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. 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.
  2. MrBooble
    Sep 22, 2013
    9
    Perfectly designed for the handheld in terms of short exciting missions structures. Great story with a couple of twists and excellent gameplay mechanics and graphics. I have no issue with the level design being adapted to short pickup and play game play periods on a handheld and I feel the end result is exactly how the developer envisaged it to be.

    Great replay ability through    Perfectly designed for the handheld in terms of short exciting missions structures. Great story with a couple of twists and excellent gameplay mechanics and graphics. I have no issue with the level design being adapted to short pickup and play game play periods on a handheld and I feel the end result is exactly how the developer envisaged it to be.

    Great replay ability through multiplayer, collectables and specific contract conditions.I don't often return to a game following completion but this is so playable, The only other game getting some time in the midst of my GTA V addiction. Best Vita game for me. That says it all.    … Expand
  3. Sizerlokz
    Sep 26, 2013
    9
    The story is short and the missions are a moderate length. The length of the mission are good for portable gaming, i just wish it had more missions. The online multiplayer is good as well but i think it would be better with 10 or 12 players and if it hade more game modes but overall it's a solid game and definitely the best fps and arguable the best game for the vita. The graphics at veryThe story is short and the missions are a moderate length. The length of the mission are good for portable gaming, i just wish it had more missions. The online multiplayer is good as well but i think it would be better with 10 or 12 players and if it hade more game modes but overall it's a solid game and definitely the best fps and arguable the best game for the vita. The graphics at very good but It feels laggy at times but it is a good game and I recommend it to all vita owners… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Lackanookie
    Oct 12, 2013
    9
    Game has excellent graphics, fps, physics, and story line. So much better than expected from reading reviews. The multiplayer is well done with 3 modes. I can't wait for DLC This game is a must have and reviews do not give it enough credit!!
  7. Zbadrawy
    Oct 15, 2013
    9
    It's an amazing game. It's not only the best shooter on Vita (though that's not saying much), but it's also the best Killzone game yet. The controls, mechanics, and feel are all perfect for the vita. The wide variety of weapons, grenades, and the new vanguard system (killstreaks in both single and multiplayer such as invisibility, a portable shield, or even a jammer) give the player a lotIt's an amazing game. It's not only the best shooter on Vita (though that's not saying much), but it's also the best Killzone game yet. The controls, mechanics, and feel are all perfect for the vita. The wide variety of weapons, grenades, and the new vanguard system (killstreaks in both single and multiplayer such as invisibility, a portable shield, or even a jammer) give the player a lot of freedom in playing how they want to play. The best feature however that will keep you coming back for more is the money. You earn money for absolutely everything you do, from killing higs to collecting ammo to blowing drones up. This mechanic is perfect for this game thanks to it being one unified bank account across both single and multiplayer, allowing you to raise enough for that special gun even when you are not in range of Wi-Fi for multiplayer, which is in 6 well built and diverse maps. There are only 3 game modes. Team deathmatch: the name says it all. Mercenary warfare: my favorite of the bunch is a normal free for all with a twist. It's "who can collect the most money", not kills! With enough brains to go with skill, you can go from last place to first place in a minute, but those who focus on nothing but kill count will not necessarily place in the top 3. The final mode is Warzone, the classic killzone objective based mode. The match is split into 5 objectives: Valor collection (basically collecting the dropped dogtags), hacking (hacking as many vanguard capsules as possible), interrogation (meleeing an enemy from behind. It's the hardest of the lot but most rewarding), hacking again, and finally kill count. I wish Vita had the 3DS's Activity log so I could see how many hours I spent playing Killzone's amazing multiplayer!
    The graphics are some of the best on Vita. In action, it looks almost as good as early PS3 games and for once, the long loading times are not a consequence of the great visuals.
    The only draw back here is the incredibly short campaign. You will probably beat it in about 5 hours but Guerrilla didn't leave it there. You can replay each mission another 3 times to complete covert, precision, or demolition challenges, giving you about 20 hours of single player fun.
    An amazing game that I recommend to any and all Vita owners!    … Expand
  8. 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.
  9. juliofb
    Nov 11, 2013
    9
    This game gets a 8 out of technical merit alone: it looks great, it sounds great, and its impressive trough and trough. I still think its baffling why people don't recognize what a achievement to be experienced on a handheld. So there you go, what this game pull off from the Vita is incredible proving what this system is able to do.

