Helldivers 2 PS4 Review: Is It Worth Playing?

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Helldivers 2 PS4 Review: Is It Worth Playing?

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into Helldivers 2 on the PS4. This game has been creating a buzz, and we are here to provide an unbiased review to help you decide if it's worth your time and money. Helldivers 2 promises intense action, strategic gameplay, and a whole lot of fun. But does it live up to the hype on the PlayStation 4? Let's find out!

What is Helldivers 2?

First off, for those new to the series, Helldivers 2 is a third-person shooter where you play as, well, a Helldiver. Your mission? To spread managed democracy across the galaxy by blasting aliens and defending Super Earth. Think Starship Troopers meets a video game, with a heavy dose of humor and over-the-top action. The game emphasizes cooperative play; you and your squad will need to coordinate effectively to survive the relentless waves of enemies. The chaotic nature of the game, combined with its strategic elements, makes each mission feel unique and challenging. Whether you’re calling in orbital strikes, deploying turrets, or simply laying down suppressive fire, Helldivers 2 offers a wide array of tools to tackle the alien threat. The sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment after a successful mission is one of the game's strongest selling points. Plus, the friendly fire mechanic adds an extra layer of hilarity and caution to every encounter. You'll quickly learn to double-check where your teammates are before unleashing that grenade barrage. Overall, Helldivers 2 blends intense action with strategic depth, wrapped in a darkly comedic package that keeps you coming back for more.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the gameplay. Helldivers 2 shines with its engaging mechanics that keep you on the edge of your seat. Teamwork is absolutely essential; you can't just run and gun your way through this game (well, you can try, but it won't end well). Strategic coordination is key. You’ll need to plan your attacks, support each other, and revive fallen comrades. The game features a stratagem system, where you call in various support options like airstrikes, supply drops, and defensive turrets. Mastering these stratagems and knowing when to use them is crucial for success. But remember, calling in a stratagem requires you to input a specific sequence of buttons, and doing so under pressure while being swarmed by enemies adds to the thrill. Friendly fire is always on, so be careful where you aim! Accidentally blowing up your teammate with a poorly aimed grenade is a common—and often hilarious—occurrence. The variety of enemies keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging. Each enemy type requires a different approach, forcing you to adapt your tactics on the fly. The game also features a progression system, where you unlock new weapons, stratagems, and upgrades as you level up. This progression keeps you motivated to keep playing and experimenting with different loadouts. Whether you prefer to play as a heavily armored tank, a stealthy scout, or a support specialist, Helldivers 2 offers plenty of options to customize your playstyle. The combination of strategic depth, intense action, and cooperative gameplay makes Helldivers 2 a truly unique and rewarding experience.

Graphics and Performance on PS4

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: graphics and performance on the PS4. The PS4 is a capable console, but it's showing its age. Helldivers 2 is a visually impressive game, but you will notice some compromises on the PS4. The graphics are scaled down compared to the PS5 version. Textures might appear less detailed, and the overall visual fidelity isn't as sharp. However, the art style is still fantastic, and the game manages to maintain its visual appeal despite the technical limitations. The performance is where things get a bit dicey. The game generally runs at a stable frame rate, but you will experience dips during intense action sequences, especially when there are a lot of enemies and explosions on screen. These frame rate drops can be distracting and can impact your gameplay, especially in critical moments. However, the developers have been working to optimize the game for the PS4, and patches have improved the performance since launch. It's still a playable experience, but don't expect the smooth, buttery performance you might see on more powerful hardware. If you're willing to overlook these graphical and performance limitations, Helldivers 2 on the PS4 can still provide a fun and engaging experience. Just be prepared for some occasional hiccups along the way. Despite these issues, the core gameplay loop and the sheer fun of playing with friends can outweigh the technical shortcomings. So, while it's not the ideal way to experience Helldivers 2, it's still a worthwhile option if the PS4 is your only platform.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of Helldivers 2 on the PS4:

Pros:

  • Engaging and strategic gameplay
  • Fun cooperative experience
  • Variety of weapons and stratagems
  • Addictive progression system
  • Humorous and over-the-top action

Cons:

  • Compromised graphics compared to PS5
  • Occasional frame rate drops
  • Can be challenging for solo players
  • Requires PlayStation Plus for online play

Is It Worth It?

So, is Helldivers 2 worth playing on the PS4? Ultimately, it depends on your priorities. If you value gameplay over graphics and don't mind some performance issues, then Helldivers 2 can still be a blast on the PS4. The core gameplay loop is addictive, and the cooperative experience is genuinely fun. However, if you're a stickler for visual fidelity and smooth performance, you might be disappointed. In that case, you might want to consider playing the game on a more powerful platform, such as the PS5 or a PC. Also, keep in mind that you'll need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online, which is essential for the Helldivers 2 experience. If you already have PS Plus and are looking for a fun, challenging, and cooperative shooter, Helldivers 2 is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to make some compromises in terms of graphics and performance. But if you can look past those issues, you'll find a rewarding and engaging game that will keep you coming back for more.

Final Verdict

Helldivers 2 on the PS4 is a mixed bag. While the core gameplay remains engaging and the cooperative experience is a blast, the compromised graphics and occasional performance issues can detract from the overall experience. If you're willing to overlook these shortcomings, you'll find a fun and addictive game that's worth your time. However, if you prioritize visual fidelity and smooth performance, you might want to consider playing Helldivers 2 on a more powerful platform. Overall, Helldivers 2 on the PS4 gets a solid 7/10. It's a fun game, but it's held back by the limitations of the hardware. So, gear up, Helldivers, and get ready to spread some managed democracy, just be prepared for a few bumps along the way!