Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrilling sci-fi shooter with heavy doses of violence, gore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Killzone 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say that the game, while featuring a significantly improved multiplayer experience compared to its predecessor, is still marred by excessive violence and strong language, which makes it not suitable for younger players. Although some appreciate the gameplay and graphics, many feel that the over-the-top gore and poor storyline detract from the overall enjoyment.
- improved multiplayer
- excessive violence
- strong language
- not for kids
- poor storyline
- mature players only
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Picking up moments after the final scene in Killzone 2, which left the evil Emperor Visari dead at the feet of protagonists Sev and Rico, KILLZONE 3 introduces a new and more vicious Helghan uprising that takes place in the wake of Visari's death. While the story is more light-hearted than its predecessors (an intentional move, says the company), the game once again stars you as Sev, a member of the ISA (Interplanetary Strategic Alliance) who must survive on the Helghast home world while searching for a way off the planet. Using traditional and futuristic weapons, a number of vehicles, and a handful of new "brutal melee" moves, you'll take down the nasty Helghan armies in alien jungles, abandoned cities, and arctic wastelands, all from an immersive first-person perspective.
Is It Any Good?
Despite some less interesting characters and a few confusing dialogue and story sequences, Killzone 3 is the best game in the series to date. With much bigger set pieces, more weapons and vehicles, and destructible environments, this sequel delivers the most intense white-knuckle action yet. The enemies are smarter, too, and for those who want to take the fight online, two out of the three modes are playable with up to 24 players. Offline co-op play on the same TV is also offered.
What's more, the game feels tight and responsive on the PS3 controller. Players who prefer motion-enabled controls can opt to use Sony's PlayStation Move controller. And as if the game's lifelike, high-definition graphics aren't enough, those with a 3DTV can play the game with an added sense of depth. Its narrative could do with a little polish, but Killzone 3 certainly won't disappoint fans of the genre.
Online interaction: Killzone 3 offers three types of head-to-head play online with support for voice communication. Players may be exposed to inappropriate topics of conversation and offensive language. Potential exists for players to share identifying information with one another.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the violence in this game, which is targeted at slightly mutated and clearly malevolent descendants of human colonists, is more acceptable than a game that takes place in contemporary times on Earth and against human soldiers. Should it make a difference?
Families can also discuss the dangers of open online communication. What should players do if they encounter belligerent people online? How can they protect themselves?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 3
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release date : February 22, 2011
- Genre : First-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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