REVIEW: Helldivers 2 (PS5)

Since its launch on PlayStation 5 and PC on February 8th, Helldivers 2 has taken the gaming community by storm, breaking player count records on Steam week after week. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, this highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic brings back the frenetic shooter action with a new arsenal of weapons, challenging missions, and cooperative mayhem. In this review, we’ll delve into the story, gameplay, multiplayer, and visuals of Helldivers 2 to see if it lives up to the hype.

Story

Helldivers 2 continues the epic saga of the Helldivers, an elite unit of soldiers fighting for humanity’s survival against the oppressive forces of the Automatons or Terminids across the galaxy. The game’s narrative is delivered through mission briefings and in-game events, immersing players in a universe rife with political intrigue, interstellar warfare, and dark humour.

While the story may not be the main focus of Helldivers 2, it serves as a backdrop for the chaotic battles and cooperative gameplay that define the experience.

Gameplay

At its core, Helldivers 2 is a frenetic third-person co-op shooter that emphasises teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Players are dropped into procedurally generated missions on hostile planets, where they must complete objectives ranging from capturing strategic points to eliminating high-value targets. The game’s dynamic difficulty system ensures that no two missions are the same, keeping players on their toes and requiring them to constantly adjust their tactics.

What sets Helldivers 2 apart is its emphasis on coordination and co-operation. Friendly fire is always on, meaning that indiscriminate shooting can quickly turn allies into enemies. This adds an extra layer of strategy as players must communicate effectively to avoid accidents while coordinating their attacks against the relentless enemy hordes. The game’s deep progression system allows players to unlock new weapons, gear, and abilities as they level up, providing a sense of progression and customisation that keeps them coming back for more.

Multiplayer

Helldivers 2 shines brightest in its multiplayer mode, where up to four players can join forces online to tackle the toughest challenges the galaxy has to offer. Whether it’s coordinating airstrikes, reviving fallen comrades, or calling in reinforcements, teamwork is essential for survival in the unforgiving battles against overwhelming odds. The seamless drop-in/drop-out multiplayer makes it easy for players to jump into the action at any time, ensuring that there’s always someone ready to lend a hand in the fight against tyranny.

As persistent online experiences go, Helldivers 2 provides a unique perspective. We’ve already shown that simply throwing an online requirement into an otherwise solo experience can cause confusion, (cough.. Suicide Squad.. ahem) but Arrowhead Studio has already proven how to deftly use this method to its advantage.

As in the original Helldivers, every campaign you take on connects to an overarching sense of progress across the entire community. Each planet has an indicator confirming how liberated it is from enemy control, and the end of every mission you undertake confirms your achievement in relation to the greater war. It’s a simple but effective way of bonding strangers together, even if you decide to turn off co-op or crossplay there’s still a sense you’re making a difference.

If you prefer playing solo, you have the option to do so without any constraints. While it may not be the optimal approach, as having a team of players, whether strangers or friends, can significantly ease the challenges of certain missions, the game doesn’t discourage solo play.

You won’t face any penalties apart from deciding the level of difficulty you want to tackle. Some players have already attained considerable expertise, developing formidable characters and fearlessly taking on challenges alone. However, it’s arguable that this solo experience is less engaging than joining forces with friends, coordinating tactics on the fly, and enjoying moments like dropping a pod on unsuspecting enemies for amusement.

Visuals

Visually, Helldivers 2 is a treat for the eyes, with stunning sci-fi landscapes, detailed character models, and explosive special effects that bring the chaos of battle to life. From the futuristic design aesthetic of your commanding ship to the desolate wastelands of alien worlds, each environment is beautifully rendered and filled with intricate details that immerse players in the game’s universe.

The action is fast-paced and frenetic, with bullets flying, explosions erupting, and enemies swarming from all directions. Despite the chaos, the game maintains a consistent frame rate and smooth performance on the PlayStation 5, ensuring that players never miss a beat in the heat of battle.

Conclusion

Helldivers 2 is a worthy successor to the cult classic, delivering a thrilling blend of intense action, strategic depth, and cooperative mayhem that will keep players coming back for more. From its engaging storyline and dynamic gameplay to its seamless multiplayer and stunning visuals, the game offers an unparalleled experience that is sure to delight fans of the genre.

Whether you’re fighting alongside friends or solo, Helldivers 2 is an adrenaline-fueled adventure that is not to be missed on the PlayStation 5.

Helldivers 2 Pricing & Availability

Helldivers 2 is available now on PlayStation 5 and PC, starting at €39.99. For PlayStation 5 owners, you will also need an active PS+ subscription to play Helldivers 2.