With Killzone 2 just a few weeks away, the hype machine behind the game is at full throttle.  The game is receiving attention from just about every outlet of the enthusiast press, with people posting graphic comparisons, hands-on gameplay experiences, AI nuances, whether it will be a 'system seller', and everything else.  There are even articles hyping the hype.  And with all this attention focused squarely on key issues of the game, some of the finer aspects of the title have actually received a lot less attention then they honestly should have.  So without further ado, here are the top 3 most under-appreciated aspects of Killzone 2.

1. The SixAxis Usage

Sony stands behind its technology, and for at least a little bit, every game published by Sony had to make some use of the SixAxis motion controls.  Unfortunately, in a lot of games, it ended up being jammed down our throats in not only unoriginal, but also completely unintuitive ways.  Guerilla took to a much more minimalist approach with Killzone 2.  You don't use it to fly vehicles or magically control which way you grenades go mid-air.  In Killzone 2 you may actually only use the SixAxis a few times over the course of the entire game.  But every time it's used, it makes sense and feels right.  You turn your controller to simulate turning a wheel.  You hold the controller still to steady your aim with the sniper rifle, as opposed to holding your breath like other shooters.  You also use the SixAxis to place C4 on walls.  Guerilla didn't force the SixAxis use, and as a result, it ended up being one of the best applications of it that we've seen yet.

2. No Installs

The PS3's notoriously slow Blu-ray drive have driven a lot of developers to implement mandatory installs in order to speed up loading times.  Some games even have 5-10 minute waits in between acts to delete and reinstall new data.  Seeing as how Killzone 2 is easily the most graphically impressive PS3 game so far, you would figure the technical behemoth would require a hefty install, right?  Well, Guerilla's community manager has confirmed that there will be no installs for Killzone 2 - mandatory or optional.  20GB PS3 owners, breath a sigh of relief!  Though this begs to ask why, if Killzone 2 doesn't need an install, so many other games do?

3. The Fire Effects

Everyone knows Killzone 2 is a graphical powerhouse.  The lighting, the textures, the character models, smoke effects, and everything except maybe its color palette are unparalleled amongst other PS3 games.  One effect stands out in particular though, and that is the fire effect.  Not only does it look visually stunning, but the actual effect that it has on materials in-game is something not usually seen.  The fire actually burns thing in a realistic fashion.  For example, if you torch a banner, it will start to burn away in real time.  It just goes to show that not even the tiniest of details escaped Guerilla's ever watchful eye, and it ups the immersion factor yet another notch.

Killzone 2 is a first person shooter developed by Guerrilla Games.  The highly anticipated title is due out February 27, exclusively on the PS3.