Helldivers II

 

I began 2024 with low gaming expectations. Sure, there're a few games to look forward to this year, but nothing like the juggernauts that were the past couple years. And life has been busy too! My game reviews have fallen off a cliff largely due to work and prepping for publishing Infinitude, and I'll likely never get around to reviewing Baldur's Gate 3 (it's incredible, but difficult) or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (it's fine). 

Then Helldivers II seemingly came out of nowhere. And where the hell is Helldivers I? It's all the way back on the PS3/PS Vita/early PS4 era circa 2015! And a top-down shooter no less. For all intents and purposes, Helldivers II is very much reminiscent of the shift Grand Theft Auto made in both game style and quality with Grand Theft Auto III, but with a mind-blowing time gap in between. 

Of course, this one wasn't even on my radar until days after it released and it was setting records on concurrent players on PC and PlayStation 5. I distinctly remember coming back from a work trip and thinking "Where the f**k did this game come from?" and downloading it immediately, eager to go SPREAD DEMOCRACY all over the universe! (Sorry, this game will make you do that). 

What I ended up finding was a highly addicting game filled with annoying (but often not game-breaking) bugs - no, not the Terminids, a bare-bones progression system, and a multiplayer-only product. So then why was I playing it so much? Why was I thinking about it so often? 

Well, reader, that's because Helldivers II is fun as hell, through and through. And honestly? Some of what it brings to the table could change gaming forever.

Michael Bay ain't got s**t on this game!

As much praise as you'll see for Helldivers II in this review, it's by no means a perfect game. There are some quirks that are part of the charm, I guess, but most of them become downright annoying. During my first several weeks of playthrough I've encountered a permanent inability to save my loadout from one play session to the next, games that cant connect to the host's mission (this has decreased significantly TBF), extracts that are broken, friends that don't show as online or in the game, getting stuck behind a wall when transferring to someone's ship, and mounting ammo drops whenever I approach them instead of actually picking up ammo (this one drives me up a wall). A perfect game, Helldivers 2 is not, BUT there have been several tweaks, balances, and patches as any multiplayer game this size would have upon release that seemed to have prioritized the largest issues well. 

Beyond the bugs, there are a handful of other elements that I have to believe are going to be added to a game this size soon. Foremost is the lack of progression between rounds. It's an area where - hate it or love it - I've always found Call of Duty quite excellent at. It scratches that itch of unlocking things more often than not. Helldivers II has a decent amount to unlock, but much of it feels like a slog that's locked behind Warbonds currency or Samples currency. Strategem unlocks come at a good pace, but it's also an area that once you have your favorite loadout, you may not be spending much other currency to unlock these. What's truly missing here is customization of armor and weapons. Gun customization is non existent and would fit in perfectly with this game, while armor coloring/pattern customization is also missing. Both feel like ripe issues for Helldivers II to rectify. Once you get to actual gameplay there are less gaps to complain about other than ALL.THE.RUNNING. The only faster mode of transport is a jetpack that takes up vital stratagem space and isn't all that more efficient. Some sort of vehicles would be welcomed or make jetpacks permanent staples. 

The GoldenEye space laser comes in handy...

Reclaiming Malevelon Creek...for democracy!

So yes, frustrations and things that need fixing exist. But underneath all of that is something truly remarkable in a multiplayer game that has a thriving, passionate community and the potential for long legs that could rival some of the industry's biggest giants. That community aspect is worth praising first as a combination of the game's ever-expanding lore, the dark space-marine humor, and the willingness of the internet to make it its own. It has created a gaming experience that rarely goes sour when interacting with strangers (how often can you say that about the internet?). Playing with strangers is often a chore in most other co-op games outside of the rare gem and with Helldivers II, there's a group mentality to focus on the objectives so it's a rare instance that I've played a game with toxic members and even when I do, I've either quit or blocked them afterwards. However, playing with friends is where Helldivers II really comes alive - whether it's a full squad or just one other buddy and some strangers. The ability to coordinate, strategize, and laugh over chat makes for memorable gaming moments on a consistent basis and thanks to smart decisions like friendly-fire, rag doll physics, and emotes to interact with one another, the laughs truly never stop coming amongst the chaotic action. 

