Killzone Shadow Fall Review 2020: Why Launch Titles Fail

[@John-996]

Playing this game now the best part is how linear it is feels like a breath of fresh air with all the open world games out their.

[@radioclash8175]

If you can get past the ridiculous scenario that sets up the game-giving them half the planet and allowing them arm up to the teeth-it’s quite a good game I thought.

[@goukigod]

Killzone was always ridiculous though. I think they needed to lean into this more and not try and do a serious call of duty/Battlefield style campaign.

[@myenemysenemy1043]

I didn’t play KZ ShadowFall until a year after it launched. And I loved it

[@johnnymillz3110]

How is multiplayer

[@Thejennonanator]

@@johnnymillz3110 it's shutting down tomorrow

[@Thejennonanator]

@@johnnymillz3110 other than that it was pretty fun

[@TheNewGamePluss]

I haven’t finish playing this game yet but after watching your review now I understand why I felt so disconnected. At least the multiplayer is fun, I miss the other characters. Killzone 2 was my favorite and 3 was a nice touch, I remember completing it with my brother. Keep it up with your reviews, they are amazing and entertaining to watch!

[@BlindBison]

Killzone 2 is such an awesome game - oh what I’d give for a native PC port and/or a PS5 Remastering effort with the multiplayer back.

[@TheNewGamePluss]

@@BlindBison yes that would be awesome, if you have the disc you should give it a try with RPCS3. I did this to play Resistance and man they all looking good.

[@goukigod]

From what I’ve seen the community have done some cool things with RPCS3

[@TheNewGamePluss]

@@goukigod Yes man the games looking good. They look like Remastered when using that emulator. Some games need to be optimize, Killzone 3 looks good just the fps drop between 40-60 while running the game at 1440P. Some games run better than others.

[@LyRaLex]

10:08 that's screen space reflection - not even close what ray tracing does. It's a rasterisation technique which only reflects what's on screen which is its major downfall. Because if there is no information on screen/player vision the reflections disappear.

[@goukigod]

It was very hard to capture in gameplay. Based on the tech demo trailer Guerrilla put out reflections in water seem to be the best example.

[@LyRaLex]

@@goukigod Those were cube maps which are even more primitive. There is actually a technical analysis out there where one of the devs talks about it all, quite easy to find. (GDC talk iirc) Even SSR was in its infancy back then so it has even more issues than modern SSR implementation.

[@goukigod]

It all looks pretty good though to the untrained eye. If you look closely it all starts to fail apart of course but holistically I still think it’s impressive

[@mattv2956]

Sounds to me someone bought an over-priced graphics card

[@LyRaLex]

@@mattv2956 If a GTX1060 for 200€ is over-priced I'm guilty as charged... also, what a bloody weird comment? I was just correcting goukigod - I myself think, right now RT is not worth it. Actual mirroring of the gameworld like in the old days, which even some modern games like Hitman do again, is my preference and it is just as expensive as RT in extreme cases.

[@goukigod]

I said that Killzone 3 added the Mech which isn't true. I should have specified that it added it to the multiplayer. Also, I didn't really give any examples of the ray-tracing so if you want to see it in action check out the tech trailer sony put out back in 2013 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2HLZIeVjp51Zrs

[@WildHart_z]

That isn’t raytracing.

[@KatsuKingTV]

I just beat this game yesterday on the PS5, I wanted to see how the game plays on the next gen console with HDR & 60FPS, and boy beside the graphics being pretty nice this game has numerous issues.. where do I begin: 1. The plot is ridiculous and the ending was just awful and so anti-climatic 2. The controls are terrible and has way too much head/bob sway, especially when throwing grenades 3. The game mechanics are useless besides the owl emp ability 4. The primary smg that you can't swap out and is with you pretty much 90% of the game is weak AF and has a very small clip (24 rounds only) 5. The checkpoints are awful 6. You die way too fast even on normal difficulty 7. The set pieces are so incredibly dumb and hilarious (flying sideways through a city crumbling.. wtf?!? Lol) 8. No multiplayer (since no one is playing this game anymore) 9. Lens flares that make JJ abhams jealous.. lol 10. The are still charging people for dlc for this lack luster game?? Overall this game has shown it's age.. everything about it sucks except the graphics.. if you want too torture yourself for 4-6 hours then go for it, but i personally recommend you play something else..

