Helldivers 2 PS4 Review: Is It Worth It?
Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into Helldivers 2 on the PS4. Is this cooperative shooter worth your time and money? We'll cover everything from gameplay and graphics to performance and overall fun factor. Buckle up, because we're about to spread some managed democracy!
What is Helldivers 2?
For those new to the galactic war, Helldivers 2 is a third-person cooperative shooter where you and up to three friends take on the role of Helldivers, elite soldiers tasked with spreading democracy (with extreme prejudice) across the galaxy. You'll be fighting hordes of alien bugs (the Terminids) and robotic automatons (the Automatons) on various planets, completing objectives, and liberating planets in the name of Super Earth. The gameplay is known for being chaotic, challenging, and hilariously over-the-top.
Helldivers 2 takes the core gameplay loop of the original and cranks it up to eleven. Expect intense firefights, strategic teamwork, and plenty of friendly fire incidents. The game emphasizes cooperation, as you'll need to coordinate your attacks, manage resources, and revive fallen teammates to succeed. Stratagems, special abilities called in from your orbital ship, add another layer of tactical depth. These can range from airstrikes and supply drops to powerful weapons and defensive emplacements. Choosing the right Stratagems at the right time can be the difference between victory and a swift, bug-splattered demise. The game also features a persistent galactic war, where the success or failure of missions affects the overall progress of the Helldivers in liberating planets. This creates a sense of community and shared purpose, as players work together to push back the enemy and expand Super Earth's influence. However, remember that Helldivers 2 is not just about mindless shooting; it's about strategic thinking, resource management, and teamwork. So, gather your friends, gear up, and prepare to defend Super Earth from the alien threats that loom in the darkness. After all, liberty never comes cheap, and it's up to the Helldivers to deliver it, one explosive bullet at a time.
Gameplay on PS4
So, how does Helldivers 2 play on the PS4? The core gameplay remains the same: you drop onto a planet, complete objectives, and fight off hordes of enemies. The controls are intuitive, and the game makes good use of the DualShock 4 controller. However, there are some compromises to consider due to the PS4's older hardware. One of the most noticeable differences is the graphical fidelity. While the game still looks decent on the PS4, it lacks the visual polish and detail found on the PS5 and PC versions. Textures are less sharp, and the overall level of detail is reduced. This doesn't detract too much from the gameplay, but it is something to be aware of. Another potential issue is performance. Helldivers 2 can be quite demanding, especially during intense firefights with lots of enemies and explosions on screen. On the PS4, this can lead to occasional frame rate drops, which can be distracting and even impact your ability to aim accurately. However, the developers have done a good job of optimizing the game for the PS4, and the frame rate is generally stable enough to be playable. Load times are also longer on the PS4 compared to the PS5. This means you'll have to wait a bit longer to get into missions and transition between different areas of the game. It's not a deal-breaker, but it can be a bit annoying if you're used to the faster load times of newer consoles. Despite these compromises, Helldivers 2 is still a blast to play on the PS4. The core gameplay loop is addictive, and the cooperative action is just as fun as on other platforms. If you're willing to overlook some graphical and performance limitations, you can still have a great time spreading managed democracy on your trusty PS4.
Controls and Combat
The controls in Helldivers 2 are pretty straightforward, making it easy to jump in and start blasting bugs. You've got your standard movement, shooting, and grenade-throwing actions, but the real magic lies in the Stratagems. These are special abilities you call in from your ship, ranging from airstrikes to supply drops. Executing them requires inputting specific button combinations, which adds a layer of tactical depth to the combat. Mastering these Stratagem inputs is crucial for survival, especially on higher difficulty levels. The combat itself is chaotic and intense. You'll be facing hordes of enemies that swarm you from all directions, forcing you to constantly move and coordinate with your teammates. Friendly fire is always on, adding an extra layer of tension and hilarity to the mix. There's nothing quite like accidentally calling in an airstrike on your own position or blowing up your buddy with a misplaced grenade. Despite the chaos, the combat is also very satisfying. The weapons feel powerful, and the enemies react realistically to your attacks. Watching a bug explode into a shower of gibs after a well-placed shotgun blast is always a crowd-pleaser. The game also encourages experimentation with different weapons and Stratagems. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and finding the right loadout for each mission is part of the fun. Similarly, Stratagems can be used in a variety of creative ways. You can use an airstrike to clear out a group of enemies, call in a supply drop to replenish your ammo, or deploy a defensive turret to hold off a wave of attackers. Overall, the controls and combat in Helldivers 2 are well-designed and engaging. The game is easy to pick up but difficult to master, and the constant chaos and friendly fire ensure that every firefight is a unique and memorable experience.
Graphics and Performance on PS4
Alright, let's talk about the visuals. On the PS4, Helldivers 2 looks… okay. It's not going to win any awards for graphical fidelity, but it's also not an eyesore. The textures are a bit blurry, and the level of detail is noticeably lower compared to the PS5 and PC versions. However, the game still manages to create a convincing and immersive alien world. The environments are varied and well-designed, and the enemies are suitably grotesque and menacing. The lighting effects are also quite impressive, especially during nighttime missions. The glow of your flashlight cutting through the darkness as you navigate through a bug-infested swamp is genuinely atmospheric. However, the biggest issue with the graphics on the PS4 is the performance. Helldivers 2 can be quite demanding, and the PS4 struggles to maintain a stable frame rate during intense firefights. Frame rate drops are common, especially when there are a lot of enemies and explosions on screen. This can be distracting and even impact your ability to aim accurately. The developers have done a good job of optimizing the game for the PS4, but there's only so much they can do with the console's aging hardware. If you're sensitive to frame rate drops, you might find the performance on the PS4 to be a bit jarring. However, if you're willing to overlook some occasional stuttering, the game is still perfectly playable. Load times are also longer on the PS4 compared to the PS5. This means you'll have to wait a bit longer to get into missions and transition between different areas of the game. It's not a deal-breaker, but it can be a bit annoying if you're used to the faster load times of newer consoles. Despite these limitations, the graphics and performance on the PS4 are still acceptable. The game is not the prettiest thing you'll ever see, but it's also not unplayable. If you're a fan of the series or just looking for a fun cooperative shooter, the PS4 version of Helldivers 2 is still worth checking out.
Is it Worth Buying on PS4?
So, the big question: is Helldivers 2 worth buying on the PS4? The answer is a qualified yes. If you're a die-hard fan of the original Helldivers or just looking for a fun cooperative shooter to play with your friends, then Helldivers 2 is definitely worth checking out. The core gameplay is addictive, and the cooperative action is just as fun as on other platforms. However, you need to be aware of the compromises you're making by playing on the PS4. The graphics are not as sharp, the performance is not as smooth, and the load times are longer. If you're sensitive to these kinds of things, you might be better off playing the game on a more powerful platform like the PS5 or PC. But if you're willing to overlook these limitations, you can still have a great time with Helldivers 2 on the PS4. The game is still challenging, engaging, and hilarious, and the sense of community and shared purpose is just as strong as on other platforms. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy Helldivers 2 on the PS4 comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value graphical fidelity and smooth performance above all else, then you might want to consider playing the game on a different platform. But if you're willing to sacrifice some visual polish for the sake of cooperative fun, then Helldivers 2 on the PS4 is definitely worth a look. Just remember to bring your friends, your Stratagems, and your sense of humor.
Final Verdict
Helldivers 2 on the PS4 is a fun and engaging cooperative shooter that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. While the graphics and performance are not as impressive as on other platforms, the core gameplay is still addictive and the sense of community is strong. If you're willing to overlook some limitations, it's definitely worth checking out.
Score: 7.5/10