Killzone 2

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Feb 27, 2009
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1769 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,335 out of 1769
  2. Mixed: 233 out of 1769
  3. Negative: 201 out of 1769
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  1. PowerS
    Jan 24, 2010
    7
    This game is one of the more uninspiring shooters I've played. I own both XBOX 360 and PS3, so I have played most all action and shooter genre games. I played this after Halo 3, Gears of War 1 & 2, and of course the COD Modern Warfare. The initial cut scenes have some great graphics, but the overall game play is pretty lame. Extremely linear... I played through about half the This game is one of the more uninspiring shooters I've played. I own both XBOX 360 and PS3, so I have played most all action and shooter genre games. I played this after Halo 3, Gears of War 1 & 2, and of course the COD Modern Warfare. The initial cut scenes have some great graphics, but the overall game play is pretty lame. Extremely linear... I played through about half the chapters then realized there wasn't much here to see. Aside from a very lame tank scene it was extremely repetitive, on par with some of the earlier Call of Duty series (COD 3).… Expand
  2. RobS.
    Mar 2, 2009
    7
    For all the hype generated for this game, I was fairly disappointed in the game's controls which feel spongy. The controls are not as sharp as you'd expect from a top rated FPS. And why do games insist on "reinventing" control layouts. Why not stick to one layout for all FPSs (COD being familiar to most gamers) I purchased 50 Cent : Blood on the Sand the same day and have For all the hype generated for this game, I was fairly disappointed in the game's controls which feel spongy. The controls are not as sharp as you'd expect from a top rated FPS. And why do games insist on "reinventing" control layouts. Why not stick to one layout for all FPSs (COD being familiar to most gamers) I purchased 50 Cent : Blood on the Sand the same day and have completed 50 Cent twice already while only finishing 3 levels in Killzone so far.… Expand
  3. ChrisR
    Mar 5, 2009
    7
    Does not live up to the hype! I was really, really looking forward to this game. The graphics are good and that's about all that stands out. Very slow aiming re-action time, 2 second pauses in gameplay every time the game loads, hardly any variation in the enemies and quite a dull story line. I have played for a few hours and not sure I can be bothered to finish the game off. Might Does not live up to the hype! I was really, really looking forward to this game. The graphics are good and that's about all that stands out. Very slow aiming re-action time, 2 second pauses in gameplay every time the game loads, hardly any variation in the enemies and quite a dull story line. I have played for a few hours and not sure I can be bothered to finish the game off. Might just trade it for RE4 or go back to playing COD4!… Expand
  4. SeanC
    Feb 28, 2009
    7
    This game should have been a 9 or a 10, but they made one HUGE mistake. The player movement is pathetic. it's like I am playing in a bowl of sand. Straight maddening. Also you can't scope in close.
  5. JoeL
    Mar 1, 2009
    7
    Very little was done very well in this game. The graphics are top-notch but they make up the least important part of enjoying a game (at least for myself). The gameplay felt sloppy (the cover system really wasn't a necessity and often left you more exposed than if you didn't use it), it didn't introduce anything new to the genre (at the best of times its still little more Very little was done very well in this game. The graphics are top-notch but they make up the least important part of enjoying a game (at least for myself). The gameplay felt sloppy (the cover system really wasn't a necessity and often left you more exposed than if you didn't use it), it didn't introduce anything new to the genre (at the best of times its still little more than a shooting gallery). The story feels tacked on, especially when compared to COD 4, I had no emotional investment in the characters and couldn't have cared less if they lived or died. The multiplayer seems pretty solid but it will be tough to truly judge it until most people have unlocked the badges. Not a bad a game, but it could have (and should have) been a lot more.… Expand
  6. TomO
    May 15, 2009
    7
    Although the game was great in graphics and control, ultimately it was a short game. I accomplished the entire game in less then a few days of just casual play. Not to mention the online play is although somewhat interesting the maps are too large for what players are on it and you spend most the time running around trying to find an opponent. Definitely not worth the cost if you wish to Although the game was great in graphics and control, ultimately it was a short game. I accomplished the entire game in less then a few days of just casual play. Not to mention the online play is although somewhat interesting the maps are too large for what players are on it and you spend most the time running around trying to find an opponent. Definitely not worth the cost if you wish to get your moneys worth then wait till this baby is on sale.… Expand
  7. MichaelF
    May 27, 2009
    7
