Killzone 3 detailed in US magazine scans

By Tom Bramwell Published 24 May, 2010

Ice levels, jetpacks, rockets, 3D glasses...

Scans from the latest issue of GamePro have outed Killzone 3, the inevitable PS3-exclusive first-person shooter sequel from Guerrilla Games, and revealed that it features jetpacks, ice levels and a 3D mode.

According to the preview, Killzone 3 picks up after the events of the second game as a small band of ISA troopers - including Sev and Rico - are forced to contend with a regrouped Helghast army.

"It's the story of David battling Goliath, but this time you are David. That's the big shift in going from Killzone 2 to Killzone 3," Guerrilla MD Hermen Hulst explained.

Fortunately the player has new toys on his side, including a sprightly jetpack, which has a mounted machinegun and is controlled by little bursts of acceleration in midair. The mag described it as "surprisingly lightweight and agile". Enemies will use jetpacks too, and light up "like Roman candles" when they explode.

There's also a new weapon, the Wasp, which fires multiple rockets in quick succession or, with the secondary fire mode, all at once.

Environments include a sprawling ice level where you fight among oilrigs and tankers embedded in glaciers as you attempt to extract a prisoner from a Helghast weapons lab.

The mission, called Frozen Shore, is the fourth in the campaign and includes an on-rails dropship chain-gun turret sequence, which Hulst said was included after fans complained that the dropship intro to Killzone 2 wasn't interactive.

In combat the game is said to be very similar to Killzone 2 - you begin with the standard-issue assault rifle and pistol - but there's a new hand-to-hand melee combat system that you can use when an orange fist icon pops up. Finishing moves include head-stomps and rifle-butt smashes.

As for the 3D mode, it's optional and will require you to wear glasses - the author of the preview noted that he played on a Sony Bravia TV and that it was necessary to sit centrally to enjoy the effect. There's no word on performance implications.

The preview also revealed that Killzone 3 will shine a bit more of a light on the origins and motivations of the gasmask-wearing Helghast, too.

Hulst discussed the origins of the Helghast and parallels to Nazism. Apparently back in the old days the Helghast ruled over Helghan and Vekta, but after they set themselves up as an independent state the people of Earth booted them off Vekta.

"Although the Helghast are physically still human, they consider themselves superior to the human race in terms of society and culture," Hulst said.

"They possess a mentality that's similar to how the Nazis viewed those not part of the Aryan bloodline. Helghast look down on humans as weak, lying and spineless. In Killzone 3, we show that even the Helghast have some humanity left in them."

As for the player's story, Hulst likened it to Inglourious Basterds, based on the small numbers of ISA and the shades of grey we will encounter in the storytelling. "We explore the notion that even honourable soldiers have to make debatable decisions at times for the greater good - or simply for their own survival," he said.

Look out for our own Killzone 3 preview and interview soon.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000. Follow him on Twitter.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (56) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Vlad27145 #1 2 years ago

    So, basically, it's Killzone meets Halo, meets CoD. Hope it still maintains it's own identity though. At most that it picks up the good things in Halo and very few things from CoD

  • Widge #2 2 years ago

    Yeah, I much prefered playing mp in Killzone than I did in CoD. I found CoD a shallow, unrewarding experience. Halo 2 MP I loved too, can't comment on the ones since then.

  • Beano #3 2 years ago

    "So, basically, it's Killzone meets Halo, meets CoD."

    Because of the jetpacks?

    Jetpacks are hardly a Halo innovation.

  • 5h1nj1 #4 2 years ago

    Hey, so why not showing the screens then? O_o

    They're here:

    http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Korial...

  • fknetwork #5 2 years ago

    Meh, Killzone 2 was pants, it was just used as a graphical showcase, the actual gameplay and controls sucked, one of the most over hyped games I have ever fell for and bought (and ended up trading in), also one of the worst games I have played this generation in regards to control lag (even with the updates), press fire, have a cup of tea, THEN it fires on screen!

    Killzone 3 will be more of the same rubbish except this time they are trying to copy COD and Halo to actually make the game good lol
    Edited by fknetwork at 24/05/10 @ 09:18

  • Dave52 #6 2 years ago

    I found KZ2 to be a terrific shooter with a brutal MP.

    First day for me I expect.

