Helldivers 2: PS4 Review - Is It Worth It?

by Admin 43 views
Helldivers 2: PS4 Review - Is It Worth It?

So, you're probably wondering if Helldivers 2 on the PS4 is worth your hard-earned cash, right? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep (pun intended!) into everything you need to know about this bug-blasting, robot-romping, democracy-spreading extravaganza. Let's get into the nitty-gritty details and figure out if this game is a must-have for your PlayStation 4 library. We'll cover everything from the gameplay mechanics and graphics to the overall experience and whether it holds up on older hardware. So grab your controller, and let's see if Helldivers 2 brings the heat to the PS4!

What is Helldivers 2?

Alright, before we get too far ahead, let's talk about what Helldivers 2 actually is. Imagine a game where you and your friends team up as elite soldiers, the Helldivers, to liberate planets from alien threats. Think Starship Troopers meets a chaotic, cooperative shooter. Your mission? To spread managed democracy across the galaxy, one bug and bot at a time. The game is developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, known for their focus on cooperative gameplay and emergent storytelling. This means the game reacts to player actions on a galactic scale, making your contributions feel meaningful. You'll be deploying from orbit onto procedurally generated landscapes, facing hordes of enemies, and completing objectives that range from eliminating enemy nests to activating planetary defenses.

But it's not just about shooting aliens. Helldivers 2 emphasizes teamwork and coordination. You'll need to strategize with your squad, using a variety of support weapons and abilities called Stratagems. These can range from orbital bombardments to supply drops, and deploying them effectively is key to survival. The game also features friendly fire, which adds an extra layer of challenge and hilarity. Accidentally calling in an airstrike on your teammate is all part of the Helldivers experience! The game world evolves based on player actions. Succeed in enough missions on a particular planet, and you'll contribute to its liberation. Fail, and the enemy will push back, potentially opening up new fronts in the galactic war. This dynamic campaign creates a sense of ongoing conflict and ensures that every mission matters. So, in short, Helldivers 2 is a cooperative, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining shooter that puts you in the boots of an intergalactic peacekeeper. And it's a blast.

Helldivers 2 on PS4: Performance and Graphics

Now, for the million-dollar question: how does Helldivers 2 perform on the PS4? Let's be real, the PS4 is getting a bit long in the tooth, especially compared to the shiny new PS5. So, managing expectations is key. Graphically, Helldivers 2 on the PS4 is a step down from its PS5 counterpart. Textures might be a bit blurrier, and the overall level of detail is reduced. However, the game still looks decent. The art style is strong, and the environments are varied and interesting, from lush jungles to desolate wastelands. The frame rate is where things get a bit more noticeable. On the PS4, Helldivers 2 targets 30 frames per second (fps). However, during intense firefights with lots of enemies and explosions, the frame rate can dip below this target. This can lead to some noticeable stuttering and slowdown, which can impact your aiming and reaction time. It's not game-breaking, but it's definitely something to be aware of. Despite these limitations, the game is still playable and enjoyable on the PS4. The core gameplay loop is engaging enough to keep you hooked, even if the graphics aren't cutting-edge. Plus, the cooperative nature of the game means that you'll be too busy coordinating with your team and laughing at the chaos to focus too much on the graphical shortcomings. Ultimately, if you're willing to sacrifice some visual fidelity and accept occasional frame rate dips, Helldivers 2 on the PS4 can still provide a fun and rewarding experience. Just don't expect it to look as stunning as it does on more powerful hardware.

