Helldivers 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed top-down shooter, has been eagerly anticipated by fans for years. With its intense cooperative gameplay, challenging missions, and deep customization options, the original Helldivers set a high bar for its successor. To ensure that Helldivers 2 lives up to the expectations, here are some key areas that need to be addressed:
1. Maintaining the Core Gameplay Loop:
The core gameplay loop of Helldivers was one of its strongest aspects. It successfully balanced intense combat, strategic planning, and teamwork. Helldivers 2 should preserve this core loop while introducing new elements to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
2. Enhancing Character Customization:
Customization was a significant part of Helldivers’ appeal, allowing players to tailor their characters to their playstyles. Helldivers 2 should expand on this by offering more diverse options for weapons, armor, abilities, and perks. This will allow players to create more unique and specialized builds to tackle the challenges ahead.
3. Refining Cooperative Gameplay:
Cooperative play is at the heart of Helldivers’ experience. Helldivers 2 should focus on improving communication and coordination between players. Introducing new gameplay mechanics that encourage collaboration and foster a sense of camaraderie will enhance the cooperative aspect.
4. Expanding Mission Variety:
While Helldivers offered a wide range of missions, some players felt that the objectives could become repetitive. Helldivers 2 should introduce new mission types with distinct gameplay mechanics, locations, and objectives. This will add variety to the gameplay and keep players engaged.
5. Improving Enemy AI:
The enemy AI in Helldivers was generally competent, but it could be improved in Helldivers 2. By making enemies more adaptive, aggressive, and challenging, the game will require players to strategize more effectively and work together to overcome these obstacles.
6. Offering Post-Launch Support:
Post-launch support is crucial for maintaining a healthy player base and keeping the game fresh. Helldivers 2 should have a roadmap of regular updates that includes new content, bug fixes, and balance changes. This will ensure that the game continues to evolve and adapt to player feedback.
7. Listening to Community Feedback:
The Helldivers community is passionate and vocal. Helldivers 2’s development team should actively engage with the community to gather feedback, suggestions, and bug reports. This will help the team identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about the game’s future.
8. Optimizing Performance:
Helldivers 2 should be optimized for both consoles and PC to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Players should be able to enjoy the game without encountering significant performance issues or technical glitches.
9. Supporting Cross-Play:
Cross-play between platforms would significantly expand the player base and allow Helldivers 2 players to connect with friends and fellow gamers regardless of their hardware.
10. Maintaining a Fair and Respectful Environment:
Helldivers 2 should prioritize creating a fair and respectful environment for all players. Implementing anti-cheat measures, addressing toxic behavior, and fostering a positive community will ensure that everyone can enjoy the game.
As a dedicated fan of the original Helldivers, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of Helldivers 2. While the game has the potential to be a fantastic experience, there are several areas where I believe improvements can be made to ensure its success. Here are my thoughts on how to make Helldivers 2 work:
1. Enhance Co-op Gameplay:
Helldivers thrived on its challenging and cooperative gameplay. Helldivers 2 should double down on this aspect by introducing even more ways for players to work together. Consider adding new class synergies, strategic objectives that require coordination, and a robust communication system.
2. Expand Mission Variety:
The missions in Helldivers were varied but could sometimes feel repetitive. Helldivers 2 should introduce a wider range of mission types, objectives, and environments. This could include stealth missions, escorting VIPs, and large-scale battles with dynamic reinforcements.
3. Rebalance Difficulty Curve:
Helldivers was notorious for its unforgiving difficulty. While challenge is essential, it can quickly become frustrating if not managed properly. Helldivers 2 should carefully balance the difficulty curve, providing enough challenge for experienced players while ensuring new players don’t get overwhelmed.
4. Improve Enemy AI:
The enemy AI in Helldivers was competent but could sometimes feel predictable. Helldivers 2 should enhance the enemy AI by adding more dynamic behaviors, such as flanking, utilizing cover, and adapting to player tactics.
