Helldivers 2’s satirical tone is heavily influenced by Starship Troopers, but that’s just the tip of this space-faring cocktail. This co-op shooter game demands your time for several reasons: the game mechanics, the world-building, and the sheer amount of content. It’s an action blockbuster that can eat up hours of your evening in the blink of an eye.
It’s an intense experience but also a very rewarding one. The game demands you to think about every action, even the smallest ones, while also being able to handle the insane amount of enemies that bombard your squad. It’s a learning curve, and it can be frustrating at times to get stuck on terrain or blindsided by an enemy. However, once you master the nuances of traversal, combat, and calling in support Stratagems, it’s a feeling of empowerment that’s hard to beat.
But once you learn the nuances of traversal, combat, and calling in support Stratagems, it’s almost like second nature. The small details make it all work together: reloading discards any remaining bullets in your clip; if your leg takes damage, you can’t sprint; and if your arm is damaged, you’ll be less accurate when aiming. Plenty more little things keep you thinking, and the ability to call in respawns after dying allows for leeway.
All of this is delivered with a sense of humor and style that’s hard not to love. The soundtrack is infectiously catchy, and the ‘we’re in this together’ tone permeates every aspect of the game. It’s a refreshing experience, offering a unique blend of action and humor, especially after the stale, sour taste that most multiplayer shooters leave in your mouth.
The galactic map is ripe for exploration, and the gameplay constantly changes as players take on new missions and destroy various bugs and robots. Players can see the war’s progress in live-tracked percentages, and each mission completion rewards your planet with a boost of liberation. It’s a fascinating system and a testament to Arrowhead’s commitment to quality over quantity.
The only downside is the hefty price tag, which can feel steep for a single-player shooter. But if you have a few dedicated friends who want to experience the full Helldivers experience, it’s definitely worth it. The fun and camaraderie that comes with playing together is a unique experience. Just be prepared to get lost in the stars and spend some hard-earned cash along the way. If you’re willing to spend the time, the rewards are immense.