Gameplay and Features on PS4

Let's talk gameplay! Fortunately, the core gameplay mechanics of Helldivers 2 remain intact on the PS4. You'll still be able to experience the intense combat, strategic Stratagem deployment, and cooperative teamwork that the game is known for. The controls are responsive and intuitive, and the game makes good use of the PS4 controller. One of the key features of Helldivers 2 is its focus on cooperative play, and this is fully supported on the PS4. You can team up with up to three other players online to tackle missions together. Communication and coordination are essential for success, so make sure you have a headset and are ready to strategize with your squad. The game also features a progression system that allows you to unlock new weapons, Stratagems, and cosmetic items. This provides a sense of ongoing progression and keeps you motivated to keep playing. You'll earn experience points and resources by completing missions, and you can use these to upgrade your Helldiver and customize your loadout. The Stratagem system is another standout feature of Helldivers 2. These are powerful support abilities that can be called in during missions, ranging from orbital strikes to supply drops. Choosing the right Stratagems for each mission is crucial, and coordinating their use with your team can turn the tide of battle. Despite the graphical limitations of the PS4, the gameplay of Helldivers 2 remains engaging and addictive. The core mechanics are solid, the cooperative play is seamless, and the progression system provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment. If you're looking for a fun and challenging cooperative shooter on the PS4, Helldivers 2 is definitely worth checking out.

Is Helldivers 2 Crossplay on PS4?

Okay, let's address a burning question: is Helldivers 2 crossplay compatible on the PS4? Sadly, the answer is a resounding no. Because Helldivers 2 was never released on the PS4, crossplay is not an option. Helldivers 2 is available on PS5 and PC and features crossplay between those platforms. So, if you're hoping to team up with your friends who are playing on other platforms using your PS4, you might need to upgrade.

Pros and Cons of Helldivers 2 on PS4

Since Helldivers 2 isn't available on PS4, let's assume you're looking for a similar experience. Here's a breakdown of potential pros and cons if it were available, based on similar games on the platform:

Hypothetical Pros:

  • Engaging Cooperative Gameplay: Helldivers 2's core gameplay loop is designed around cooperative play, which could be a blast with friends on the PS4.
  • Strategic Combat: The Stratagem system adds a layer of strategic depth to the combat, requiring teamwork and coordination.
  • Rewarding Progression System: Unlocking new weapons, Stratagems, and cosmetic items would provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you coming back for more.

Hypothetical Cons:

  • Graphical Limitations: The PS4's aging hardware would likely require significant graphical compromises, resulting in lower resolution textures and less detailed environments.
  • Frame Rate Issues: Intense firefights could cause frame rate dips, leading to stuttering and slowdown.
  • Lack of Crossplay: No crossplay support would limit your ability to play with friends on other platforms.

Alternatives for PS4 Owners

Alright, so Helldivers 2 isn't gracing the PS4 with its presence. But fear not, fellow gamers! There are still plenty of awesome cooperative shooters available on the PS4 that can scratch that itch for alien-blasting action. Here are a few top contenders:

  • Warframe: This free-to-play title is a fantastic option for those seeking a cooperative experience. You play as a space ninja, battling enemies with a variety of weapons and abilities. Warframe features a deep progression system and a ton of content to keep you hooked.
  • Destiny 2: While it's a bit older, Destiny 2 still offers a solid cooperative experience on the PS4. Team up with your friends to tackle challenging raids and missions, and collect powerful gear along the way.
  • Borderlands 3: If you're looking for a more humorous and over-the-top experience, Borderlands 3 is a great choice. This cooperative shooter features a colorful cast of characters, a wacky storyline, and tons of loot to collect.

Final Verdict: Should You Get Helldivers 2? (If it Were on PS4)

Let's cut to the chase. If Helldivers 2 were available on the PS4, would it be worth getting? The answer is a tentative maybe. The game's core gameplay loop is undeniably fun and engaging, and the cooperative play is a major draw. However, the graphical limitations and potential frame rate issues on the PS4 could detract from the overall experience. If you're willing to overlook these drawbacks and prioritize gameplay over graphics, then Helldivers 2 could be a worthwhile addition to your PS4 library. However, if you're a stickler for visual fidelity and smooth performance, you might be better off exploring other options or upgrading to a more powerful platform. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and priorities. But, as it stands, you'll need a PS5 or a PC to experience the glory of Helldivers 2 for yourself! So, gear up, Helldivers, and get ready to spread some democracy!