Helldivers

Helldivers (2015) is a challenging cooperative shooting game where four players take on the role of an elite unit protecting Earth against alien attack. From an overhead perspective, you direct your character through the battlefield, shooting the enemy or evading detection. It stands out for the combination of tactical battles and challenging teamwork.

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Players must coordinate their attacks in the chaotic combat to complete objectives and minimise friendly-fire casualties. Through a series of missions, you take on three enemy species with specific weaknesses and weapons. Each mission is generated fresh for each run, and you have the chance to select weapons and deployment locations to start from. Some are best-taken head-on while other challenges require stealthily infiltrating enemy-controlled territory.

As you progress you learn to use the supporting fire and assistance stratagems to aid in specific locations on the map. This can offer off-map firepower or additional mobility to give you the edge when you need it. There are also occasions where avoiding confrontation of combat is beneficial when facing an enemy with substantial reinforcements. Either way, once the mission is completed or failed you must get to the dropship and escape.

The result is a game that keeps you on your toes, both in terms of tactics and quick reactions. Adding in more players is a great way to enjoy it, although care needs to be taken over friendly fire. The tensions (and at times comedy) of mishaps and unplanned moments on the battlefield bring the experience to life.

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Helldivers 11 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 9 months ago.