Killzone: Mercenary

 PlayStation Vita
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Sep 10, 2013
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 632 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 553 out of 632
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 632
  3. Negative: 31 out of 632
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. loadstone007
    Sep 22, 2013
    10
    Exceptional game that really took me by surprise. I wasn't aware the Vita was capable of running such AAA games. It really whets the appetite for more
  2. Madesi
    Sep 21, 2013
    10
    I've been counting down the days waiting for this to come out. The graphics are phenomenal, the gameplay is smooth and it is exactly what I was hoping it would be! The best Vita game on the market!
  3. sergiopepeu
    Sep 18, 2013
    10
    FPS absolutamente inacreditável para um console portátil. Em grande parte do jogo difícil saber se o gráfico está rodando mesmo no vita ou no ps3 ante a semelhança entre o visual do game e killzone 3. Se você gosta de Shooter, não perca um segundo, esse o jogo para você.
  4. Thisiscrazy82
    Sep 18, 2013
    8
    I wouldn't call this game a reason to buy a vita, but if you we're thinking about trading yours in, at least give this one a try before you make your final decision. Graphics and controls look and work great on the vita. Even the touch screen controls that normally I can't stand in other vita games feel fine here. Definitely not a perfect game, but a must have for vita owners.
  5. NotSoCasualGamr
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Killzone Mercenary is THE DEFINITE AAA title on a handheld that has been promised for PS Vita all along. It absolutely feels and looks like a home console experience. It is hard to put in words how good the game really looks once you pick it up and how polished everything feels from the ultra-sophisticated mission briefing to the smooth and texture rich graphics as well as the variousKillzone Mercenary is THE DEFINITE AAA title on a handheld that has been promised for PS Vita all along. It absolutely feels and looks like a home console experience. It is hard to put in words how good the game really looks once you pick it up and how polished everything feels from the ultra-sophisticated mission briefing to the smooth and texture rich graphics as well as the various visual effects, particularly volumetric smoke effects. The gameplay looks as good as the cutscenes. I could go on and on about many different details that make this game an amazing experience on a handheld.

    Controls work great too. Especially if you are frustrated by Modern Combat or NOVA on the iPhone, you will love the twin analog sticks. They just work and never get in the way.

    Without a doubt, together with Wipeout 2048 and Uncharted GA, KZM is among the three most visually stunning games on any handheld device. Especially when comparing it to other attempts to utilize the Vita hardware, or any handheld hardware for that matter, you realize that this game is a technical marvel, a milestone, a masterpiece. The new standard for AAA titles on a handheld.

    This game is a no-brainer if you own a Vita!    … Expand
  6. determan9
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    This game is brutally short (I beat it in a weekend) but it's insanely fun, and there are plenty of reasons to come back to the main story. Some of the story feels a bit generic, but the game looks and plays great. Multiplayer is only 8-player matches, but It's actually pretty fun as well. This game is absolutely what Vita users have been waiting for, and you owe it to yourself to play it.
  7. Rotnam
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    This game is amazing, fantastic AAA. The story, game play, everything get you hooked up. A must buy. I really don't get the bad reviews this game has like 5.5
  8. stopoverrating
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    love this game. i would just ignore the critic scores this game is very fun and i enjoyed it, love the multiplayer and single campaign but it could been longer