[@firefades3604]

Lol I got it with the new PS sub had to delete it after playing for an hour, pretty damn awful...

[@blackscorpionstinger]

Fuck me! I got this game for 5 dollars and still felt being ripped off. Shadowfall is not only a bad Killzone game, it’s a bad game overall. Level designs, enemies, weapons, writing, HUD, pacing, even the soundtrack is very lacking in this game. The only thing decent is maybe the sound effects

[@bighandbig]

This video has so many things I love about your commentary. I will continue to watch your amazingly out together videos. Cheers man

[@goukigod]

Cheers to you!

[@shaybanton2519]

You knocking Knack 2!? Dunkey would like a word with you...

[@goukigod]

Ha! I wanted knack 1 gameplay but figured the sequel would illustrate my point.

[@SolidZone26]

I'm going to be very honest, but I think Mercenary was a better Killzone game than Shadow Fall.

[@goukigod]

A shame it's never been ported to anything else. It's widely considered to be the best handheld shooter ever made.

[@kismet8010]

You genuinely deserve a larger audience! Your content is so great and straight to the point.

[@goukigod]

Tah!

[@houman2009]

Hopefully they do a remaster or remake of killzone 1-3

[@goukigod]

I'd like to see them add in Liberation and Mercenary too as I've never had the change to play them

[@Johnnygrafx]

Great review. I hadn't even noticed some of the points you brought up but now I can't un-know them lol.

[@goukigod]

ha, sorry!

[@WG501st]

I feel like people who liked this game mostly hadn't played the first three games prior to playing this one it just didn't live up to KZ2 and 3 it didn't have large scale battles, no vehicles like jet packs and mechs in either modes, the voice acting was far inferior to the first three games

[@goukigod]

That could honestly be the best way to experience this game. If (like me) you were hoping for more of the same, it's understandable why you would be disappointed. If this was your first game in the series, then I could see how the different tone and pacing might work.

[@WG501st]

@@goukigod yeah I bought a ps4 to play it because I was still playing killzone 3 online everyday and I thoroughly enjoyed the campaigns of the first three I really tried to enjoy this game but it is just soulless

[@blaquenoise]

I liked the first 3 and even Liberation. So I bought Shadowfall a few years ago for my Pro. Sad thing is I played it for the first time today (March 21, 2021), then quit playing because of lack of interest.

[@goukigod]

Apparently Guerrilla started loosing interest in creating Killzone games around the time of Killzone 3. They were developing Horizon Zero dawn at the same time as this and its obvious where the passion went if you ask me. That’s not to say it feels phoned in but it’s lacking that special something.

[@jamestee8852]

If this game wasn’t a launch title I think we would have killzone 5 by now 😢. I think people play them lots at start but then move away that’s its downfall of launching

[@goukigod]

It was a gamble that didn’t pay off.

[@CarfDarko]

Horizon had alread started production before KZ:S was finished. Now if ONLY Gu Cambridge would have been able to kept the lights on in their office...They could have easily done it.

[@YungBrough118]

Great video and channel. I hope your hard work and genuine interest pays off.

[@goukigod]

Thanks a lot. I hope so too!

[@blackjackymujersuelas6995]

Considering how shit 99% of FPSs are today,i'll take KZSF with a smile. Guerrilla tried to do something different and should be commended for it.

[@goukigod]

Absolutely, it's just a shame it didn't result in a more cohesive game. Hopefully this isn't the last Killzone game we get.

[@CarfDarko]

Coming from the QA department back then, thank you for recognizing this :)

[@blackjackymujersuelas6995]

@@CarfDarko Awesome dude,you just need better story writers and more map exploration and you are set. Everything else is great.

