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
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  1. gamer4life95
    Nov 17, 2013
    9
    The FPS Vita game you have been waiting for! After the huge disappointments that were Resistance: Burning Skies and Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified, this game lives up the hype!
  2. OttawaExile
    May 6, 2014
    9
    This was the shooter every Vita FPS fan was pinning all their hopes on and we were not disappointed. It looks great, it has loads of single players mission which are fun to play. The multiplayer is deep and fun. I enjoyed the mercenary aspect of the game. Everything you do in both single and multiplayer from headshots to picking up dropped ammo get you credits. These credits can be used toThis was the shooter every Vita FPS fan was pinning all their hopes on and we were not disappointed. It looks great, it has loads of single players mission which are fun to play. The multiplayer is deep and fun. I enjoyed the mercenary aspect of the game. Everything you do in both single and multiplayer from headshots to picking up dropped ammo get you credits. These credits can be used to buy weapons, armour, and upgrades. Whatever you buy is available to use in both single and multiplayer. The Vanguards are your "killstreak" type rewards They range from a wrist mounted homing rocket system to a personal shield and are lots of fun. The multiplayer maps and game types are fun. I found the controls in multiplayer a little tricky at first ( I found precision aiming a struggle) but that improved with time I'm not sure if I just got used to it or if they patched it. If feel this is definitely the game Vita owners have been waiting for. Not only did they bring a big Sony licence to our favourite handheld but they tweaked the recipe and made it more original and exciting instead of playing it safe. Great job!… Expand
  3. vitareviewer
    Nov 8, 2013
    9
    The best shooter on vita. The vita has the two analog sticks for shooters, and it took a while for developers to use them correctly. This is how all shooters should be on the vita. The campaign is fun, the multiplayer is addictive (but pretty barebones). One flaw with the multiplayer is that the guns cannot be customized. Whatever attachment the gun has on it, you cannot remove or add, andThe best shooter on vita. The vita has the two analog sticks for shooters, and it took a while for developers to use them correctly. This is how all shooters should be on the vita. The campaign is fun, the multiplayer is addictive (but pretty barebones). One flaw with the multiplayer is that the guns cannot be customized. Whatever attachment the gun has on it, you cannot remove or add, and no adding silencers... etc. However the game has a lot of replay value. After you beat the campaign, there are other ways that you can beat the missions, for more money. The gameplay is very addictive, the sticks are very customizable to your liking, and the graphics blow any other vita game out of the water. Overall 9/10
    PROS: Addictive gameplay, amazing graphics, tough campaign, replay value, fun multiplayer.
    CONS: Non-customizable guns, only 6 multiplayer maps with 3 modes    … Expand
  4. Surgery
    Aug 24, 2017
    10
    An utterly impressive portable FPS. There is nothing else like it. Playing such a well designed, high-fidelity title on the Vita-2000 feels very special indeed. The game itself provides excellent shooter gameplay, well refined for portable controls and the minute by minute action is nothing short of intense. Difficulty is high at some parts, so don't fret if you need easy mode first goAn utterly impressive portable FPS. There is nothing else like it. Playing such a well designed, high-fidelity title on the Vita-2000 feels very special indeed. The game itself provides excellent shooter gameplay, well refined for portable controls and the minute by minute action is nothing short of intense. Difficulty is high at some parts, so don't fret if you need easy mode first go around. Story is fine for what it is, but the customizable progression is a real treat. Addictive and sublime mechanics make this a must buy for anyone owning a Vita and even a passing interest in FPS's.… Expand
  5. TheGrimOfDeath
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    After playing both Call Of Duty: Black Ops Declassified and Resistance: Burning Skies, this game is a god send from Guerrilla Cambridge. Not only is the story interwoven between Killzone and Killzone 2, but it is also unqiue and thrilling in all aspects from quality to depth. The Multiplayer is also a great addition to the Killzone franchsie with 4v4 action and a variety of weapons toAfter playing both Call Of Duty: Black Ops Declassified and Resistance: Burning Skies, this game is a god send from Guerrilla Cambridge. Not only is the story interwoven between Killzone and Killzone 2, but it is also unqiue and thrilling in all aspects from quality to depth. The Multiplayer is also a great addition to the Killzone franchsie with 4v4 action and a variety of weapons to choose from. The Single player also has quite a lot ore-playability with Contracts to do for each mission and Intel to collect.

