Killzone: Shadow Fall

The most interesting thing about the Killzone series has always revolved around its orange-eyed antagonists. However, the Helghast, who have been at the forefront of the franchise since its inception, are not necessarily the bad guys. The series’ oft-overlooked lore depicts a much softer side of the fierce-looking foes. And speaking during a panel at the Eurogamer Expo earlier today, lead designer Eric Boltjes explained that Killzone: Shadow Fall will delve a little deeper into that unexplored area of the story.

“The really interesting thing about the universe is, ‘Who is the bad guy?’” he pondered. “Is it the ISA or is it the Helghast? The Helghast look evil, but are they really? It’s that kind of grey area that we really wanted to play with.”

Boltjes added that the plot in the upcoming PlayStation 4 launch title will look at the lifestyle surrounding the warring factions. “You’ll see a lot more of the Helghast culture and how they live,” he added. “You’ll also see a lot more about how the ISA or the Vektans live. It’s an interesting discussion in that sense, because even in real wars, the question is always who is the good guy or the bad guy.”

It’s that “kind of theme” that developer Guerrilla Games finds fascinating. “We don’t have that kind of clear-cut good guy, bad guy dynamic in the world that we live in – you make up your own minds,” continued Boltjes.

Despite all of this, though, you won’t be playing as the Helghast in the fourth major console entry in the series – but the developer’s not opposed to the idea in the future. “Will you ever get the chance to play as the Helghast? That I can’t answer,” he said. “However, in Shadow Fall, you will see a lot more of the Helghast side, [even if] you won’t directly play as them.”

Considering that the Helghast have long remained the most interesting aspect of the Killzone universe, we’re excited to get a better look into their way of living. Of course, now the onus is on the studio’s broad shoulders to actually deliver upon its promises – and finally craft a compelling narrative.