[@danishbutter1847]

What is shit in particular? Campaign? PVP? Or PVE.

[@Velkan1396]

Killzone was (and still is) my favourite shooter and I hope to see It revisited soon. I played Liberation, Mercenaries and watched the playthroughs for the other games a bunch of times as I've never owned a PS3. Im sure I would find issues in Shadow Fall if I played It today, but I must say from 2013-15 I had an awesome time with It.

[@goukigod]

You really should get a PS3

[@Velkan1396]

@@goukigod Since I dramatically failed to emulate Killzone 2, 3 and Demon's Souls.. I might.

[@George-zj9rr]

I just hate the killzone story for how botched the potential was.

[@kstanni87]

This game was a big difficulty spike even on the lowest difficulty. Never got out of the prison level.

[@VodKaSlam]

There's a few reasons.... Biggest one Killzone was meant to be just a Trilogy and thats it. The original writer didn't make any other Killzones. Second and the biggest reason. The devs wanted to compete with Call of Duty and Halo, reason why it's much faster pace, they removed the gore (head exploding an such), no AI Bots, and enemies had shields. Instead of being it's own badass franchise.... They mixed other franchises together and ruined the series.

[@TheZelda360]

Killzone 2 my favorite, Resistance Fall Of Man was a launch title on the PS3 and it didn't fail

[@doomguy2337]

Say what you will about the goofiness about the characters in 2 and 3 but I missed sev and Rico in this one

[@goukigod]

This series works better when it doesn't take itself too seriously

[@danishbutter1847]

Sev and Rico and Capt.Templar as usual

[@richardgrahame1789]

Every time.. it’s like, what am I supposed to be doing? Really dumb and confusing

[@spartan04801]

I still have my PS3 for killzone!

[@goukigod]

One of many excellent reasons to have a PS3!

[@dv8754]

The screen space and reflection use ray casting to an extent, and the term may even have been used to describe that at the time, but this is definitely not the same tech we know as raytracing today. I wouldn't have brought it up at all, but you really leaned in on the dig at that point, so it seems fair to push back on it.

[@goukigod]

fair enough

[@AnthonyRusso93]

Tfw you can't tell Garza about boning his mom because he is gone :'( Dang you Rico you spacist

[@anasshahid224]

One of the most underrated games on PS4, loved Killzone Shadow Fall, it was so much fun 👏👏👏

[@goukigod]

Glad to hear someone enjoyed it.

[@hesoyamdon888]

I loved your review, I 100% agree on all your points. They should have have remade killzone 2 with all the required improvements as the launch title. Atleast we should have had remastered version in ps4 like the last of us. In spite ps4 had the best remake like, resident evil 2, Shadow of the Colossus and demon soul its surprising how sony skipped killzone 2 and 3 With Bluepoint talking incharge of remakes for ps5 let them remake killzone 2 and 3.

[@goukigod]

Thanks! Yeah, so weird they didn’t even do a HD remaster. Increase the frame rate to 60FPS and resolution to 1080p, bundle 2 and 3 together and bam, seems like it would be easy money.

[@hesoyamdon888]

@@goukigod I think we need a remaster like The last of us and remake like Demonsoul, and i would buy them both. I my opinion killzone 2 was under appropriate game. Atleast to my eye killzone 2 still look good after 10 year

[@COOLGFB]

In my opinion the best launch games ever are MotorStorm and the Demons Souls Remake 🙏🏼

[@goukigod]

Rouge Squadron 2 is pretty dang solid too!

[@raymondstpaul4913]

Shadow Fall made no sense in its story based on what I've seen. They should make a newer one and the events after Killzone 3 never happened it is an alternate story that never happens. OH, AN PLEASE MAKE IT FOR PC ALSO FOR US THAT DON'T HAVE PLAYSTATIONS!

