Killzone: Liberation

Reviewed by Nick Tran
December 7, 2006

Developer: Guerrilla Games Publisher: SCEA Website: Click Here Platform(s): PSP, PS2 Number of Players: 1 - 6 ESRB Rating: Teen Review Rating: 8 out of 10

Screenshot from Killzone: Liberation. Courtesy SCEA. Click image to enlarge.

Killzone: Liberation picks up where Killzone ended. Ever since you (Capt. Jan Templar) and your team stopped the Helghast invaders, the ISA forces on planet Vekta have gone on the offensive and it's your task again to lead the way. The storyline isn't memorable though, since Liberation focuses entirely on its game play.

The switch to a third-person isometric view isn't the only thing that has caused a sizeable shift in game play. Whereas the previous game was basically a run-and-gun, Killzone: Liberation is a tactical game. You need to be aware of your environment and take cover behind walls and objects, because the game is very challenging and just running around, shooting people is a sure-fire way to get you killed. The AI in Killzone is one of its best features. The AI always work as a team: they'll use tactics and surroundings to their advantage. They will attempt surround or use flank attacks against you. Enemies come in different varieties, most Enemy carry light submachine guns or shotguns, but others can throw grenades or fire bazookas to make your life a living hell.

Killzone: Liberation features a wide variety of missions. You'll wade through swamps, urban environments, abandoned factories and many more. One bad thing about the levels is that they are pretty short, not very big either (a common thing in handheld games). Multiplayer mode features the usual stuff: namely death match, team death match, capture the flag and assault. With up to six players you may find yourself you busy for some hours, but it can get rather dull and repetitive. The biggest letdown of the game is its lack of a decent online infrastructure mode. Playing this game with fifteen others would have been very cool, if you ask me.

There isn't much in this game to have it stand the test of time. The Evolution Factor on this game is low. It's a good game in a sea of clones and copies but doesn't stand out enough to be one of those games you will remember for all time. This game was a great change of pace for the Killzone name—hope to see a sequel.

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