Halo, Resistance, Gears of War and Killzone -- it seems that most every epic first-person shooter series these days tells the tale of an inspirational, heroic retaliation against an bloody alien invasion, in order to have some kind of plot on which to pin its player-led massacre. But as tired as we are of directing gruff space marines, we don't begrudge FPS developers the use of this cliche... because each individual game has managed to kick some serious ass, and sell fairly well in the process.
But according to a review of adult content at the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) this morning, Killzone 2 players won't just have the one cliche to cope with.
" This is a first-person shooter in which players are members of an elite military unit whose mission is to quell an intergalactic threat and disarm a stockpile of seized nuclear weapons," the report reads.
After the jump, the ESRB has another small spoiler; and a detailed description of why Killzone is not for the kiddies.
Platform: PlayStation 3
Rating: Mature
Content descriptors: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Rating summary: This is a first-person shooter in which players are members of an elite military unit whose mission is to quell an intergalactic threat and disarm a stockpile of seized nuclear weapons. Combat is frequent and fast-paced, as players use a variety of firearms (rifles, machine guns, and shotguns) and explosives (grenades and rocket launcher) to kill enemy soldiers. Red blood spray emits from enemy soldiers when shot, and weapons such as sniper rifles and shotguns can be used to decapitate them. Post-mortem damage can be inflicted on soldiers' bodies, resulting in pools of blood on the ground. During one cutscene, a gravely wounded character retrieves a pistol and shoots himself in the head. The game contains strong profanity (e.g., "f*ck," "sh*t," "a*shole") in the dialogue.
It's hard to say if the suicide described here is of an important character or just some random soldier, but either way the emotional impact will likely be lessened now that you know it's coming.
I wonder -- do ESRB reviewers actively have to riddle dead bodies with bullets in every first-person shooter, or was the "post-mortem damage" proactively demonstrated by Sony as a game feature?
January 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 am
WOW, NICE SPOILER, BASTARD.
January 3rd, 2009 at 6:56 am
wow
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Man
Its your fault cause you read the article SO blame no one but yourself.
Good read i for one dont really care about spoilers, nothing will stop me from enjoying this great looking game.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:30 am
your stupid it says spoiler before you even read the descrption on on the game
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
who the f*ck cares about this game? Characters killing themselves? thanks for stealing it from GeOW2, disarming nukes? So TMNT, from the 90's. shooting bodies? how about something new?
KZ2 is just going to be your normal run of the mill FPS, but everyone will loath about it, just like the stupid 360 owners orgasm over anything Halo (halo board game top 10???).
I'll still buy it, but it wont be anything innovative...
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 am
No one cares, coz it handles better than any other shooter and looks better than any other game (game!) on a console (maybe even Crysis Warhead). What it does it does exceptionally. And there are some innovative bits, like the use of the SIXAXIS and the FPS cover system.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 am
well thats one harsh spoiler. One less surprise to enjoy. I wonder if by the time the game comes out, we will know all about the story, without even having to play the damn game.
Anyway, Killzone will shred every other shooter out there for at least the first half of the year. Eat your heart out XBOTS(TM), this one is staying with the Sony Sheep(TM). Deep down Halo lovers want to play this game so bad.