[@goukigod]

You can emulate KZ2 and KZ3 on PC

[@raymondstpaul4913]

Thanks but prefer not to mess with my pc software. I still think the next game of ever made should have a pc version available.

[@cattysplat]

The worst thing about this game is that it killed the Killzone franchise and now Gorilla games makes Horizon games which is completely different. Guess this is why Sony bought up Bungie.

[@goukigod]

Based on the NoClip documentary and other interviews I’ve read, the direction of this game was heavily focused on capturing the Call of duty market. Guerilla we’re already burnt out on this series and if they were forced to take the game in a direction they didn’t totally love it would explain a lot. This is the only example in their catalog that feels generic and derivative.

[@j.kedeshturner2086]

All I know is that I'm a PlayStation and a Xbox fan and I love killzone and I hate Halo Halo sucks I don't like the monsters the characters none of that stuff killzone is better to me my opinion I give it 👍🏿👍🏿☝🏿 I know how we can end all of this just give me a new crysis game hands down and then we can all say cloak engage 😂😆😂😆

[@danishbutter1847]

343 Industries Halo is not the same Halo as former Bungie Halo 1-3

[@j.kedeshturner2086]

@@danishbutter1847 it would never be the same again

[@stevkyt2374]

Having never played any KillZone game before I have nothing to compare it to. I've played the whole game on a PS5, have found the frame rate smooth and consistent and overall an entertaining game, if you forget what the story is all about. It doesn't make much sense, antagonists just appear, even the protagonist girl. After a while I had no idea what the aim of the game was. Then an inane false ending, then another equally stupid real ending. You play this game for many hours and then .... no spoilers but it's just infuriating. Some levels were indescribably difficult and I had to go to a walk-through constantly to know what to do. I hate programmers who are so smug that they think you're having a good time being easily killed over and over. Then, you can't always see who's shooting you as it may be too dark. They may also be behind cover and you can't pick them off. I found the game addictive if incredibly annoying. The graphics are just amazing in the huge open world and the stealth and gameplay good but would I recommend it? If I see an amazing movie with a shit ending, I wouldn't recommend it. Same here. The game play is excellent, story just awful and the ending ....! So, no I wouldn't recommend it. The trouble is I was too deep in it to stop.

[@goukigod]

You really should check out the two previous games.

[@KyokushinGaming]

Nice review. The campaign just did not come together well imo. Its okay, but far below 2 and 3. The multiplayer however I thought was fantastic. They really really went hard on balance. Console games usually die after 2 years. As you can see on my channel full lobbies were active until 2019. KZ2 had the broken assault class and 3 had the cloaked marksman with an AR. I found pretty much total balance in Shadowfall. Nothing could not be handled. MP def saved this game for me. Thanks for the review. One small correction though, you can play bots with other people. You just had to go to warzones and host it. It was an option outside of the bot mode. I played vs bots with my friends all the time. Thanks. Take care.

[@goukigod]

Nice catch, thanks. Pity mp is irrelevant now.

[@Shark_Theory]

I agree with everything you have to say

[@goukigod]

We’re going to get on fine then!

[@derekholland3328]

review very precise...so cool to hear this.

[@skywatcher9076]

Listen I'm a really picky gamer and I just got my PS5 like a month ago I just started playing this game today and this game is fun sad that I didnt get to play the multiplayer my last PS system was PS2 SO IM IN HEAVEN WITH EXCLUSIVES

[@theduck001]

This game multiplayer is a master peace

[@5hane9ro]

Hot take(?) Shadow Fall is super underrated. Shadow Fall is a super fun game with great story idea. Granted the game didn't do a good job of telling it's story but the gameplay is amazing. Also multiplayer still has a decent community. Buy it for cheap!

[@tylerlund167]

"Killzone Shadow Fall is not a bad game" *Thumbnail literally says it sucks

[@goukigod]

It's not a bad game but it does suck that it isn't the same calibre as the previous entries.

