Get Ready to Battle Alien Bugs in Satirical Shooter Helldivers 2

From the outset of the Helldivers 2 trailer, it's evident that Arrowhead Game Studios drew inspiration from director Paul Verhoeven’s cult classic sci-fi film, Starship Troopers. The sequel to the 2015 top-down, twin-stick shooter, Helldivers, Helldivers 2 is a sci-fi shooter with a darkly satirical tone, featuring frantic firefights against alien bugs and jingoistic narration. The game's attempt to tap into the same darkly comedic tone as Starship Troopers could help it stand out in an already-crowded shooter market.

Helldivers 2 Wears its Influences on its Sleeve

With the sequel to Helldivers, Arrowhead Studios is leaning harder into the Starship Troopers aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Verhoeven's film and other military sci-fi classics. The game takes place in a dystopian society called Super Earth, engaged in an endless war against an alien threat. The debut trailer premiered at PlayStation Showcase 2023 and showcases a tone reminiscent of the Federal Network PSAs that play throughout Starship Troopers. The game embraces the film's over-the-top violence, with players shown disintegrating alien foes using all manner of overpowered ordinance. All of this is backed by a jingoistic, in-universe recruitment spiel extolling the virtues of freedom and friendship.

Replicating Starship Troopers’ Brand of Satire Could Prove Difficult

While Helldivers 2's first trailer successfully captured the darkly comedic tone of the iconic sci-fi film, replicating the pointed social satire of Starship Troopers could prove challenging for Arrowhead Games Studios. The masterpiece status of Starship Troopers was not only due to its blend of ultra-violence and pitch-black comedy, but also because its satire had a sharp edge, offering insightful commentary. Without a similar focus in Helldivers 2's jingoistic presentation, constantly recycling the tone of Starship Troopers' "Would You Like to Know More?" ads throughout the game could become monotonous.

Moreover, Helldivers 2 may have to compete with another game that owes a heavy debt to Paul Verhoeven's film - Starship Troopers: Extermination. Developed by Offworld Industries, this tactical shooter takes direct inspiration from the 1997 movie and boasts a similar darkly satirical slant to Helldivers 2. However, Starship Troopers: Extermination features base defense elements that may distract players from the bug-blasting action, making Helldivers 2 a better option for those seeking a purely combat-focused experience.

Featuring a fresh perspective on the alien battlefield and an even more expansive scope, Helldivers 2 is poised to revolutionize the co-op shooter genre upon its release for PC and PS5. Arrowhead Games Studios has promised to uphold the same thrillingly irreverent tone as its predecessor, drawing further inspiration from the iconic Starship Troopers film franchise. Fans of the original Helldivers will not be disappointed with this highly anticipated sequel.