Killzone 3 Message Board older than one year ago

Today we are showing the first of five videos demonstrating how Killzone 3’s career progression can be tracked through Killzone.com.

Each video will highlight one multiplayer career from Killzone 3, including all of its abilities and key weapons, and show how it’s interlinked with Killzone.com. We kick off the series with the Engineer, an excellent support class with distinct defensive and offensive capabilities. The voice over for the video is by Dan Nanni, Multiplayer Designer at Guerrilla.

Keep an eye on the official PlayStation.Blog and Killzone.com in the coming days for the other career progression videos. Enjoy!

Everyone knows that Killzone 3 slams onto the PS3 on February 22nd. But what of the Killzone 3 Helghast Edition? What of its mysteries? We decided to let a familiar face plunge in and reveal the contents. Remember: This is your last weekend to pre-order and gain exclusive benefits!

Inside the Killzone 3 Helghast Edition, you’ll find:

• Killzone 3 on Blu-ray Disc
• Exclusive art book featuring imagery from the Killzone universe
• Super Voucher, which provides:

• Killzone 3 soundtrack and PS3 Dynamic Theme
• Retro Map Pack featuring two of the most popular multiplayer maps from Killzone 2
• Double XP for the first 24 hours of multiplayer gameplay
• Full access to all weapons and abilities during the first 24 hours of multiplayer gameplay

Authentic Helghast Helmet replica, which opens to reveal the art book, Super Voucher and Killzone 3 game. Exclusive Cloaking Helghast Marksman action figure by DC Unlimited, which is 6.5” tall with multiple articulation points. It won’t be sold at retail! Bonus video content giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game.

The first batch of Killzone 3 Helghast Edition bundles will also include early access to the SOCOM 4 Multiplayer Beta.

As you might imagine, supplies are limited.

#kevinbutler With two different ways to play and a special peripheral specifically designed for motion control, Sony spokes model Kevin Butler couldn't cover all of Killzone 3 in just one ad, so he did two. More »

Once in a great while, a game comes along that challenges what we know to be true about certain genres. Starting next week, the way you play and experience first person shooters will forever change when Killzone 3 and the PlayStation Move sharp shooter make their way to store shelves around North America. Now, what would a launch as significant as this one be without an instant classic Kevin Butler ad? Better yet, how about we feed that excitement with two new Kevin Butler ads? Boom…

Starting this morning you can catch Kevin Butler and, well, more Kevin Butler, on some of your favorite networks including ESPN, G4 and Comedy Central. Of course this all leads into next week when you’ll finally have your chance to take Killzone 3 home to play however you choose — whether it be in 3D with your DUALSHOCK 3, PlayStation Move or PlayStation Move sharp shooter. Praise has been pouring in from critics with some stating that “Killzone 3 is the kind of game you buy so you can show off what your PlayStation 3 can do” while others crown the title as “the shooter to beat,” and finally that Killzone 3 “deserves to be in the conversation of top-tier console shooters.” Add the PlayStation Move and PlayStation Move sharp shooter into the mix and we’re hearing things like “BEST motion control for ANY FPS EVER” and “…the first instance where we felt the motion control system actually improved our play in a hardcore game.” (PlayStation: The Official Magazine).

Coming off the heels of our exciting NGP and PlayStation Suite announcements and leading the charge into a year that will bring more than 20 PlayStation 3 exclusives, Killzone 3 marks the first 3D motion control enabled FPS on the market—and it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Killzone 3 has already become an instant favorite here at the PlayStation headquarters, one million of you have already experienced it for yourselves in the single player demo and highly successful beta, but we look forward to hearing what the rest of you have to say when you try it out for yourselves next week.

Thanks,
Scott

Worried that some of the Killzone 3 beta's unsightly blemishes might persist into the game's proper retail release? Well, there's no need to fret -- provided that said blemishes are included in the hit list posted after the jump. Guerrilla has announced the changes which will go live shortly after the title's February 22 release date, from the esoteric (Medics can now revive more often and from farther away!) to the damn near necessary (inviting a player to a group is now a one-button process).