5. Introduce Dedicated Servers:
The original Helldivers relied on peer-to-peer connections, which could lead to lag and connectivity issues. Helldivers 2 should implement dedicated servers to provide a stable and consistent online experience.
6. Enhance Customization:
One of the joys of Helldivers was the ability to customize your character and weapons. Helldivers 2 should expand on this by introducing even more cosmetic options, armor upgrades, and weapon modifications.
7. Streamline the Interface:
The interface in Helldivers was functional but could sometimes feel cluttered. Helldivers 2 should streamline the interface, making it easier for players to navigate and access information quickly.
8. Support a Modding Community:
Modding was a significant part of Helldivers’ success. Helldivers 2 should embrace the modding community by providing official tools and support, allowing players to create and share their own content.
9. Include Cross-Platform Play:
Cross-platform play has become increasingly popular, allowing players to connect with friends regardless of their platform. Helldivers 2 should implement cross-platform play to increase its player base and foster a more vibrant community.
10. Address Microtransactions:
Microtransactions can be a tricky subject in multiplayer games. If implemented, they should be cosmetic-only and not affect gameplay. Helldivers 2 should carefully consider how to approach microtransactions to ensure they don’t compromise the game’s integrity.
By addressing these areas, I believe Helldivers 2 can build upon the strengths of its predecessor and deliver an even more engaging and satisfying cooperative experience. It’s crucial to remember that Helldivers is not just about its difficulty but also about the camaraderie and teamwork that it fosters. With a focus on enhancing these aspects, Helldivers 2 can truly shine as a testament to the power of cooperative gaming.
How To Make Helldivers 2 Work?
The original Helldivers was a unique and ambitious game that delivered a frantic and rewarding cooperative experience. However, it also had its flaws. As a huge fan of the game, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Helldivers 2, and I have some thoughts on how it can improve upon its predecessor.
1. Improve the onboarding experience.
One of the biggest complaints about the original Helldivers was that it was very difficult for new players to get into. The game’s complex mechanics and unforgiving nature made it hard for newcomers to learn the ropes and contribute to their team. Helldivers 2 needs to do a better job of onboarding new players, providing them with clear and concise tutorials that teach them the basics of the game. The game could also benefit from a more robust matchmaking system that pairs new players with more experienced players who can help them learn the game.
2. Add more variety to the missions.
One of the other issues with the original Helldivers was that the missions could become repetitive after a while. Helldivers 2 needs to add more variety to its missions, both in terms of objectives and environments. The game could include more open-ended missions that allow players to choose their own path to victory, as well as more challenging missions that require teamwork and coordination. The game could also add more diverse environments, such as urban areas, jungles, and deserts.
3. Improve the loot system.
The loot system in the original Helldivers was somewhat lackluster. Players were often rewarded with items that they didn’t need or want, and there was little incentive to grind for better gear. Helldivers 2 needs to improve its loot system by making it more rewarding and by giving players more control over the items they receive. The game could add more unique and powerful items, as well as a system that allows players to trade items with each other.
4. Add more customization options.
One of the best things about the original Helldivers was the ability to customize your character’s appearance and loadout. Helldivers 2 needs to expand on this by adding even more customization options. The game could allow players to customize their characters’ appearance in more detail, as well as give them more options for weapons, armor, and abilities. The game could also add a system that allows players to create and share their own custom loadouts.
5. Improve the performance.
The original Helldivers was a very demanding game, and it often suffered from performance issues on consoles. Helldivers 2 needs to be optimized for both consoles and PCs, ensuring that it runs smoothly even in the most intense firefights. The game could also benefit from a more robust network code, which would reduce lag and improve the overall online experience.
By addressing these issues, Helldivers 2 can build upon the strengths of its predecessor and deliver an even more polished and rewarding cooperative experience. I’m confident that the developers at Arrowhead Game Studios are hard at work creating a game that will meet the expectations of fans and newcomers alike.