    I have waited for a long time for this game to come out and I can say that you will not be disappointed if you purchase this game. Long Live Killzone!    … Expand
  6. ZekeThePlumber
    Jul 7, 2014
    10
    I'll be scoring on this criteria, gameplay, visuals/audio, stability, and replayability.

    Gameplay: 10/10 WOW... this is what devs have been trying to do since the PSP first came out. Someone finally did it. Transplant the console FPS experience to a handheld. Gameplay is very similar to Killzone 3, and as far as handheld games go, this has some of the best overall gameplay. It doesn't    I'll be scoring on this criteria, gameplay, visuals/audio, stability, and replayability.

    Gameplay: 10/10
    WOW... this is what devs have been trying to do since the PSP first came out. Someone finally did it. Transplant the console FPS experience to a handheld. Gameplay is very similar to Killzone 3, and as far as handheld games go, this has some of the best overall gameplay. It doesn't feel gimped or crippled at all. The only gripe I have is having the option to aim using the tilt controls like Uncharted does would have been cool. This has everything you would expect from a modern shooter. The touch controls are pretty intuitive and don't detract from the experience. Games like this are the reason to buy a Vita.

    Though this game isn't just a copy paste of Killzone 3. Guerilla added in, what is probably the precursor to the drone in Shadow Fall, several secondary pieces of equipment ranging from an orbital/high altitude laser strike to a drone with a pair of lobster like pincers that you can control and spike people though the head with.

    There are also several new guns that aren't in the previous Killzone games, you get a silenced sniper rifle, a big one shot anti-material sniper rifle

    Visuals/Audio: 9.5/10
    Holy crap! The visuals here are practically on par with the PS3. First impression was "Wow is this really a handheld?!" The graphics are simply amazing, think PS3 though HDMI. Plug in some surround sound headphones, and the audio will blow you away. I didn't see many visual glitches, nothing really glareing or constantly recurring. The sound effects from the Killzone 3 are all there, the only gripe I have is the lack of music. So .5 points off for that.

    Stability: 10/10
    I didn't encounter any major game breaking bugs like can't advances or crashes. All the functionality worked the way it should.

    Replayability: 10/10
    Aside from the just the normal campaign play though there are multiple challenge objectives for every mission, like stealthing an entire mission or killing everyone, or blowing up X number of people. Then there also all the weapons and equipment you can buy from the stereotypical Russian arms dealer (can't he be French or something for once? Like a French chain smoker?) you won't have enough money to buy everything from him on one play though.

    Overall: 39.5/40
    As a console game this would have been a good game. I simply cannot shoved enough praise on this game without looking like a paid reviewer.

    Rounding up, this game gets a 10.    … Expand
  7. TheDarkKnight22
    Sep 10, 2014
    8
    This is a really fun game, the gameplay feels good, the guns feel balanced and the multiplayer feels fair. if anyone has a ps vita, i would recommend buying this game.
  8. Das2003
    May 14, 2014
    10
    This is by far the best FPS game to grace a portable device. Everything about this game is just amazing. Unfortunately a lot of the professional reviewers keep comparing this game to its console counterpart, its a shame really because the vita is not a home console, nor does it play blu rays. Its a portable gaming system. Therefore there should not be a direct comparison at all! AnywayThis is by far the best FPS game to grace a portable device. Everything about this game is just amazing. Unfortunately a lot of the professional reviewers keep comparing this game to its console counterpart, its a shame really because the vita is not a home console, nor does it play blu rays. Its a portable gaming system. Therefore there should not be a direct comparison at all! Anyway this game is simply masterpiece, the people involved should be given awards for their achievements. The bottom line without giving away any spoilers, if you own a Vita buy this game, if you don't it will be a sin!… Expand
  9. janic
    Sep 3, 2016
    9
    I held off on buying this game because an fps on a handeld just didn't seem enjoyable to me. I was proven wrong after picking it up on a PSN sale. Videos of this game don't do it justice. The graphics are impressive but the best part is the gameplay. Like the mainline games, this one has great gunplay, certainly as good as it gets on a handheld. You can also do melee finishers with swipesI held off on buying this game because an fps on a handeld just didn't seem enjoyable to me. I was proven wrong after picking it up on a PSN sale. Videos of this game don't do it justice. The graphics are impressive but the best part is the gameplay. Like the mainline games, this one has great gunplay, certainly as good as it gets on a handheld. You can also do melee finishers with swipes on the touchscreen which were surprisingly enjoyable and a welcome addition on a handheld, where an fps can get a bit chaotic. The campaign can be beaten fairly quickly so if you're looking for a game for a short vacation, this is perfect.… Expand
  10. Kerber
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    For me this is not only one of best games on vita but on portable consoles in general. I have sold my vita when I bought switch and I missed KZ so much that I had to buy vita again.

