple that with the free copy of Killzone Liberation you can get for PSP when the PlayStation Store comes back online, and we have a solid Killzone welcome back package. If that wasn’t enough, the Killzone blog claims there will be more on the way, but they didn’t give any clue about what that would be. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled though for more information on that, as well as on the screen while brutal melee kills are being burned into our retinas. Will you be getting a taste of the overflowing cup of sweet, sweet experience this weekend?

Retrospective From Sony On Success of 3D Gaming Incoming

Paulmichael Contreras — Thu, 12 May 2011 20:14:48 +0000

It seems like only yesterday that we were in Sony’s Culver City studio lot, giving our initial impressions on some of the first titles to be enhanced with stereoscopic 3D. But as of next month, it will have been a full year since Sony pushed gaming into the next dimension, and they intend on reporting whether that experience has been a good investment or not.

At the upcoming Develop Conference in Brighton, Senior Director of Sony Computer Entertainment Mick Hocking will be giving a keynote presentation at the conference. Titled “The Stereoscopic 3D Experience – The First Year of 3D on PlayStation 3,” it takes place on July 21st, the last day of the show. The entire presentation will be presented to the audience in Full HD Stereoscopic 3D, as well as in surround sound. Several case studies will be presented, such as SOCOM 4 and Killzone 3, as well as horror stories and what not to do when developing for 3D. Mr. Hocking sounded excited to be able to share his experiences to the Develop Conference attendees:

I’m really looking forward to giving this keynote at Develop. I’ll be doing a 3D post-mortem from Killzone 3, and also showing how we implemented 3D as an advanced post effect in SOCOM 4. I’ll look at how we used a 2D camera for 3D augmented reality in EyePet Move. Actually being able to show these on a big screen with surround sound will make all the difference for the audience.

The Develop Conference takes place from July 19-21. At last year’s Develop Conference, we spoke to Mick Hocking about Sony’s 3D plans and it will be interesting to see how they have changed since 2010;

Killzone NGP Developed by Sony Cambridge

Kishen Patel — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:31:57 +0000

Several months back, we found out about Sony Cambridge Studio working on a “high-profile, multi-million selling franchise” according to a job listing from Sony Computer Entertainment. No specific platform was stated in the listing but, because it involved a blockbuster franchise, many were too quick to assume that it was a PlayStation 3 game. As it turns out, however, the European studio is going portable again.

After developing LittleBigPlanet for the original PSP, it was clear that the studio was capable of optimizing a game for a handheld device. It is most likely for this reason that the UK development house was selected to develop Killzone for Sony’s Next Generation portable. Working alongside Guerrilla Games out of Amsterdam, the two teams are collaborating to bring the same console experience for the upcoming NGP. According to senior producer at Guerrilla Games, Stephen Ter Heide, in an interview with Gamerzines:

We’ve been working with them very closely for a couple of years now. They’ve been helping us develop actual Killzone content for all the games. We feel like the game is in good hands. We’ll still oversee it because the universe is something we’ve built up, we know the war and the rules that have been established, but they’re driving the development.

With Naughty Dog collaborating with Sony Bend, Insomniac Games working with Nihilistic, and Guerrilla Games overseeing Sony Cambridge, it’s safe to say that all of our favorite PlayStation franchises are in good hands. Hopefully, we will see at least one of these franchises at the launch of the NGP.

NGP Montage For Uncharted, Killzone, Resistance and More

Sebastian Moss — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:42:11 +0000

You might not have heard, but the third-party support for the NPG is immense. But in true Sony style, their first-party support is even more incredible, with games such as Uncharted, Killzone and Resistance all coming to the portable. To showcase some of their upcoming games, Sony has created a montage video with snippets from the games.

It’s off-screen footage and slightly blurry, so we’ll update the article as soon as a higher res video is found, but the trailer aptly showcases the onslaught of titles set to launch on the NGP:

Are you excited for any of the games shown? Let us know in the comments below.

Hardcore Killzone Fan Creates Card Game

Paulmichael Contreras — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:28:54 +0000

The Killzone universe is filled with a rich and diverse history, spanning the main Killzone trilogy and the PlayStation Portable game, causing the franchise to grow a considerable fan-base. An extremely devoted follower of the series has created the ultimate tribute to Killzone - a full card game, with a complete ruleset and easy to print cards.

Killzone aficionado thepineapple1 released this very detailed card game in two packs, one each for the Helghast and ISA armies. Originally up on a page at the Killzone Wikia, there are some issues concerning whether or not the page will be allowed on the site since it is a fan-crafted project and not an official creation. Politics aside, however, you can download the two packs, complete with game rules and damage counters, at the links below. Which card is your favorite?