    But this game one extra point (making it a 9), in my    This game gets a 8 out of technical merit alone: it looks great, it sounds great, and its impressive trough and trough. I still think its baffling why people don't recognize what a achievement to be experienced on a handheld. So there you go, what this game pull off from the Vita is incredible proving what this system is able to do.

    But this game one extra point (making it a 9), in my book, due to the fun factor.

    The story is great. It made me go back to Killzone 2 and 3 to pinpoint the timeframe only to find out that the most interesting part of the war was being fought by Admiral Grey and her gang of mercenaries.
    It might be hard to grasp how interesting the story is during your first play trough, but if you pay attention you realize all the conflicts behind the decisions. It clearly shows that there is no 'good' and 'bad' side in this war. It was the first time I really paid attention to it and wanted to know more about the Killzone lore.

    Then, there is the gameplay. Sure, controls take some getting used to and some tweaking I amped the sensitivity, for example. But once you get trough that, you'll be immersed in a beautiful, varied and exciting game. I truly came to admire how deep the gameplay can be when I went to complete all contracts that demand you to explore different weapons and different approach to the levels. But the varied level design is there from the get go. You can tackle the problems presented to you in a wide range of ways for me, the greatest sign of a masterfully designed game.

    Of course, you can just run and gun away (as you can in deep games like FarCry 3 or Deus Ex, for example) if you set it to easy. The game can look generic if you play it this way. I think many reviewers just did a rushed job, and didn't bothered to peel one more layer of the game to experience how great it is. And I'm talking about pure great level design regardless of it being on a handheld, running smoothly and beautifully what makes it even more impressive.