    Graphics (10/10) - Some of the best I have ever seen in video game history. Sound (8/10) - Explosion's and some gun fire sound great. Too bad that's really it. Gameplay (6/10) - Apart from the sluggish controls which were implemented into the game for realism. This is incredibly bland in every aspect of a shooter. The cover system was really the only interesting thing to the Graphics (10/10) - Some of the best I have ever seen in video game history. Sound (8/10) - Explosion's and some gun fire sound great. Too bad that's really it. Gameplay (6/10) - Apart from the sluggish controls which were implemented into the game for realism. This is incredibly bland in every aspect of a shooter. The cover system was really the only interesting thing to the entire summary of it. Story (6/10) - ...There really wasn't a story to this. Just "We're invading their planet because they invaded us." Content (5/10) - 20 guns. 11 of which are in multiplayer. 8 maps (10 if you spend $6.99). 10 ranks which are almost pointless except for unlocking classes. 7 or 8 different specs to play as. A badge system where half of the badges are completely useless to get by the time you hit rank 10. And then a total of 5 game modes. This game has an EXTREME lack of content compared to many shooters out there. Final Verdict: This game is beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. But that's it's saving grace. Every other aspect of this game is bland. Call of Duty killer? No. Halo killer? Not in the least bit. Maybe if this game had the extreme amount of content that most people expect from shooters, it would be up there. The weapons are nice, but they all fall under the same class. Firing the rifle is the exact same as firing the Helghast rifle. 2 Rocket launchers with different sights. 1 sniper rifle. etc. This game is a rental.… Expand
  8. StuartL
    May 7, 2009
    7
    Visuals: 8/10 The post processing and particle effects are fantastic, and the lighting is just incredible. everything else though.......texture detail is horrible, character models are lacking, not enough variety as the same textures are reused all over the place in obvious places (the cracked walls being a big offender). Sound: 8/10 Excellent apart from the characters dialogue. Tried to Visuals: 8/10 The post processing and particle effects are fantastic, and the lighting is just incredible. everything else though.......texture detail is horrible, character models are lacking, not enough variety as the same textures are reused all over the place in obvious places (the cracked walls being a big offender). Sound: 8/10 Excellent apart from the characters dialogue. Tried to make it too macho, just comes across as painful. Gameplay: 6/10 The input lag just absolutely kills any hope this game had at being the 'halo killer' everyone wanted it to be. Deny it all you want, but there IS input lag and its NOT a design decision. At a guess I'd say that the PS3 simply cannot handle all that is going on while maintaining instant input response - think of it like playing Crysis on a PC on High settings, when your PC is only really capable of playing it on Medium. Also the campaign is far too short, especially for a game thats been in development as long as this. 5 hours MAXIMUM on anything but the hardest difficulty just doesn't cut it these days. The actual gameplay is as generic as it comes too. If you've played any FPS game in the last decade you've played Killzone 2. The single weapon + pistol system is a HUGE gamebreaker, as it discourages the use of the heavy weapons such as a rocket launcher since if you carry that around and come across a bunch of enemies you've only got 2 shots then what? A pistol. Horrible decision. Multiplayer: 7/10 Warzone mode is great, as is the Client Side Hit Detection, but some dubious classes and not enough levels let the game down. Lag is also a problem in 99% of matches (even on 8mb ADSL2+) due to the location of the dedicated servers, and the ranking system is so shallow and weak that youll be done with it in 15-20 hours, leaving you with nothing more to gain from further play. And again, the input lag ruins it. Having to fight with the controls constantly to get the character to do what you want WHEN you want it is beyond forgiveness. Being a HUGE fan of the original, I so wanted Killzone 2 to be the best game I've ever played. It's not though, it's nowhere near it to be honest. Halo killer? Not a chance. Call of Duty killer? Nope. Haze killer maybe. Better luck next time Sony/Guerrilla.… Expand
  9. michaelk
    Oct 21, 2009
    7
    wow this is one of those games that really brings up debate with its army of fanboys and just as many others who cant understand why everyones so excited about what is really just a quite pretty but avarage shooter, as for me i sit somewhere in the middle i really like the game but feel it was rushed out before it was finnished the lack of a co-op in the main story seems like a crazy wow this is one of those games that really brings up debate with its army of fanboys and just as many others who cant understand why everyones so excited about what is really just a quite pretty but avarage shooter, as for me i sit somewhere in the middle i really like the game but feel it was rushed out before it was finnished the lack of a co-op in the main story seems like a crazy thing to leave out when it weas obviously originally designed for two players so many of the set peices have two sentry guns to mount or things like the tank having two seats just screams that it was intended for two people plus your shadowed for the whole story by an ai partner it makes me wish that the game spent that extra time in development so that things like this wasn't left on the cutting room floor and these faults carry over to the multi player aswell, things like the cover system that you used all the way through the campaign suddenly not being active like they didn't have time to work it into the multi player maps ???… Expand
  10. jedd
    Feb 27, 2009
    7
    This game is just like the rest of them... nothing new. Sweet graphics and perfect for you if you like first person story mode games. No free roam at all, and bad controls. Also the fact that Sony cant come out with a single co op game really pisses me off. Only if you could play this while sitting on the couch with a friend or 2 going through the story line.
