![]() ![]() There are lots of different philosophies, though. The concept of games as a service does not necessitate multiplayer, but given the origins of the live service umbrella it's definitely become a key pillar, and how they approach that pillar is definitely a critical element of their ability to thrive. Deciding that you're a flamethrower guy or a machine gun guy is a lifestyle choice, and one that's going to have a significant impact on your squad. The smaller number of weapons and toys, however, have so much more impact. ![]() Helldivers 2 does kinda have loot, in that you can find new weapons when searching points of interest, but it's absolutely not a loot-driven game. It goes without saying, chucking an orbital laser strike into the mix, a heavy weapon that requires two people to handle, or a jump pack is so much more thrilling than getting a new rifle with slightly improved stats.Īs a big fan of Path of Exile, I obviously have no issue with loot-heavy live service games that keep spitting out items with incrementally better stats, but Path of Exile also realises, just like Helldivers 2, that to maintain our attention we also need a decent variety of things to murder, and plenty of distinct tools to murder them with. ![]() I'm constantly changing my tactics on the fly as I'm forced to identify the biggest threats and unlock new bits of kit. I've mostly been focusing on mowing down the insectoid menace because of the war's current objectives, and I keep being delighted by their distinct behaviours that give each fight so much range and texture. I can't know for sure if I'll feel this way in a month's time, but I was bored of fighting Suicide Squad's purple arseholes after about an hour, so it's an improvement. It also helps that Helldivers 2 isn't a contorted mess going through an identity crisis.Ĭrucially, Helldivers 2 manages to maintain the joy of fighting bugs and automatons drop after drop. So much of it is down to the screams and barks of the Helldivers themselves, as they shout about the wonders of democracy while unloading clip after clip into a hideous alien bastard-their comically overzealous nationalism one of countless nods to the game's main source of inspiration: Starship Troopers. It is overflowing with an abundance of personality and world building, but manages to exude all this character without pace-breaking dialogue or cutscenes. It also helps that Helldivers 2 isn't a contorted mess going through an identity crisis. This is the kind of multiplayer progression and community spirit that successful live service games feed on, that they require, and is notably lacking in ones like Suicide Squad. This frosty planet was one of two focal points in the nascent conflict, and through our collective efforts we'd driven the enemy off it, putting us one step closer to pushing them back to the quarantine zone. On Saturday night, after a heady session of bug hunting, our guide writer Sean messaged me to inform me of the good news: we'd finally liberated Heeth. Over the first few days, we brave Helldivers dropped into bug-infested worlds to push back the alien menace, spraying millions of bullets and yes, dying by the truckload, all in the name of managed democracy. Yes, it had a rough launch, and there are still issues needing to be resolved, but it's undeniably a game that could only exist as a live service, and takes full advantage of the model, thoroughly embracing the concept of a player-driven, galactic war. Helldivers 2, though, has thoroughly brightened up the world of live service games in 2024. Seemingly prescriptive and uninspired, there's little evidence of it using the live service model or multiplayer systems creatively, leaving me to wonder why anyone would play it instead of Sea of Thieves. From what we've seen in the open beta, you shouldn't hold your breath. ![]() Games)Īnd just on the horizon we've got Ubisoft's constantly delayed Skull & Bones. ![]()
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