Look, I can't tell you what to do with your money. I really, genuinely love this game. Its awards at the Golden Joystick are well-deserved and I agree that this is the best multiplayer game I have played in a very long time. Understand that by buying this game you're supporting one of the scummiest mega-corporations around, but you're also supporting a development team that's pouring their heart into what I consider to be a beloved IP.

I'm changing my review to positive. I feel like I'm doing a disservice to Helldivers and Arrowhead by leaving it negative. Read below for the issues I brought up before this change of mind and you'll see that I've always loved this game, just not Sony. If my thoughts deter you, then that's understandable, but if you don't care about the sociopolitical grift then you'll probably have one of the best gameplay experiences this decade.

For Managed Democracy.

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Sony has revealed itself to be the scummiest publisher since EA reared its head, and I was unfortunately optimistic in thinking EA would be the lowest bar we'd ever get. EDIT: I previously stated I was "planning to get rid of every physical PlayStation device, peripheral, and game in my possession." I have since sold my PS4, games, and controller, and given away my PS5. I retained my PSOne, since it does not require any kind of Sony account, and a PS3 since I think it can be played without a PSN account.

This isn’t about Helldivers anymore; it’s about a greedy multi-billion dollar company who forgot what it means to provide to its customers and would prefer to take advantage of us instead. If Sony ever reverses their foolishness, through tangible action and not a placatory tweet, then I'll revise this to a positive review. If Sony rolls back their dropped requirement and demands a PSN account (which I deleted), then I'll be requesting a refund the same as everyone else who has been snubbed by Sony's actions.

With all of that said, I love Helldivers 2. It's an amazing game that creates fun and unique moments. Despite the program instability and gameplay imbalances, it's still the best multiplayer shooter I've had my hands on in YEARS. I will continue to play in support of Arrowhead and their team, because the developer studio doesn't deserve the hate.

Sony still hasn't backed off on their stance, and has doubled down by claiming that they tend to poach PC players by offering limited games on Steam and publishing sequels on PlayStation ONLY. This is a scummy business practice and Sony has lost a customer - especially for games that require PSN to operate (looking at you, God of War: Ragnarok).

Arrowhead, however, is going strong. Helldivers came back from the dead with their "60-day Timeline" patches that released recently and I feel like I can enjoy the game again, whether it's tactically navigating the Automatons or frantically surviving the Terminids. I still cannot say "BUY THIS GAME!" because doing so supports Sony, but if that doesn't matter to you then please support Arrowhead. They're trying, and they're listening. There's only so much they can do, but they're doing it.