10 Must-Play Guerrilla Games Masterpieces You Can’t Miss!

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Summary

  • Killzone: Mercenary brought console-quality FPS to PS Vita with an innovative credit-based system.
  • Killzone: Liberation successfully tested handheld waters with a tactical approach on PSP.
  • Killzone 2 revolutionized console shooters with its gritty presentation, intense gunplay, and dynamic AI.

Guerrilla Games has always been unafraid to experiment with different styles. Ranging from hard-hitting sci-fi action games to expansive open-world titles, the studio has consistently tested the boundaries of hardware capabilities while offering exceptional gameplay experiences. Most recognized for the Killzone series and Horizon franchise, Guerrilla Games has spent several decades perfecting their skills, producing visually impressive and mechanically rewarding games.

Although Guerrilla’s collection may not be extensive, the caliber of their games certainly is. They boast some top-tier productions, ranging from overlooked masterpieces on handheld devices to groundbreaking hits that set industry standards.

1. Killzone: Mercenary

A Mercenary’s Playground That Deserved More Love

Killzone: Mercenary wasn’t the series’ initial foray into portable gaming, but it was the first to introduce a fully-fledged First-Person Shooter (FPS) to PlayStation Vita. Powered by a modified version of the Killzone 3 engine, it maximized the handheld’s capabilities, offering impressive visuals, fluid animations, and precise gunplay that remarkably resembled its console counterparts.

What made Mercenary stand out was its distinctive credit-earning system—actions such as headshots or stealth kills generated cash that could be utilized to buy weapons, armor, and Vanguard skills. The campaign offered an intriguing perspective, allowing players to engage in battles for both the ISA and Helghast, offering a glimpse of the war from both perspectives.

The multiplayer aspect of this game was likely the finest first-person shooter encounter on the PlayStation Vita, boasting cleverly designed maps, enjoyable weapon interactions, and a development system that kept gamers hooked. If Sony had continued to support the Vita, Mercenary might have marked the beginning of something significant.

2. Killzone: Liberation

The Liberation That Came Before

Prior to developing Killzone for Vita, Guerrilla Games first dabbled in handheld gaming with a PSP release called Killzone: Liberation (2006). Instead of sticking with the series’ traditional first-person shooter style, this spinoff adopted an isometric, tactical shooter perspective that emphasized cover-based combat and strategic movement. Remarkably, it was successful in doing so.

Instead of merely charging forward with shooting, players needed to conserve ammunition, seek shelter, and utilize AI teammates for survival during the intense Helghast attack. The game’s narrative bridged the gap between Killzone and Killzone 2, focusing on Jan Templar’s mission to rescue ISA hostages from a ruthless new Helghast commander.

Additionally, it incorporated vehicular combat, allowing players to control tanks and hovercraft during specific missions. Although the absence of a second analog stick made aiming more challenging, Killzone: Liberation demonstrated that the series could thrive beyond its first-person shooter niche. Notably, it also offered a free downloadable content expansion featuring online multiplayer – an uncommon feature for PlayStation Portable games.

3. Killzone 3

War In The Arctic

In Killzone 3, developed by Guerrilla Games, the battlefield expanded beyond the urban cities of Helghan and into its frigid wilderness. The campaign delivered a thrilling ride filled with spectacular action sequences, ranging from high-flying jetpack combat to a frenetic fight on a deteriorating space station.

In this revised version, the game significantly improved the hefty shooting mechanics in “Killzone 2,” making movements smoother and controls more responsive. The intense melee system was also enhanced, enabling players to perform brutal, satisfying takedowns on enemies. Although the narrative wasn’t quite as robust as its predecessor’s, the inclusion of Malcolm McDowell as the ruthless Admiral Orlock added a sense of weight to the Helghast leadership.

The multiplayer aspect was one of the standout features, offering massive skirmishes, team-based combat based on classes, and ever-changing Warzone objectives that kept game outcomes excitingly unpredictable. It was also among the first significant shooter games to accommodate PlayStation Move, even though most players opted for the traditional controller. In conclusion, Killzone 3 brought an explosive end to the franchise’s PS3 chapter.