The developer also announced a number of updates that will go live after the game's release -- super important updates, too, like "support for color-blind players," and "overly enthusiastic death screams will be toned down." In case you were wondering, that's one of the best things we've ever read. "Excuse me, sir? You're dying too loudly."

Since January 1st, many of you have logged on to Slurpee.com to redeem your codes and take your pick of exclusive LittleBigPlanet 2 downloadable items. The response from gamers across America has been so overwhelming that I’m back again today to officially kick off the second half of the LittleBigPlanet 2 and Killzone 3 Slurpee program by introducing an exclusive new Killzone themed Slurpee flavor, KZ3 Battle Fuel, available at 7-Eleven stores nationwide. This chilling orange flavor is sure to wet your thirst for the excitement to come when Killzone 3 launches in just a few weeks!

Additionally, as promised, from now until March 31, tons of exclusive Killzone 3 content will be made available at Slurpee.com. Here’s a peek at a few of my favorite items heading your way throughout the month:

Slurpee Machine for PlayStation Home

Helghast Costumes for PlayStation Home

KZ3 Behind the Scenes Video

KZ3 Map Pack

KZ3 Dynamic Theme

#killzone3 In first-person shooter Killzone 3, the Helghast are the gas-mask wearing baddies. Cloaked in black and with glowing eyes, you wouldn't want to meet one on the street. And in Munich, Germany, you won't. More »

Sony is hoping you'll find its latest hardware bundle a killer deal. It's at least a Killzone deal -- the $300 package includes a 160GB PS3 console and a copy of its latest sci-fi FPS, Killzone 3. Considering that this PS3 model usually costs the same price by itself, it's technically a $60 savings. Y'know, if you don't have a PS3 and want Guerilla Games' new shooter.

If you're in that camp, visit your store of choice on February 22 -- the same day Killzone 3 hits shelves -- since that's when the pack goes on sale.

Don't own a PS3, but want Killzone 3? You may be in luck.

Hi everyone! We know you’re anxiously awaiting the release of Killzone 3, and now you can join the war against the Helghast with a Limited Edition PS3 160GB Killzone 3 Bundle. For those of you who are still on the fence and just waiting for the reason to buy a PS3, now is the time. Already own a PS3? Convince your buddies to buy the bundle so you can both play some of the most extensive multiplayer experiences on a first-person shooter. The Killzone 3 bundle includes the 160GB PS3 system as well as a copy of Killzone 3 – all launching February 22 for $299.99 (MSRP).

As you know, Killzone 3 is the next installment of the Killzone franchise, with levels 10 times the size of Killzone 2. You can expect an intense single-player campaign and as mentioned above, extensive multiplayer mode, utilizing new weapons and vehicles. To bring your gaming experience to a higher and more immersive level, play Killzone 3 with PlayStation Move sharp shooter. It combines the precision of PlayStation Move with a streamlined design that enables you to execute highly precise shots, while comfortably maneuvering your on-screen character. With full stereoscopic 3D compatibility, gaming never gets so real.

But if you don’t believe me, check out the first wave of reviews of Killzone 3 hitting now.

Have you tried out the free Killzone 3 Campaign Demo now available on PSN? What PS3 games are you most excited for in 2011? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Visit a completely original world and the challenges of creating it with Guerilla Games' Art Director Janbart Vanbeek!

Admit it -- your position as a defender against the ever-encroaching Helghast is really just a gig, isn't it? It's just a means for you to acquire precious, digital accolades. Well, you might as well study up on Killzone 3's 31 non-hidden Trophies (out of a total of over 50) posted below.

Give life and take it away on the battlefield as a Field Medic in Killzone 3's multiplayer.

