Helldivers 2 captured significant attention at The Game Awards by clinching the titles for Best Multiplayer Game and Best Ongoing Game. The event also unveiled a thrilling new trailer for the upcoming Omens of Tyranny update, which brings forth an exciting new enemy faction along with a formidable new vehicle for the soldiers of Super Earth. Despite some prior community criticism regarding account requirements, the game’s success underscores a strong demand for engaging gameplay that immerses players in epic battles against alien factions in outer space.
Fans may find the latest trailer reminiscent of the iconic Halo series, as it evokes a familiar feel that many believe is missing from recent Halo titles. Helldivers 2 could very well represent the direction that Halo needed to take, especially following the stagnation the franchise faced post-Bungie. This latest installment demonstrates a chaotic yet exhilarating concept of space-faring soldiers battling waves of alien adversaries, a fundamental element that Halo could benefit from to revitalize its future.
Highlights of the Helldivers 2 Trailer
Introduction of New Elements
The excitement surrounding Helldivers 2 is supported by the developers’ ongoing dedication to the game’s evolution, even amidst some corporate interference that has not endeared them to all players. The newest update, available for immediate download upon its announcement, introduces the Illuminate faction, which includes hordes of mind-controlled citizens referred to as the Voteless, alongside a new vehicle known as the Fast Recon Vehicle (FRV). The trailer delivers classic messaging from Super Earth, emphasizing the eerily zombified state of the new faction’s members.
Watch the Trailer
This update promises enhanced chaos and myriad new challenges for players, as the FRV resembles a hybrid between a monster truck and a Warthog, boasting impressive suspension and mounted weaponry. The addition of the Illuminate faction enhances the Halo-themed comparison, featuring an advanced alien race that brings a horror element reminiscent of the Covenant and the Flood, which characterized the earlier Halo games.
The Potential of Helldivers 2 Over Halo
Embracing Chaotic Gameplay
One of the standout features of Helldivers 2 is the expendability of its characters, creating a thrilling experience where players can die in outrageous ways or emerge victorious against all odds. This sense of excitement has diminished in the Halo series, particularly in titles like Halo: Infinite, which has fallen into the routine of Spartan-on-Spartan warfare in small, confined spaces. The cycle of Spartan battles has grown monotonous, emphasizing the need for co-op gameplay that offers an exhilarating change of pace.
What Halo truly requires is a game akin to Helldivers 2, where players engage in perilous missions against formidable odds, ideally featuring ODST characters rather than Spartans. Set during the height of the Covenant and Flood’s threat, a game revolving around a small unit confronting waves of challenging enemies could reinvigorate the franchise.
Ultimately, the Halo series would benefit from creating another ODST-centric title that draws from the frenetic fun established in Helldivers 2. While the contrasting tones of the two franchises—one focused on humanity’s survival and the other filled with satirical war propaganda—are stark, the fundamental mechanics of ground combat could align closely. Embracing a healthier dose of chaos and levity might be the key to revitalizing the somewhat stale direction of the Halo series.
Source: PlayStation/YouTube