Helldivers 2 has been officially announced today at Sony’s PlayStation Showcase event, a direct sequel to the 2015 top-down shooter. The announcement came as a surprise, with a high-budget trailer with witty space humor that the original Helldivers evoked. The most notable change to Helldivers 2 is the change to a third person behind-the-shoulder camera, abandoning the original fixed top-down view. 

Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, it was one of the first and for a long time, only PlayStation exclusive game available on PlayStation and PC. Elite soldiers named Helldivers worked in teams in local or co-op to fight against alien species and oppressive regimes all to protect humankind. Each mission featured different hostile environments and specific goals to complete. The game highly emphasized teamwork ensuring players worked together and communication and while an already challenging game, it was made even more difficult for allowing friendly fire. Players could also customize their Helldivers with various gear, skills, weaponry, and perks to best suit different play styles and mission requirements. 

There was also a unique Galactic Campaign which followed player’s progression, influencing galactic control. If players successfully completed a mission, their control grew, whereas if they failed a mission, territory they earned would be lost. 

The game which was cross-platform between PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita, received several expansion packs giving players new enemies, mission types, expanded gameplay and more challenges to overcome. 

There’s no indication when Helldivers 2 will release, however the trailer stated it’ll come to PS5 and PC in 2023.