Here’s a look at a previously unrevealed Killzone 3 multiplayer map, MP7 MAWLR Graveyard. The MAWLR Graveyard is located on one of the few remaining active scrap yards near Pyrrhus, known as the Sukmere Pit. An intricate conveyor system runs throughout this vital processing facility, transferring detritus from the southernmost pit to the train station and crusher in the north. Many a careless worker has died trying to cross the yard when the crusher is active, and a lot of players will likely suffer the same fate… Or, when they’re in control of the crusher, use its power against their opponents.

As you can tell from the video, the Field Medic is a powerful asset to his team. His primary ability is to revive fallen teammates, but in addition to keeping them on the battlefield, he can also grant them additional health and ammo after revival. A fully upgraded Field Medic can call on the aid of a Medi-Droid that will hover near the Field Medic and provide cover while he revives other players. He can even attain the ability to stand up after getting fatally wounded – a perfect opportunity to surprise the enemy after they’ve left you for dead. This can also be seen in this video.

MP7 MAWLR Graveyard is playable in Warzone (24 players) and Operations (16 players) game modes. Aside from the deadly crushers, players will also find mortar beacons in the spawn areas.

If you’re the kind of player who likes to hunt down every trophy and every secret in a game, now may be a good time to request that paid vacation. When Killzone 3 hits the streets, there will be more than 50 new trophies for you to obtain – including 20 hidden ones! Luckily the official game guide to Killzone 3 will be released simultaneously, thanks to the dedicated folks at Future Press.

These are the non-hidden trophies included in the game:

Trophy Name Description Bronze Trophies Ready for Battle Complete weapons training in Prologue In Your Face First Brutal Melee No Witnesses Destroy all dropships in Broken Highway Mopping Up Kill 40 or more Helghast foot soldiers in Senlin Beach Sawn Off Destroy all chasing APCs in Senlin Beach Smoking Wrecks Destroy all tanks in Senlin Beach Turn the Tables Kill a Capture Trooper using melee Spiky Personality Kill a Helghast by shooting a Burster Plant in Jungle Valley Minigunned Destroy all targets while on the Intruder in Frozen Shores Quick Exit Escape the oil rig quickly in Frozen Shores Shattered Destroy all glass in the labs in Stahl Arms South Pinpoint Kill the Heavy with an StA-14 in Blind Yards Evening the Odds Kill 500 Helghast Cagefighter Kill 10 Helghast using Brutal Melee Frag Out Kill 3 Helghast with 1 Frag Grenade One Each Kill 3 Helghast with the Shotgun Pistol – no reloads Eagle Eye Every Sniper Rifle bullet is a kill – no reloads Power Spike Nail a Helghast to an exploding object Up Close & Personal Brutal Melee another player Team Player Play a match as a part of a squad Medic! Revive another player Handy Man Repair an object Now You See Me Kill using Cloak Spy Game Kill using Disguise Turf War Capture a Tactical Spawn Point Silver Trophies Now it’s Personal Kill 1,000 Helghast Fight to the Last Kill 1,500 Helghast Close Quarters Killer Kill 25 Helghast with Brutal Melee Hand to Hand Master Kill 50 Helghast with Brutal Melee Gold Trophies Victory Complete Campaign on Elite Grand Slam Win a match in 3 multiplayer modes

Future Press is covering every aspect of the game, from highly detailed overview maps of the single player campaign to minute details on obtaining each of the trophies and secrets. Killzone 3: The Official Guide is no less meticulous, with an extensive breakdowns of the single- and the multiplayer modes as well as useful tips and strategies for players of every skill level.

In addition, Killzone 3: The Official Guide contains lavish concept artworks depicting the development of the characters and environments of Killzone 3, accompanied by interviews with key Guerrilla designers describing the process involved. As a special bonus, purchasing the official guide gives you access to 3 Unlock Points that you can use to get a head start in unlocking abilities and weapons for your preferred career. The guide even recommends the right time to spend them!