  • Retro_ #7 2 years ago

    I really cannot see 3D really taking off this gen, i'm not convinced this gen of consoles can totally pull it off. Hoping I'm wrong of course but I think it'll be the next gen that really makes 3D come alive.

    KZ3, Sounds good, only hope they can nail that controller lag this time around.
    Edited by Retro_ at 24/05/10 @ 09:29

  • Dizzy #8 2 years ago

    Looks like KZ will be the lamb on the altar of 3D.

  • jag10 #9 2 years ago

    LMAO! nice hair cut soap. Sev FTW!

  • LR100 #10 2 years ago

    "Ice levels"? ....hahahaha. Jetpacks? Oh dear God...
    Edited by LR100 at 24/05/10 @ 09:35

  • davisorle #11 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 20:44:35 16-04-2012

  • CaptainQuint #12 2 years ago

    Spectacular visuals aside; Killzone 2 was a dull affair - by the numbers fps design, rinse and repeat. I actually found progress through campaign to be strangely tiresome - odd, for such a good looking game.

    I'm not arsed about another sequel.

  • CaptainQuint #13 2 years ago

    Why on earth has Dave52 been neg'd so much? All he said was that he found it terrific! I might disagree with him, but I'm not gonna jump all over the fella just because he enjoyed it.

    Bunch of sad bastards, those who pressed the minus button.

  • IronGiant #14 2 years ago

    Hardly a 3D sacrificial lamb, it's got 3D mode so can still be played in normal display too. The first 3D only game will be the one to get burnt at the stake!

    KZ2 is a fantastic game especially in multiplayer, something borne out by the countless hours the EG clan put into it and still do from time to time :)

  • KRadiation #15 2 years ago

    I hope the controls get tweaked... I did learn how to play KZ2 in the end but I feel it would have been a much better game if the controls were more responsive.

  • Ducklord #16 2 years ago

    +1 to CaptainQuint

    Is it really that hard to allow people to have their opinions?

  • M_of_the_sys #17 2 years ago

    @fknetwork and davisorle

    I really don't understand why you don't just sell your PS3. You guys seems to dislike anything PS3 related.

  • Geordiemp #18 2 years ago

    Read on CVG that its using Naughty Dog engine and helped by ND.

    Why dont sony let every developer use it, including 3rd party.

    We would see some cracking games.

  • davisorle #19 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 20:44:35 16-04-2012

  • M_of_the_sys #20 2 years ago

    @davisorle

    I'm afraid you're one of the people who stick out on the comments section with only negative things to say about the PS3. And if you don't like it, that's fair enough. I'm not saying you should love it. I'm just wondering, after all this time, why you don't just sell it? I'm not telling you what to do. I'm just wondering why you waste your money on it if you dislike it so much.
    Edited by M_of_the_sys at 24/05/10 @ 10:26

  • DoctorFraud #21 2 years ago

    KZ2 was rubbish. Boring, bad controls, infinite enemy spawn, dull graphics, bad level layout, full of cliches, bad voice work.

  • Collymilad #22 2 years ago

    I liked KZ2, but a bit more variety in locations and stuff actually happening (rather than trudging from one place to another ala 2/3 of killzone 2) would change it from a decent game to an awesome game. Oh and yeah, can infinite enemy respawns please die?

    I actually liked the controls though, keep that.
    Edited by Collymilad at 24/05/10 @ 10:30

  • CaptainQuint #23 2 years ago

    DoctorFraud summed it up really, albeit much more harshly than I'd have put it.

    I mean, I don't think it was quite as bad as he makes out; but yeah, it ain't no "Halo killer".

    Oh shit, I went and said it.

  • davisorle #24 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 20:44:35 16-04-2012

  • HisDudness #25 2 years ago

    Wow, I didn't realize there was such a dislike for this game. For me it is still one of the best MP experiences on the PS3. I can't think of anything more satisfying than that electronic "chirp" you are rewarded with for putting down an enemy. The dynamic game types in Warzone are a revelation, and will probably be a feature that is adapted into other games from now on.

    The gun play is by far the most satisfying I've had in any FPS on consoles. Especially in single player when all the physics details are active. Using the bolt gun to pin Helghast to walls by their limbs was particularly satisfying. Or using the Helghast LMG to riddle a grunt with bullets at close range.

