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Before Helldivers 2 there was..
Fourteen years ago (2010), four twenty-something olds all purchased a game on Xbox 360. The game? Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and damn were we good. Playing every evening we could, the four of us would log on, join the same team, and then rain down death on whichever game we joined. Sniper, Medic, Heavy and Scout were often the loadout of choice giving us everything we needed to aid a win. Teammate been shot? Medic rolls in, defibrillates the player, and both move on to the next target. Tank or Helicopter? Cram everyone in and dispatch opposition with deadly force. Bad Company 2 was more than a game, it was an experience for us and we loved every minute of it.
It’s 2024 and Arrowhead Game Studios released what we’re calling the ‘crack cocaine of gaming’. Helldivers 2 has bought our friendship group back together, just as Battlefield: Bad Company 2 did. Thanks to the game we now have a WhatsApp group titled ‘Democracy’ where daily requests to play that evening come in; it’s safe to say we’re addicted.
Checking online now, the game sells for £34.99 on PlayStation Network, indeed a special price. Occasionally well priced games come on to the market but rarely are they new, or amazing. I was wrong not to purchase Helldivers when it came out, so very wrong!
Two weeks behind Rob, I started playing and could immediately see why my daily messages included updates to his gaming sessions. Unquestionably, Helldivers 2 became my go to game, toppling Tomb Raider Remastered immediately. Then we started playing as a foursome.
Why
Firstly, it’s a beautiful game. Planetscapes with gorgeous skylines, textures that look crisp and a cinematic styling all add to the enjoyment from the game. Weapons are satisfying and you can only blame yourself when you choose the wrong load out. Frustrating? Sometimes, but more often than not your team brings back the fun.
I dislike games with micro-transactions but in Helldivers case, I don’t care. The in game currency can be found for free on planets and after only a few hours, you can buy new armour. No money has to come out of your bank account. I paid for my first warbond using currency I had found during gameplay.
The inclusion of Major and Personal orders also encourages you to play more. Complete a major order with the rest of the world, get credited medals allowing for your ship to be upgraded. We’re all in the same boat, we want those bugs and bots off our planets! It is worth pointing out that 2 billion bugs were killed in 17 hours – the major order stated we had 5 days. Insanity!
There must be issues?
Yes, there were and still are bugs. Not Cyberpunk levels of broken but still, broken in some parts. Does it detract from the game? Not in the slightest – it can be frustrating to throw a grenade rather than bombardment but it will get fixed. Arrowhead Game Studios are fixing bugs when they get reported and have a great social outreach.
I’ve not found anything yet that makes me think ‘eurgh, this is a game killer’. I genuinely can’t wait to see what is in store over the next year for Helldivers 2.
Rob