    So there you go, if you like shooters and own a Vita you probably already got this game. I'm writing to help out people who'll get the Vita later (maybe due to PS4 launch) to cut trough the garbage that many outlets have put out about this game. This is the best shooter on the go that you can find right now (2013), and it's better than many console shooters (I'm looking at you, Black Ops 2).    … Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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).
  13. 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
  14. BerserkerPSN
    Nov 30, 2013
    9
    The Killzone franchise has slowly become one of Sony's biggest, with roots stretching back as far as the PlayStation 2. Unfortunately, the series has never quite reached the commercial heights of other modern shooters like Call of Duty or Battlefield. Thankfully, the series debut on the PlayStation Vita is arguably its strongest outing on any platform yet. The first thing you'll noticeThe Killzone franchise has slowly become one of Sony's biggest, with roots stretching back as far as the PlayStation 2. Unfortunately, the series has never quite reached the commercial heights of other modern shooters like Call of Duty or Battlefield. Thankfully, the series debut on the PlayStation Vita is arguably its strongest outing on any platform yet. The first thing you'll notice when booting up Mercenary is the jaw-dropping visuals. While Killzone has always looked good on consoles, its never caught the eyes of gamers like some other games. On a handheld, however, Killzone's visuals are un-paralleled. Guns are finely detailed, environments all radiate color, and character models are great. In terms of story, Mercenary attempts to refresh the typical war story by telling it from the perspective of a gun-for-hire. This aspect could have made for some neat storytelling, but Mercenary's mute protagonist never bothers to give any personal insight on the war. Despite this, Mercenary does still manage to entertain with a plot that, while arguably the weakest in the series, does a fine job of keeping the player's interest. In terms of gameplay, Mercenary's frame rate is surprisingly solid, given how great it looks. The controls work well, but during intense firefights, double tapping the Vita's rear touch pad to run was cumbersome. This aside, Guerilla Cambridge has done a fantastic job of creating a well-thought-out control scheme. Unlike several previous Vita games, Mercenary also makes great use of the Vita's touch screen. Interrogating enemy's via the touch screen was fun, and never got old. Finally is Mercenary's multiplayer. This is, without a doubt, Mercenary's greatest achievement. Map design is fantastic, with several dynamic elements (e.g. roatiting wheels, working elevators, zip lines, etc.) built in. Unlike most of today's shooter, Mercenary replaces the traditional XP system with valor cards. Valor cards are small items dropped by fallen enemies and allies. Collecting them will build up a "deck". Creating a full deck will award players with cash, which can then be spent on armor, weapons, and equipment. Thats the beauty of Mercenary's multiplayer. Its essentially a pay-to-win situation, but with virtual cash. All-in-all, developer Guerilla Cambridge have outdone themselves with Mercenary. With a flawed but intriguing story, beautiful visuals, and fantastic gameplay, Mercenary has set the standard for handheld shooters in general.… Expand
  15. Lolzified
    Feb 7, 2014
    9
    One of the most acclaimed shooters on Playstation is back! But this time it's on a portable system, how will that do? Spoiler: It's awesome. The Vita is the only portable console with 2 sticks, which makes it a fabulous system for shooters, topped off with the Vitas hardware capabilities, and you can get a console-like-experience. This however, is the first shooter on the Vita that isOne of the most acclaimed shooters on Playstation is back! But this time it's on a portable system, how will that do? Spoiler: It's awesome. The Vita is the only portable console with 2 sticks, which makes it a fabulous system for shooters, topped off with the Vitas hardware capabilities, and you can get a console-like-experience. This however, is the first shooter on the Vita that is actually good, actually, not just good, amazing. It looks like a console game (the game runs on the same engine as Killzone 3) which is just gorgeous, stunning and beautiful. If you own a Vita and love shooters, hey, if you like shooters, this is a must-have, along with Tearaway ;)… Expand
  16. 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.
  17. Liebstrom
    May 13, 2014
    9
    Great single player campaign with a diverse level design, adequate A.I. and a fun multiplayer. A lot of guns to choose from for some fun and interesting loadouts, such as proximity mines, a stun gun, and a trench rocket launcher that is really fun to use.

    Positives: +Campaign that can be replayed over and over for new experiences +Fun multiplayer that works +Really fun weapons and    Great single player campaign with a diverse level design, adequate A.I. and a fun multiplayer. A lot of guns to choose from for some fun and interesting loadouts, such as proximity mines, a stun gun, and a trench rocket launcher that is really fun to use.

    Positives:
    +Campaign that can be replayed over and over for new experiences
    +Fun multiplayer that works
    +Really fun weapons and combat
    +Tight controls

    Negatives:
    -Occasional glitches
    -Cheesy dialogue
    -Handholding    … Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Ondik
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    This was my first Killzone game and I absolutely loved it. The only bad thing i can say. It was short. I just wanted more when the credits rolled. Hope there will be next one.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. XxJoseManuelxX
    Aug 16, 2016
    9
    Killzone: Mercenary is a first-person shooter video game for the PlayStation Vita. Developed by Guerrilla Cambridge and published by Sony Computer Entertainment.

    + Excellent Graphics
    + Good Gameplay
  24. drowblade
    Mar 23, 2018
    9
    Шикарный шутер для портативной консоли. Реализация и взаимодействие с интерфейсом просто потрясающие! Графика на очень высоком уровне, отличная оптимизация. Сюжет без откровений, но для шутера он вполне хорош. Для Виты эта игра - однозначно маст хев. В десятке лучших игр для портатива.Шикарный шутер для портативной консоли. Реализация и взаимодействие с интерфейсом просто потрясающие! Графика на очень высоком уровне, отличная оптимизация. Сюжет без откровений, но для шутера он вполне хорош. Для Виты эта игра - однозначно маст хев. В десятке лучших игр для портатива.
  25. paddybee
    Mar 28, 2017
    9
    A great game, and works fantastically well with the Vita. Superb graphics and set pieces all through the campaign. Each mission has three main ways it can be accomplished, giving you rewards and reason to play through them differently each time. Only played a bit of the multiplayer, but that seemed just as fun.
  26. IDavidSarkisyan
    Jul 1, 2018
    9
    I bought this game two years ago and played it more than 70 hours. The game did not bad, especially for the portable console PS Vita. Of course in this game is a very trivial story and there are not too many weapons, but everything is just a good game. in the game there are multiplayer.

