X

Killzone: Shadow Fall ushers in the PlayStation 4 era (pictures)

The PlayStation 4 will get a big first-person shooter as a launch title. It offers familiar gameplay, but the graphics look simply insane.

Christopher MacManus
Crave contributor Christopher MacManus regularly spends his time exploring the latest in science, gaming, and geek culture -- aiming to provide a fun and informative look at some of the most marvelous subjects from around the world.
Christopher MacManus
killzone1.jpg
1 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Last chance

During the PlayStation 4 introduction yesterday in New York, Sony revealed Killzone: Shadow Fall -- a mesmerizing first-person shooter that will arrive this fall as a launch title for the highly anticipated game console.

Enjoy its splendor in the following screenshots courtesy of developer Guerrilla Games.

Confused about the scenes? In a blog post, Killzone: Shadow Fall game director Steven Ter Heide mentions a basic plot summary for Shadow Fall, which takes place in Vekta City during the year 2381:

"The game is set in a near future, thirty years after the events of Killzone 3. The world is a very different place; two rival factions known as the Helghast and the Vektans live side by side in a futuristic city, divided by a vast wall. Tensions are high, and the cold war they are embroiled in is about to go hot. In the midst of this all stands a Shadow Marshal, you. The most special of the special forces, tasked with maintaining the delicate balance."

In this image, we see what could be the beginning of the end for an unidentified Vektan solider who faces a menacing Helghast flier with laser-based target tracking.

The proceeding 4K resolution (3,840x2,160) screenshots of Killzone: Shadow Fall indicate that the title -- and more importantly, the PlayStation 4 -- are poised to deliver a breathtaking graphical experience for gamers.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone2_1.jpg
2 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Shining shimmering

While past Killzone games went down a dark route, Shadow Fall shifts the action into world filled with vibrant color, bloom, and epic landscapes.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone3_1.jpg
3 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Beyond the future

During a live preview of Shadow Fall at Sony's PlayStation 4 event, CNET gaming editor Jeff Bakalar thought the wide-angle metropolis montage looked "brilliant" but noted that the live action appears similar to previous Killzone titles. "The big takeaway here is that Shadow Fall's massive scope and size could only be achieved on next-gen hardware -- more specifically a PS4," Bakalar said.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone4_1.jpg
4 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Amazing architecture

The facade of this skyscraper astounds due to the heavy infusion of futuristic glass elements.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone5_1.jpg
5 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Hot on the trail

A transport ship flies along the vapor trails of other vehicles that passed not too long ago.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone6_1.jpg
6 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Prepare for departure

Overlooking the enormous city and connecting bay, a Vektan solider prepares to deploy off a transport ship and into dangerous circumstances.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone7_1.jpg
7 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Leap of faith

A solider bravely leaps from one aircraft to another –- a heart-pumping move best left in the video game world.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone8_1.jpg
8 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Fire fight

Actual gameplay varies in Killzone: Shadow Fall, which Game Director Steven Ter Heide describes further: "From responding to bold attacks, to quiet infiltrations or all out combat, you will be required to adapt and think on your feet as you have to face a variety of escalating events that could destroy your home world."

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone9_1.jpg
9 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

The face of evil

If you thought the Helghast soldiers looked scary in previous Killzone titles, well, they get an even more sinister visage in Killzone: Shadow Fall.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

killzone10_1.jpg
10 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Executioner

Friends, foes -- keep them all close; you never know when one can become the other.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

image_killzone_shadow_fall-21476-2660_0006.jpg
11 of 11 Guerrilla Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Seriously scary

Is this death, or just the beginning of something greater? Many mysteries await gamers in Killzone: Shadow Fall. For more action, watch this direct-from-PS4 Shadow Fall game play video courtesy of Guerrilla Games:

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this image.)

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos