HELLDIVERS™ Dive Harder Edition

Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Release: Dec 7th 2015
Platforms:
Action
Addictive
Challenging
Cooperative
Dated
Small Community
HELLDIVERS™ Dive Harder Edition Poster

" Hardcore cooperative twin-stick shooter with tight gameplay but punishing solo mode "

HELLDIVERS™ Dive Harder Edition Review

HELIDIVERS™ Dive Harder Edition is celebrated as a niche cooperative twin-stick shooter that offers intense, strategic gameplay combined with chaotic action. Players appreciate its tight mechanics, diverse missions, and the challenge it presents, especially at higher difficulties. The progression system, featuring a wide array of weapons and stratagems, adds depth and customization, making unlocking new gear rewarding. The game’s visuals and sound design contribute to its immersive sci-fi universe with a patriotic theme. Cooperative multiplayer, including shared-screen gameplay, is a core strength, fostering teamwork and memorable moments, especially with the unique friendly fire mechanic. However, some players find the highest difficulties restrictive due to enemy compositions favoring armored units. The game has a small but dedicated community and remains enjoyable even years after release. While DLC content enhances the experience, some valuable gear is locked behind paywalls. Overall, HELLDIVERS remains a compelling tactical shooter best enjoyed with friends, though solo play can be punishing.

Highlights

Players praise HELLDIVERS for its tight and responsive core mechanics that blend strategic teamwork with thrilling action. The variety of missions, planets, and randomized enemy spawns keeps gameplay fresh and engaging. The progression system is lauded for meaningful customization through weapons and stratagems. The immersive sci-fi setting, sound design, and patriotic visuals enhance the atmosphere. The cooperative multiplayer experience, especially the shared screen and friendly fire elements, is highlighted for creating memorable, chaotic fun. Despite its age, the game runs smoothly, including on portable platforms like the Steam Deck, and maintains an active player base. The challenging difficulty curve and tactical depth appeal to fans of demanding co-op shooters.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the restrictive gameplay at highest difficulty levels due to enemy compositions favoring armored units, limiting loadout variety. The lack of AI teammates makes solo play difficult and sometimes frustrating. Some players find the top-down perspective and older graphics less appealing, especially when compared to its sequel. The UI and control systems feel dated and can be unintuitive for newcomers. There are occasional connectivity issues and mission sync problems in multiplayer. Valuable gear locked behind DLC paywalls is noted as a downside, and the player base is smaller than desired. Finally, some find the grind for achievements tedious and the game punishing for solo players without a coordinated team.

Pros

  • Tight, responsive gameplay mechanics blend strategy and chaotic action perfectly.
  • Varied missions and randomized enemy spawns keep gameplay fresh and unpredictable.
  • Progression system offers meaningful customization with diverse weapons and stratagems.
  • Immersive sci-fi universe with strong patriotic themes and engaging sound design.
  • Cooperative multiplayer with shared screen and friendly fire creates memorable moments.
  • Runs smoothly even on portable platforms like the Steam Deck.
  • High skill ceiling and tactical depth appeal to challenging shooter fans.

Cons

  • Highest difficulties favor armored enemies, limiting viable loadout variety.
  • No AI teammates; solo play is punishing and often frustrating.
  • Top-down perspective and dated graphics less appealing compared to sequel.
  • UI and control systems feel outdated and unintuitive for some players.
  • Occasional multiplayer connectivity and synchronization issues disrupt gameplay.
  • Valuable weapons and stratagems locked behind DLC paywalls.
  • Smaller player base can make finding matches slower at times.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

HELLDIVERS™ is a hardcore, cooperative, twin stick shooter. As part of the elite unit called the HELLDIVERS, players must work together to protect SUPER EARTH and defeat the enemies of mankind in an intense intergalactic war.

Release Date Dec 7th 2015
Publisher PlayStation Publishing LLC
Developer Arrowhead Game Studios
Required Age 12+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (9,668)
92% Positive 8% Negative

Online Reviews

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