Brief.
Progression wise I have unlocked over half of the stratagems, and am about level 24 as of writing this review. I have unlocked up to difficulty 8, and i have only unlocked a couple ship modules. For PC players, it does require a fairly beefy device to run comfortably, but the steam deck seems to work as well, but manage your expectations.
Helldivers 2 is probably the best live service game that I have ever played. The model is incredibly fair for player progression and, while microtransactions are present, they are not encouraged. The big package in the live service model is the galactic map, constantly updating upon player interaction. Missions can help turn the tide of a planetary conflict, albeit minimally, in a collaborative player effort to stop their enemies of great numbers from conquering the planets of Super Earth.
Gameplay wise, it is a bomb, perhaps a handful of missiles, maybe a rail cannon. Players drop into a large map with set primary objectives, but are free to do secondary objectives or collect spoils for greater rewards, although some missions only have a main objective. You have an arsenal of stratagems, which is a little throwable sphere that you input directions (ctrl+wasd, or the d-pad) and allows you to throw it for offensive or supportive reasons. It's a pretty typical third person shooter affair, but the way the game grants or takes away control makes it crazy fun. Friendly fire is always on, and it is not generous to mistakes that a player may make.
Without going into detail, the thematic parallels between this and the film Starship Troopers makes the aesthetic of the game a pretty entertaining meta-commentary on american imperialism and fascism.
Launch issues aside (should be alleviated by now), Helldivers 2 is a great game, and I highly recommend you get it while the oven's still hot. It's definitely a game you want to get with your friends, as playing alone is not great. Lastly, while I don't think it really bothers me or affects the game negatively, many stratagems and weapons can feel drastically weaker than other ones in any given situation, which may not feel great for some players.
Progression wise I have unlocked over half of the stratagems, and am about level 24 as of writing this review. I have unlocked up to difficulty 8, and i have only unlocked a couple ship modules. For PC players, it does require a fairly beefy device to run comfortably, but the steam deck seems to work as well, but manage your expectations.
Helldivers 2 is probably the best live service game that I have ever played. The model is incredibly fair for player progression and, while microtransactions are present, they are not encouraged. The big package in the live service model is the galactic map, constantly updating upon player interaction. Missions can help turn the tide of a planetary conflict, albeit minimally, in a collaborative player effort to stop their enemies of great numbers from conquering the planets of Super Earth.
Gameplay wise, it is a bomb, perhaps a handful of missiles, maybe a rail cannon. Players drop into a large map with set primary objectives, but are free to do secondary objectives or collect spoils for greater rewards, although some missions only have a main objective. You have an arsenal of stratagems, which is a little throwable sphere that you input directions (ctrl+wasd, or the d-pad) and allows you to throw it for offensive or supportive reasons. It's a pretty typical third person shooter affair, but the way the game grants or takes away control makes it crazy fun. Friendly fire is always on, and it is not generous to mistakes that a player may make.
Without going into detail, the thematic parallels between this and the film Starship Troopers makes the aesthetic of the game a pretty entertaining meta-commentary on american imperialism and fascism.
Launch issues aside (should be alleviated by now), Helldivers 2 is a great game, and I highly recommend you get it while the oven's still hot. It's definitely a game you want to get with your friends, as playing alone is not great. Lastly, while I don't think it really bothers me or affects the game negatively, many stratagems and weapons can feel drastically weaker than other ones in any given situation, which may not feel great for some players.