Gamersmint Live: Killzone 3 Launch Event – Mumbai

Driven by consumerism, video gaming in India has come a long way. I still remember the cheerless wait for an Indian release of so many games, and the times I had to save up for months towards importing a certain collectors’ edition. Things are beginning to change though, and pretty fast. And since this is definitely not a lecture in visual culture, I’ll get down to business. A launch event! Here in Mumbai!! A cheerless wait no longer!!!

Amidst the chaos of traffic in Mumbai I awaited, in anticipation, for the Killzone 3 launch event. I knew launch events were pretty standard fare since about a year but it is something I’ve never been to. Coupled with the fact that I’d been in hibernation for a week and had not read a single Killzone 3 review, forget about trying the demo, I had certain moments of uneasiness thinking about what the game would play like.

The affair took place inside a screen of a certain multiplex in South Mumbai. I don’t think I am at a liberty of taking the name (brands and advertising) of the venue but for the curious ones, it’s in the Phoenix Mills compound.

And then it began, late as expected, and we – me and a whole bunch of media and trade fraternity members – were handed over a press kit and food coupons. A, rather massive, Killzone 3 poster was projected on the screen. It was accompanied with heavy doses of electro-dance music mercilessly piercing my eardrums. Always a loner, I located a quite spot and sat down on a comfortable seat.

… and my point and shoot camera gave up! Well, it’s just one of things I overlooked so no pictures for you guys and I’m extremely sorry about that. ( But Gamersmint, came to the rescue and behold…PICTURES!)

I’ve got something to confess, I’ve never really been a hardcore Killzone fan. Not sure if ‘hardcore’ is a word I’d use but that is something every other game enthusiast at the event claimed to be, I’d rather plug it in the same sentence as my name to correctly articulate my views on the franchise. Not being a fan is a different reason altogether so let’s leave that wonderful tale for another occasion.

Now, since that is out of the way, I’ll get back to the event coverage. It didn’t take us a long time to be seated, which may be surprising but I’m guessing most of the media representatives wanted to get over with it soon and go back home. A certain radio jockey, with a real bad sense of fashion, took over the microphone and was kind enough to read out snooty adjectives describing the game and I’m sure none of them meant anything – futuristic sound design..? Huh!!! “Carry on”, I said – with a certain sense of hope, “this will be over soon.”

Before I nearly drifted into slumber, Mr Atindria Bose (Country Manager – Playstation) took over. He was quite the mouthful while detailing the game’s features which were read out from a slide show – fantastic graphics, gorgeous looking cutscenes, Playstation Move support and 3D. Wait, what!!! Gaming in 3D?? And of course I would soon get a chance to try it out. The game is also available in 3 SKUs, the most expensive being a Helghast edition which comes with a grisly look Helghast helmet – a certain hit at costume parties I tell you, for those who can afford it, and I’m pretty sure many of those who can’t will probably end up buying it.

The presentation was over soon – it followed some trailers and a short – very short, actually – making of the game video. A bunch of creepy looking guys with hoods handed over a boxed copy to Mr. Bose and the heavens trembled and welcomed its arrival with thunder and rains which permeated the surface of the earth and there was nothing but chaos.

That didn’t exactly happen; there were claps and other agonizingly trivial responses.

Mr. Bose walked off the stage and 3 guys got a chance at playing the game on the huge screen. I leaped at a booth which had the PS3 plugged in and OH MY GOD, I actually felt like stealing the TV! I mean, how many of us can afford a 3D set? Maybe in a year from now many will, but who is going to play Killzone 3? The game will obviously sell more than its predecessor and all of us will be fervently waiting for the next one in franchise which may cure many forms of cancer and make post menopausal women fertile.

Let’s talk about the hands on… the game feels amazing. Controls are tight, the game looks terrific, Move controls are implemented quite well, 3D is – well not so 3D and pretty much gimmicky; although I may be playing a not so 3D section in the game so I’ll reserve my judgment on that. Score 1 for single sentence game previews. I played the game for a couple of minutes, 3 tops, and saw a huge queue behind and since I am an incredibly nice fellow it was time for me to leave.  (Don’t feel low, Gamersmint has already reviewed the game and readers can read it here, we gave it  a glowing…find out after reading the review!)

Amidst the chaos of traffic I waited to reach home, occasionally peeking inside my bag and admiring the free Killzone 3 t-shirt I received. It’s certainly wearable, albeit a lot bigger than what I’d prefer.

I will certainly get this game, sooner than later and give it all the attention it needs.

Killzone 3 has arrived in India and Sony’s made sure it’s with a bang.

*Killzone 3 is available in three variants: Standard Edition ( 2,499), Limited Edition (2,799) and Helghast Edition (7,999)