You put that very well. There is an element of the pre-fed expectations, Gears IS about the destruction of a beautiful world, and you see it everywhere perfectly but without being told that to begin with I NEVER would of thought to myself "wow, this all must of been beautiful once", I'd enjoy it the same but not apply a description.

And yes, Helgahn is supposed to be a desolate and violent planet with the only value being immensely valuable resources to be mined out. The world is supposed to be (as the really, very silly) name implies, Hellish.

There is no denying the story in Killzone 2 is not all that, but the direction of the art is achieving exactly what it should. And it would be ridiculous for them to have tried to pretty it up despite the two previous games making a big point about how miserable Helgahst is supposed to be.

Killzone and Liberation are both set on Vekta, a previously liveable and pleasant planet invaded by the Helghast (such a poor name!) invaders from a desolate and brutal planet. Killzone 2 is the first venture TO that miserable planet. And I think it was done very effectively.

Although there is truth to this piece, there are those of us who really enjoy these aesthetics, and I suppose Guerilla Games feel the same.

I've heard many of the similar comments on Fallout 3, the depressing crushing world. But me? I love it. I enjoy that world greatly and Killzone 2 really pleases me with it's bleakness. It is a world destroyed and although I am certain living in one is terrible, it is thrilling to visit.