I recently recalled a PlayStation executive mentioning how their brand did not have a lot of IP. So, I dug into my gaming library and realized how inane of a statement it was.
Guerilla Games’ “Killzone” was first released on the PS2 back in 2004. The series dealt with the galactic war between the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA and the Helghast Empire. Although the first game was mediocre, “Killzone 2”(2009) on the PS3 proved to redefine everything that was missing in the 1st game. The visuals were impressive, action-enticing multiplayer (dynamic warzones, etc.), decent narrative (although underdeveloped a bit), and we can forget about that intuitive gunplay. The weapons had such weight and heavier feel, which made it more satisfying.
The game, opting for a darker tone palette, gritty and oppressive, was an excellent creative choice. “Killzone 2” became a template that the series would follow and be remembered for. Even other FPS shooters afterward took inspiration from its design. Unfortunately, the heights that were raised weren’t truly followed by the series. As mentioned earlier, the series had a problem with the narrative. Although, the concept of the political intrigue between two factions was dope. The games did not do it justice and had us focus on painfully weak characters (Ex. Jan Templar and Rico)
“Killzone” is probably the best shooter IP to revive. It may not have the crazy weapons of “Resistance” or the realistic, tactical nature of “SOCOM”, but one thing it does have over it is personality. The Helghast, with their red glowing eyes and black armored uniforms, were such intimidating figures. Guests from hell. There was a reason why PlayStation would use their likeness for marketing. They had such a great design, and that got people intrigued about the game.
It was criminal that GG or PlayStation did not commence a game about the Helghast. We learn of their origins and history, but we truly haven’t seen things from their perspective. A Killzone game that uses a first-person narrative-driven design philosophy would be amazing. Playing as Helghan, who has to fight for his country and find out his race was mistreated improperly by the ISA, would be a fantastic way to understand the world’s impact. It doesn’t have to be Apocalypse Now-esque, but it does need a story that can match the aura the series had in its heyday.
There are so many possibilities, narrative-wise, that you can delve into the ISA propaganda. Showcase that they’re not as heroic as they claim to be (which the games did hint at). You can have a batch of young soldiers entering the Cold War conflict and paint it as a coming-of-age story. So many Gen Zers would definitely back it, if you have the character designs that match the youth aspect: Grave of the Fireflies-esque. You do that, and it would definitely expand the “Killzone” franchise to a new audience.