  11. EvelynX
    Feb 28, 2009
    7
    This game had some real potential, Sony had to deliver after the many glimpses of the game since the PS3 was launched, and from the early reviews from the media it looked like it was going to live up to it. Unfortunately it has so far failed to live up to what we have been led to believe. Gameplay is average, nothing more than the basic tick box FPS affair, remove the red glowing eyes and This game had some real potential, Sony had to deliver after the many glimpses of the game since the PS3 was launched, and from the early reviews from the media it looked like it was going to live up to it. Unfortunately it has so far failed to live up to what we have been led to believe. Gameplay is average, nothing more than the basic tick box FPS affair, remove the red glowing eyes and you could be playing almost any other shooter. Graphics are very good, but then they should be, this is the PS3 after all and Killzone 2 has been one of the flagship titles for a long time in waiting for this console. Re-spawning enemies should have been consigned to the history books long ago but here they are again, very very lazy and it makes some parts of the game amazingly frustrating. The taking cover aspect that has been bolted onto many games since Gears Of War is again present here and has been implemented pretty shabbily, having very little effect unless you choose something the size of a house to hide behind. Another disappointing inclusion in Killzone 2 is the poor AI of the computer controlled characters in campaign mode, developers must think it is excusable to pass this off on the public if they intend to push a title as an "online" experience, why program decent AI if you can let other people make up for shortcomings?... All this adds up to a competent shooter but nothing worth raising it up above the rest of clones out there. Teletext review really is the perfect quote to sum this game up: "One of the best looking games ever, but also one of the least ambitious in terms of anything else".… Expand
  12. Milan
    Oct 12, 2010
    7
    While Killzone 2 is by no means a bad game, boasting a great online system, excellent visuals, and high-action single-player levels, it is by no means revolutionary to its genre. The controls aren't very fluid and will often leave one frustrated, the single-player story features a done-to-death Space Marine theme, and the characters are boring and hard to grow on (not to mention that theWhile Killzone 2 is by no means a bad game, boasting a great online system, excellent visuals, and high-action single-player levels, it is by no means revolutionary to its genre. The controls aren't very fluid and will often leave one frustrated, the single-player story features a done-to-death Space Marine theme, and the characters are boring and hard to grow on (not to mention that the acting is decent at best). Killzone 2 is a good game, but it isn't a must-have title, as Sony would have you believe. Pick it up if you're a fan of shooters, but don't expect too much from it.… Expand
  13. TheQuietGamer
    Dec 27, 2011
    7
    My first time playing a game in the Killzone series, and in my opinion it seems like the PlayStation 3's parody/rip-off of the Xbox 360's Gears of War series, from the focus strictly on action rather then plot, to the annoying overuse of the F word, the graphics are phenomenal managing to be better looking then a lot of games that come out now with only light areas showing age (I'm lookingMy first time playing a game in the Killzone series, and in my opinion it seems like the PlayStation 3's parody/rip-off of the Xbox 360's Gears of War series, from the focus strictly on action rather then plot, to the annoying overuse of the F word, the graphics are phenomenal managing to be better looking then a lot of games that come out now with only light areas showing age (I'm looking at you flamethrower fire trail), and the soundtrack is great, as is the sound of explosions and gunfire, but voice acting is passable at best, you can get used to the controls but I wouldn't really call them good but instead decent, the campaign is pretty good but mediocre compared to some other shooters, and is hindered by a lack of plot and unlikable characters, but like I said it's still pretty good, multiplayer is where it shines, all the issues with controls fade away, it's a blast and addicting and the reason you should pick this up, but with Killzone 3 out the multiplayer is slowly coming to an end, so in the end it's got some issues but it's still a good shooter that you can still have fun with, but there are better options available.… Expand
  14. ressp12
    Feb 19, 2011
    7
    killzone 2 is a good game but there is some room for improvement. You can see the designers put a lot of effort into the enemies movement and AI, but they sometimes go overboard when the helghast die, some even jumping and doing a full 360 degree spin. the graphics are good but not the best I've seen in a PS3 game. the allies are very judging, miss one shot and they start saying stuff likekillzone 2 is a good game but there is some room for improvement. You can see the designers put a lot of effort into the enemies movement and AI, but they sometimes go overboard when the helghast die, some even jumping and doing a full 360 degree spin. the graphics are good but not the best I've seen in a PS3 game. the allies are very judging, miss one shot and they start saying stuff like "C'mon, start shooting them, why do i have to kill them all?" the storyline is a major downfall, they don't explain the war with the helghast enough for people who haven't played the first killzone. good game but could still be a lot better… Expand
