Killzone 2: Map Pack Hands On

It’s only been two months since Killzone 2 graced the Playstation 3, and Guerrilla Games are already hard at work producing new downloadable maps to add to online multiplayer. The first DLC to be released comes in the form of the “Steel and Titanium” pack, and contains two new multiplayer maps priced at $11.50, both are excellent. The pack comes with 12 new trophies too.

Over the weekend I’ve been digging into these new maps looking at what they have to offer in complimenting the already well designed selection of maps. The new additions to the line-up are based on segments you play throughout the single player campaign. The first being Vekta Cruiser, which is based on one of the ISA cruisers used to invade the Helghan planet. The second of the maps is titled Wasteland Bullet and has you planted on a train fighting for control.

Vekta Cruiser is the smaller map of the two featuring a symmetrical shape and is one of the more multi-tiered maps in the game, an element that works really well. The first thing you’ll notice when jumping into this map is how different it looks compared to every other map in the game. It is bright and colourful, leaving the poor Helghast sticking out like a sore thumb against the white walls seen throughout. The Helghast aren’t that hard done by after discovering this map seems to have a bit of an advantage for them, mainly in the “Search and Retrieve” mode with the propaganda speaker spawning only just around the corner from the return point. Apart from that little oversight all play modes seem to work really well within the Vekta Cruiser. Both Search and Destroy locations are on ground levels which are both overlooked by upper walkways. This is an interesting element to the maps as most of it is covered entirely by two floors. There’s a central area with two side paths on opposite sides connecting to the central platform from three angles, allowing for great flanking opportunities. Tacticians take note; air support can’t be summoned in this level.

My favourite map of the two, Wasteland Bullet, is on the opposite end of the spectrum as it’s one of the larger maps and is very dark and gritty. This map plants you on two moving trains running parallel to each other travelling at high speeds along an infinitely long tunnel. Sounds epic? It is, and the graphics are fantastic with grinding metal shooting sparks in all directions, and dust flying all around you with loose cargo covers flailing in the wind, it looks amazing. Both of the faction basses are located on separate trains at opposite ends. The only way to reach the other train is to jump a gap at certain sections of the train, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. The developers decided to add 4 posts that whizz by every 10 or so seconds, adding a new dynamic to the mix forcing you to be alert and constantly aware of your surroundings, a missed timed jump will see you evaporate into a cloud of pink mist. In certain sections the map has 3 levels, both ends of the train and in the center. Reaching the top greets you with yet another hazard to look out for, which is unmovable and has infinite health, the name I’ve given it wouldn’t be appropriate to mention, so let’s just call it a ‘light fixture’. Much like the poles that zoom by there are fixtures dangling from the ceiling of the tunnel, so if you’re on the top of the train you need to keep an eye out for these as they’ll take your head off clean. There’re a few well placed gun emplacements on top of the center structure overlooking both ends of the train, taking ownership of these would be wise as they overlook the Search and Destroy targets. Another thing to note is to not throw a spawn grenade on top of the train; the overhead fixtures will wipe out anyone in their path even during the invulnerable period right after spawning.

Unfortunately the release of these new maps has highlighted a few issues within the game. One is the search feature. While you can search for individual maps you can’t search for games with just the new maps. You can search for just the original maps, why not just DLC? Another issue is joining games that feature the new maps. If you want to join some friends in a game that have a mix of new maps and originals and you don’t have the new map pack, you can’t join your friends at all. They should allow you to join the game and play on the maps you have, and when the rotation reaches a map you don’t have the game should boot you and prompt you with the reason. They also need to display far more info when browsing games to join, as it is, you only have the title of the room to go by and even they are restricted by a small character count.

Overall these maps are worth it if you’re a fan of the game, if you’re reading this you probably are, so pick them up!

By Moni Masina

Moni is the leader of NZGamer.com Killzone 2 Clan. For more info on the clan and how to join up visit here. - Ed