For fans of top-down, cooperative space shooters, the recent news surrounding Helldivers 2 has been a source of frustration. The highly anticipated sequel to the popular team-based shooter has been caught in a web of controversy related to Sony’s PSN cross-play policies. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged for those seeking a similar gameplay experience – a free, fan-made mod for Halo Infinite called Helljumpers.
The Helldivers 2 Controversy: A Cross-Play Conundrum
Helldivers, released in 2015, quickly gained a devoted following for its frantic, action-packed gameplay. Players take on the role of elite soldiers known as Helldivers, tasked with completing hazardous missions on hostile planets. The game’s emphasis on teamwork, strategic planning, and a dash of humor made it a standout in the cooperative shooter genre.
The announcement of Helldivers 2 naturally generated excitement. However, concerns arose when details regarding platform availability and online functionalities emerged. Specifically, the game’s PlayStation version may not support cross-play features with other platforms, potentially fracturing the player base and hindering the community aspect that was a cornerstone of the original Helldivers. This decision clashed with the growing trend towards cross-play compatibility, leaving many fans questioning the developer’s approach.
Enter Helljumpers: A Community-Driven Solution
Stepping into the breach are the Forge Falcons, a talented group of Halo Infinite modders. Leveraging the game’s powerful Forge map creation tools, they have developed a new mode called Helljumpers. This mode directly addresses the desires of Helldivers fans by offering a similar gameplay experience within Halo Infinite’s expansive universe.
Themed around the iconic ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) units of the UNSC (United Nations Space Command), Helljumpers throws players into the heart of the action. Players don the armor of these elite soldiers and embark on missions that mirror the core tenets of Helldivers – dropping into hostile environments, completing objectives under pressure, and engaging in intense firefights against alien threats.
Beyond Inspiration: A Unique Halo Experience
While Helljumpers takes obvious inspiration from Helldivers, it offers a distinct experience within the established lore and aesthetics of Halo. Players can utilize a variety of familiar Halo weaponry, from the iconic assault rifle to the powerful Spartan Laser. Additionally, the Forge Falcons have meticulously crafted environments and objectives that capture the essence of Helldivers’ chaotic battlefields.
The integration with Halo Infinite’s Forge system also opens doors for further customization and expansion of the Helljumpers experience. Players can potentially anticipate new maps, objectives, and even enemy types as the mod evolves.
A Boon for Budget-Conscious Gamers
One of the most significant advantages of Helljumpers is its accessibility. Unlike Helldivers 2, which requires a purchase upon release, Helljumpers leverages the free-to-play model of Halo Infinite. Players need only download Halo Infinite on PC or Xbox consoles to experience the Helljumpers mode – a complete, free alternative that retains the core gameplay loop of Helldivers.
Conclusion: A Bright Spot for Space Shooter Fans
The controversy surrounding Helldivers 2 has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the upcoming release. However, the ingenuity and dedication of the Forge Falcons community provide a ray of hope for fans seeking a similar co-op space shooter experience. Helljumpers offers a compelling alternative within the familiar and beloved Halo universe, all at no additional cost. While it may not replace Helldivers 2 entirely, it serves as a fantastic stopgap solution for those eager to jump back into the world of strategic, top-down space combat. The future seems bright for Helljumpers, and with continued community involvement, it has the potential to become a thriving mainstay in the Halo Infinite modding scene.