  15. Makaveli
    Oct 24, 2012
    7
    When I first played this game at launch, I stuck the game in played for 20 mins, got sick of it and put it away for over a year. I then was bored one day so I figured I would try it out again. It took me awhile to get into it but I did and it wasn't that bad after all. The people saying that the graphics are the best......hmm no I don't think so. The game is ugly, it only uses a few colorsWhen I first played this game at launch, I stuck the game in played for 20 mins, got sick of it and put it away for over a year. I then was bored one day so I figured I would try it out again. It took me awhile to get into it but I did and it wasn't that bad after all. The people saying that the graphics are the best......hmm no I don't think so. The game is ugly, it only uses a few colors and it's actually very dull to me. The controls were dog crap when I first played this game, but they patched it and that is no longer an issue. The story is as generic as they come. There is nothing unique about this game and there are bigger and better games out there. The game however is quite fun when you get into it, but like I said, been there,done that. Atleast it's better than Call of Duty, I won't go into why Call of Duty sucks, but it does.. Once you finish Killzone 2 you may want to get the trophies, but the campaign has no replayabilty. Multiplayer is alright but nothing that will engage you for too long. But like I said earlier, it's still better than Call of Duty..… Expand
  16. Ggdograa
    Nov 9, 2011
    7
    I've always thought that graphics shouldn't define a gaming experience, however, with a title like Killzone 2 it's not hard to be persuaded for glitz over gameplay. Killzone 2 is one of those titles where the graphics and effects have a direct influence on the overall experience. The level of detail is absolutely amazing and when combined with the fairly competent shooting style and levelI've always thought that graphics shouldn't define a gaming experience, however, with a title like Killzone 2 it's not hard to be persuaded for glitz over gameplay. Killzone 2 is one of those titles where the graphics and effects have a direct influence on the overall experience. The level of detail is absolutely amazing and when combined with the fairly competent shooting style and level design, it ends up being a thoroughly engaging and downright intense experience. Futuristic shooting has never been done so well and it's worth a play if only to ogle over the incredible visuals even if the story itself does sometimes reduce itself to laughable cliches and stock characters.… Expand
  17. the_blueprint
    Dec 11, 2013
    7
    Good shooter. Like the world created here. Although there is nothing new or special about it. It looks good, it controls well. I don't like the grey worlds though, there should be more color in this game.
  18. HiddenName
    Dec 28, 2011
    7
    Killzone 2 is pretty good and now have a very cheap price, its must have for every user PS3. Graphic is good and available to use a 1080p - but still worser than KZ3. Campaign i'ts ok, with very good history. I found for me one negative is booring.
    SinglePlayer - Yes. / Multiplayer - No.
    Finally score: 7
  19. coldcalculated
    Dec 11, 2011
    7
    This game is massively over hyped. This game may be a graphical milestone for the ps3, but the plot is nil. The mechanics are clunky and not very fun at all. Multiplayer is pretty much exactly what you have been playing since halo 2. Nothing new or interesting here, a lot of rehashed, poorly executed ideas.
  20. MikeE50
    Dec 27, 2011
    7
    -Excellent tech (animation, AI, renderer) and visual elements (textures, models). Music: excellent. Sound: some good & bad. Story: mediocre. Gameplay: somewhat bland and repetitive (there are some good sequences though). Difficulty: some very frustrating sequences in the latter half (even on "easy"). Your weapons are underpowered. The controls feel sluggish (probably due to perceptible-Excellent tech (animation, AI, renderer) and visual elements (textures, models). Music: excellent. Sound: some good & bad. Story: mediocre. Gameplay: somewhat bland and repetitive (there are some good sequences though). Difficulty: some very frustrating sequences in the latter half (even on "easy"). Your weapons are underpowered. The controls feel sluggish (probably due to perceptible input latency) and the cover system works but is too clunky. My campaign clocked at just under 8 hours. Includes multiplayer offline bots which is a bonus. Multiplayer: not played. I finished it only to see all the visuals--they are that good. This could have been a great single-player game with some needed changes. For its 2011 price, I'd call it a good value.… Expand
  21. Dahum
    Mar 10, 2012
    7
    the only standout feature in K2 is the beautiful graphics and atmosphere. other than that the story is meh and the controls are hard to get used to through the whole game.