    Great action, smart weapons, brilliantly implemented vanguard selections and war shown for what it is just enriching gameplay and story… If there is one game that every owner of vita should try, it is this    For me this is not only one of best games on vita but on portable consoles in general. I have sold my vita when I bought switch and I missed KZ so much that I had to buy vita again.

    Great action, smart weapons, brilliantly implemented vanguard selections and war shown for what it is just enriching gameplay and story… If there is one game that every owner of vita should try, it is this one.
    Btw I think that Guerrilla was much, much better in developing KZ games for psp/vita than for home consoles.    … Expand
  11. stevanthecruel
    Feb 18, 2015
    9
    this game is awesome,great shooter for ps vita,great graphic,run smooth,great and fun multiplayer and ironically killzone mercenary is better experience from killzone shadow fall for ps4,at least for me
  12. Add
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    Honestly can't believe how much fun this game is. Really didn't expect it to be this good. I had a lot of fun and the whole time I was impressed I was playing on a handheld. I'm more pumped then ever for killzone shadow fall. Great gameplay and combat, level design and graphics. Just a great game.
  13. Marsellus
    Oct 27, 2013
    9
    Great gameplay here!
    The story is good enough and the design is awesome !
    Fantastic stealth feeling, the Artificial intelligence is challenging, multiplayer and replay value...
    A mix between quake and metal gear solid. Recommended
  14. ironman2000014
    Oct 28, 2013
    9
    I LOVE THIS GAME!!!! I have not play KZM online yet, I am still playing the Campaign. Like everyone else who said the Graphics are Amazing is right on the dot! This game has the best graphics on any Handheld game ever made! It looks So Damn realistic that I sometimes forget I am playing KZM on my Vita... It looks and feels like a PS3 game, but it is definitely not a PS3 game. Once II LOVE THIS GAME!!!! I have not play KZM online yet, I am still playing the Campaign. Like everyone else who said the Graphics are Amazing is right on the dot! This game has the best graphics on any Handheld game ever made! It looks So Damn realistic that I sometimes forget I am playing KZM on my Vita... It looks and feels like a PS3 game, but it is definitely not a PS3 game. Once I play the online and I Love it, I wil raise my ratings to a 10. Just for the fact that the graphics are F**king Amazing!… Expand
  15. wushux2003
    Nov 7, 2013
    9
    Best portable shootah evah!
    No seriously, this is the Halo for the vita, you can't have an FPS of this magnitude on any other portable. (well you could technically, but you won't. This is too epic/involving for the cellphone audiences).
  16. huss2215
    Dec 26, 2013
    9
    Graphics: Best VITA graphics to date. 10.

    Sound: Missing that Killzone theme that stands out, voice acting is good, gun sounds, and enemy death sounds are killzone. 9. Gameplay: The best FPS on the handheld device, multiplayer feels like the classic Killzone it should feel like. The campaign has a new arsenal of weapons and gadgets at your disposal. Great game, never feels    Graphics: Best VITA graphics to date. 10.

    Sound: Missing that Killzone theme that stands out, voice acting is good, gun sounds, and enemy death sounds are killzone. 9.

    Gameplay: The best FPS on the handheld device, multiplayer feels like the classic Killzone it should feel like. The campaign has a new arsenal of weapons and gadgets at your disposal. Great game, never feels repetitive, this is the best it’s going to get on the VITA. 10.

    Story: The story was good, it didn't really feel like it filled in a gap in the Killzone universe but it does connect to it. No amazing plot twists, although there is one in particular. You’re a mercenary set out to do missions for money, the game does have its surprises, and it’s good. 8.

