You saw through their eyes and guided their actions, but do you really know what drives Tomas ‘Sev’ Sevchenko and Rico Velasquez? Sam Bradbury does – for his novelization of Killzone 3, the author delved deep into the game’s story to answer these and other questions. We sat down with Sam for a short Q & A about Killzone: Ascendancy.

What was the most challenging part of writing Killzone: Ascendancy?

It was maintaining the excitement and forward momentum of the game as well as delivering the depth and insight that readers expect from a novel. And there were times when the gameplay elements were incompatible with the demands of a book, so working to make them gel and complement each other was demanding, but of course very fulfilling when it all comes together.

What was the most fun part of writing Killzone: Ascendancy?

Apart from the above, it was being able to go into detail about Sev’s background. We fleshed out his character in the book, I think, in a way that informs many of the decisions he makes in the game, so the book really acts as a companion piece to the game in that sense. An essential companion piece I would say – but then I would!

If it was up to you, what would you explore next in the Killzone Universe?

One of the best things about the Killzone universe is that doesn’t break down into ‘these are the goodies and these are the baddies’. The morality is a lot more nuanced than that. I’ve seen people debating on the forums about who’s the worst: the Helghast or the ISA. So for that reason I think it would be great to do something from the perspective of the Helghast. We touched on it in Killzone: Ascendancy, but there’s a whole other world there to explore. Also I found the appearance of Visari’s daughter at the beginning very tantalizing…

Thank you for your time.

You’re quite welcome!

Killzone: Ascendancy is now available from Penguin Books in paperback format and from Amazon in Kindle format.

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Ever find yourself longing for the good old days of the year 2359, when the invasion of Helghan had just gotten underway and you were fighting a desperate bloody battle over every inch of its capital city? That’s perfectly understandable – why, we all do sometimes. But now there’s the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, which lets you relive those glorious multiplayer battles in the market streets and canals of Pyrrhus!

The Retro Map Pack can be purchased from the PlayStation Network, however as we announced last January, the Retro Map Pack is available for FREE to anyone who pre-orders either the Killzone 3 standard or Helghast Editions at participating retailers.

The Retro Map Pack consists of two classic Killzone 2 multiplayer maps, thoroughly updated and reworked for Killzone 3′s multiplayer mode. Check out the details below:

Salamun Market

Game Type: Warzone – 24 Players
Description:
One of the largest maps from Killzone 2, Salamun Market has been re-balanced for maximum Killzone 3 carnage. After the Helghast ambush an ISA convoy on its main road, the whole market becomes a Warzone. Nostalgia meets brand-new Exoskeleton combat on this classic multiplayer map!

Blood Gracht

Game Type: Guerrilla Warfare – 16 Players
Description:
Months after the nuclear blast that ruined most of the city, Blood Gracht is slowly being reclaimed by Helghan’s strange plant life. But when Guerrilla Warfare breaks out between ISA and Helghast troops, the canals once again run red with blood. The fan-favorite multiplayer map from Killzone 2 makes a triumphant return!

If you haven’t played Killzone 2 yet, or if an old war injury prevents you from remembering what Salamun Market and Blood Gracht originally looked like (again – we’ve all been there), a comparison video of the old and the new versions of the maps will be posted here in a few days.

For now, enjoy reminiscing while you look at the screenshots, and remember to pre-order Killzone 3 to get the Retro Map Pack for FREE.

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To every Killzone fan in Australia…the time has come.

Do you think you have what it takes to be labelled the ultimate ISA soldier? Ex Australian Special Forces Soldier, The Commando is leading the recruit and is on the hunt for the most experienced gamers to compete against the best in their field, and take on the evil Helghast army and the world of Helghan in Killzone 3.

The exclusive ISA Recruitment Drive will take place from 19:00 on Tuesday 22 February 2011 at a central Sydney location. The event will feature Killzone 3 themed rooms, complete with stereoscopic 3D gaming setups, ( PS Move Sharp Shooter enabled!), game giveaways, plus a range of activities designed to simulate the ‘true’ Killzone experience. Oh yes, and there will be one Killzone 3 Helghast Edition pack for one lucky winner. Transport will be provided from Central station for all attending new recruits. This is a national competition so we will also be offering travel and accommodation to the selected interstate based winners. Be sure to read all of the terms and conditions. All that is required from you is the belief and confidence that you have what it takes to prove yourself amongst your gaming peers. Are your Killzone skills up to the test?