    it is amazing how impressive the graphics are on the handle and this is the new standard for shooters on handhelds and graphics for vita games in general
  9. Rene9aaade
    Sep 16, 2013
    10
    I am an avid killzone 2 fan, I can not explain how happy this game made me. ofc this isnt a ten out of ten for any system for what the vita is capable of this is!!! multiplayer was the only door i opened and havent closed since haven t touched sp
    my only gripes are no collectors edition and more maps with less stair cases
  10. NikkiSixx
    Sep 15, 2013
    10
    very cool game on ps vita, killzone mercenary best shooter 100% must have)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
  11. riot_drrrk
    Sep 15, 2013
    10
    I can't believe how low critics have been scoring this game. I have owned nearly every big market handheld game system since the original Game Boy, and this game is everything I have ever wanted one of these devices to do. I was very skeptical going into Mercenary, seeing that this concept has failed so many times. Hands down, best game on Vita. My only complaint WAS the length of theI can't believe how low critics have been scoring this game. I have owned nearly every big market handheld game system since the original Game Boy, and this game is everything I have ever wanted one of these devices to do. I was very skeptical going into Mercenary, seeing that this concept has failed so many times. Hands down, best game on Vita. My only complaint WAS the length of the campaign, but after I had finished the game and saw what the contracts mode had to offer I was excited to play it again, this time will skill in mind. If you are a fan of FPS games, this is a no brainer purchase. You will be looking forward to that dreadfully long wait at the doctors office. Big thank you to Guerrilla Games!… Expand
  12. HTKING6
    Sep 15, 2013
    10
    Totally a must buy for vita owners, this game is great, it plays smoothly, the best graphics on vita, the multiplayer is also great, the maps are very very good for an 8 player MP. overall i think this game is near perfect for a portable system
  13. PSJasper
    Sep 14, 2013
    10
    I recently bought a Playstation Vita because I have collected lots of Vita games with Playstation Plus. I got Killzone mercenary with my vita and didn't expect much of it. But damn, It's the best handheld shooter I've ever played. It's visuals are stunning, gameplay is awesome, and it's multiplayer is a great load of fun. Overall Killzone mercenary is THE game to get a vita for.
  14. HardcoreMobile
    Sep 13, 2013
    9
    Basically this game is what you bought a vita for. A triple 'A' quality shooter, packed with unlockables, anchored to solid gameplay and completely soaked in pristine graphics. And that's all. besides a short campaign (which is redeemed by it's many replay modes, stealth, demolition etc) there is nothing else you need to know besides that it is well polished, content heavy and addictive.Basically this game is what you bought a vita for. A triple 'A' quality shooter, packed with unlockables, anchored to solid gameplay and completely soaked in pristine graphics. And that's all. besides a short campaign (which is redeemed by it's many replay modes, stealth, demolition etc) there is nothing else you need to know besides that it is well polished, content heavy and addictive. If any of the three are something you think you'd like buy it.… Expand
  15. hivernal
    Sep 13, 2013
    8
    I'm loving it, maybe a bit repetitive, and too hard in multiplayer's, for the moment.
    The campaign is not that short if you take your time, I think it'll be 6h30 for me.
    The console needed that one. I thought about the bioshock's rumor and was almost seeing it. How nice it would be to have excentric, even more inventive AAA's on vita. Gorgeous vita...
  16. a_bad_one
    Sep 13, 2013
    9
    This game plays looks and feels like a Killzone game should, all the way through. While the campaign is on the short side, four hours for my first playthrough, the replay ability is great with four different types of mission objektives in every level, along side a superb multiplayer, still makes this game a Must buy.
  17. Teegleberry
    Sep 13, 2013
    10
    This game is absolutely brilliant and great value at that. Ignore the tiresome critics who gave average scores, its clear if you read their actual reviews properly that its the FPS genre itself that they're tired of. This game is Triple A all the way, the campaign isn't the longest although its far longer than Vita's Black Ops with a lot more depth. Add to that the 3 extra contractThis game is absolutely brilliant and great value at that. Ignore the tiresome critics who gave average scores, its clear if you read their actual reviews properly that its the FPS genre itself that they're tired of. This game is Triple A all the way, the campaign isn't the longest although its far longer than Vita's Black Ops with a lot more depth. Add to that the 3 extra contract missions (each featuring different objectives to complete) which then unlock for each mission and you effectively have another three times the lastability in single player terms. The multiplayer itself is great fun and offers a tremendous amount of choice in terms of weaponry and gadgets allowing for an impressive amount of tactical variety. This games is seriously fun to play, gorgeous to look at and will surprise you more than once... at times I just can't believe I'm playing it on a handheld... a special mention goes to the first time you activate a Mantys drone... something else… Expand
  18. gustave154
    Sep 13, 2013
    10
    So after all the hype did this game deliver as the best portable first person shooter ever? Well all i can say is YES!! The campaign is over 5 hours long and even though its a little predictable it is entertaining. Plus you can replay it thanks to the side missions which offer some variety and replay value. The multiplayer is enjoyable thanks to the new Vanguards and the valor systemSo after all the hype did this game deliver as the best portable first person shooter ever? Well all i can say is YES!! The campaign is over 5 hours long and even though its a little predictable it is entertaining. Plus you can replay it thanks to the side missions which offer some variety and replay value. The multiplayer is enjoyable thanks to the new Vanguards and the valor system (which is like kill confirmed but more fun) The graphics in this game is INSANE. How did the geniuses over at Guerilla Cambridge managed to do this is just mind-blowing. You just have to see it to believe it. Oh and don't worry about the frame rate it might get choppy but only in certain parts of the game. So overall if you want to see the new standard of Portable First Person Shooters please play this Killzone: Mercenary.… Expand
  19. Schnippshly
    Sep 12, 2013
    6
    Yawn, 8 player multiplayer, seriously, who came up with that? It's such boring garbage even when I am beating people down. The levels are big and sparsely populated. This game has a ton of potential, great graphics and gameplay, controls great with lots of weapon variety and such. The campaign is still just a brief, linear foray. What good is that in a portable game? When I'm away from theYawn, 8 player multiplayer, seriously, who came up with that? It's such boring garbage even when I am beating people down. The levels are big and sparsely populated. This game has a ton of potential, great graphics and gameplay, controls great with lots of weapon variety and such. The campaign is still just a brief, linear foray. What good is that in a portable game? When I'm away from the Internet, I want to have a replayable experience, not an 8 hour campaign with zero replay value. And then when I'm near the Internet, which is almost only ever at my house, why would I want to play 8 player Killzone on the Vita when I could play 32 player Killzone on the PS3? If a portable game is going to have multiplayer, then it should be fun enough that it would be suitable for a console game. Otherwise, why would I sit in my house and play it? This is worth a rental for the brief campaign, nothing more.… Expand
  20. solFur
    Sep 12, 2013
    7
    Let me start by saying that this game is awesome BUT I also would like to stress out the importance of a couple of reviews claiming otherwise.