Killzone 3 and Killzone 3: The Official Guide will be released on February 22nd in North America. The official game guide is also available in a hardcover Collector’s Edition. For more information, please visit the Future Press web site.

Hi everyone! My name is Richard Ho and I’m part of the SCEA marketing team that has brought you familiar peripherals such as the DUALSHOCK 3, Bluetooth Headset and Surround Sound System. Back in December we showed you the new PlayStation Move sharp shooter and its compatibility with Killzone 3. Today, we took some time to walk you through the sharp shooter’s anatomy and show you how it works in action with two of our most anticipated games – Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs.

The PlayStation Move sharp shooter’s authentic design allows you to literally take aim and move into the firefight with the most intuitive and immersive control experience for shooter games. For those of you FPS fans on the fence about the sharp shooter, here are a few things to consider:

Developers for Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4 have created their games with the sharp shooter in mind. There are customization screens available to adjust the sharp shooter settings which will allow for a perfect gaming experience.

The PlayStation Move sharp shooter enables easy access to the navigation controller and features easily accessible buttons (use of the extension connector to map the motion controller buttons onto the body of the gun). Extra features such as the reload button, pump-action grip, and firing mode selector give you additional in-game options to play with. The digital trigger allows for short pulls – meaning faster firing compared to manual triggers. An adjustable shoulder stock increases comfort for those long play sessions. Finally, you can customize the gun with included Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4 stickers to suit your taste.

With the more than 50 supported PlayStation Move games available, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy. For the hardcore gamers, rest assured that Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4 will not disappoint! The sharp shooter is only $39.99 (MSRP) and will be available at the time Killzone 3 launches on Feb 22, 2011. We can’t wait for you to test out the sharp shooter for yourselves. When you do, let us know what you think!

#nsfw You've made a first-person shooter. Who better to hawk it than somebody who really likes first-person shooters. Somebody like Noa. More »

Killzone fans! It’s less than a week since the Killzone 3 Multiplayer Beta hit PlayStation Store, but already you’ve racked up some impressive numbers. There’s been a staggering 58 million – million! – kills, of which around 10% have been Brutal Melee kills. Some 350,000 games have been blitzed through, with well over half a million players appearing on the Killzone 3 leaderboards. And two of those players have stormed through the one million XP barrier already. The Helghast don’t know what’s hit them!

Your dedication to the cause hasn’t gone unnoticed over at developer Guerrilla Games. Far from it: the team has been working around the clock to analyze and act upon your feedback. Below you’ll find a round-up of issues discovered thanks to your hard work, and the solutions Guerrilla is working on to refine your experience.

High level issues discovered:

• Connection problems
• High load caused the database to fall over
• Score posting
• Flickering screens
• Ribbon stats not updating
• Vulgarity filter

Solutions underway:

• Guerrilla has already released a patch. At the time of writing this has gone live in the US and the EU. The other territories will follow shortly. We have no ETA on that.
• Guerrilla has made improvements for the server connection issues. The server was brought down and back up for that on Monday, February 7th.
• The problems with the vulgarity filter should be fixed now.
• Guerrilla will continue to update the servers and patch the Beta if needed. We’re watching your feedback closely on Killzone.com.
• Score posting issues have been resolved.
• Ribbon stats updating issue has been resolved, known issue is that 1 ribbon (the faster reload ribbon) does not update yet.

From Guerrilla Games: “We are happy that we are encountering these issues now, during a Beta, instead of after launch. This will help us get ready for the huge amount of people that are expected to go online for Killzone 3’s launch.

This Beta also gives us the opportunity to change Killzone 3 based on feedback that we get. Although we’ve already gone gold, we can and will make server-side adjustments to things like weapon damage, balancing issues, and more. So this is not a demo, it is meant to be a Beta — a way for us to test the game.

Thanks for your continued patience and help in getting this tested properly.”

