Game Stooge

From Thorn to Feather: Killzone 2 Impresses, Holds Own Against 2005 CGI Version

• Scribbled on July 11th, 2007 by S Holmes
• Filed in Action, E3, Editorial Content, Game Videos, New Release(s), Shooter, Sony PlayStation 3

In what is commonly regarded as one of the worst, if not the worst, video game industry SNAFUs in recent memory, E3 2005’s demonstration of Killzone 2 in pseudo real time has been a thorn in the PS3’s side and a default joke for PS3 critics/haters for two years. Not surprisingly, Killzone 2 retreated into hiding shortly after the embarrassment and wasn’t seen or heard from until this week.

Although a leaked photo just one day before Sony’s E3 presentation brought mixed opinions on the quality of the visuals in Killzone 2, journalists who actually saw the game played first hand were overwhelmingly impressed and stunned with the appearance. IGN wrote,

“The opening was once again fantastic, but we couldn’t help but sit there and think, ‘When are we finally going to see some in-game footage?’ The only thing was that we had been looking at in-game footage. As soon as our soldier hits the ground and his gun comes into view, very much like what we saw with the opening to Resistance, we couldn’t help but think, ‘Holy hell, all of that was in-game?’”

As to the overall impression, Kotaku editor Brian Crecente wrote,

“I think Killzone 2 is probably the most impressive game I’ve seen so far at E3. Granted it’s early in the show, but I think the game has a good chance to retaining that title.”

Sony closed its 2007 E3 presentation with a true real time demonstration of Killzone 2 that equally stunned and impressed nearly all viewers. Not surprisingly, the gaming websites have already put the 2005 CGI demo up against the 2007 real time demo. Hit the jump for the links.

Check out the comparisons from Gametrailers (HD) and Joystiq. The general consensus is that they’re pretty damn close. But to truly understand just how impressive and unparalled the new video is, a hi-def download from the Playstation Store is the only way to go. (Side note: This is where actually owning all three consoles comes in really handy, as I can base my opinion on how it stacks up against other games without having to rely on internet opinions and videos.)

It appears that the real Killzone 2 has largely lived up to the target render that caused so much criticism and ridicule over the last two years. It’s quite a comeback that few, if any, expected. Will it stop all fanboys from resorting to the 2005 embarrassment when they need a quick dig in a flame war? Probably not. But I imagine PS3 owners won’t care because they’ll actually get to play what nearly all gamers once thought was just a pipe dream. You never know, if gamers are as impressed when the game launches as everyone seems to be today, this story may turn from a thorn in the side to a feather in the cap.