[@jonzvalencia4518]

The only downfall of KZ SF is the campaign

[@idioz75]

I started this yesterday. It's absolutely awful. I thought HZD was bad but guerilla games excelled themselves with this one. They are the Sony Bethseda. 🤢🤮

[@goukigod]

I agree that compared to the other entries this one feels phoned in. I dont think the Bethesda comparison is fare though. Shadow fall might be lacking soul but it’s not a broken buggy mess.

[@cdmanjak]

It's was a fun little game

[@darkwraith1755]

Picked up this game for $8 hope it's worth it lol

[@sitrep123able]

im pretty sure its not ray tracing but some form of cubemaps...

[@Delfin007-d3w]

Ist es ein Open World Spiel schreib mir mal BITTE

[@goukigod]

Nein, nicht wirklich. Es gibt einige größere offene Levels, aber es gibt keine große Karte zum Erkunden.

[@baller42061]

pre good video bro

[@goukigod]

Appreciate it!

[@redfoxbennaton]

This is my favorite PS4 game.

[@goukigod]

Each to their own

[@DoomyRei]

Cod is better don't need an inferior product when we have call of duty

[@vincenzo7391]

Kz shadowfall isnt a killzone game , this is why is a bad game , kz2 still awesome in 2021

[@goukigod]

I’m inclined to agree. Also check out my review of Killzone 2 😉

[@zuhazlizuhri7002]

This game really sucks. It is not fun & quite hard to play even on normal difficulty as I kept dying although I tried different ways to kill the enemies.

[@jinx5500]

Just started playing this game and it is pretty good.. Not nearly as good as HZD, but it is fun.

[@Minutewave]

The only game they caught my eye with was the one on the ps vita

[@goukigod]

I haven't played that but it's supposed to be good.

[@ba3ism]

It's awesome, hands down the best campaign alongside killzone 2's, and the multiplayer is super fun. The mechanics on the vita are great, controls are tight and responsive. This game alone is worth having a vita for, it's that good.

[@goukigod]

Might be time for me to bust out the Mame!

[@yozora1047]

Demon's Souls Remake and Devil May Cry 5 SE would like to have a word with you

[@goukigod]

Ok ok, so not all launch titles are trash. You gotta admit though, the great titles are usually the outliers. Unless of course you’re talking about Nintendo. That being said I don’t like Mario, Zelda, or any of Nintendo’s main line of games.

[@yozora1047]

@@goukigod That is true. Like only about 10% of launch titles in video game history were bangers like Breath of the Wild and Halo: CE, but we have a 3:1 ratio of misfires like BO: Cold War and Knack.

[@goukigod]

Don’t forget godfall

[@yozora1047]

@@goukigod I dunno anything about it, does it hit the mark or is it another misfire?

[@goukigod]

Not great is what I hear.

[@Eightminusfive]

This is godlike, amazing video

[@goukigod]

Much appreciated thanks!

[@artydean9892]

Like the xbox serieses... it is awkward to say. Anyhow good channel take a sub and like

[@goukigod]

Gracias!

[@ivanmedina6071]

Nah kz2 had the best controls

[@BMW-sd6nn]

This game is actually awesome but okay

[@goukigod]

Each to their own

[@blackshark9749]

Killzone Shadow Fall is boring

[@goukigod]

Indeed

[@Minutewave]

Ypou should make one on titanfall 2

[@goukigod]

You mean a review?

[@mjc0961]

Most overrated, mediocre shooter of all time with a bunch of weird mechanics that don't add up to anything. The mechs are slow and boring, the platforming runs out of ideas during the tutorial (you can jump back and forth between walls, jump back and forth between walls, and jump back and forth between walls). The much hyped time travel level? You can jump back and forth between walls but now with an extra button press in midair. Snore. The shooting mechanics are alright, but the enemy AI is terrible and it makes shooting kinda boring too. Spent $5 on that game because of how much everyone hyped it up, and I can say with certainty that it was $5 completely wasted. Give me my money and time back.

[@goukigod]

I never played the campaign but I loved the first game and enjoyed the technical test of the second games multiplayer.