Last week, we held a sweepstakes to give away 60 Killzone 3 Limited Helghast Editions (not sold in stores) to players who participate in the Multiplayer Open Beta. We had such a great response that we are running the sweepstakes again! Members of the Killzone 3 team will log on to the Multiplayer Open Beta throughout the sweepstakes and randomly select players in matches. We will not select players more than once during the sweepstakes, and we will notify the winners via the email address associated with their PSN account.

So, log on and play the Killzone 3 Multiplayer Open Beta from Friday, February 11th through Sunday, February 13th. We will be randomly selecting 20 participants each day who are playing in the Open Beta and notify winners via the email address associated with each entrant’s PSN account between February 17th, 2011 and February 25th, 2011.

Check out the full rules below.

And for all of our Canadian residents reading the PlayStation.Blog and wondering where their contest is, don’t worry! Our Canadian colleagues are holding a contest as well! From Friday, February 11 to Sunday, February 13, five Canadian participants playing in the Killzone 3 open beta will be randomly selected each day. All potential winners will be notified through their email address associated with their PSN account. Please note that you must be over the age of 18 to participate and the contest is not open to residents of Quebec. Click here for full rules.

Log on and good luck this weekend!

KILLZONE® 3 MULTIPLAYER OPEN BETA SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

By participating in the Killzone® 3 Multiplayer Open Beta Sweepstakes (the “Promotion”), each entrant (or his or her parent or legal guardian if the entrant is under the age of majority in his or her state of residence) unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (“Sponsor”), which shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor is responsible for the collection and scoring of entries and the overall administration of the Promotion. Entrants should look solely to Sponsor with any questions, comments or problems related to the Promotion.

1. ELIGIBILITY: Killzone 3 Multiplayer Open Beta Sweepstakes (the “Promotion”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees of Sponsor and its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and related companies, and agencies (collectively, the “Promotion Entities”) and immediate families (defined as parents, children, siblings and spouse and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and those living in the same household, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter or win. Void in all U.S. territories and possessions and overseas military installations and where prohibited or restricted by law.

2. TIMING: The Promotion begins February 11, 2011 at 9:00AM Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) and ends on February 13, 2011 at 8:00PM PST (the “Promotion Period”).

3. HOW TO ENTER: Internet access, a PlayStation®Network account and a PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system is required to enter this Promotion. To create an account go to the PlayStation®Network menu from a PS3™ XMB and choose “Sign up for PlayStation®Network”. Create an account by entering the required information. Once an account has been created, Entrants should log on to the PlayStation®Network and go to the PlayStation Store, sign in with your PlayStation Network ID and download and play the Killzone 3 Multiplayer Open Beta to your PS3™ system. Each time you play the Killzone 3 Mulitplayer Open Beta you are automatically entered into the drawing.

4. ENTRY CONDITIONS: Entrants may play the Killzone 3 Mulitplayer Open Beta as many times as they like during the Promotion Period but may only win once. Multiple entrants are not permitted to share the same email address. If there is a dispute regarding registration, the authorized account holder of the email address used to register will be deemed to be the entrant. The “authorized account holder” is the natural person assigned to an email address by an internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted address. Each potential winner may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder.

5. PRIZE: Twenty (20) winning Entrants will be selected each day for a total of 60 winning Entrants in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received for each day during the Promotion Period to each receive a copy of the Killzone 3 Limited Helghast Edition game. Entries are good only for the day of entry and will not carry over to any remaining days. Approximate retail value is (“ARV”) $199.99. Please allow 6-8 weeks for prize delivery. Taxes on prize, if any, are solely the responsibility of the winner. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if a prize is unavailable. Sponsor may disqualify a winner and select an alternate winner if any prize is returned undeliverable. Prizes are non-transferable. Sponsor need not substitute a prize based on the winner’s request.

