E3 '07: Killzone 2 officially due in 2008

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Two years ago, Sony blew away just about anyone who watched its press conference with the trailer for a new Killzone game. The trailer's spectacular graphics were touted as a shiny example of what the PlayStation 3 could do, although many suspected it was not rendered in real time, as Sony claimed.

Last night in Los Angeles, the gaming press got their first hands-on time with the game, and GameSpot editors walked away impressed. Then, early this morning, Sony officially christened the title as Killzone 2, and announced it would be arriving sometime in 2008. The game is exclusive to the PlayStation 3 and is being developed by Dutch studio Guerilla Games, which Sony bought last year.

"There have rightly been high expectations for Killzone 2 since we shared the vision for the title back in 2005," said Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison in a statement. "Guerrilla have worked hard to focus the power of PlayStation 3 to realize their true vision for the game. With incredible action, drama-fueled gameplay sequences, and a vast array of weapons and vehicles, Killzone 2 defines a new benchmark of our industry."

Killzone 2 will take place two years after the original PlayStation 2 Killzone, which saw the Nazi-esque race known as the Helghast assault the human planet Vekta. In the new game, the human ISA forces will mount their counterassault on the Helghast homeworld of Helghan. Players will command a special-forces unit that embarks on a The Eagle Is Landed-esque mission to capture the Helghast Emperor Visari and "bring the enemy's war machine to a halt."

For more on Killzone 2, check out GameSpot's preview of the game. Click above or below to watch the new Killzone 2 trailer, which will also be available for download on the PlayStation Store later this afternoon.