Download the Helghast pack here, and the ISA pack here. If you’d rather just sample some of the artwork, we’ve got the Helghast pack featured in the gallery below. Enjoy!

Want to See Killzone Before it Looked Like Killzone?

Zak Islam — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:25:26 +0000

Guerrilla Games Managing Director Hermen Hulst recently showed off a concept video for the original Killzone. The footage, was from over ten years ago. Hulst called the early concept footage for one of Sony’s flagship titles a “showcase of technical competence”. Even though he admitted during GDC Europe – where he was showing it off - there’s “nothing really Killzone about it” at this early stage, it’s worth a watch to see a world without Helghast whom we’ve come to love.

Click here to view the embedded video.

There you go; something which I thought I would never see: a world without Helghast.

[Source]

Another PS3 Exclusive is in Guerrilla Games’ Workshop

Jonathan Leack — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:56:32 +0000

Guerrilla Games has been a popular first-party developer for Sony since the release of Killzone back in 2004. Although the team is most popular for developing AAA first-person shooters such as Killzone 2, many members of the team have experience in other genres such as platformers and action games. Based on the latest news from the director himself, the Guerrilla Games team is already working on exploring other genres.

Although this isn’t the first time (we actually uncovered hints of a new project back in March) we’ve heard new that Guerrilla Games was working on a new IP, while giving the official keynote for GDC Europe 2010, managing director of Guerrilla Games Hermen Hulst announced directly to the audience that his team has been working on a title separate from Killzone 3. More surprisingly, the new game in development is intended to also have an exclusive release for the PlayStation 3 console similar to past titles by the team.

Even though details regarding the game are still yet to be declared, it’s safe to say it’ll be a solid title based on the track record at Guerrilla Games. Killzone 3 is shaping up to be a masterpiece based on recent details, and the game should be moving toward beta in the coming months. Judging by the timing of Killzone 3, an announcement from Guerrilla Games regarding the next game in it’s epic library should come later in 2011, presumably during E3 or one of the other big conventions.

What genre would you like to see Guerrilla Games explore on the PlayStation 3? Post your response in the comments below.

Sony Localizing Blockbuster Games for Latin America

Kishen Patel — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:46:10 +0000

Only a year after the PlayStation brand was announced for introduction in Latin America, our Latin American friends down south have even more to “make.believe.” in the world of Sony. Video gaming brings players from all over the globe together with the help of our consoles. Besides online play, most any gamer can attest to the belief that there are some experiences that should be cherished by anyone and everyone who is able to hold a controller. However, there will always be certain barriers that prevents this goal from being achieved. Thanks to Sony Computer Entertainment America, the PlayStation 3 is getting one more step closer to detouring all roadblocks to sharing set-piece experiences worldwide.

At the Destination PlayStation Latin America event held in Cabo del Sol, Mexico, SCEA announced fully localized versions of staple blockbusters for the PS3. What this means is entire titles were reworked to fit the tastes, culture, and society of our Latin American brethren. In SCEA’s words, “actors, action, dialog, effects and every inch of gameplay” have been localized for some of the most highly regarded franchises this generation has to offer. According to senior director and general manager of the Latin American channel of PlayStation:

“Millions of Latin American fans follow PlayStation for its diverse and rich game library as well as for its superior entertainment value and experience. Our priority is for every consumer in the region to have full access to every product that PlayStation has to offer, along with full product warranty and service. In addition to same day launches of PlayStation’s entire line up of AAA games for the region, we’re also offering a number of products that are only available in Latin America, such as the Gamer Kit line. We’re listening to our consumers, and whether it’s stereoscopic 3D content, exclusive games or the new PlayStation Move experience, our fans will be very busy this year being entertained.”

So far, Killzone 3 and inFamous 2 have been confirmed for the full localization treatment but, if the new initiative sees success, we are almost certain that more titles, especially first-party titles like Ratchet & Clank Future, Resistance, and Uncharted which already are available in different languages by default from the studios, will go down the same route to Central and South America. After all, Nathan Drake’s mom jokes might not translate properly in Spanish or Portuguese.

Killzone 3 to Receive 4-Player Co-Op Mission Based Mode

Thomas Williams — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:14:56 +0000

When Killzone 2 launched in early 2009, it came packed with many great features: amazing graphics, an intense campaign mode, and a unique multiplayer mode. Not to mention the stellar co-op gameplay. Oh wait. That’s right, the game lacked any kind of co-op mode whatsoever. Considering the fact that co-op is one of the most popular modes in FPS nowadays, it was a shame that Guerrilla’s masterpiece lacked it. However, it seems that Guerrilla Games have heard gamers complaints and will not only offer a 2-player co-op, but also a 4-player co-op mode.