    Anyway, I guess I can agree with the haters and say there is room for improvement. Personally, I can't wait to see what they do with the follow-up, and after The Last Guardian, this is my most anticipated game for PS3.

    Hopefully they find a way to bring Brian Cox back for voice work...

  • Moonprince #26 2 years ago

    "mfao +1. I have a day off and can go out tonight instead of work so in a good mood."

    lolwot?...

    You think we care..?

  • Negotiator #27 2 years ago

    Jetpacks oh dear, a little late I think, didn't we all just play a FPS beta which had jetpacks in it, what was it called?

  • berryl227 #28 2 years ago

    Would agree the sp didn't live upto the hype for me looked great, but the main charecters were so unlikable I just didn't care about them. The final boss fight was a total bitch also. On the other hand the mp had a lot going for it small squads to be formed ala BC 2, some great maps some of the best IMHO, with rolling objectives which I thought was an inspired decision. Tried this out again recently and unfortunatly the controler lag and blurry AA do stick out. Here's hoping the SP story gets fixed and they improve the already decent mp.

  • ziggy_played_guitar #29 2 years ago

    You think we care..?

    haha, who's "we" ?! There are no "we" you're a sad lonely kid, judging by your bitter posts. All. The. Time.

  • sfp_noodle #30 2 years ago

    This game is screaming for co-op. The original should have had it. Sev almost always had a partner with him minus a few missions where he was on his own for a little while. Even if it as 2 player co-op it would have made the experience better. I found the SP campaign fun but it felt empty at times and kinda lonesome. Guerilla really need to add a co-op mode this time. It should be part of the main campaign too, not a seperate component that compliments the SP experience. I've never been a big fan of branching co-op modes. They just don't seem to be as much fun as playing the campaign together.

    Halo 3's campaign gets old after one playthrough by yourself. But I've managed to finish that on 3 seperate occasions with my friends because it's such a blast. As for the online modes in Killzone, I loved them as they were. It could do with a few more game modes perhaps and fixing the controller lag would help although in all honesty I got used to it in a couple of days. Looking forward to seeing this at E3

  • Beano #31 2 years ago

    I though KZ2 was great and entertaining both offline and online - but it didn't take any chances. Hopefully KZ3 will try something new now that they have the solid graphical engine and a smooth online element that can be expanded on featurewise. Looking forward to it!

  • Beano #32 2 years ago

    "Jetpacks oh dear, a little late I think, didn't we all just play a FPS beta which had jetpacks in it, what was it called? "

    Oh dear.. someone accusing KZ3 of ripping off Halo Reach... how surprising.

  • Negotiator #33 2 years ago

    "Jetpacks oh dear, a little late I think, didn't we all just play a FPS beta which had jetpacks in it, what was it called? "

    Oh dear.. someone accusing KZ3 of ripping off Halo Reach... how surprising.

    Beano of course they haven't ripped off Halo Reach, they would have put them in long before we knew Reach had jeppacks. My point is Bungie have beat them to it and it makes them look like they have copied the idea.

  • AllenSpawn #34 2 years ago

    I thought kz2 multiplayer was amazing. Very enjoyable. Everything felt right about it. Which was the complete opposite of sp.
    It looks good , and I actually thought the hefty weight of movement was good, physics were good... There was just , I dunno, something missing- can't put my finger on it. Took me 2 months to finish sp. Had to force myself aswell.

  • HisDudness #35 2 years ago

    Are we at the point in the jet pack argument where everyone lists all the games that have come before Reach that used jet packs, and then everyone agrees that Tribes did it best almost 12 years ago? No, ok...

  • Beano #36 2 years ago

    @Negotiator : Ok - I agree 100% here. I'm sure Guerilla kicked themselves over the leg when Bungie unvealied jetpacks recently and took the edge off their surprise a bit ;)

    Im curious how jetpacks will be used in singleplayer modes though - in both games.
    Edited by Beano at 24/05/10 @ 12:42

  • septimus #37 2 years ago

    Did enjoy Killzone 2. Even found the controls okay. But getting a big meh for this.

    Wait and see before judging.

  • LostGamer #38 2 years ago

    Just to hammer a point here.
    No one rip-off Warhawk when it had jetpacks back in 2008.
    Or that jetpacks in Killzone 3 is not canon even though Killzone Liberation was using jetpacks in 2006.
    Or that Tribes never count because everyone forgot about that game.

