Helldivers 2: A Breath of Fresh Air in Modern Gaming

Helldivers 2, a gun-based RPG, has been making waves in the gaming community. Set in a dystopian world, the game’s universe is in a state of galactic war, with the Helldivers tasked to protect their home. The game unfolds a century after the triumph of Super Earth against its adversaries.

Even on the humblest of potatoes, Helldivers 2 roars to life, 2024 brings in a new era of gaming ie.

Helldivers 2 Story and Missions

The story of Helldivers 2 is engaging and immersive. The game is set 100 years after the events of the first game, with the forces of Super Earth having beaten its adversaries in the Galactic War. However, the Super Earth Armed Forces are forced to fight again when the Terminids return alongside a new enemy, the Automatons.

Helldivers 2 offers a variety of missions, each with its own unique challenges and objectives. The missions are separated into four types of Operations: Defend Freedom, Bug Extermination, Destroy Automatons, and Protect Liberty. Each Operation has its own set of missions, some of which overlap with one another.

As you unlock harder difficulties, new mission objectives are added. Most missions with multiple objectives give you 40 minutes to complete. However, missions with objectives like killing a specific number of enemies have more limited timers, typically ranging from 10 to 12 minutes.

Here’s a brief overview of the different types of missions:

The game is designed to be played with four players, so solo players will naturally have a tougher time completing missions. Many missions are easier to complete with a team, stocked on ammo, Boosters, and Stratagems. Regardless of whether you’re playing solo or with a team, it’s recommended to try every mission to learn what you’re best at.

Character Classes

Interestingly, Helldivers 2 does not have a character class system. Instead, the game opts for deeper character customization when it comes to gear and armor. You can customize your character in the Armory inside the Destroyer, which is your ship.

Game Engine and Optimization

Helldivers 2 utilizes the Autodesk Stingray engine, which provides unmatched connectivity with Maya, Maya LT, and 3ds Max, physically-based rendering, and a full suite of designer-friendly development tools. This engine simplifies art-to-engine workflows, allowing for visually stunning games.

The game also benefits from the Btisquid engine, a minimalistic foundation library with functions for memory allocation, basic collections, etc. The library has been written with a data-oriented philosophy: POD structures are preferred over classes, flat arrays are the preferred data structure.

Despite some technical artifacts such as textures disappearing, the optimization of Helldivers 2 is commendable. It may not be on par with titles like Banishers that use the UE5 engine, but it’s still noteworthy.

GPU Prices and Gaming Interest

The year 2024 has seen a significant improvement in the gaming industry compared to 2023. One notable trend is the falling prices of GPUs like the RTX 4090. Although still high, the prices are slowly meeting the MSRP tag. This trend, coupled with the release of engaging titles like Helldivers 2, is reviving interest in gaming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Helldivers 2 is a remarkable game that offers an immersive story, engaging missions, and deep character customization. The use of Autodesk Stingray and Btisquid engines allows for impressive visuals and optimization, despite minor technical artifacts. The game represents a breath of fresh air in modern gaming, especially at a time when GPU prices are becoming more affordable. However, the lack of a character class system might be a downside for some players who prefer fixed character classes. Overall, Helldivers 2 is a game worth trying for any RPG lover.