6. ODDS OF WINNING: The odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

7. WINNER SELECTION:

7.1. Winner Notification: Drawings for all three days will be held at approximately 12:00P.M. (noon) PST on February 17, 2011. Prize fulfillment is based on availability. Sponsor will notify each winning Entrant via the email address given when they signed up for their PSN account. Each potential winning Entrant must respond to Sponsor’s notification within 7 days to claim their prize. If a potential winning Entrant does not respond within this time period, Sponsor may select an alternate winning Entrant from a daily pool of 20 back-up entries and notify those potential winning Entrants per the process described above. Prizes will only be awarded to those back-up Entrants who have responded to Sponsor’s notification within 7 days to claim their prize. All prizes not claimed from the back-up Entrants will not be awarded.

7.2. Required Documentation: The potential winning entrant must complete an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release (“Affidavit”) in accordance with the instructions listed in the notification correspondence. Sponsor must receive the completed Affidavit within 7 days of the date stated on the notification correspondence or Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, disqualify entrant. Any entrant who fails or refuses to sign and return the required documentation within the time period as specified by Sponsor will be disqualified. If a potential winning entrant is considered a minor in the legal jurisdiction in which the entrant resides, then that entrant’s parent or legal guardian will be required to execute and return the Affidavit. Non-compliance with these Official Rules or failure to return all required documentation by the stated deadline or Sponsor’s inability to contact an entrant (using the contact information provided in his or her registration) within a reasonable time period, as determined by Sponsor’s sole discretion may result in disqualification and the forfeiture of the prize.

8. PUBLICITY: Except where prohibited, participation in the Promotion constitutes entrant’s consent to Sponsor’s and its agent’s use of the entrant’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or compensation.

9. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Potential winning entrants are subject to Sponsor’s verification. Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion. Potential winners must comply with the Official Rules, and receipt of prizes is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures, malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions or unforeseen schedule changes that may limit an entrant’s ability to participate in the Promotion, even if caused by Sponsor’s negligence. Sponsor has the sole discretion to modify, cancel or suspend this Promotion should viruses, bugs, unauthorized human intervention or other causes beyond Sponsor’s control affect the administration, security or proper play of the Promotion or Sponsor otherwise becomes incapable of running the Promotion as planned. Sponsor is not responsible for changes to entrant’s contact information. Sponsor has the sole discretion to disqualify entrants who violate these Official Rules, tamper with the operation of the Promotion or engage in any conduct that is detrimental or unfair to Sponsor, the Promotion or any other entrant.

10. RELEASE: As a condition of participating in the Promotion, entrants release the Promotion Entities from liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including property damage, personal injury and death that may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in the Promotion, or possession, acceptance or use of prizes or participation in any Promotion-related activities and claims based on publicity rights, copyright or trademark infringement, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Sponsor and its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations, advertising and promotional agencies, and all of their officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and agents are not responsible for: any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; human errors; technical malfunctions; failures, omissions, interruptions, deletions, or defects of any telephone network, computer online system, computer equipment, servers, providers, or software, including any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer relating to participation or inability to participate in the Promotion; inability to access the Site or upload information or data; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries; data that is processed late or incorrectly or is incomplete or lost due to telephone, computer, or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on telephone lines or the Internet or any website (including the Site) or for any other reason whatsoever; printing or other errors; or any combination thereof. Proof of uploading information or data or entering information at the Site is not considered proof of delivery or receipt. Illegible, duplicate and incomplete entries will be disqualified. False, fraudulent, or deceptive entries or acts shall render entrants ineligible and all associated entries will be void.

12. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION: Information collected in connection with the Promotion will be collected in accordance with Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, available at http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PrivacyPolicy. By participating in the Promotion, each entrant agrees to the terms of Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

13. GOVERNING LAW: All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules or the rights and obligations of entrants or Sponsor in connection with this Promotion shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of any other state’s laws. Each of the parties hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Federal and State Courts in San Mateo, California and waives any claim that is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of said courts or that any such suit or other proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or improper venue.

