Helldivers 2 – Complete Game Review

Helldivers 2’s early 2024 release brought much excitement to fans of third-person shooter games. Lovers of classic action titles wanted the game to resurrect memories of its original title (Helldivers). The game’s developers decided to leave out its original title (and its PS Plus experience with it) for the second title.  

However, Helldivers 2 provides a unique gameplay experience worthy of a thorough review. Let’s explore the game, its features, and why fans seem to love getting involved in its chaotic, squad-based shooting experience.

Helldivers 2 – Gameplay Experience

Helldivers 2 does a decent job in immersing players in its chaotic environment where death lurks in every corner. The game has a satirical tone and gives players a welcoming experience to its brutal and challenging world. It has a light introduction where gamers get into the thick of sustained combat against otherworldly foes.

Game supplies

The game doesn’t come off as easy, but fans of third-person shooters will prefer its experience to pedestrian titles. Its gameplay relies on Stratagems to supply players with necessary ammunition. Stratagems throughout the game provide support ammunition, airstrikes, weapons, supply drops, and other gear during missions.

Managing your ammo carefully is a smart way to keep your character in the game. Opting to reload without exhausting your ammo clips.  

Mechanics

Helldivers 2 abandons the simple controls offered by its predecessor, opting for a detailed (and sometimes confusing) interactive system. It was a rude shock that Helldivers 2 decided to break away from its original’s straightforward controls, but it earns its worth in foes.

Alien bug hordes, mammoth robots wielding rocket launchers, and other foes will quickly take your eyes off the game’s complex controls. Here’s what the game’s new control system has to offer:

• Call in Stratagems the same way you’ll enter cheat codes on a PlayStation,
• Combine directional inputs to ward off approaching enemies,
• Engage the high-pressure combat system to get through frantic combat missions

You can take advantage of the game’s new controls to defeat tons of enemies aiming to tear your squad apart – literally. Just make sure your controls don’t place you directly under a Stratagem drop.

Mission Structure

Beginning the game

Helldivers 2 gives you a rigid introduction into its tough gameplay experience from the first mission. You must engage a grueling training course before entering the game’s world where foes pull no punches. Your first mission is on the ‘Easy’ level, but you’ll experience each mission getting tougher as you progress.

Difficulty progression

Harder levels will require more commitment and alertness as you aim to defeat foes through the game’s engaging missions. Your first foray into the game’s world begins with simple tasks, but the stakes get higher as you keep going. Teams will require sharp responses, adaptability, and a cohesive approach to each mission.

Galactic War selection

Players can engage the live-service option on Galactic War to experience another side of this game. You can choose missions from a sectioned map around Super Earth, the game’s world you must protect. All missions require you to push back hordes of approaching robotic and alien forces aiming to destroy the planet.

How you progress through the game will determine if Super Earth and the Galactic War stays independent of alien control. The Galactic War system gives you a fresh, interconnected experience as you engage the large conflict to save your home world.

Multiplayer Experience

Solo gaming on Helldivers 2 doesn’t really cut it for most gamers, and that’s where its multiplayer shines through. Get your team ready to fight off enemies, survive chaos, defend your territory, and do other exciting stuff together. The game has a ping system your team can use for comms in-game without relying heavily on voice chatting.

Graphics & Sound

Visual quality

The visual appeal of Helldivers 2 has great and not-so-decent elements. Its environment promises a flawless, unique visual experience for gamers. This installment offers details in its aesthetics, lighting, weather, and other elements to make each mission engaging and unpredictable. Every element in the game’s unique world got much attention you can notice from its onscreen render.

But it appears the game’s developers didn’t put much effort into character animations. A game of its standard shouldn’t have characters that sometimes appear laggy, especially during cutscenes or during navigation. Character models, animations, and other interactive elements for players should receive updates as the game progresses.

Sound

Helldivers 2 packs a punch when you consider its sound elements. The sounds of weapons are satisfying and deliver immense support to players’ overall experience. Alien creatures sending terrifying sounds into your headset does a lot to ramp up your gameplay during tense moments. The game also gets a pass for its voice acting and other impressive audio features.

Replay Appeal

Helldivers 2 aims to trigger immense replay value, especially after going through the game in your first attempt. It promises some features to boost players’ replay value like:

• Live-service game elements,
• Ever-changing Galactic War, and
• Unique mission parameters

Helldivers 2 takes a lot of effort to master, and teams will likely not get everything right the first time.

The game also promises extra features through its ongoing updates. Features like new missions, weapons, planets, and other exciting elements are due to roll out along with these updates. Players can be sure of an impressive replay experience with each content update.

Exciting running updates could see players build a large community around Helldivers 2. Successful updates will be a great addition to the game’s already-decent replay value. Only time will tell if the game’s developers can get this vital feature right.

Verdict

Helldivers 2 promises a perfect mix of chaos and challenging missions for all lovers of third-person shooter titles. Gamers who enjoy strategy and demanding gameplay can get an exciting experience through high-stakes missions and daring foes.

The game demands patience, grit, and a desire to work as a time towards defeating challenging foes. If you seek a game that makes you come back for more exciting shooting action, Helldivers 2 could be your best option.