    This is an owesome game but I know why some feel that this does not deserve what most expect it to be. UNDERSTAND: Notice that when you are looking at a review of an owesome game, you would rather read those that gave less than or greater than    Let me start by saying that this game is awesome BUT I also would like to stress out the importance of a couple of reviews claiming otherwise.

    This is an owesome game but I know why some feel that this does not deserve what most expect it to be. UNDERSTAND: Notice that when you are looking at a review of an owesome game, you would rather read those that gave less than or greater than you expect others to rate. For example: one believes that this game deserves 10/10, you would look up for something less or way too less and wonder why it came to be. It then got your attention. NOW YOU SEE: this reviews are what most developers read mainly because most of these reviews contain critical statements that would help them see another critical point of view. I, for one, notice that this game is holding back something, it's not what developers would want it to be. Something is missing in the game. Don't get me wrong I freakin love this game but somehow i was lead to think that the developers where holding off because going further in development would cost more than the original budget they earlier stipulated. Some constraints were made because they cannot expect huge buying public because vita is not selling too well and the nextgen will soon be released. For the game, I'll give it a 10/10 but because they were holding back for the above reasons, I'll give it a 7/10. I know the developers were holding back as if the game development were forced to end prematurely. There's more to add to this game, It lacks the needed polishing at most.    … Expand
  21. bhanu
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    awesome fps game for cheap and big gameplay.but i want to know why this game is cheap in india.lfkjbsdjlfhdjfhdjshfjldhfdhf ;kfj;kdhfienvnljnfksdjkndkf skkd dfjflk; .dnfksdf slkdf ksfnk kfnkl fnk;f fnksf knfks
  22. gertec
    Sep 11, 2013
    9
    Great mechanics, good pace to use in a handheld. Fits well in the Killzone universe. All in all a great game. Visuals are fantastic, and I like the use of the touch screen.
  23. vault2049
    Sep 11, 2013
    9
    Many had already played the Multi-player beta and most of the people loved it. Now, with the full release gamers will discover than there is more to this game than the MP.

    First of all, Killzone Mercenary looks beautiful and runs without noticeable slowdowns on the PS Vita's impressive OLED screen. The game's graphic engine is a modified version of Killzone 3 rendering engine, a PS3    Many had already played the Multi-player beta and most of the people loved it. Now, with the full release gamers will discover than there is more to this game than the MP.

    First of all, Killzone Mercenary looks beautiful and runs without noticeable slowdowns on the PS Vita's impressive OLED screen. The game's graphic engine is a modified version of Killzone 3 rendering engine, a PS3 game. With some obvious textures and effects downscaling still, Mercenary is the best looking game on the PS Vita and the best looking portable FPS shooter I've ever had the delight of playing.

