Helldivers 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic, has finally landed on both PlayStation 5 and PC, delivering intense action and strategic cooperative gameplay. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, this instalment brings significant changes, notably shifting from a top-down perspective to a first-person view. While this feels like a major departure from the first, this is well and truly a sequel worth diving into.
Taste the Democracy
Humanity is at war with alien creatures called Terminids, and sentient robotic soldiers called Automatons. You gear up in squads of four to take them down as you are dropped via pods into the heart of the battle. There isn’t much in the form of a story here; it is up to you and your squad to make your own. Planets around Earth are at risk, and it’s your job to bring freedom and democracy, in the form of excessive lead. This usually isn’t my game style, but I found myself enjoying the forty hours I have sunk into this teaming up with friends and strangers alike.
The shift to a third-person perspective in Helldivers 2 is a bold move that adds a new layer of immersion to the experience. It’s now a competent shooter that excels in providing tight gunplay and responsive controls. As you drop into the chaotic war zones, the detailed environments and frenetic battles feel more immediate and intense than ever before. Every explosion, every burst of gunfire, pulls you deeper into the heart of the action.
The initial tutorial, as funny as it is, admittedly sets a misleading tone. As you’re guided through the basics of combat and given powerful weapons to wield, you may start to feel like an unstoppable force on the battlefield. But this feeling of invincibility is short-lived. Once you dive into the actual game, reality hits hard. Helldivers 2 is unrelenting in its difficulty at the best of times, punishing even the slightest mistakes with swift and brutal consequences. Usually, this would frustrate me; however, in this case, it motivated me to keep playing.
This also is helped by the spectacular visuals this game offers. When you are in the heart of the action, guns are firing and you are swarmed by alien bugs. Much can be said about the amount of things that this game can pack onto the screen at the same time without dropping frame rates, which never really ceases to amaze me.
For Freedom
In the heat of battle, survival becomes a constant struggle. Enemies swarm from all directions, their attacks are relentless and unforgiving. Teamwork and coordination are essential as you and your fellow Helldivers fight tooth and nail to complete objectives and survive against overwhelming odds. But even with a well-coordinated team, victory is never assured. The game demands quick thinking and precise aim to be successful.
Once you have finished your mission, you return to your ship and spend your XP and mission points on better weapons, upgrading your favourite ones and purchasing new armour sets that can affect your health and damage. From this hub, you select which mission you want to play next and matchmake with strangers or friends.
During the review playthrough, it is worth noting that no issues on the PlayStation 5 getting in or matchmaking with friends or strangers were found. However, it has been noted that the numerous server and capacity issues are well on their way to being fixed.
Final Thoughts
Helldivers 2 delivers an intense and challenging experience that will put your skills to the test. While the shift to a first-person perspective adds a new dimension to the gameplay, the game’s rich and diverse setting provides spectacular visuals to go along with it.
The ability to play in both single and multiplayer across PS5 and PC provides Sony with its must-have multiplayer game. The game has such a great sense of humour about itself, it is mostly this point that makes it stand out from the overcrowded live service market. If you are looking for a fun sci-fi romp with a bunch of infused laughing fits, Helldivers 2 is the perfect choice.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Engaging mission variety; Satisfying combat system; New gameplay perspective keeps things fun and engaging.
Lowlights: Repetitive mission styles, Server issues
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Publisher: Playstation
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on PlayStation 5 with a code provided by the publisher.
