Helldivers 2 was likely off everyone’s radar until this weekend. As arguably the start of Sony’s controversial foray into the live-service genre, audiences have unfairly judged the third-person shooter even before it came out. But fast forward to today and it seems like everyone can’t get enough of it.
Helldivers 2– which has been out on PlayStation 5 and Steam since February 8 – is a bigger and better version of the first game,Helldiverswhich was released in 2015.
Even way back then, Helldivers was described as a Starship Troopers video game adaptation, iconic propaganda video and all. However, unlike its supposed source material, the first title played more like tactical, sci-fi version of Diablo, complete with the top-down view. For the sequel, Arrowhead Game Studios leans into the action more, taking its players up close and personal into a third-person perspective. As a side benefit, blowing up bugs feels more satisfying than ever.
With its launch weekend almost behind it, Helldivers 2’s success has generated demand for a proper video game adaptation of Starship Troopers, which, begs the question, why isn’t there one?
Technically, there’ve been several attempts to make video games based off either the movies or the novels (these two are drastically different experiences). The most recent adaptation, Starship Troopers: Extermination, came out last year. Unfortunately, none have been able to capture the magic of poking fun at military propaganda and societal norms, all while delivering action-packed scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat, if not from suspense, then from the sheer audacity of it all, quite like the source materials.
Well, none, except, Helldivers 2, and it’s technically not a video game adaptation.
You can’t blame video game developers. Starship Troopers isn’t the most popular franchise. The last live-action adaptation was released in 2008. The planned remake, which plans to stick more closely to the book than the first film, has been languishing in development hell for years. The likelihood of Starship Troopers getting a AAA video game adaptation anytime soon is slim to none.
So, for Starship Troopers fans, Helldivers 2 represents a glimmer of hope – a wild ride through space that mixes the thrill of combat with the absurdity of a universe where mere humans are facing off against enemies that are literally a hive-mind of killer insects.
A sci-fi adventure that’s part military epic, part satirical commentary, and a blast, Helldivers 2 has all the makings of a successful multiplayer shooter that should eat up your time for the next couple of weeks – an amazing feat considering that Palworld continues to dominate the headlines and the Steam charts.
We can’t say for sure if Arrowhead can keep Helldivers 2’s momentum up, but the sequel is worth checking out for a mere $40, especially if you’d like to know more.
