Helldivers PS4 Review: Is It Still Worth Playing?

Helldivers on the PS4 remains a thrilling and challenging top-down shooter that emphasizes teamwork and strategic gameplay. Since its release, this game has carved out a special place in the hearts of gamers who appreciate cooperative experiences. Diving into Helldivers, players are thrust into the roles of elite soldiers tasked with defending Super Earth from various alien threats. The game's unique blend of intense action, strategic depth, and a darkly humorous sci-fi setting creates an unforgettable gaming experience. But does this title hold up today? Let’s find out!

What is Helldivers?

Helldivers is a top-down, cooperative shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios. Set in a satirical sci-fi universe, players take on the role of Helldivers, an elite unit tasked with spreading managed democracy and protecting Super Earth from alien threats. The game is known for its challenging difficulty, reliance on teamwork, and the use of Stratagems – special abilities and equipment that can be called in during missions. Helldivers combines intense combat with strategic decision-making, making it a unique and rewarding experience for those who enjoy cooperative gameplay. The game’s charm lies in its over-the-top action, darkly humorous narrative, and the constant need for players to work together to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Whether you're coordinating orbital strikes or desperately trying to revive a fallen teammate, Helldivers offers a gameplay loop that is both engaging and highly replayable. The diverse range of enemies, environments, and mission objectives ensures that no two playthroughs are ever quite the same, keeping the experience fresh and exciting even after countless hours of playtime. With its emphasis on teamwork and strategic planning, Helldivers stands out as a shining example of cooperative gaming done right.

Gameplay: Dive Deep into Chaos

The gameplay in Helldivers is where the game truly shines. At its core, it's a top-down shooter, but it's far more complex than your average twin-stick affair. Players choose missions on a galactic map and then deploy to procedurally generated planets, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. These objectives can range from eliminating enemy nests to retrieving valuable data, adding variety to each playthrough. The combat is intense and unforgiving, requiring players to manage their ammunition carefully, utilize cover effectively, and coordinate their attacks. One of the standout features of Helldivers is the Stratagem system. Stratagems are special abilities and equipment that players can call in during missions by inputting specific sequences on the D-pad. These can include anything from orbital strikes and supply drops to defensive turrets and powerful exosuits. Mastering the use of Stratagems is crucial for success, as they can turn the tide of battle in an instant. However, using Stratagems also carries a risk, as calling them in can attract even more enemies to your location. Teamwork is absolutely essential in Helldivers. The game is designed to be played cooperatively, and attempting to go solo is a recipe for disaster. Players must communicate effectively, coordinate their movements, and support each other in order to survive. Reviving fallen teammates is a key part of the gameplay, and leaving a man behind is rarely a good option. The game also features friendly fire, which adds an extra layer of challenge and requires players to be mindful of their positioning. Despite the chaos and difficulty, the gameplay in Helldivers is incredibly rewarding. Successfully completing a challenging mission with your team is a truly satisfying experience, and the game's replayability is virtually endless. With a constant stream of new content and updates, there's always something new to discover in the world of Helldivers.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Treat

Visually, Helldivers on the PS4 is impressive. The top-down perspective allows for a clear view of the battlefield, and the environments are detailed and varied. Each planet has its own unique look and feel, from snowy tundra to dense jungles, and the game's lighting and particle effects add to the atmosphere. The character models are well-designed, and the enemy creatures are suitably menacing. While it may not be the most graphically advanced game on the PS4, Helldivers makes up for it with its art style and attention to detail. The sound design in Helldivers is equally impressive. The game's soundtrack is a mix of orchestral scores and electronic beats, which perfectly complements the on-screen action. The sound effects are punchy and impactful, from the roar of explosions to the screech of alien creatures. The game also features voice acting, with the Helldivers spouting patriotic slogans and battle cries as they fight for Super Earth. The audio cues are also important for gameplay, as players can use them to identify enemy locations and anticipate incoming threats. Overall, the graphics and sound in Helldivers combine to create a truly immersive experience. The game's visuals are crisp and detailed, and the sound design is top-notch. Whether you're playing on a big-screen TV or with headphones, Helldivers is a treat for the senses. The attention to detail in both the graphics and sound design helps to draw players into the game's world and makes them feel like they are truly part of the Helldiver squad. The combination of stunning visuals and immersive sound effects makes Helldivers a standout title on the PS4.

Is Helldivers Still Worth Playing?

So, is Helldivers still worth playing on the PS4? The answer is a resounding yes. Despite being released several years ago, the game holds up incredibly well. The gameplay is still as addictive and challenging as ever, and the cooperative experience is unmatched. The graphics and sound are still impressive, and the game's replayability is virtually endless. One of the biggest reasons to play Helldivers in 2024 is the community. The game has a dedicated and active player base, and finding a group to play with is usually easy. The cooperative nature of the game encourages teamwork and communication, and it's always more fun to play with friends or like-minded strangers. Helldivers is also relatively inexpensive, especially if you can find it on sale. The game offers a ton of content for the price, and you'll easily get your money's worth. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding cooperative shooter, Helldivers is definitely worth checking out. While there are newer games on the market, few can match the unique charm and addictive gameplay of Helldivers. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, Helldivers on the PS4 is still a must-play title. Its combination of intense action, strategic depth, and cooperative gameplay makes it a truly unforgettable experience. So grab your controller, gather your friends, and prepare to dive into the chaos of Helldivers.

Final Verdict

Helldivers on the PS4 remains a fantastic game that offers a unique and challenging cooperative experience. Its addictive gameplay, impressive graphics and sound, and active community make it a title that is well worth playing in 2024. If you're a fan of cooperative shooters or simply looking for a new game to play with your friends, Helldivers is definitely worth checking out. With its endless replayability and constant stream of new content, you'll be diving into the chaos for hours on end. So, gear up, grab your squad, and get ready to spread some managed democracy across the galaxy. Super Earth needs you, Helldiver!