    I recommend this game.
  27. Achilles190877
    Mar 25, 2020
    9
    This game is awesome even now (March 2020). The controlls are strange but you'll get used to them. As you're a mercenary you depend on money to buy new weaponry and there are different ways to earn money such as killing enemies in different ways or being a certain time silent. It's worth the price.
  28. SewAwOw
    Jan 11, 2022
    9
    Отличная игра, один из лучших экзов виты, можно сказать, системселлер. В игре потрясающая графика уровня киллзона 3, умные противники, нелинейные локации с возможностью убивать врагов втихую, и очень много оружия и разной экипировки. Даже сюжет интригующий, с внезапными поворотами. Довольно удобное управление, фпс в среднем держится на 30, проседая лишь в очень экшоновых моментах, системаОтличная игра, один из лучших экзов виты, можно сказать, системселлер. В игре потрясающая графика уровня киллзона 3, умные противники, нелинейные локации с возможностью убивать врагов втихую, и очень много оружия и разной экипировки. Даже сюжет интригующий, с внезапными поворотами. Довольно удобное управление, фпс в среднем держится на 30, проседая лишь в очень экшоновых моментах, система добивания проста и очень зрелищна. Полная озвучка только усиливает положительные стороны игры. Недостатков в игре, имхо, всего два: раздражающая мини-игра по взлому, и допросы офицеров для дополнительного раскрытия лора - убивать их нужно только втихую, в открытом бою не допросить, что принуждает стелсить там, где не хочешь, а противники довольно зрячие и реагируют на тела убитых. И все же плюсы сильно перевешивают минусы, лучшей реализации шутера для виты и придумать сложно. Однозначно маст хэв.… Expand
  29. Apeboi
    Oct 27, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the absolute pinnacle of vita games for me. It looks gorgeous and has a lot to offer, from the fast paced multiplayer to the short but sweet campaign, there's not much to hate about this game. I 100% think you should get this game if you have a vita, it's worth it… Expand
  30. sityoazzdown
    Apr 11, 2015
    8
    I remember playing pokemon on my gameboy, I would've never thought we would see this type quality game (both graphics and gameplay) ever on a handheld. In my opinion fps games are very rare on handhelds, but this is one, if not the only fps gem on the handheld-market today. First impressions of this game will be that 95% of people will probably be blown away by the graphics of this game,I remember playing pokemon on my gameboy, I would've never thought we would see this type quality game (both graphics and gameplay) ever on a handheld. In my opinion fps games are very rare on handhelds, but this is one, if not the only fps gem on the handheld-market today. First impressions of this game will be that 95% of people will probably be blown away by the graphics of this game, this is ps3 quality graphics on a handheld people. The gameplay feels clunky, but once you get the feel and handle of it, it feels like a typical killzone game and is decent. The single player was surprisingly pretty good that I enjoyed. It's short but it had a good story with a nice twist in the end, the blackmarket was a good incentive to keep playing as I wanted to experiment with different vanguards and weapons. I mean it's the first killzone single player campaign I actually finished, (although I never played 1 & 2). Multiplayer is fun and addicting once you get past the stiff gameplay and aiming down the sights,( I plan to spend a decent amount of time in multiplayer). Kinda barebones, but a competitive fps game on handheld?, I will take that anyday of the week. The negatives of this game is that there isn't much variety in singleplayer, and the lack of player base in multiplayer. Other than that if you have a Vita, and never had played this game, I don't know what you're doing with your life! 85/100.… 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

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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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