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Killzone 3 beta site launches, not letting anyone in yet
Just like its older brother Killzone 2, it appears that upcoming Guerrilla Games FPS Killzone 3 will be getting a beta in some form. A recently launched site with the URL "http://beta.killzone.com/kz3/beta-login.html" and a gated login (that's apparently not allowing anyone in as of right now) certainly seems to imply as much. Adding to the possibility is the fact that the Killzone 2 Community Website service on PSN lists "Killzone 3 Beta Website" as a launchable location, as spotted by Iron Star Movement. We've reached out to Sony and Guerrilla for more details, but we have to imagine it won't be completely different from betas we've seen in the past-- (say, the Killzone 2 beta, for instance -- with online multi and a few game modes, perhaps). That said, this game does have jetpacks, and that changes things a bit -- namely, our excitement for more info. Update: Sony responded, saying, "Guerrilla Games is currently testing a number of elements internally with Killzone 3 and further details will be available soon." [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Guerrilla Games managing director keynoting GDC Europe
Organizers for the Cologne-based gaming industry get-together, GDC Europe, have announced who will deliver this year's keynote address: Guerrilla Games managing director Hermen Hulst. According to the press release announcing Hulst's keynoting duties, his speech will focus on "how the studio has matured, which obstacles had to be overcome and what some of the ingredients behind the success of the Killzone series are." The presser also mentions Hulst's speech "will be located somewhere in the field of tension between hardware and software." We thought we were familiar with the Cologne Congress Center, but we have no idea where that is. Is it close to the cafeteria? Maybe?
Killzone 3 adds 'cinematic deaths,' influenced by 'Hollywood realism'
Expect a lot more things to explode and/or fly directly into you in Killzone 3. Guerrilla is hyping up "cinematic deaths" as a new feature of its upcoming sequel, and it looks exactly as it sounds. According to a blog post on Killzone.com, "Killzone 3 is strongly influenced by Hollywood realism ... Cinematic deaths are the logical progression of this design philosophy, adding a variety of spectacular (and sometimes explosive) new ways for Helghast enemies to perish." Valve's "cinematic physics" (utilized in Half-Life 2: Episide Two) favored drama over realism, and it appears Guerrilla is following suit; however, we'll have to agree with some of the fans' criticisms. "I don't understand how when you shoot that ship with missiles, it loses control and comes right at you," one commenter questioned. Another added that the new cinematic death animations "look really weird and fake." Would you agree?
Killzone 3 teaser trailer is a great big pile of carnage
Sony and Guerrilla Games have updated the official Killzone 3 website with a short teaser trailer for the game -- one which places a heavy focus on the "brutal melee system" we were introduced to during our preview last week. Check out the trailer above, and watch as series protagonist Sev applies tremendous amounts of force to Helghast troopers using his feet, elbows, knees and rifle. We can't help but marvel at the structurally questionable pile of pummeled dudes he's built. Seriously, that must have taken a while. It's a pretty stylish trailer, though the ending just leaves us confused. Why would he don one of the Helghast's iconic, glowy-eyed helmets? It cannot smell good in there.
Killzone 3 officially announced, screenshots revealed
Guerrilla Games recently held a small press event in Amsterdam where the studio finally and officially announced Killzone 3. PlayStation Blog Europe's James Gallagher was in attendance and has reported on a handful of the revelations made during the event. Gallagher has confirmed a few of the features spoiled by forumites who had received subscriber copies of GamePro's Killzone 3-centric July issue, which is due out on newsstands June 1. Most of the details we heard last week -- for instance, the game will have a 3D mode and feature jetpacks, which seems like one heck of a winning combination to us. You can check out the first several Killzone 3 screens in the gallery below. Rest assured, we'll be seeing a lot more of the game when it's undoubtedly featured during Sony's E3 2010 press conference next month. (We'll be sure to pack our 3-D specs.) %Gallery-93599%
Killzone 3 revealed in next GamePro -- and it's 3-D
One of Sony's major E3 titles has been revealed slightly ahead of time. Sony and Guerrilla Games are delivering on Jack Tretton's impromptu promise: Killzone 3 is real, and you'll be able to see it for yourself in the July issue of GamePro, on shelves June 1. A subscriber spilled the Helghan beans on the GameSpot forums, also revealing that the game is playable in 3-D, with the effect requiring the use of glasses (oh, and a 3-D-capable television). GamePro has confirmed the cover story to Joystiq. That means that Killzone 3 is going to be a showpiece for Sony's 3-D technology, and therefore we should probably expect to hear a lot about it at the company's E3 presentation.
Killzone 2 soundtrack wins first Ivor Novello award for gaming
Although Killzone 2 didn't win many Game of the Year awards from gaming sites, it has managed to garner a number of other noteworthy nods. In addition to winning a Roses Design award in November, Guerrilla's PS3-exclusive FPS has now won a Ivor Novello award for "Best Original Video Game Score." Composer Joris de Man has the special honor of not only winning the award, but winning the very first award given to a video game in the organization's 55-year history. Should you want to re-experience the now-award winning score, the soundtrack can be found on iTunes for $10. [Via CVG]
Sony's Jack Tretton: 'I can promise you a Killzone 3'
digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/20/sonys-jack-tretton-i-can-promise-you-a-killzone-3/'; He doesn't know exactly when the third Killzone game will be announced, but SCEA prez Jack Tretton does know that it's gonna happen. When pushed by GTTV host Geoff Keighley about a sequel to last year's Killzone 2 on last night's episode, the Sony exec openly answered, "You know, we own Guerrilla Studios, and uh, they did a great job on Killzone 1 and 2 ... I don't know when you'll see announcements about it, but I can promise you a Killzone 3." Pretty straightforward, Jack! Though he didn't make any promises regarding Killzone for E3, he did additionally note that the news from Sony out of GDC was "the icing on the cake," referring to big announcements at E3 this year as "the batter." And if there's one thing we really, really like, Jack, it's cake batter. You've won this round.
Best of the Rest: Andrew's Picks of 2009
Flower This year had a number of terrific downloadable games (this list is a testament to that), however no game -- retail or digital -- connected with me like Flower. Jenova Chen's flOw was an interesting experiment, but Flower is an actual game. In fact, Flower is one of the few experiences I can think of that show the true potential of games as a unique storytelling medium. No other non-interactive art form will ever be able to replicate what thatgamecompany has managed to create.
Guerrilla compares Killzone 1 and 2, side-by-side
It's been five years since Guerrilla released the original Killzone on PS2. Five years, one console generation, and seven PPEs later, Guerrilla crafted what remains one of the best looking games to date: Killzone 2. In its retrospective piece, Guerrilla compares how the tech and characters have changed in the five years spanning the two console games. Perhaps most surprising about the comparison is not how improved the PS3 game is -- rather, we're impressed at how well the PS2 game has stood the test of time. Perhaps it's time to revisit the PS2 original, for those of you lucky enough to own a backwards-compatible PS3.
Be thankful, Killzone 2 double XP multiplayer starts this weekend
Just in time for your Turkey Day weekend, Killzone 2 will be activating double XP on all multiplayer games from November 27th to November 30th. In addition to double XP, Guerrilla will host a Killzone 2 "retro tournament" using only the Beach Head and Southern Hills maps from the second DLC pack, both remakes of Killzone 1 maps. If you don't have the DLC yet and don't want to drop "money" on it you'll want to check out Killzone.com -- free codes will be given away later this week.
Killzone 2 CG intro wins Roses Design award
The Roses Design Awards have recognized Killzone 2 with six nominations and one award, according to a report by GI.biz. This is the first time games have been allowed to compete alongside graphical, visual design and architecture categories. Axis Animation won a gold award for "Best Use of Animation" for its work on the Killzone 2 CG intro (embedded above). Described as one of the studio's "most ambitious projects," the intro features over three minutes of footage from Vekta to Helghan in one seamless sequence that's free of cuts until the final climatic shot. Director Stuart Aitken is certainly deserving of high praise for setting the stage for one of the PS3's most visually involving games to date.