    So, for those who were not able to enjoy the beta the multi-player is pretty much standard comparing it to a console game, you've got 3 modes (Mercenary Warfare, Guerilla Warfare, and Warzone). The first two modes were not available to play while the game was on closed and public beta. The first two modes are Death Match and Team Death Match respectively. Warzone is a team based mode with set strategic objectives in each it's 5 rounds. You have to collect valor cards (dropped by an enemy when you kill it, or by an ally when it gets killed), interrogate enemies, hack van-guard capsules (twice), and kill as many enemies as you can. All of these 3 modes can be played in 6 decently proportioned maps. Multi-player is as robust as it gets for a handheld game: collectibles, ranks, a variety of weapons, and the van-guard modules.

    Now, aside from the Multi-player mode, the game includes a 5-6 hour 9-mission single-player campaign that can be played in 3 difficulty levels plus contracts, which will take you back to single-player campaign missions to complete various objectives and get some extra money for it, which will help you to level up (leveling up depends on your total accumulated money) and buying new equipment from the arms dealer.

    Money, money money... Everything you do on the game gives you money. From killing an enemy to just grabbing some ammo from the floor, you get a reward for almost everything you do in-game, on single-player mode and in multi-player mode. Your cash, equipment, and rank are shared between the single-player mode and the multi-player mode. This gives a chance to players that prefer to mostly play the single-player mode to enter a multi-player match whenever they want and not be humiliated by players who had been playing MP only and have already unlocked everything there is to unlock or max-leveled.

    Unlike the two big shooter games that came for the PS Vita before it (Resistance: Burning Skies and Call Of Duty Black Ops II: Declassified)Killzone Mercenary has done it! It has created a console-like FPS experience on a handheld that has been through some tough times because of the lack of games like this. This game is a technical marvel and a game every PS Vita owner who enjoys FPS games should get it. The reviews from the critics do not seem to get the fact that this is pretty much a revolutionary portable FPS done right, extremely right. In my humble opinion, the critic reviews absolutely DO NOT make this awesome game the justice it deserves. You just have to try it by yourself. I guarantee you, you won't disappointed.    … Expand
  24. TurboRob
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    This is THE game Ps Vita owners have been waiting for from the start! From the great, smooth and quick controls to the "PS3 Close Quality" visuals, I'm blown away and I had very high standards coming into this game once I learned it's running on the Same engine as Killzone 3 tuned & adjusted to run on the Vita. The story isn't nearly as short as some critics are saying, There's lots to doThis is THE game Ps Vita owners have been waiting for from the start! From the great, smooth and quick controls to the "PS3 Close Quality" visuals, I'm blown away and I had very high standards coming into this game once I learned it's running on the Same engine as Killzone 3 tuned & adjusted to run on the Vita. The story isn't nearly as short as some critics are saying, There's lots to do in the story mode alone. Closer to 6-8 hours in one playthrough (depends on play style. guess if your job is to run through as fast as you can, then it can be done in 5hrs) & then you have loads to go back for, like Intel and three different contracts for each chapter unlock after 1st time through. Voice acting is on par w/ AAA console FPS. Then you throw in the Multi-player that's not only Great but has an original twist, Single player Offline plays Rank & Money earned tie in together to make one Seamless great experience that is Far Worth the $40. A MUST BUY for Any FPS fan. ....5....outa....5… Expand
  25. darthjokhan
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    10/10 all the way. This simply magnificent. If this was on the 3DS people would be raving everywhere. If you want to see great iterations of other FPS like Battlefield, COD, ETC. Then you need to buy this so developers get the message.
  26. Alchemistrpm
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    I believe there is a disconnect between some major publications and the general gaming audience. Who exactly is EGMs 6.5 score intended for? Apparently, it's aimed at gamers expecting Merc to be the new Killzone 3. Apparently, the bar for FPS' on the Vita has been set on consoles. Wait, what?! Anyway, Merc is by and far not just the best FPS for Vita (obviously small statement), but one ofI believe there is a disconnect between some major publications and the general gaming audience. Who exactly is EGMs 6.5 score intended for? Apparently, it's aimed at gamers expecting Merc to be the new Killzone 3. Apparently, the bar for FPS' on the Vita has been set on consoles. Wait, what?! Anyway, Merc is by and far not just the best FPS for Vita (obviously small statement), but one of Vita's very best games. With a little tweaking in settings Merc controls like butter and plays like a dream online. Ok: 8-player max, few maps, and standard modes. However, people will flock to the objective-based Warzone because multiple objectives over 5 stages per round works really, really well. The interrogation system is a welcome addition and actually makes this mode different from any you've played on console or otherwise. Motion control makes fine tuning aim a cinch. Another unique feature, arguably the game's best, is the money/equipment system. Everything you do in single and multiplayer earns you money (and eventually ranks) which you'll use to purchase primary and secondary firearms, armor, items such as frags or mines, and the all-important VanGuard. VanGuards are skills ranging from cloaking devices to aerial missiles you may rain down on the battlefield. Single player may be driving reviews lower than they, IMO, should be. Yes, the campaign does nothing revolutionary. It doesn't reinvent the wheel; some might call it derivative. I would call it absolutely solid. You can sprint through the campaign in about 5 hours, but most people will clock in around 7-9 I'd say. I was just shy 8.5 hours I stopped to smell the roses but by no means did I crawl my way through. Oh yes, the graphics. Not PS3 quality as many Sony diehards were praying for, but it is damn CLOSE. Textures, models and lighting are all stunning. Of course, textures are muddy close up and you will encounter a few graphical glitches nothing too jarring. Bottom-line: this is not just a good shooter by Vita's standards; it's a damn good shooter by genre standards. Honestly, I feel sad for Vita gamers who might heed the mediocre reviews and miss out on one beautiful, addictive and downright fun game. The fact that it runs in the palms of our hands is just gravy. See you online.… Expand
  27. GlitterLicks
    Sep 11, 2013
    9
    From the loading screen to the menus to the gameplay and graphics, it's evident that Guerrilla Cambridge really put a lot of effort in to this game. Unlike other PS Vita FPS's that have come out prior, this game has polish in every aspect: graphics, sounds, lighting, shadows, reflections, customization, gameplay, multiplayer and replay-ability. It FEELS like a PS3 game as far as qualityFrom the loading screen to the menus to the gameplay and graphics, it's evident that Guerrilla Cambridge really put a lot of effort in to this game. Unlike other PS Vita FPS's that have come out prior, this game has polish in every aspect: graphics, sounds, lighting, shadows, reflections, customization, gameplay, multiplayer and replay-ability. It FEELS like a PS3 game as far as quality and scale.
    So far, I'm only 3 missions in to the campaign having spent most of my time on the multiplayer which I don't see as a negative, multiplayer is addicting and super fun. This is hard feat to accomplish on a handheld, especially in the FPS landscape, but it's been done beautifully by Guerrilla Cambridge. The map design is incredible whether on the multiplayer suite or the singleplayer. The detail is almost hard to believe considering it's on a handheld device.