14. WINNER LIST: To obtain a winner list by mail, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to “Killzone® 3 Multiplayer Open Beta Helghast Edition Sweepstakes”, Attn: SCEA-PSN, 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404. Sponsor will send requested winner lists within 4-6 weeks after all prizes are awarded. Requests for the winner list must be received by April 17, 2011.

15. SPONSOR: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404.

Pining for Killzone 3 but can’t wait until the morning of 02.22.11 to pick up your copy? Have no fear! On the night of February 21st, we are giving you the chance to play Killzone 3 early at pre-launch events happening in participating Walmart stores open 24 hours across the country.

Make sure you get there early since we’re handing out goodies to the first few attendees.

The first 20 people to purchase Killzone 3 will receive:

• Limited Edition Killzone 3 Poster
• Voucher for the Retro Map Pack featuring two classic maps redesigned for Killzone 3

Select Walmart stores will also be hosting tournaments where you can win:

• A copy of Killzone 3
• Limited Edition Cloaking Helghast Marksman Action Figure
• Collectible Killzone 3 bags

Not sure where there’s a Walmart around you? Here’s a handy-dandy store locator. Contact your local WALMART store to see if they’re participating in the Killzone 3 pre-launch event and what time their event will start.

If you don’t live near a Walmart, you can always pre-order Killzone 3 at one of the many retailers offering pre-order bonus.

Get ready for Helghan blood.

OK, OK, let’s step back for second. One of the things we always struggle with when awarding a 10 is this notion of “perfect.” So, let’s clear the air: There is no such thing as a perfect game. Any and all games come with their assortment of quirks and quibbles, slight shortcomings and trifling blemishes.

That said, Killzone 3 comes pretty gosh darn close to perfection.

We should know, because we played the heck out of it for our March cover story: a 10-page feature that includes our hard-hitting, in-depth review along with exclusive tactics straight from developer Guerrilla Games for dominating the excellent multiplayer. We even got to dig deep into the ‘Zone to uncover some of Guerrilla’s thinking behind the latest chapter in their sharp shooter.

It’s a great read, if I do say so myself, written by our very own Roger Burchill. To quote our esteemed managing editor: “Killzone 3 takes a blade, jams it into a Helghast’s eye socket, and twists it.” You’ll have to pick up the issue to find out what else Roger said, but even for those who’ve already pre-ordered the game, it’s got some great insight into why Killzone 3 is an improvement over its excellent predecessor, along with all kinds of tasty tidbits on the game that you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s a great issue overall, with lots of other incredible coverage, including a massive hands-on with MotorStorm: Apocalypse; an epic feature pitting the next wave of Marvel and DC-based games against each other; our top 10 overlooked PS3 classics; massive reviews of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and (my personal fave) Tactics Ogre; and updates on everything from Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to UNCHARTED 3. The issue is on newsstands Feb. 15, and should be reaching subscriber mailboxes any day now. Enjoy!

You've got ... way too much time to pore over the Killzone 3 reviews from front to back and between the lines -- the game's not out until February 22. But here's the secret: The quickest way to an informed opinion is to jump to conclusions, and then just read the comments below them. Got it? Okay ... Jump!

• 1UP (B+): "It's definitely one of the better multiplayer games available on PlayStation 3 and easily one of the best-looking games available to console gamers today."
• Destructoid (10/10): "Killzone 3 is the shooter to beat."
• Eurogamer (8/10): "Killzone 3 is a powerful, impressive game that sets an imposing standard for Sony's 3D, Move-enabled future output; it's just a shame that in doing so, it's lost just a little of what made the series stand out in the first place."
• GameSpot (8.5/10): "Killzone 3 isn't the game it could have been, but when it comes to capturing the madness of larger-than-life planetside battles, few games do it better."
• GameTrailers (9.4/10): "Killzone hasn't forgotten its roots -- it's just improved its fundamentals in every way that matters."
• IGN (8.5/10): "This may not be the best game on the PS3, but it's a fantastic option for shooter fans, and the type of title that non-PS3 owners are sure to envy."

