Platforms: PC, PS5
Publisher: Sony
With its exhilarating gameplay, abundant feedback, and over-the-top sci-fi violence, Helldivers 2 delivers a thrilling ride that fans won't want to miss.
If you've ever dreamed of taking part in your own rendition of Paul Verhoeven’s iconic sci-fi satire Starship Troopers, your dream has come true. The sequel to the 2015 top-down co-op shooter, Helldivers 2 invites players to join beefy space marines as they descend onto alien planets, armed with high-tech weaponry and fueled by patriotic slogans. Whether battling giant insect monsters or rogue robots, the action always ends with a satisfying explosion of gut-splattered mayhem. Like its cinematic inspiration, this game is an absolute blast.
The premise is straightforward: set in the future, Earth—now dubbed Super Earth—believes itself under siege from alien creatures on distant planets, which conveniently happen to be rich in resources. You start with a basic spaceship and a simple warrior, select a world and mission, and then land on the surface to spread militarized democracy among the locals. While solo play is an option, teaming up with three friends enhances the experience; this game shines in co-op mode. Each player has access to primary and secondary weapons—shotguns, SMGs, assault rifles, and pistols—along with grenades. During combat, players can also call in Strategems, which range from orbital missile strikes to defensive turrets.
Missions vary widely—from raising flags to realigning communication devices and rescuing colonists. There are always side tasks to tackle, like destroying enemy bases and exploring derelict research stations. You can collect Samples for spacecraft upgrades and Medals for new armor and custom gear. The primary currency is Requisition Slips, used to acquire Strategems from an extensive list. While there's an option to purchase Super Credits with real money, developer Arrowhead Game Studios assures players that these purchases are not essential for progression, as they can be earned through gameplay. Personally, I found no need to buy extras while enjoying the game for hours.
The gameplay loop is remarkably tight—team up, land on a planet, defeat enemies, gather loot, and extract to evaluate your rewards. This cycle continues until you "liberate" a planet, leading to a global real-time battle map where all players contribute to intergalactic peacekeeping.
What keeps this gameplay from becoming monotonous? Arrowhead has focused on ensuring every aspect of the experience is enjoyable. The weapons feel solid and impactful, with every hit resulting in a satisfying explosion of insect goo or metallic debris. The sound effects of missile strikes and explosions create a symphony of chaos that enhances the fun.
Visually, Helldivers 2 benefits from its shift from top-down to full third-person 3D graphics. While the planets are desolate, they are dotted with bases, hives, and wrecks that provide strategic cover. The chaotic interplay between players adds to the amusement. Notably, the game features team-killing, meaning a misfired machine gun or poorly timed airstrike could take out your teammates. While this would be problematic in other shooters, here it adds to the absurdity of the sci-fi violence, and you'll find yourself apologizing often.
The best shooters engage players in ways that align with the game’s tone, and Helldivers 2 excels at this. You’ll find yourself in a frantic frenzy, calling in airstrikes and depleting ammunition so rapidly that you’re lugging massive backpacks full of supplies. I've played alongside many who embodied characters from Starship Troopers, enthusiastically exclaiming, “Now that’s what I call democracy!” with each strike. It’s unclear how many players recognize the satire, but that hardly matters when you’re knee-deep in insect guts and the smell of gunpowder fills the air.
On the downside, technical issues marred the initial launch, particularly on PC, and matchmaking can be a bit hit-or-miss. Some players might question the longevity of a live-service model built around a repetitive gameplay loop. Yet, this title has provided me with the most enjoyment I've had from a pure co-op shooter since Left 4 Dead or the original horde mode in Gears of War. Its precision, invigorating gunplay, and generous feedback make it a standout experience. Everything about Helldivers 2 is delightfully absurd, including how well it executes its mission.
