Helldivers PS4 Review: Is It Still Worth Playing?

So, you're thinking about diving into Helldivers on your PS4, huh? Awesome choice! This game is a total blast, even years after its initial release. But before you jump in, let's break down what makes Helldivers such a unique and addictive experience, and whether it still holds up in today's gaming landscape. We're talking gameplay, graphics, community, and everything in between. Get ready for a deep dive (pun intended!) into the world of Helldivers!

What is Helldivers, Anyway?

For those of you who aren't familiar, Helldivers is a top-down, twin-stick shooter where you and up to three friends take on the role of, well, Helldivers. These guys are the elite fighting force of Super Earth, tasked with spreading managed democracy (through extreme violence, naturally) to the galaxy's less enlightened species. Think Starship Troopers meets a bullet-hell shooter, with a healthy dose of chaotic co-op thrown in for good measure. The gameplay loop is simple but incredibly engaging: you choose a mission, drop onto a procedurally generated planet, complete objectives, call in an extraction, and try not to get eaten alive by hordes of alien bugs, cyborgs, or illuminating squid-things.

What sets Helldivers apart is its emphasis on teamwork and coordination. You can't just run and gun your way through levels; you need to communicate with your squad, strategize your approach, and use your stratagems effectively. Stratagems are special abilities that you can call in during missions, ranging from orbital bombardments and supply drops to defensive turrets and powerful mechs. But here's the catch: calling in stratagems requires you to input a specific sequence of button presses, and you have to do it while under pressure from enemy fire. This adds a layer of frantic fun to the game, as you desperately try to remember the code for that life-saving airstrike while being swarmed by aliens. Helldivers is also known for its friendly fire. Yes, you read that right. You can and will accidentally kill your teammates with your own weapons and stratagems. This might sound annoying, but it's actually one of the game's greatest strengths, as it forces you to be careful with your shots and adds to the overall sense of chaos and camaraderie.

Gameplay: Frantic, Fun, and Surprisingly Deep

The core gameplay of Helldivers is where the game truly shines. It's easy to pick up but difficult to master, offering a satisfying learning curve that keeps you coming back for more. The twin-stick shooting feels tight and responsive, and the variety of weapons and stratagems allows for a wide range of playstyles. Whether you prefer to be a heavily armored tank, a stealthy sniper, or a support medic, there's a loadout that suits your needs. Each mission presents a unique set of challenges, forcing you to adapt your strategy and work together with your team. The procedurally generated environments ensure that no two missions are ever exactly alike, keeping things fresh and exciting. And the difficulty is no joke! Even on the lower settings, you'll need to be on your guard, as enemies can quickly overwhelm you if you're not careful.

As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new weapons, stratagems, and perks that further customize your Helldiver. You'll also earn experience points that you can use to upgrade your equipment and unlock new abilities. This progression system adds a sense of long-term investment to the game, giving you a reason to keep playing even after you've completed the main storyline. But the real draw of Helldivers is the emergent gameplay that arises from its chaotic co-op. You'll experience countless moments of hilarious mishaps, clutch saves, and epic victories that you'll be talking about long after you've turned off your console. Whether it's accidentally dropping a nuke on your teammates, narrowly escaping a horde of bugs with only a sliver of health, or coordinating a perfectly timed orbital bombardment, Helldivers is full of unforgettable moments. Ultimately, the gameplay in Helldivers stands the test of time, providing an enjoyable and challenging experience for both new and veteran players. It is a testament to the game's design that it remains so engaging, solidifying its place as a standout title on the PS4.

Graphics and Sound: A Bit Dated, But Still Charming

Okay, let's be honest: Helldivers isn't going to win any awards for its graphics. The game was originally released in 2015, and it shows. The textures are a bit muddy, the character models are a bit blocky, and the overall visual presentation is a bit dated. However, the game's art style is still charming, with its over-the-top military aesthetic and its darkly humorous depiction of interstellar war. The environments are varied and interesting, ranging from snowy tundras to dense jungles to fiery lava planets. And the enemy designs are suitably creepy and menacing, making you feel like you're constantly fighting for your life against overwhelming odds.

The sound design in Helldivers is also excellent. The guns sound punchy and satisfying, the explosions are suitably deafening, and the alien screeches are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. The game's soundtrack is also top-notch, with its bombastic orchestral score that perfectly captures the feeling of epic battles and desperate struggles. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, the overall audio-visual presentation of Helldivers is still effective in creating an immersive and engaging experience. The focus on gameplay over graphical fidelity has allowed the game to age gracefully, proving that solid game design is more important than visual spectacle. While a graphical update would certainly be welcome, the game's current presentation is more than adequate, and it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Helldivers proves that a game can be both fun and visually appealing, even if it doesn't have the most advanced graphics.

Community and Multiplayer: The Heart of the Helldivers Experience

Helldivers is, at its core, a multiplayer game. While you can play solo, the game is designed to be played with friends (or strangers). And it's in multiplayer that the game truly comes alive. Coordinating your strategies, covering each other's backs, and laughing at each other's mistakes are all essential parts of the Helldivers experience. The game has a surprisingly active and friendly community, with plenty of players willing to team up and help newcomers learn the ropes. You can easily find a group to play with through online forums, social media groups, or the game's built-in matchmaking system. Just be prepared for some friendly fire, as accidents are bound to happen. Helldivers is a game that fosters teamwork, communication, and camaraderie. It's a place where you can make new friends, share unforgettable experiences, and spread managed democracy to the galaxy.

The cross-play compatibility between PS4, PS3, and PS Vita ensures a vibrant player base, making it easy to find a squad regardless of your platform. The cooperative nature of the game encourages players to work together, creating a positive and supportive environment. Even when things go wrong – and they often do – the shared experience of overcoming challenges together is what makes Helldivers so special. The community is also known for its creativity, with players sharing tips, strategies, and custom loadouts to help each other succeed. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, you'll find a welcoming and helpful community in Helldivers. Helldivers is more than just a game; it's a social experience that brings people together through shared challenges and triumphs. It is through this sense of community that Helldivers maintains its appeal, offering a consistently engaging and enjoyable multiplayer experience.

Is It Still Worth Playing? The Verdict

So, is Helldivers on PS4 still worth playing? Absolutely! Despite its slightly dated graphics, the game's addictive gameplay, chaotic co-op, and active community make it a must-play for any fan of twin-stick shooters or cooperative games. It's a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing with your friends, and coming back for more. The constant updates and new content keep the game fresh, and the challenging difficulty ensures that you'll always have something to strive for. If you're looking for a fun, engaging, and rewarding multiplayer experience, look no further than Helldivers. It's a true gem of the PS4 library.

Helldivers offers a unique blend of action, strategy, and humor that sets it apart from other games in the genre. Its focus on teamwork and communication creates a truly cooperative experience, while its challenging difficulty ensures that you'll never get bored. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, the game's art style is charming and effective, and the sound design is top-notch. And with its active and friendly community, you'll always have someone to play with. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual player, Helldivers is a game that you can easily pick up and enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your controller, gather your friends, and dive into the world of Helldivers! Super Earth needs you!