4. Horizon Zero Dawn

The Dawn Of Something New

Horizon Zero Dawn marked a daring new direction for Guerrilla Games, shifting away from science fiction conflicts towards a post-apocalyptic realm dominated by mechanical creatures. The risk was worth it. Launched in 2017, this open-world RPG introduced gamers to Aloy, a hunter on a journey to discover the secrets of her origins and the reasons behind the world’s decline.

In this game, battles were an exhilarating blend of archery, stealth maneuvers, and strategic planning. Each machine had vulnerable spots that could be exploited, making it immensely gratifying to dismantle armor pieces during combat. The game’s world creation was equally captivating, as it seamlessly merged tribal cultures with remnants of advanced technology, creating a setting that felt both original and realistic.

The tale, although unfolding gradually, presented an exceptional science fiction narrative within gaming, combining elements of ancient AI, corporate avarice, and human determination. By the end of its playtime, _Horizon Zero Dawn_ had firmly established itself as one of the PlayStation 4’s outstanding exclusives.

5. Killzone: Shadow Fall

A Divisive Future

Back in 2013, I had the privilege of diving into “Killzone: Shadow Fall” alongside the launch of the PlayStation 4. This game served as a breathtaking demonstration of what the new console was capable of, with its jaw-dropping graphics and fresh approach. The goal was to breathe new life into the “Killzone” franchise, but not everyone was immediately convinced.

30 years after the events of Killzone 3, the game centers around Lucas Kellan, a Shadow Marshal navigating the fragile truce between ISA and Helghast on Vekta. The change from harsh battlefields to gleaming, futuristic metropolises sets it apart from earlier installments, but the narrative fails to deliver the same level of tension as its predecessors.

In the gameplay, fresh techniques were incorporated, such as the OWL drone, offering strategic choices for hacking, incapacitating foes, and setting up shields. The multiplayer aspect, though, was where Shadow Fall truly excelled, boasting extensive customization and rapid-fire action. Although it wasn’t the franchise’s most outstanding release, it continues to be an underestimated FPS with some of the most stunning visuals from its generation.

6. Killzone 2

The High Point Of The Franchise

Killzone 2 didn’t merely surpass its earlier version; it brought a groundbreaking change to console shooter games. Launched in 2009, it left players awestruck with its gritty, cinematic portrayal, impactful gunplay mechanics, and intelligent AI that intensified every battle encounter.

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the unforgettable journey through the desolate planet Helghan. This campaign was like a grueling trek, where the oppressive ambiance, with its relentless dust storms, shattered cities, and indefatigable Helghast forces, left an indelible mark. Although Sev and his team didn’t stand out as particularly memorable characters, the Helghast more than compensated for their lack of charm, with Brian Cox’s portrayal of Scolar Visari delivering one of gaming’s most iconic villain performances.

In a refreshingly innovative manner, multiplayer in Killzone 2 was revolutionary, featuring a class-based system, evolving goals, and exceptionally well-crafted maps that were the pride of the PS3 generation. While its weighty movement and intense gun recoil may not have appealed to everyone, those who grasped it were treated to one of the most fulfilling first-person shooter (FPS) experiences on PlayStation. To this day, Killzone 2 remains Guerrilla’s crowning achievement in shooter games.

7. Horizon Forbidden West

A World Wilder Than Before

In the sequel titled Horizon Forbidden West, we delve further into what made its precursor exceptional. The protagonist, Aloy, embarks on a fresh adventure through breathtakingly beautiful post-apocalyptic landscapes of the American West, encountering novel machine adversaries and refined battle tactics.

Exploration became significantly easier and more vertically oriented thanks to tools such as the Pullcaster and Shieldwing, while combat experienced significant enhancements. This was achieved through the introduction of new weapon types, Valor Surges, and a more intelligent AI system, making machines even more lethal in battle.

The tale delved further into the distant past, uncovering startling realities about mankind’s final moments and introducing fresh factions with their unique objectives. Although a few gamers thought the narrative wasn’t as cohesive as Zero Dawn, the world was more captivating than before, teeming with side missions that seemed just as substantial as primary tasks.

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2025-04-06 09:04