<image><br><p> PlayStation. Does the word send a chill down your spine? Does it caress your senses with wave upon wave of irresistible pleasure? No? Do you <i>like</i> P ...

The Killzone franchise has always been caught in a struggle against early expectations. The first game fell short of its "Halo killer" billing, and the next console outing had to match a lofty pre-rendered "target" -- while it came close, it couldn't silence sharp-eyed critics. With Killzone 3, developer Guerrilla has no new benchmark to beat except for the one it already set for itself: be better than Killzone 2.

Critics, myself included, praised that last game, even though a few turn-offs still slipped through. Killzone 3 systematically addresses every complaint voiced: the graphics have become more colorful, the story has been greatly expanded, and the controls have been tweaked to feel less sluggish. But reactionary development doesn't always work. Fixated on correcting what wasn't necessarily broken, Guerrilla has forgotten to focus on what really matters: making the game fun.

#played There is something deeply satisfying about relying on a steady hand, not agile thumbs, to win a gun battle in a graphically stunning world. More »

With Killzone 3 nearing deployment, is it time to re-enlist? Find out in our official Killzone 3 review.

A lot of games can place you in first person and put a gun in your virtual fingers, but few of them manage to make you feel like you're in the shoes of a person, that you're more than just a ...

Ever find yourself longing for the good old days of the year 2359, when the invasion of Helghan had just gotten underway and you were fighting a desperate bloody battle over every inch of its capital city? That’s perfectly understandable – why, we all do sometimes. But now there’s the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, which lets you relive those glorious multiplayer battles in the market streets and canals of Pyrrhus!

The Retro Map Pack can be purchased from the PlayStation Network, however as we announced back in October of last year, the Retro Map Pack is available for FREE to anyone who pre-orders either the Killzone 3 standard or Helghast Editions at participating retailers.

The Retro Map Pack consists of two classic Killzone 2 multiplayer maps, thoroughly updated and reworked for Killzone 3’s multiplayer mode. Check out the details below:

Salamun Market

Game Type: Warzone – 24 Players
Description:
One of the largest maps from Killzone 2, Salamun Market has been re-balanced for maximum Killzone 3 carnage. After the Helghast ambush an ISA convoy on its main road, the whole market becomes a Warzone. Nostalgia meets brand-new Exoskeleton combat on this classic multiplayer map!

Blood Gracht

Game Type: Guerrilla Warfare – 16 Players
Description:
Months after the nuclear blast that ruined most of the city, Blood Gracht is slowly being reclaimed by Helghan’s strange plant life. But when Guerrilla Warfare breaks out between ISA and Helghast troops, the canals once again run red with blood. The fan-favorite multiplayer map from Killzone 2 makes a triumphant return!

If you haven’t played Killzone 2 yet, or if an old war injury prevents you from remembering what Salamun Market and Blood Gracht originally looked like (again – we’ve all been there), a comparison video of the old and the new versions of the maps will be posted here in a few days.

For now, enjoy reminiscing while you look at the screenshots, and remember to pre-order Killzone 3 to get the Retro Map Pack for FREE.

Originally scheduled to hit today, the multiplayer beta for Killzone 3, Guerrilla Games says, will now hit on Thursday, February 3rd at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time. But cheer up, they're giving away 60 Killzone 3 Limited Helghast Editions to make up for the delay. More »

So that Killzone 3 multiplayer beta that was supposed to open today? That ain't happenin' -- not just yet. The beta has been pushed back to the far flung future of tomorrow (beginning at 1PM ET), according to PlayStation Blog. The humanity!

In the hopes of subduing your rage over this slight delay, Sony is giving away 60 "Limited Helghast Edition" copies of the game. Any player who accesses the beta this weekend will be automatically entered for a chance to win. The LE, you know, is the one with the crazy replica Helghast helmet that isn't sold in stores. Yeah, that one. Looks like our weekend just got booked!