Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Immersive"

Killzone 3 doesnt stray far from its predecessor, however it makes many small improvements where it matters most. The core gameplay is very similar here, which in this case is a very good thing, especially if you were impressed by Killzone 2. If you thought the visuals in Killzone 2 were amazing, you haven't seen anything yet. Killzone 3 is gorgeous both technically and artistically, and the many varied environments keep you immersed in this impressive world.

The story begins right where it left off as the ISA forces must find a way off of Helghan, having unleashed the hornet's nest following the death of Visari, the Helghan leader. The story suffices quite well and there are many exciting moments that can be found throughout the game. The characters may not be the best in video game history, but you will still care about their struggle, and in the end the gameplay is the real treat. The levels each have different settings and no single place overstays its welcome, so you wont feel as though you're simply trying to get from point A to point B, but rather you are being taken on a thrill ride and may not always be able to guess what happens next. There are many impressive environments to be seen in this world, such as a deep alien jungle, an expansive frozen tundra, and an enormous space station.

Gameplay in Killzone 3 is phenomenal, it is clear that Guerilla Games has perfected their gameplay style going off of the success of Killzone 2. There are no notably drastic changes here, but the enhanced graphics and overall visuals add to the experience as a whole and keep your eyes glued to the screen. Each weapon feels just right and the game has a nice system of allowing you to carry one main weapon as well as a sidearm and a heavy weapon at any given time. There are many sequences that shake up the normal formula such as turret sequences as well as moments when you control a mech suit and a vehicle that speeds through the ice. Overall the gameplay excels in Killzone 3 and you won't want to put down that controller.

Multiplayer works just as well in Killzone 3, and features that same amazing gameplay from the single player campaign. There are 3 multiplayer modes to choose from: Guerilla Warfare, which is a team deathmatch mode, Operations, where one team assaults several objectives while the other team defends, and Warzone, which features many changing objectives within a single match for teams to complete, the team with the most successes in the end prevailing. These modes all work surprisingly well and although multiplayer in Killzone 3 doesnt seem as deep as in games such as Call of Duty Black Ops, there is some progression here and there are many maps to enjoy and fun moments to be had. The progression system has been scaled down from Killzone 2, however this is not a bad thing. There are still classes to choose from such as field medic and engineer, and each class has several guns and abilities that can be unlocked and upgraded, depending on which classes complement your play style the best.

Overall, Killzone 3 is an amazing first person shooter that is just as fun to play as it is beautiful to look at. With great visuals and both single player and multiplayer that will keep you coming back for more, you really can't go wrong with this game. Killzone 3 is not only a worthy sequel to the series, but a great game in its own right that stands among the best shooters of all time.