August 8, 2008 - The original Killzone for the PS2 was one of the system's more popular FPSs, and fans of the game are no doubt happy to know that the PS3 is getting a sequel early in 2009. It may be easy to overlook a title like Killzone 2 with more-hyped games such as Resistance 2 on the horizon, but this is not one to pass by. Killzone 2 is shaping up to be a blockbuster FPS, and if you're a fan of the genre, this is a game that you need to get excited about.

In many ways, Killzone 2 is a fairly traditional FPS. The controls are basic, with shoulder buttons for firing and tossing grenades, as well as the ability to sprint, take cover, jump, and a variety of other actions. The game features a ton of weapons and emphasizes the importance of working together with your squad. Enemies work together to take you down, so helping out your allies and keeping them alive is critical to your success.

The story here picks up after that of the original, and it is clearly not a main focus of the game. It really is a typical sci-fi plot involving a brave human army fending off a massive alien-esque invasion. Oh boy! Still, players who enjoyed the pacing and storytelling of the original Killzone will be happy this time around; you'll again take control of Sev, a member of the Legion, and square off against the Helghast. The story is more than an excuse to shoot stuff and, as a result, is typical of most FPSs. Killzone 2 is going to be a story-driven game, and that's something nice in a genre where plot has been tossed aside.

The A.I. in Killzone 2 is great, to the extent that you're not going to be babysitting your squad mates. Keeping them alive is important (though you'll be able to revive them if you get close enough to a fallen comrade), but at the same time they'll happily help you out if you're in a jam. This title challenges players to be a bit smarter about their gameplay strategy: It's easy to die in Killzone 2 and running out with guns-a-blazing is a sure-fire way to get you killed. Taking advantage of cover and outmaneuvering the foe is the way to ensure a victory.

In a market full of FPS titles - some good and some not-so-good - Killzone 2 does have some particularly redeeming features that do a good job of making it stand out from the rest of the pack. The strong, squad-based fighting mechanics are one such item. Another is Killzone 2's incredibly meticulous attention to detail. The game is chocked-full of destructible environments, enemy soldiers, and tons of little touches that make Killzone 2 one of the most realistic, life-like shooters out there despite the decidedly sci-fi premise.