Helldivers 2 review – the most fun I’ve had with a co-op shooter since Left 4 Dead

PC, PS5; Sony
With super-tight gameplay, an outrageous amount of feedback and tons of ludicrous, senseless sci-fi violence, this sequel is a total joyride

If you've ever fantasised about starring in your own version of Paul Verhoeven's blistering sci-fi satire Starship Troopers, you can now rest easy: your wish has been answered. Helldivers 2, the sequel to the 2015 topdown co-op shooter, is an online game in which beefy space marines blast down to alien planets and, spurred on by jingoistic slogans, pulverise anything that moves with super hi-tech weaponry. Some of that involves giant insect monsters, sometimes it's robots. It doesn't really matter, though, because the outcome is the same. Gut-splattered industrial slaughter. And like the movie it borrows from, Helldivers 2 is a stupendously entertaining joyride.

There's really not much to explain upfront. It's the future, and Earth - now known as Super Earth - considers itself under threat from alien monsters on distant planets - planets that just happen to be rich in mineral deposits. You start out with a basic spaceship and a rudimentary warrior, then you select a world to visit and a mission to undertake, then touchdown on the surface to begin educating the locals in the joys of militarised democracy. Although you can take on missions alone, it's better with three other players - this is very much a co-op experience. Everyone gets a set of primary and secondary weapons - which means shotguns, SMGs, assault rifles and pistols - as well as grenades. During combat however you can also call in Strategems, special weapons and items ranging from orbital missile strikes to defensive shields and automated machine gun turrets.