Guerrilla Games taking a break from Killzone 2, turning on double XP this weekend
Now that Killzone 2's latest DLC pack, Napalm & Cordite, has released, Guerrilla Games is ready to take a break from it all. Guerrilla Games described the situation on the EU Playstation blog (it has since been removed), stating that working on the retail release, patches, DLC and official site updates has been tiring work, prompting a break to "reflect on what is actually out there." Uh, disappointed fans who crave new content?In less depressing news, the US PlayStation blog countered the EU team with some happier news, revealing that a double XP weekend is in full effect in celebration of the latest DLC pack, Napalm & Cordite. And, hey, if you haven't picked up any of the new maps yet, maybe the DLC bundle package is for you. Nothing goes better with double the XP than new maps and weapons, after all.Source - Yay! Double XP weekendSource - No! Guerrilla Games "stepping back" from Killzone 2 [Via CVG] [image]
Killzone 2 DLC bundles inbound tomorrow
Killzone 2 fans are likely foaming at the mouth in anticipation of Napalm & Cordite, the latest booster shot of DLC set to release tomorrow. That isn't the only bit of excitement hitting PSN, however, as Sony has announced that all of the DLC will be offered in one convenient bundle. For those of you new to the game, or those of you who were apprehensive about snagging the DLC, $11.99 will grant you access to all of the Killzone 2 DLC packs thus far, which comes down to three for the price of two in the US (pricing wasn't listed for Europe, though we're checking). Who's downloading?Source - EU release infoSource - US release info
Killzone 2 getting patch and new DLC: 'Napalm & Cordite'
Incoming! Another DLC pack is en route to Killzone 2. This time, it's the "Napalm & Cordite" pack, which we'll be hearing much more about next week. In the meantime, Guerilla Games has seen fit to detail the next patch, which will coincide with the new DLC content. Patch 1.28 is the "latest and greatest update" to the game and adds a multitude of new features when it drops on July 14. These features include, obviously, code support for the new Napalm & Cordite maps, "Suljeva Cliffside" and "Arctower Landing," as well as code which adds the flamethrower and bolt gun to multiplayer. The patch also contains new trophies, more detailed information when browsing games and a bunch of other fixes and updates. Check out the full list over at the PlayStation Blog. %Gallery-67751%
Killzone 2 patch delayed
Oh, Sony. You were on such a roll! We haven't had to write a PlayStation post with the word "delayed" in the headline for quite a while now. Nevermind, it's happened now. The Killzone 2 patch that we discussed yesterday, which will add a party system, Skirmish Mode tweaks and a new "High Precision" control system has been delayed, according to a tweet from the official Guerrilla Games twitter account. There's no word on when it'll be out, but it won't be this week. In another tweet, Guerrilla Games says that it doesn't have an exact date, but it "shouldn't be much longer." Sometime next week then, hopefully.
Killzone 2 patch improves game based on player feedback
Killzone 2 is set to be patched tomorrow -- May 28 -- with a collection of updates based on direct feedback from gamers. Version 1.27 will add quite a few new features, with the highlights including a new party system, Skirmish mode tweaks, new control options and overall improvements to the balance of the game.The party system will allow you to join your friends from within the Join Game menu, as seen above, and factions and squads are now persistent throughout multiple games. The Skirmish mode tweaks include the unlocking of all badges within the mode, allowing everyone to "experience the full range of weapons and abilities available in the Warzone." Also, a new High Precision control method makes the analogue sticks far more sensitive to small movements.The inclusion of a party system will no doubt delight many of you. It's nice to see Guerrilla continuing to shower us with new content and features. This patch should tide us over until the Flash and Thunder pack comes out next month.
Killzone 2 'Flash and Thunder' pack dated June 11
Click for more biggerness The second map pack for Killzone 2 has just been announced by Sony. The "Flash and Thunder" pack contains two Killzone 1 level remakes, namely Beach Head, in which you're tasked with resisting a Helghast invasion force on a coastal stronghold, and The Southern Hills, in which it's the ISA's turn to invade a Helghast hilltop compound.No word on pricing yet The pack will cost $5.99 and you can expect to see it on the PlayStation Network store on June 11 -- that's just a few weeks away! Update: Screenshots gathered, gallery and price added. Video now available after the break.%Gallery-63781%
NPD: Killzone 2 deploys 58K copies in April
Guerrilla Games' FPS Killzone 2 passed the one million milestone a little while back, but it doesn't seem to be content with that. No, in fact, it's still selling copies, as the NPD numbers from April show the game unloaded 58,000 more units onto US soil, Gamasutra reports. This brings the US total for the game up to 677,000 copies, or about 4,739,000,000 dead Helghan.
Guerrilla Games: Next Killzone 2 DLC to be 'best looking thing we have ever made'
Now that the first round of Killzone 2 DLC has been deployed to the battlefield, many eyes are looking to Guerilla Games for word on the next DLC offering. Next Gamer caught up to the game's producer Sebastian Downie and grilled him on all things DLC. Downie could not reveal any details, but did offer that "it's the best looking thing we have ever made."With E3 only a few weeks away, we're willing to bet we'll catch a glimpse of this visual tour de force in LA. Until then, we'll console ourselves online with the other 999,999 people players.[Via VG247]