This community aspect is bolstered by the phenomenon of the "gameboard", which is allegedly managed by a single employee within the developer. Similar to a D&D Dungeon Master, this person creates the larger objectives for the community, while adding story and lore with new objectives. A perfect example of this so far is "The Fall of Malevelon Creek" and its recent liberations. Players were distraught at the loss of the planet to the Automatons, and fought valiantly to recapture it. It was part internet meme, part collective "L" for the community, but the game board master knew that, and wove it into the updates and narratives. With a VAST game board (that is basically only 25% touched thus far), this concept is brimming with potential if done correctly. There's a very real world where Helldivers II could still be in my rotation a year from now and there are very few games that achieve that long of a hold on me. 

Planet variety is impressive

The board displays the large scope of the game, and thus far I've been shocked with how big it truly feels. Worlds feel highly distinct from one to the next, with different fauna, geographies, and even natural disaster hazards. The color palette's are rich and varying, all supported by good/great graphics. Thus far there are two enemy types, the Automatons and Terminids. The Starship Trooper Terminids have become the group favorite featuring massive creatures like Bile Titans and a plethora of smaller, but still lethal creatures. Automatons have a decent amount of variety - some of which are completely overpowered - and are generally more difficult because of their ranged attacks. Combining these elements of differing worlds that contain differing elements + strong enemy variation keeps Helldivers II consistently fresh. 

And once you get into the actual gameplay - simple as it may be - Helldivers II and all the chaos it ensues shines brightly. It's a 3rd person shooter in the traditional sense and the shooting, running, ducking, etc. mechanics may not be the industry's best, but they're solid. The aforementioned ability to dive is just f**king fantastic (and can be hilarious) and small things like being able to roll around on the ground to shoot, make it versatile. The star of the show however is Stratagems. By holding L1 (on PS5), you bring up a list of Stratagems you chose to come into battle with. Each one has a d-pad oriented code (think Dance Dance Revolution w/ your fingers) you must type to call it in. These range from space lasers that track/melt your foes, a massive 500kg bomb that delivers an epic explosion, stronger support weapons, automated turrets, and much much more. It's a unique, fresh, and perfectly implemented system and combined with all other elements - like friendly fire, for example - it makes for some intense and hilarious moments. 

And I said "Let there be light!"

I've gone incredibly long on Helldivers II because it's a momentous game in the industry. Given that this year could be a bit on the slower side, it's going to end up being one of the biggest games of the year vs. a flash-in-the-pan moment. It has some things to work out or expand upon, but my enjoyment from the game remains incredibly high, even after all this time. Contributing to community missions feels worthwhile and the core gameplay surrounding it all has generated some playthroughs that I'll remember for a long time. 

CONS

• Bugs remain. Eventually they'll be patched out, but many are very annoying
• Progression is slow and needs evolution. Gun modifications would be a huge add
• Way too much running between objectives. Desperately needs a faster form of transportation
• Not a huge Con because there's tons of value, but a campaign would be really fun I have to imagine
• Weapons lack balance. There are many that are downright useless
• Automatons feel a bit OP

PROS

• The community is one of the internet's best. It's consistently hilarious, playing with strangers feels like everyone is objective-based (a good thing), and there's limited toxicity
• Outside of the game, Helldivers II lore and culture has become its own, highly entertaining, staple
• Playing with strangers is fun, but playing with friends creates gaming memories right and left
• The ever evolving (and revealing) background story and lore are equal parts hilarious and engrossing
• The game board approach with changing objectives, and real-time war data is revolutionary. This game could have incredible legs
• Smart game decisions like friendly fire, diving, blood and gore, and rag-doll physics are small, but meaningful additions
• Variation in worlds (and the unique attributes within them) and enemy type are impressive and likely to even grow further. Keeps the game feeling fresh
• Many of the enemy types feel instantly iconic (e.g. Bile Titans)
• Gameplay is solid with a handful of subtle mechanics that help it feel versatile
• Diving!
• Stratagems are unique and an absolute blast. They create some of the game's coolest and funniest moments
• Consistently fun and shows signs of very long legs. Helldivers II will be around for a while

Rath's Review Score | 8.5/10