But one placeHelldivers 2’s overarching themes are completely unavoidable is on launching the game. Every time players start the game, a cutscene plays that acts as an in-universe recruitment ad for the Helldivers. This cutscene (which doubled as a launch trailer for the game) is one of the most creative things Arrowhead has done with the title and absolutely should not be the first and last of its kind.
Helldivers 2 Could Use Cutscenes to Help Its Storytelling
Theopening cutscene forHelldivers 2is one minute and 37 seconds long, and that’s all the time it needs to perfectly convey what the game is all about: killing aliens with cool weapons for a shady government that probably doesn’t actually have the people’s best interest at heart. It’s succinct, it’s funny, it’s well produced, and it’s a great introduction to the world that gets players excited about being a part of Super Earth’s Armed Forces. But more importantly than any of these, it’s a great first step.
TheIlluminate expected to come toHelldivers 2is currently one of the worst kept secrets in gaming. Data leaks have all but confirmed that the originalHelldivers’ alien antagonists are coming in the sequel. It’s just a matter of when. Such a momentous occasion in the game’s life cycle and story should be noted with a new cinematic; something to let the community really know that it just got serious. It can even come in the form of a grave new recruitment ad, encouraging even more enlistment in light of the new alien threat.
A new cutscene doesn’t even have to go along with such a major narrative shake up. Players have probably noticed that the Automatons are conspicuously absent from the current cinematic, despite launching withHelldivers 2alongside the Terminids. It might be an idea for each of the factions to get their own dedicated cutscene as they come out. The next recruitment ad Super Earth puts out may feature a call to action against the bots, and then another whenadditional factions eventually make it toHelldivers 2.
Smaller Major Order Cutscenes on the Destroyer TV
Helldivers 2’s narrative is unconventional, to say the least.The story ofHelldivers 2’s Second Galactic War(formerly just a “special military operation”) is unfolding in real time as players coordinate attack and defense campaigns on strategic planets. So far, it’s been a unique, fun way to tell a story in the medium, but it comes as a double-edged sword. With so much of the narrative being conveyed in text bubbles giving major orders, it’s incredibly easy for players to miss major story beats, especially if they’re the type to just want to cut into the action. Cutscenes to announce major order victories may be a way to remedy this.
Granted, major orders are a fairly common occurrence and expecting a high production value cutscene for the outcomes of every single one is just not realistic, especially when the outcomes are determined by player action or inaction. Instead of the highly polished, rendered cutscene seen in the opening, maybe Arrowhead delivers smaller, lower impactannouncements on the Super Destroyer’s televisionthat updates the community on the latest major order.
Helldivers 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.
