Killzone is a 2004 first-person shooter videogame developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2 home console. An HD remaster, titled Killzone HD and developed by Supermassive Games, was released for the PlayStation 3 in 2012.
Set in the 24th century after a nuclear warfare left earth uninhabitable, Killzone chronicles the war between two factions of human races, the Vektans, who inhabit the earth-like planet of Vekta, and the Helghast, who inhabit the harsh planet of Helghan after branching away from Vekta centuries ago. The game's main narrative follows Jan Templar, a soldier of Vekta's military force, the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance, during a Helghast invasion to Vekta.
Played from a first-person perspective, the single-player campaign has players control Templar as he protects his homeworld from Helghast invaders. Referred to as a squad-based shooter, Killzone features friendly NPC soldiers alongside Templar. The game's multiplayer includes both competitive and team-based modes.
Officially announced in August 2003, Killzone was originally known under the working title Kin and began development in 2001, evolving from a tech demo developed by Guerrilla Games. The team aimed to create a first-person shooter title specifically for the PlayStation 2, with focus on gritty action and squad-based gameplay. Between its official announcement and eventual release, Killzone was considered by gaming publications as Sony's "Halo Killer" app, and was highly anticipated prior to its release.
Killzone received generally mixed reviews. Critics concurred that while the title was ambitious, the final product was disappointing, and criticized the gunplay, controls, technical issues and writing. Several reviewers cited the visuals and art direction, sound design, premise and science fiction elements as Killzone's strongest points. Despite a mixed reception, Killzone was a commercial success with Sony subsequently acquiring Guerrilla. Killzone spawned a number of sequels, beginning with 2009's Killzone 2. Killzone HD received mixed reviews, with criticism directed at the lackluster work on the remaster.