A Hilarious, Action-Packed Extravaganza: A Helldivers 2 Review
As a passionate gamer who loves both intense action and a good laugh, I was thrilled to dive into Helldivers 2. This game isn't just a follow-up to the original game; it's a riotous explosion of fun, perfectly blending high-octane gameplay with a cheeky sense of humor that had me chuckling through every mission. So strap in and join me for this Helldivers 2 review.
Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, Helldivers 2 elevates the cooperative shooter genre to new heights, offering a rich live service game experience filled with explosive action and laughter. As a sequel, it builds upon its predecessor with more challenging gameplay, introducing a plethora of new stratagems, from orbital strikes to napalm strikes, and special weapons that make every mission on alien planets a thrilling adventure. The game’s difficulty level scales, presenting harder challenges and hordes of enemies that require strategic teamwork and the clever use of air strikes, machine guns, assault rifles, and super credits to overcome.
Gameplay
Where Helldivers 2 truly shines is in its gameplay. This game is a blast, quite literally, especially when played with friends. It's about dropping onto alien planets and engaging in frenzied battles against hordes of bug-like aliens, where the action is fast, furious, and fantastically fun. The controls are tight, the combat is satisfying, and there's never a dull moment. Friendly fire being always on adds an extra layer of hilarity (and occasional frustration) to the mix, as you and your friends try to coordinate attacks without accidentally taking each other out.
But the title is more than just fun; it's a actually a pretty complex gameplay loop designed for the long haul, with a progression system that rewards players with ship upgrades, new abilities, and access to premium currency without feeling forced. Optional objectives and points of interest on the battlefield add layers of depth, pushing players to explore and strategize beyond the primary mission objectives. The introduction of live service elements means that Helldivers 2 is continually updated with new content, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging over time. Arrowhead Game Studios has masterfully balanced the multiplayer experience, ensuring that whether you're coordinating with friends or joining forces with the community, the game remains accessible yet challenging. The variety of enemy forces, from massive hordes to elite units, requires players to adapt and evolve, making use of every tool at their disposal, including super credits for ship upgrades or purchasing new stratagems like the devastating orbital and napalm strikes. The game’s emphasis on cooperative play extends to its gameplay mechanics, where players must work together to tackle objectives, fend off enemy forces, and execute precise air strikes without causing friendly fire incidents—a task that proves both hilariously fun and occasionally nerve-wracking.
"chaotic, comical, and utterly engaging"
The variety of weapons and gear keeps things interesting, allowing for numerous strategies and playstyles, and the third-person perspective is a big upgrade from the original game . Whether you're mowing down bugs with heavy artillery or sneaking around setting traps, there's a role for every type of player. This versatility ensures that each play session with friends is unique, offering endless replay ability. To put it short Helldivers 2 is chaotic, comical, and utterly engaging.
Story
One of the most delightful aspects of Helldivers 2 is its clear homage to the cult classic, Starship Troopers. The game doesn't take itself too seriously and revels in the same over-the-top, satirical military sci-fi vibe that made the movie such a hit. From the bombastic propaganda-style briefings to the exaggerated heroics, every element feels like a playful nod to Starship Troopers. It's this tongue-in-cheek attitude that gives Helldivers 2 its unique charm, setting it apart from more somber, serious shooters.
"light-hearted fun over depth"
Helldivers 2 doesn't aim to be a narrative-driven experience, and that's part of its charm, instead it focuses on light-hearted fun over depth. While there is a storyline – humanity fighting against various alien species – it's more of a backdrop for the chaotic fun than a focal point. The game doesn't bog you down with heavy lore or complicated plot twists; instead, it offers a simple and effective premise: drop pod into enemy territory, spread the glory of super earth, shoot alien bugs, and get out. Instead, the game focuses on an ever evolving galactic war where the main objective is to invade or defend alien worlds against giant bugs or robots as you earn new stratagems and new weapons. This approach makes Helldivers 2 the perfect game for a group of friends looking for a good time. It's easy to pick up and play, regardless of whether you're a series veteran or a newcomer. The focus on cooperative play, combined with the game's lighthearted nature, creates a wonderfully social gaming experience that's as much about laughing at your misadventures as it is about achieving objectives. There is also a free battle pass and a paid battle pass to give you some incentive to play if spreading liberty to waves of enemies isn't enough for you.
Graphics
The visual presentation of Helldivers 2 is commendable for its clarity and effectiveness. The environments, while not pushing the boundaries of current graphical capabilities, are distinct and well-rendered. Each setting, from the barren wastelands to the alien-infested forests, is designed with a clear focus on gameplay, ensuring that the visual elements enhance rather than distract from the action. Helldivers 2’s alien planet settings are meticulously crafted, teeming with life and danger, ensuring that each mission feels unique and immersive.
Character models and enemy designs in Helldivers 2 are well-executed. The Helldivers themselves boast a utilitarian aesthetic that fits the game's militaristic theme. Enemy creatures, though not extraordinarily detailed, are visually distinct and easily identifiable, which is crucial in a game where split-second decisions can mean the difference between success and failure. It's clear that the game's graphical style is chosen with a purpose. Rather than striving for hyper-realism, Helldivers 2 opts for a more stylized approach, aligning with its humorous and over-the-top atmosphere. This choice helps in reinforcing the game's playful tone and making it accessible to a wide range of players.
Conclusion
If you ignore the first week where the game was equal parts fighting bugs and trying to actually find a match due to the server issues Helldivers 2 is a great online game, possibly one of the best online game of recent memory. It doesn't just entertain; it delights. Its homage to Starship Troopers, combined with its comical, chaotic gameplay, makes it a standout title in the cooperative shooter genre. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, inviting players to join in on the fun without the pressure of a complex narrative. Whether you're looking for an action-packed gaming session or just a reason to laugh with friends, Helldivers 2 delivers in spades. It's a rollicking good time, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone looking for some cooperative, bug-shooting fun.
With its engaging gameplay loop, robust progression system, and the endless enjoyment of battling alongside close friends armed with against alien foes, Helldivers 2 by Arrowhead Game Studios is a testament to what makes the co-op shooter genre so much fun. Its blend of strategy, action, and humor, paired with the depth of its live service updates, ensures that players will be enjoying this game for a long time, reveling in the chaos of warfare and the joy of shared victories on the front lines of an interstellar war. And with rumours of more alien planets to napalm strike, I'm predicting many more hours of play time.