Game review: Killzone 3

As the PlayStation 3's premier first-person shooter franchise, Killzone has always held the weight of fan expectations firmly on its shoulders.

As the PlayStation 3's premier first-person shooter franchise, Killzone has always held the weight of fan expectations firmly on its shoulders. Compared to the blistering pace of genre mates Call of Duty and Halo, the series has existed as a weighted, more laboured experience. Developer Guerrilla has clearly been taking note from these rival franchises as Killzone 3 feels incredibly familiar to the rest of the shooter pack.

Taking place directly after the second game, ISA troopers Sev and Rico are rallying after the fall of previous villain Visari, in an attempt to flee the ravaged planet Helghan. Although the shooting feels much slicker than in the previous game, the lack of freedom to explore locales results in a game that - while boasting stunning production values - feels dated and restrictive. The campaign is a short, explosive offering with a throwaway story, but the real value lies in Killzone 3's vast multiplayer offering.

Multiplayer is a fast, frantic experience which demands teamwork to succeed. For example, players can choose to adopt the role of a medic and in turn, must focus on healing and reviving squad members instead of just shooting everything that moves. Playing into a role and working together reaps greater rewards, creating a change of pace from Call of Duty's penchant for lone gunman tactics. It's a substantial offering that can potentially see players coming back for more months later. Just don't expect too much from the fleeting single-player campaign.

For more game reviews, visit www.nowgamer.com

• This article was first published in The Scotsman on March 26, 2011