However, we've decided not to rush a review to publication for several reasons. The most important is Killzone 2's multiplayer component. There have been three one-hour multiplayer sessions to date for members of the American press. However, Killzone 2's online play is complex. It uses a class-based system with seven total classes, but these classes (among weapons, upgrades, and many other perks) are only unlocked once you have reached the appropriate level. In just over three hours of play, the two of us joining these sessions had yet to unlock a new class. It takes many, many hours of online play to unlock them, and it would be improper for us to review class-based multiplayer without actually experiencing the classes. The other multiplayer factor is that these sessions did not take place on retail servers, and used an earlier build of the game than the one that will be on the disc you buy. It is our policy never to knowingly review a game using software that does not represent the same game you will purchase on store shelves.
I know with so many reviews already being posted that it's disappointing that you don't see one from GameSpot yet--but we'd rather get it right than rush it. After all, Killzone 2 won't be out for over three weeks from now; racing to publish a review that isn't informed by incredibly important aspects of the online game would be doing you a disservice. The good news is that because the review embargo is up, we can post videos, screens, and more about the game--and we decided to start off with an impressions feature. Chris Watters, Andre Segers and I sat down to talk about our impressions of Killzone 2, so if you want some initial thoughts, here are plenty of them to tide you over!
We will also be publishing loads of gameplay video and screens for you to gaze at with longing. In addition, over the next couple of weeks, I will be updating this blog with looks at various features of Killzone 2, from multiplayer classes, to weapons, to single-player levels. Trust me: I know you're hungry for anything you can get. But never fear, shooter fans, for I will be here to overwhelm you with as much information as I can!
