Well, here we are again. Another ‘industry shaking’ game from another indie studio. Like many gamers these days, I still remember the old days of couch coop fondly. While I’m a bit on the younger end for those old LAN parties, Helldivers 2 launches me straight back to the 2010s. Those relatively bygone days of games where the goal is accomplished not through competition, but through jolly cooperation. Now, I had begun to think that I was alone in my adoration of these types of cooperative games, what with the relative lack of high production value entries into the modern gaming landscape and the apparent war on couch coop. Helldivers 2 however, proves that I was vastly mistaken.

If you, like me, have been yearning for a game that captures the essence of those golden days of cooperative gaming, then Helldivers 2 is the game you’ve been waiting for. It’s a bold reminder that gaming is at its best when it brings people together, when it fosters camaraderie and teamwork in the face of overwhelming odds.

I remember Arrowhead’s first entry into the satirical universe of Super Earth nearly 10 years ago. The raucous laughter of my friends still echoes in my ears nearly every night while I play Helldivers 2. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten this hooked into a game. Honestly, I missed the feeling of having a game that actually makes me want to stick around. In that regard, Helldivers 2 excels. They’ve actually managed to make a live-service game with an actual live service. The community, while it became unexpectedly large unexpectedly quickly, has brought back so many friends of whom I thought I had seen the last.

The shift from isometric to third person was really all the sequel needed to accomplish in order to capture my heart, but Arrowhead didn’t stop there. They’ve taken the core gameplay that made the original so addictive and just made it feel so good. The guns, while at times unbalanced or underpowered, all have the potential to be immensely satisfying. My personal favorite is the Senator 6-shooter, it may be bad but it just looks and sounds so damn cool, that I can’t help but giggle when I decapitate several communist bots with it.

But it’s not just about the guns. Helldivers 2 is a game that rewards strategic thinking and communication. Calling in airstrikes, coordinating loadouts, and managing resources are all crucial to success. You probably shouldn’t call in your 380mm bombardment right on top of your position, but the panic ridden moments it causes are nearly worth wiping out the squad. This is a game that demands teamwork, punishes mistakes, and makes every victory feel earned.

And then there’s the live story that progresses throughout the weeks, adding new content and new challenges to keep things fresh. It’s a testament to Arrowhead’s commitment to their game and their community. In an era where many developers are content to ship a game and move on, Helldivers 2 feels like a labor of love, a game that will keep growing and evolving for years to come.

While it is predominantly sunshine and roses, there is one area I would be remiss without mentioning. From a technical perspective the game is one of the most severe examples I have ever seen of the phrase “Suffering from Success”. The unexpected influx of players has put a strain on the servers, leading to some unfortunate connectivity issues. Bugs, both of the software and the alien variety, are not uncommon. It’s a testament to the strength of the gameplay that these issues haven’t dampened my enthusiasm, but they are worth noting for potential buyers.

Despite these technical hiccups, I won’t hesitate to recommend Helldivers 2. If you’ve been longing for a return to the glory days of cooperative gaming, if you’ve been searching for a game that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you feel like part of something bigger, then this is the game for you. It’s a triumphant return to form for the genre, a love letter to the games that brought us together, and a bold declaration that the spirit of couch co-op is alive and well.

So grab your gun, call your friends, and prepare to drop into the chaos. Super Earth needs you, soldier. And trust me, you don’t want to miss this fight.