Summary
Helldivers 2is one of 2024’s first surprise hits. Its predecessor was a twin-stick shooter released in 2015, butHelldivers2marks a huge departure for the series. The sequel is a co-op PVE shooter where players can team up with their friends to fight Automatons and Terminids. Two elements of the game that have stood out are its approach to sci-fi and the visceral nature of its combat. The game’s humorous tone and Terminid enemies take heavy inspiration from the filmStarship Troopers.Helldivers 2’s sense of humor stands in stark contrast to the brutal combat, which is defined by its heavily weighted weapons, enemy dismemberment, and the extremely threatening and often overwhelming number of enemies players encounter.
The ruthless nature ofHelldivers 2’s combat is a trait that could also be attributed to the long-running Xbox seriesGears of War.Gears of Warwas initially released on the Xbox 360 and stood out because of its weighty combat and grimdark aesthetic. Players were tasked with shooting and sawing through waves of savage Locust fighters in an attempt to save humanity. Fighting inGears of Warfelt grounded but responsive, and the franchise went on to be one of the definitive third-person shooter experiences of the generation. The games released after the conclusion of the original trilogy have failed to capture the same excitement as the originals, but many Xbox fans are still eagerly awaiting aGears of War 6news update.
Helldivers 2 Has A Lot of Unique Traits
This year,Helldivers2has been passing player count milestonesfor a number of reasons. No small part of its success, however, is due to the intensity of its combat. Players are dropped into the world with limited ammo, so considering the hordes of enemies players must contend with, ammo becomes a precious resource and keeping one’s weapons loaded is a necessity. This would be stressful enough, but when players reload inHelldivers2, they lose the ammo left in the magazine, meaning that they are required to hold out as long as possible before doing so. The weight of powerful weapons can also make aiming difficult, meaning that combat is almost always a frantic affair.
The chaotic combat ofHelldivers 2often evokes cinematic feelings, but it never feels too dramatic. Like its biggest inspiration,Starship Troopers, the game’s presentation is comical and makes fun of overbearing patriotism. The self-awareness ofHelldiversoften works to defuse tension and make it feel less conceited and self-important. This tonal contrast keeps it easy to replay and fosters an atmosphere of fun within groups of players. Given the visceral and gruesome nature of its combat, Arrowhead could have gone for a darker tone in the game, but its choice not to has made it feel more unique and, for many, easier to connect with.
Gears 6 Could Learn a Lot From Helldivers 2
Gears of War 6is one of the most anticipated third-person shooters right now, and as such, it should be taking some notes from the breakout success ofHelldivers 2. Introducing a similar system for reloading and ammo management would be an obvious fit forGears of War’s brutal array of weapons. The developers could even make it so the series' Active Reloading mechanic preserves the ammo in the clip, rewarding skilled players. Introducing heavier weapons that are harder to aim and react to movement more could also help enhance the combat experience inGears 6.
Gears of War 6 Could Take a Lighter Tone for Multiplayer Modes
The story ofGears 5was dark, and that is unlikely to change inthe sixth entry, but the competitive and horde modes in the next game could adopt some of the tongue-in-cheek humor found inHelldivers 2to make them feel more fun to play and help foster a friendly community. The nextGearstitle could be one of thegoriest games of all time, butHelldivershas shown that hyper-violence can exist side by side with a sense of humor. By borrowing fromHelldivers 2,Gears 6could update its gameplay and help foster a stronger online community.
Helldivers 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.