    This is a must-buy for any PS Vita owner. And if you're on the fence about buying a PS Vita, this game may very well push you over the edge.

    My score:

    Graphics 10 (best I've seen on PS Vita)
    Sound 9
    Controls 9
    Singleplayer 8 (only 3 missions in)
    Multiplayer 10

    Only negative:
    - 1 for occasional connectivity issues and freezing, nothing that can't be patched though.

    Final: 9/10    … Expand
  28. AndDJ
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    Well,what can I say..?Killzone is the game which humilliates CoD:BoD.It makes CoD feel like a joke and at the same time humbling it wOW.
    Killzone Mercenary is the best videogame on PS Vita device.Its weapons,its graphics its way of responding in player's needs make it apparently the best choice for the Vita system.I recommend everyone to buy Killzone Mercenary...Really...ITS THE SOMETHING ELSE!!!
  29. tanktizzo
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    One of the best FPS on a handheld! Graphics are great and there is a lot of content. Worth the money and you will be holding onto it for some time! Game of the year for the vita!
  30. Ratwan
    Sep 11, 2013
    9
    Easily the best first person shooter available on the PS Vita. Probably the best game on the system behind Rayman Legends. If you have a Vita and even remotely like shooters then go pick this up now.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PS Vita Game of 2013
1
#1 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2013
1
#1 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 86 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 86
  3. Negative: 0 out of 86
  1. GameCritics
    Feb 21, 2014
    85
    As far as handheld shooters go, Killzone: Mercenary is undoubtedly the new gold standard and, quite frankly, makes a mockery out of its handheld peers.
    Read full review
  2. Armchair Empire
    Nov 19, 2013
    80
    Overall, Killzone is indeed the best the Vita has to offer in regards to those itching for a good shooter, but there is still room for improvement overall, and I hope that Guerilla’s next effort eclipses this one.
    Read full review
  3. Riot Pixels
    Oct 31, 2013
    77
    It’s a genuine handheld blockbuster, complete with cool scripted sequences, loud explosions, and surprisingly nice graphics for Vita’s not-so-top-notch hardware.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »