powerful contender for best game of 2009". GamesMaster said that the game's ambition "was to be the best FPS on PS3. At this moment in time, we're not going to argue". 1UP.com said: "With its unparalleled graphics, incredibly well-paced single-player campaign and in-depth multiplayer offerings, Killzone 2 has established its place among top-tier console shooters. Expectations on Killzone 2 had reached ridiculous proportions; here's one of those cases where the game actually lived up to them". GamePro praised the game's graphics technology and multiplayer depth. In their review, Edge praised the online multiplayer, attention to detail, "unparalleled graphics" and the pacing of the single-player campaign, but included criticism of the game's use of "gameplay clichés" and its weak storyline and characters. GameSpot did not review the game until after its release so that they could experience its online multiplayer features in more depth. Reviewer Kevin VanOrd said: "Killzone 2 boasts amazing visuals, an intense campaign, and extraordinary online play that will keep you coming back for more", but described the game's story and characters as "forgettable" and said that the motion controls seemed "tacked-on". In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 32 out of 40. The A.V. Club gave it an A− and said: "Consider the simplistic storyline a training ground for the surprisingly varied online game, and overdose on visual splendor every step of the way". Wired gave it nine stars out of ten and said: "While Killzone 2 does walk on mostly well-trodden ground, it does so with a keen attention to style and detail, pushing beyond the gray-and-red color schemes that define its competition while encouraging gamers to put a little bit of thought behind every bullet they hurl". The Daily Telegraph also gave it nine out of ten, saying that it was "not a revolution. It was never intended to be. However, it would be folly to disregard its importance, both to the PS3 and the console FPS. It's a refinement of the genre, distilled to its purest and polished to a glittering shine". However, Teletext GameCentral gave it seven out of ten, calling it "one of the best looking games ever, but also one of the least ambitious in terms of anything else". Killzone 2 won 'Best PS3 Shooter' from IGN. It won 'Best Competitive Multiplayer', 'Best Sound Design', 'Most Improved Sequel', and 'Best Shooter' from GameSpot editor's choice. It won 'Best Graphics' in