    Replay Value: Plenty to do here, 9 mission campaigns, never ending multiplayer, collectibles, worth it, probably the best game on VITA out now. 10.

    Overall Score: 9.4 out of 10.    … Expand
  17. J51490
    Dec 6, 2013
    8
    Overall this is a great portable FPS with great graphics and pretty smooth game play, my only complaint is that sprinting is a bit difficult. But that is only a minor annoyance and is completely outweighed by the pros of this game. Killzone mercenary is a must have for vita owners!
  18. Richar
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    I was thinking on upgrade my psp with a more powerful handheld and finally I bought vita with this game guided by general comments on the net. I was succesfull, the game is awesome and make me forget all my fears about making a mistake.
  19. fogacalucas
    May 19, 2014
    10
    Just perfect. Simply the best game I have already played in the Playstation Vita. It's no coincidence that the game earn the best game of E3 for Playstation Vita. Excellent graphics, gameplay, multiplayer, etc... It values each cent vested in the game.
  20. ericjohn004
    Apr 29, 2014
    10
    I purchased a PS Vita because I wanted to play full length AAA PS games on a portable device. But when I got the Vita I realized that there really isn't but ONE true AAA game in the entire PS store. And that game is Killzone: Mercenary.

    The graphics in this game are just unreal being that this is on a portable device. It looks pretty much equal to Killzone 3. The textures and lighting    I purchased a PS Vita because I wanted to play full length AAA PS games on a portable device. But when I got the Vita I realized that there really isn't but ONE true AAA game in the entire PS store. And that game is Killzone: Mercenary.

    The graphics in this game are just unreal being that this is on a portable device. It looks pretty much equal to Killzone 3. The textures and lighting are VERY high quality and the game actually renders in 960x540, the Vita's actual resolution, which you don't see very often and that's VERY impressive. No other game on the Vita comes close. Games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss look OK/Good for a handheld, but Uncharted ain't got nothing on Killzone: Mercenary.

    Another great thing about this game is that it's like a FULL fledged console game. There's a full single player campaign which took me about 12 hours to beat(I played the game on the hardest difficulty and restarted a lot), and a Multiplayer with all types of different loadouts, guns, and grenades, along with 8 unique maps.

    The thing I LOVE about the single player portion of the game is that you have numberous options on how you can approach you enemy. You can go in multiple directions, and you can go guns blazing, or you can kill them one by one, silently. I LOVE that you can go through the whole game and almost all the enemys silently, without even firing your gun. And in order to get "Intel", you'll need to do a LOT of silent kills if you want that accomplishment.

