SCEA has announced Killzone 2, the anticipated follow up to the popular Zillzone. Developed by Guerrilla Games, Killzone 2 will be available exclusively for the PS3 in 2008.

New standard for next-gen gaming and gritty realism

The game places players back in the hostile battle between the ISA and Helghast army. Following the events started in the original Killzone, Killzone 2 promises to deliver a new standard for next-gen gaming by including intense warfare, lifelike character animations, detailed and destructible environments, realistic physics and advanced AI.

Unveiled last night at an exclusive media event in Santa Monica, guests were treated to a Killzone 2 demo that showcased the PS3’s power and the gritty realism which has become synonymous with the Killzone franchise.

New benchmark

“There have rightly been high expectations for Killzone 2 since we shared the vision for the title back in 2005,” said Phil Harrison, president, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. “Guerrilla have worked hard to focus the power of PLAYSTATION 3 to realize their true vision for the game. With incredible action, drama-fueled gameplay sequences, and a vast array of weapons and vehicles, Killzone 2 defines a new benchmark of our industry.”

The story continues…

It is two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta and the ISA is bringing the fight to Helghan, the enemy’s home world. Players will assume the role of Sev, a battle-hardened veteran of the special forces unit known as the Legion. Players will embark on a mission to Helghan, with their objective being to capture Emperor Visari, the Helghast leader, and stop the enemy’s war machine.

However, the invasion of Helghan is just the beginning for Sev and his squad. They must secure Pyrrhus, the Capital City, but soon discover that the Helghast are formidable enemies on their own planet. The Helghast have adjusted to the planet’s hostile conditions and have harnessed a source of power which they are using against the ISA. Sev and his team must now also adapt to the planet if they are to face a chance at defeating the enemy.

Different modes

Killzone 2 includes a story driven single player mode as well as a multiplayer mode. Featuring atmospheric environments that respond to weapon fire as players navigate Helghan, Killzone 2 forces players to adopt new tactics if they are to survive the harsh conditions of Helghan. The game includes deferred rendering techniques to create advanced effects such as detailed character animations and environments as well as advanced cinematic effects to provide motion blur, internal lens reflections and depth-based colour grading to deliver sharp and vibrant game play. In addition the game supports 7.1 surround with location-specific audio so players can experience sounds that are dynamic and in context to indoor and outdoor locations.