4. If the game does happen to succeed like Sony plans how do you think the response will be from rival console makers?

I don’t think there will be much of a response even if KZ2 sells beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. To be blunt, Sony hasn’t been doing too well lately in sales, and they’re in a very distant third in the console war. One successful game isn’t going to change that. However, a string of successful games is definitely going to make Microsoft do a double take. Right now, Microsoft has been doing a lot of things very well. They’re in a cushy 2nd place, and are going to stick with their business plan until they’re threatened. I think we’ll see the usual duel of the Sony’s and MS’s PR staff over KZ2’s sales, but good or bad, the number of copies KZ2 ships isn’t going to drive MS’s game plan. As I said earlier, it’s the games lineup that sells a console, and if we see Sony have a successful year in 2009, MS will have to react in 2010.
 
I think we are already seeing the effect and Microsoft is standing on their toes hoping this game bombs badly. The PR's from Microsoft are already making comments about how their games can look just as good as Killzone. The problem is, graphics isn't all this game offers. The game is offering Blu-ray usage and amazing gameplay. I think if the game sales well then maybe other developers and console makers will be forced to actually take time and reach for the same quality of games, because I can guarantee this is what first party developers of Sony will be striving for as well. Obviously the industry PR's are going to be big fanboys and trash each other with good and bad numbers no matter what it is because this game is huge and very important for Sony like it or not. Will anything major come out of it? No, it will die down as soon as another exclusive comes along.


5. Do you think Killzone 2 will lead the way for Sony's PS3 "comeback"?

Yeah for sure, but only because it’s Sony’s first AAA title this year. If Uncharted 2 was releasing first, then it would be the game starting Sony’s comeback. Now, KZ2 does have one advantage most of Sony’s other titles don’t, and that’s hype. A lot of people have heard about the title, probably because it’s been in development for five years, but this will nevertheless give KZ2 a little help when it comes to sales. I know that hype is probably what killed Killzone 1 (pun intended, sorry), but the difference this time is that Killzone 2 delivers on its promises. I’ve sort of had this theme going throughout the roundtable that one game doesn’t change the console war, but despite what I’ve said, one game can make a difference. Even if KZ2 doesn’t sell consoles, it will draw attention; it will get people interested in the PS3 and more likely to follow news about the console. When the rest of Sony’s blockbuster titles start releasing this year, people will be more receptive to them. The biggest role KZ2 can play in the PS3’s comeback is to generate interest in the console, and I think it’ll do that just fine.
 
I honestly believe Resistance 2 and LBP started the whole "comeback" and Killzone 2 is jump-starting the dead horse. Resistance 2 was extremely popular still throughout last month, now Killzone 2 is taking the cake for a while and after a few weeks the two games will share. Then we will see Sony advertising all 3 games available only on PS3! Of course there are maybe 4 or 5 other exclusives coming here soon as well that will just keep things rolling. If Sony can keep it that way then yeah Killzone 2 was a big part of it. If Sony messes it up then no Killzone came and went, what’s next? Like Nikhil said though, Killzone 2 is going to gain a lot of interest because of its looks. Gamers, adults, teens, everyone! They are all going to look and say wow, which will hopefully lead them to the other available games and end up buying a PS3.


6 Finally any overall thoughts about Killzone 2 you would like to tell our readers?

Buy it. Buy it. Buy it.

Sony better not mess this up or they should just blow out the candle and welcome third place into their hearts. Killzone 2 is important! Not only is it needed to sell consoles but also GG could be in trouble if this game doesn't sell. Nearly 4 years of development and the most expensive game to make doesn't allow any room for failure.