  22. Tall_But_Short
    Oct 19, 2012
    7
    Not only is Killzone 2 one of the best ps3 exclusives, it is one of the BEST first-person shooters ever made. It is creative, has an amazing story and graphics, and is just a BLAST to play! This is a must-buy for Playstation 3 users.
  23. iddqd4
    Mar 16, 2018
    7
    Так и не прошел, забросив на первых уровнях игры. Шутеры на PS3 не самые удачные.
  24. B1ackGuard
    Jul 14, 2015
    7
    The game is interesting, but more suitable for hardcore fans of shooters. The game is somewhat similar to Quake 2 in style. In my opinion, the game has some serious flaws: not a good storyline, bad settings of aiming, too hardcore walkthrough. Sometimes you just cant pass the level. The final battle with Radek became the talk of the town.
  25. jelikey
    Mar 28, 2017
    7
    This game looks awesome! I would say it's up to par with Gears 1 and 2. But the gameplay could be worked on a bit. It feels like you are moving in slow motion. The whole aiming scheme is just horrible it feels like you can't hit anything. When you jump it doesn't even feel like you are jumping, or when you run it feels so slow and awkward. But the cheesiest feel is when you
  26. homer4president
    Nov 18, 2015
    7
    A tougher, more complex follow-up to a very popular Playstation exclusive game line. Animation, graphics have improved. Different controls make a little confusing if going right from the original "Killzone" to 2 but not bad. A fun, violent sci-fi combat game exclusive for the PS.
  27. TheSnitchfather
    Sep 9, 2020
    7
    7/10
    big improvement from the first installment, though what to expect after half a decade?
    Nice guns, nice gameplay, weird ass controls though, very strange, bare in mind this came out the same year as MW2, and the controls on MW2 are smooth as butter. Story was good. Howevery, the reason as to why this won't get a 10/10 is because I can't turn off motion sensor like I could in KZ3. I    7/10
    big improvement from the first installment, though what to expect after half a decade?
    Nice guns, nice gameplay, weird ass controls though, very strange, bare in mind this came out the same year as MW2, and the controls on MW2 are smooth as butter. Story was good.
    Howevery, the reason as to why this won't get a 10/10 is because I can't turn off motion sensor like I could in KZ3. I play with a 3rd party controller, since I broke my DS3 back in 2015 I believe and original DS3 controllers are going around for 100+ € and I cannot afford that for one dumbass controller, so I will sadly never be able to play this game again.    … Expand
  28. PSGaming
    Jul 17, 2021
    7
    For me it is an OK game.It has nice graphics,but sometimes they felt bit to blurry.The voice acting sync sometimes was off it was not good at all.The controls felt very sluggish,even i set the sensitivity on the highest level.
  29. AbhinavDasiga
    Mar 17, 2021
    7
    Killing space Nazis has never felt so good. Guerilla games has produced an excellent sequel which distills the core gameplay down to a satisfying loop.
  30. yangfanhong
    Mar 23, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game wanted to be a Halo Killer, but it is far from Halo. It is more like a imitation of Call of Duty.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PS3 Game of 2009
6
#6 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2009
10
#10 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 94 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 90 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 94
  3. Negative: 0 out of 94
  1. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    100
    It's true that Killzone 2 is filled with moments that can handily be described as inspiring awe. Each scene is incredibly well detailed, from the gaps in jerry-rigged cover points letting you sneak in a killing headshot to scarred and scratched textures, the planet feels entirely believable... Without a doubt Killzone fans, action and shooter fans of any stripe will instantly tag this sequel as a powerful contender for best game of 2009. [Feb 2009, p.38]
  2. MEGamers
    99
    Killzone 2’s secret ingredient is the fluidity in gameplay that we have come to enjoy more than its graphical prowess or jaw-dropping visuals. And that’s what games have always been about... We're surprised to see Killzone 2 blows our expectations out of the water with a memorable SP campaign and a stellar MP component. To put it short, this game makes "Gears of War 2" look like a high school attempt at gaming and that is a HUGE compliment!
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    90
    Visually it's so far ahead of anything else out there it shatters your expectations...This is a PS3 showing what it's truly capable of and delivering a landmark piece of explosive entertainment you can't afford to miss. [Feb 2009, p.88]
See all critic reviews »