FirstPlay, the EU equivalent on the US’ show ‘Qore’, has revealed some juicy details about Killzone 3 and seemly confirmed that Killzone 3 will feature two co-op modes:

We do know that Guerrilla is working on a special objective-based 4-man co-op mode to go with the standard 2-player stuff.

Wow. Just think about everything that game already offers! EPIC Singe-player campaign (believe me, we played it!!)!! Multiplayer!!! PlayStation Move Support! It’s build from the ground up with 3D in mind and is going to be even more of a cinematic experience than the first two ever could have been. Also, it’s rumored that you’ll also run around as a Helghast at one point. Awesome. Perhaps the slogan for KZ3 should be ‘Killzone 3: It Only Features Everything’.

For those of you who might be new to the series, check out our review for Killzone 2 to see what you’ve been missing.

Killzone 3 is set to release early next year. Will you be picking up Sev’s journey to escape the planet Helghan in one piece or did the games ‘unique’ feel for controls turn you off? Let us know in the comments below!

[Source]

Killzone 3 E3 Impressions

Anthony Severino — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:20:39 +0000

One of the biggest games announced this year for the PS3 was Killzone 3. Guerrilla Games aims to improve upon the successful formula in every way possible, and thanks to their listening to fan feedback, they hit their target.

Guerrilla Games is looking to take the first-person shooter genre by storm yet again with Killzone 3, and this time, it’s in glorious 3D. That’s not the only thing that’s new in Sony’s iconic shooter. There’s new levels, new weapons, new enemies and more. Best of all, there’s a one badass jet-pack that allows for quicker traversal over Helghan’s war torn terrain. The jet pack also brings some platforming to the series, which plays the role of the calm before the storm.

Firefights are more intense than previous games, with the Helghast AI cranked up to the max. Enemies are smarter than ever, attempting to hunt you and corner you with the ultimate goal of ending your existence. Aiming has been dramatically improved and character movement doesn’t feel so weighty. Shooting from the jet pack was an absolute joy and one of the best times we had in any game during E3.

We played the Helghan Ice level that was demonstrated during E3′s press conference in it’s entirety, in full 3D. It’s quite obvious that Sony is pushing 3D gaming full force, however, out of all the games we played at Sony’s private booth tour, Killzone 3′s 3D was the least impressive. At times, it made navigating some of the more complex areas confusing. That being said, it sure looks cool as hell. It also adds an impressive depth of field that we keep reiterating in our impressions of all of the 3D games we got our hands on.

Sev and the rest of the ISA will be battling the Helghast in 3D this coming February.

Killzone 3 Release Window Confirmed

Mike Hartnett — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:14:43 +0000

Guerilla games have just announced the release window for Killzone 3 and we’re stoked!

February 2011, that’s when you’ll be able to get your hands on Killzone 3 and all its Helghan crushing goodness. No exact date as of yet, but we’ll be sure to bring you details as we get em’!

Stay tuned to PlayStation LifeStyle for all your E3 2010 needs!

Killzone 3 Debut Teaser Trailer

Anthony Severino — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:58:47 +0000

Killzone 3 was announced just over a week ago and already gameplay footage is set to be shown for the very first time ever on SpikeTV’s Pre-E3 special, airing on June 11th at 11PM. If you just can’t bare to wait another week to see Killzone 3, you’re in luck as a teaser trailer was just released.

Guerrilla Games Prepping More Than One Project

Anthony Severino — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:25:47 +0000

Guerrilla Games’ Killzone 2 was one of the major highlights of last year, winning many awards including best first-person shooter. The much-anticipated follow up has been oft rumored as of late, but may not be all the Amsterdam-based developer is working on.

According to Guerrilla Games’ technical director, Michiel van der Leeuw’s LinkedIn profile, the developer is working on “undisclosed projects”. “Projects” being the key word, as in more than one project.

Van der Leeuw has worked on the previous Killzone games in the past, as well as the PlayStation 2 and Xbox game, Shellshock: Nam 67′.

Since Sony owns Guerrilla Games you can bet that these games will be “Only on PlayStation”. So could Guerrilla be working on 2 new PS3 games? Or will one of these projects be a follow up to the highly successful PSP title, Killzone: Liberation? Even further thinking could have Guerrilla working on the successors to the PS3 and PSP. Time reveals all. So for now, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Thanks to Kendrick for the tips!