    So because you simply CANNOT find a better portable game, I find it very hard to give this game anything but a 10/10.    … Expand
  21. MasterChief500
    Feb 9, 2014
    8
    This Killzone is better that Shadow Fall. It's the best Killzone. FPS on Playstation Vita it's very interesting experience, just like FPS on PSP. The best AAA on Vita except Terraway
  22. chiemartin
    May 19, 2014
    10
    My first ever game on my VITA, and it got me hooked. Finished the game, and I absolutely loved the graphics. Gameplay is solid. I haven't picked up the Botzone DLC, so that's an added bonus to the great game that it already is. Definitely the best FPS game on the vita.
  23. Canem
    Mar 3, 2014
    8
    A great game for the Vita and a great game by itself! Controls are very responsive and work well when in the heat of a firefight. The presentation is great and some of the best visuals you'll see on a handheld device. The story is average but that doesn't seem to matter to much when the game is split into 9 or so different missions that are perfect for gaming on the go. A save system thatA great game for the Vita and a great game by itself! Controls are very responsive and work well when in the heat of a firefight. The presentation is great and some of the best visuals you'll see on a handheld device. The story is average but that doesn't seem to matter to much when the game is split into 9 or so different missions that are perfect for gaming on the go. A save system that works throughout the missions would be a nice addition. A good game and the best FPS on the Vita.… Expand
  24. ToFewViews
    Aug 23, 2015
    8
    Killzone: Mercenary may seem like a generic first person shooter at first but it's actually a great game that stands above the rest. It takes the vita and utilizes everything it has, The game Looks Great, Runs well and Controls better then any FPS I've previously played on the Handheld. Mercenary Runs on a toned down version of the same engine as the PS4/PS3 Killzone games and it worksKillzone: Mercenary may seem like a generic first person shooter at first but it's actually a great game that stands above the rest. It takes the vita and utilizes everything it has, The game Looks Great, Runs well and Controls better then any FPS I've previously played on the Handheld. Mercenary Runs on a toned down version of the same engine as the PS4/PS3 Killzone games and it works great. The story feels short, only taking about 5-6 hours to complete but has a great pick up and play feeling to it making it a perfect game to play on the go or in small increments. The game has a money system that is quite interesting, Completing Missions/Objectives, Getting Kills and Online all give you money for everything you do. You can use this money to buy new Guns,Grenades,Armor and more and let's you play the game the way you want. There is also challenges you can do like beating a level with a shotgun that will net you some extra cash. Killzone also has a great online mode with 3 different game modes to play with it's own set of unlocks.If your looking for Fun/Great looking Vita FPS Killzone: Mercenary is what your looking for.… Expand
  25. audioheretic
    Aug 10, 2014
    9
    KZ:M is the best first-person shooter available on the Vita. It's not perfect; enemy waves can get frustrating at times and the campaign is fairly short. But the post-release support the studio gave this game was impressive. A few new, free multiplayer maps, bots support (requires a cheap DLC purchase), and continued bug fixes and balancing. But the game looks gorgeous and is an impressiveKZ:M is the best first-person shooter available on the Vita. It's not perfect; enemy waves can get frustrating at times and the campaign is fairly short. But the post-release support the studio gave this game was impressive. A few new, free multiplayer maps, bots support (requires a cheap DLC purchase), and continued bug fixes and balancing. But the game looks gorgeous and is an impressive achievement for the Vita. The multiplayer will keep you engaged long after you beat the game. Highly recommended.… Expand
  26. Kaprawiec
    Apr 13, 2015
    9
    Awesome game. Best 3D graphic on VITA, cool story mode, nice multiplayer, replayability.
    Before killzone I was happy with all the indie titles that kept me satisfied on VITA. Now I really am dissapointed, that VITA is not as popular as it deserves to be, because after killzone I see that it would be insane to have more AAA games like far cry, destiny, elder scrolls, bloodborne etc. on    Awesome game. Best 3D graphic on VITA, cool story mode, nice multiplayer, replayability.
    Before killzone I was happy with all the indie titles that kept me satisfied on VITA. Now I really am dissapointed, that VITA is not as popular as it deserves to be, because after killzone I see that it would be insane to have more AAA games like far cry, destiny, elder scrolls, bloodborne etc. on VITA...
    But back to K:M
    Graphics: 10/10
    Sound: 10/10
    Fun: 10/10
    Replayability: 10/10
    Overall: Well deserved 10/10    … Expand
  27. SIMINTHEBOSS
    Apr 11, 2015
    10
    I love money based games, and this might be one of the best. Easily the best shooter on Vita, with tight and fast gameplay, amazing multiplayer, and a different perspective on one of the most iconic original wars gaming has ever seen. Just buy it. Do it. Now.

    Oh, and I forgot: THE FREEEEEEEEAKING GRAAAAAAPHICS.
  28. juklendone
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    El mejor shooter de Vita y que mejor explota sus capacidades ojalá guerrilla no abandone la saga :(
  29. itchipod
    Jan 3, 2017
    9
    Wow! This game is amazing! The graphics are overwhelming on PS Vita and this game truly catches the FPS experience on a handheld. It has a lot and various weaponry. The only negative I can say is that the campaign mode is very short and story isn't very compelling.
  30. josesueiro
    Apr 15, 2016
    9
    Killzone: Mercenary is a first-person shooter video game for the PlayStation Vita

    For the first time in a Killzone campaign, players can fight alongside Helghast forces as well as ISA specialists, carrying out missions that regular soldiers cannot. As a mercenary, players are free to decide which tactics and load outs they will use to fulfill their contract; employers will reward    Killzone: Mercenary is a first-person shooter video game for the PlayStation Vita

    For the first time in a Killzone campaign, players can fight alongside Helghast forces as well as ISA specialists, carrying out missions that regular soldiers cannot. As a mercenary, players are free to decide which tactics and load outs they will use to fulfill their contract; employers will reward players with money if successfully completed. The game utilizes the PS Vita's touch screen and rear touch panel.    … Expand
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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
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