For your chance to fast track the enlistment process and win entry to the Killzone 3 ISA Recruitment event in Sydney, tell us in 25 words or less why you are the ULTIMATE Killzone fan. Send your entry in via email with your PSN ID as the subject line to competitions@au.playstation.com.

Visual evidence is encouraged! While only optional, we invite you to provide supporting photos / videos that you are happy for us to share with the PlayStation Community via Facebook.com/playstationau. All entries will be judged on creativity and effort applied.

Be sure to read all of the terms and conditions.
Note: You must be over 18 to enter this competition.

Remember, to survive Killzone 3 you’ll have to know your enemy…GOOD LUCK.

Tweet at #Killzone3AU

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Early next year, Guerrilla will relocate to a new building. It’s been a long time coming, but we’ve finally outgrown the Canal House on the Herengracht. When we moved in here we had more space than we knew what to do with – two adjoined buildings, a monumental garden house, six stories of seventeenth century architecture and a reinforced basement which had doubled as a bank vault at one point. Now, every nook and cranny of the Canal House is filled with high-tech gadgetry, network cables, dev kits, monitors and action figures.

We knew the writing was on the wall when our power needs became so demanding that our neighbors started to experience brownouts. Adding an electrical transformer allowed us to at least finish Killzone 3 without bringing down the whole block, but the rising number of employees and the start of a new IP meant it was only going to be a temporary reprieve. (And we’re still hiring, by the way. You can check out http://www.guerrilla-games.com/jobs for a full overview of available positions.)

Anyway, we’ll miss the old Canal House – not just for its quaint atmosphere, but for its unique construction as well. Between the parallel-but-uneven stairwell columns and the mixed-height floors, it took new employees months to get a grasp of the layout. Many were the times an intern would get hopelessly lost, ending up in the wrong room or even on the wrong floor after returning from a meeting. The Canal House would’ve made a pretty good multiplayer level, but somehow we never got around to including it in a game.

As for the studio itself, Guerrilla isn’t going far: 700 meters to the east to be precise, to a lovely location overlooking Rembrandt Square. By sheer coincidence, the new building also used to be a bank – but unlike the Canal House, this one was constructed in the twentieth century. That means there will be plenty of space for high-tech gadgetry, network cables, dev kits, monitors, action figures and anything else we might choose to bring along.

See you in the New Year, everyone!

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Without a doubt, one of the biggest perks of working at Guerrilla is the fact that it’s located in Amsterdam. Unlike the Helghast, the people here are very welcoming to newcomers; “Amsterdammers” are world-famous for their open-mindedness and acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles. Most of them are fluent in English, and they relish any opportunity to speak it.

At the same time, Amsterdammers place a lot of value on traditions. They have their own version of Santa Claus called “Sinterklaas”, whose holiday in early December rivals Christmas in terms of importance. And they insist on using bicycles as their primary form of transportation, regardless of temperature or precipitation. At this time of year, it’s not uncommon to see someone chugging through 2 inches of snow on a bike, with one hand on the handlebars and the other clutching a bag Christmas shopping.

Above all else, the people of Amsterdam appreciate atmosphere – or, as they call it, “gezelligheid” – and nothing brings this out more than the holiday season. When the days grow short and the weather grows cold, the city takes on the nostalgic charms of a Dickens-inspired Christmas village display. The sight of so many cozily lit canal houses and decorated high streets is enough to warm the heart of even the coldest Helghast polar trooper.

If you’d like to experience Christmas in Amsterdam someday, you may be in luck – Guerrilla is hiring! Check out our website at http://www.guerrilla-games.com/jobs for the full list of job vacancies. Who knows, by this time next year you could be walking – or, if you’re brave enough, biking – around Amsterdam yourself.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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