Review Round-Up: Killzone 2

February 27 is almost upon us, which means that the biggest PS3 game of the year so far will be released. Of course, I’m talking about Killzone 2. The dark first-person shooter has been a long time coming, having been originally announced back in 2005. And while we won’t be getting our hands on it until later this week, the early reviews have already started pouring in. So let’s take a look at what those lucky folks who got to play the game early thought.

Wired- Killzone 2 performs a lot of the same old tricks as other console shooters, but it does them right, and it does them with noticeable style. The well-paced tactical combat and strong narrative make for an enthralling single-player campaign, while the varied multiplayer modes provide depth that will entertain PlayStation 3 fans for quite some time.

MTV Multiplayer- A year from now few will discuss how this game played: smoothly, heavily, with lumbering guns and uncommonly helpful allies. A year from now people will still discuss the graphics: how good they do look…Killzone 2 is first at nothing but among the best in its stab at many familiar setpieces and technical achievements. Its bridge level is better. Its train level is better. Its graphics are better. Its enemies are better. It’s a good game in a crowded genre.

Joystiq- …What it lacks in bionic arms and guns that shoot portals, Killzone 2 makes up for with expertly refined shooting action that’s likely to shame most of the genre’s titles you’ll put in your console this year…Sure, Killzone 2 may be short on gameplay glitz, but it’s undeniably rewarding and fun. And isn’t that why we play games in the first place?

CVG- As well as the audiovisual splendour that gives you the feeling of being in a real war, the almost constant company of AI-controlled team mates makes the game’s events feel important…For the stunning single-player campaign alone this is a game worth getting very excited about. Killzone 2 is the loudest blockbuster on PS3 and the first must-have FPS of 2009 for PS3 fans.

GameDaily- Its single player campaign, however flawed, makes other shooters look tame, while surprisingly deep and addictive multiplayer modes will keep you fragging until you pass out from exhaustion…We’ll always remember Killzone 2 for its superb visuals and adrenaline-fueled battles. It’s far from innovative as other games feature superior narratives and better multiplayer modes, but it’s still an edge of your seat and bullet riddled extravaganza that begs to be experienced by anyone with a PS3.