Killzone 3 | B+

Killzone 3 is Guerilla's highly anticipated shooter, exclusive to Sony's PlayStation 3. The game puts the graphical limits of Sony's system to the test. The end result is a visually stunning game that also happens to be a solid FPS.

Overall, the campaign is a positive experience, with top-notch action, intense large-scale battles, and the occasional vehicle sequence to keep things interesting. Then there are the much-touted visuals. The environments accurately portray the carnage of war. In addition, the refined controls and weighty shooting make the FPS elements feel good.

Unfortunately, the campaign suffers from shortcomings in the plot. Main characters Sev and Rico come across as generic action movie heroes. Despite the fact that they spend the game stranded on an enemy planet, it is impossible to determine as much from their demeanor. The game's story also shifts focus to the internal political struggle taking place within the evil Helghast army. These supposedly serious scenes are actually hilariously clichéd, due to the stereotypical villains and imagery reminiscent of Nazi Germany. Usually this would go unnoticed, but cutscenes tend to intrude on the action.

The game features the option to play through the campaign with a friend through the use of local co-op. This is a nice addition that can add some amusement to Killzone 3's gameplay, but the splitscreen predictably suffers from drops in performance. The local co-op also comes at the expense of an equivalent online mode. Seeing as how such a heavy emphasis was placed on online multiplayer, this seems like a rather grievous oversight.

One final to note is Killzone 3's compatibility with the PlayStation Move, which provides a surprisingly effective way to play. The aiming works, as one may expect, by pointing the main Move controller and shooting. Though initially it feels awkward, players will find the Move pretty accurate after practicing and experimenting with sensitivity options. Turning, however, feels strange. The Move, while not as effective as a controller, offers a fun, alternative way to play.

Killzone 3 is more than a pretty looking game. Those who are willing to overlook the short campaign, weak story, and lack of online co-op will undoubtedly find a good shooter.