    Video of jetpacks in Liberation.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJEBpI11A...

  • makeamazing #39 2 years ago

    I enjoyed KZ2, found some of the levels alittle too hard, even on easy though... so i hope its alittle more balanced for the oldies out there like me :)

    I would rather play KZ2 than MW2 to be honest... at least i didnt feel like the game was playing itself.

  • drumbaby #40 2 years ago

    So they've nicked the jetpacks from Aliens vs Predator PC version1?

    (joke)

  • alcides #41 2 years ago

    Killzone 2 was a great shooter.

    I don't get the "lag" or "sluggish" hate.

    It felt butch, immersive. I think it's when you duck/look/frag at the speed of Speedy Gonzales that it looks ludicrous.

    I'm NOT a shooter fan. Loved MP.

  • kenbei #42 2 years ago

    Not a shooter fan either, but KZ2 was the only shooter of recent times that I actually enjoyed a lot. I actually enjoy the slight sluggishness (compared to other FPSs)
    Like alcides said, "I think it's when you duck/look/frag at the speed of Speedy Gonzales that it looks ludicrous. "
    Truer words have never been said.

  • lagoonalight #43 2 years ago

    Forever gaming will be full of such douchebaggery as to have people that 'hate' a game and more than likely they have hardly played it. KZ2 was a marvelous first effort on the PS3 to say anything but is purely baiting flaming garbage. The MP is quite frequently awesome as long you obey the size restrictions for certain levels. They do need bigger levels for 32 players and better textures, shadows, and water. That is about it. People complaining about aim are seriously not playing the game. As it is I do very well for how much I play. My KDR is still like 1.3 but still.... it is about team work. If they suddenly changed these controls there would be a huge uproar. I don't want plastic guns and ultra 'responsive' I have a plastic gun in my hands bull ****. You lame mofo's need to invade some other game like Halo or Counterstrike.

  • CaptainQuint #44 2 years ago

    One of the biggest crimes of KZ2 was it's laughably granidose and frankly pompous writing, particularly in it's execution. The way the story was conveyed to the player suggested that one was taking part in the latest episode of a vast saga, a war raging on for years, a struggle of survival and genocide - like there was this big backstory which we were all supposed to be privy to, when in actual fact, we weren't. What a load of nonsense! It was all just an overblown excuse to "pull the switch", "man the gun" and shoot red barrels. Yawn.

  • KRadiation #45 2 years ago

    There was a back story... it's called the previous games.

  • CaptainQuint #46 2 years ago

    Game/s?

    Funny, the way it's called Killzone 2, I mean. PSP titles don't count, you loony.

  • Flying_Pig #47 2 years ago

    KZ2 is still sitting in my Backlog™ waiting to be played.

    A sequel was pretty much inevitable TBH...

  • Widge #48 2 years ago

    Why on earth would a PSP game not count, surely it futhers the story?

  • Lunastra78 #49 2 years ago

    Halo Reach invented the jetpack? Duke Nukem 3D had them back in 1996. FPS multiplayer action...with jetpacks.

    Or if you really want to get old-school:

    http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseeki...

  • CaptainQuint #50 2 years ago

    Jet packs in games are indeed old hat, but they just haven't been any good in the online shooter genre; that is to say not until Bungie incorporated them :p

  • Collymilad #51 2 years ago

    "Why on earth would a PSP game not count, surely it futhers the story?"

    Ideally the games on ONE system should fill you in enough. That's not to say expansion off the the side or fleshing out a bit isn't good on other systems, but the core story should remain on one.

  • LostGamer #52 2 years ago

    @Jet packs in games are indeed old hat, but they just haven't been any good in the online shooter genre

    You obviously started playing playing online just a month ago.

  • CaptainQuint #53 2 years ago

    Wrong! It was yesterday, actually.

  • knightmt #54 2 years ago

    I am definately on the coop train.

  • alcides #55 2 years ago

    the storytelling... what about it? I see criticism about the lack of involvement and the fact that the backstory is just that.

    So I read on Wikipedia what a real shooter's real backstory should be like....

    Halol.

  • MizzouGaming #56 2 years ago

    I still can't decide which shocked me most about KILLZONE 2, its beautiful,detailed graphics, or its terribly boring and bland gameplay.