The PSP's game library is growing. Games like LocoRoco still provides giddy happiness over a month after its release; Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is still a remarkable achievement, whether players go at it solo or hook up with friends; and even the car-hopping antics of Pursuit Force have a place in many gaming hearts, even if physics are impossibly denied within the game. Sony IS trying, and if these past releases haven't convinced the community, then Killzone: Liberation may just be the game to do it.

Don't get this confused with the original Killzone on the PlayStation 2. Although the game still follows the same spirit and storyline of that epic, it provides an alternative engine that's completely different. But that's something to be thankful for, as it follows a unique approach to how the action unfolds. Instead of going with the usual first-person perspective, the game uses a distant three-quarter (isometric) view from up above, giving players a better idea of level layouts. Ambushes are easily spotted, but the player must think their way through, finding ideal spots to hide behind while sniping enemy soldiers and keeping their own health in the green. The graphics aren't quite "wow" worthy, and certain spots were a bit blurry. However, the interaction with this world is very cool, and the animation, although limited, is pretty good.

As for sound, those expecting a sweeping musical score similar to that of the PS2 game are going to be moderately disappointed, as there's very little music featured in the game. However, the sound effects are meaty, complete with gunfire, explosions, and all the audible war effects one would expect from a post-nuclear conflict.

The game's story follows right on the heels of the original Killzone. Templar, the soldier who led the liberation in the first game, has helped the ISA lead a drastic deathblow to the Helghast, a neo-Nazi-like terrorist group bent on domination of the planet Vekta. However, instead of surrendering, the Helghast, led by the vicious General Metrac, have fired off a counter-attack, kidnapping several important members of the ISA (the good guys). It's up to Jan Templar and his team to liberate the kidnapped hostages and shut down the rest of the Helghast, although the task seems daunting. After all, if the entire Helghast Empire is shut down, who will there be left to face once Killzone 2 arrives on the PS3?

Moving back to Liberation, let's take a look at the gameplay. Players are able to still aim and shoot enemy soldiers with ease, thanks to a free-moving targeting system. A laser sighting range allows for precision aiming, but the soldier AI is pretty smart. Soldiers won't go down easily in the middle of a firefight, and require a few hits before meeting their demise. Player movement is smooth, although there are times when the three-quarter view works as a disadvantage. Templar may fall off an upper ledge and back down to the ground below, forcing players to climb up the ledge and get him back to the upper tier. This takes precious seconds off of mission time.

There's also the ability to use tactics within the game, courtesy of an assisting soldier such as Rico or anyone who's nearby. Players can command the assisting soldier using the D-pad, setting up explosives, getting back-up during a firefight, and performing other tasks to help move the mission ahead. However, this soldier's health must be watched carefully, although they can be revived with a health pack if they end up running a bit low. The use of a fellow soldier helps enhance the gameplay considerably. His AI is just as balanced as that of the enemy soldiers. It's good to have a colleague who's actually useful and not a mere target for the enemy.