Info might be laborious to return by in Helldivers 2. Many of the recreation’s storytelling is completed by communications from Tremendous Earth within the type of Main Order missions and updates on the galaxy map. In case you miss a couple of Main Orders when you’re at work or making dinner, you would possibly fall behind on the evolving lore of the sport, like the massive cloud of spores fermenting on the Terminid entrance, or the unprecedented development of a brand new Democracy station for higher coordination. One Helldivers 2 fan who goes by GoMan has taken it upon himself to maintain the participant base updated with an in-character information broadcast posted to YouTube.
There are occasional Strohmann Information broadcasts that play on the participant’s ship, however they don’t cowl every little thing — and the reporter doesn’t have the first-person perspective of a Helldiver. GoMan’s Galactic Frontline Information, nevertheless, is a tongue-in-cheek propaganda broadcast that additionally shares vital data with fellow gamers. GoMan began taking part in Helldivers 2 to get pleasure from Starship Troopers and Terminator-style vibes, however he shortly bought the itch to do a artistic challenge.
“I noticed folks on Reddit complaining about being caught at work or being unable to leap on and lacking issues like the entire Meridia planet black gap explosion … or implosion, I suppose,” mentioned GoMan in a chat with epicgamejourney over Discord. “I figured with the dwell service nature of the sport, I’d all the time have numerous content material to work with, an ever altering battlefield.”
GoMan weaves out-of-game controversies just like the Sony account linking debacle into his broadcasts, discussing their affect on the participant base from an in-character perspective. For example, relating to an enormous steadiness patch from the devs, a commentator remarks: “Let’s take a second to commend Arrowhead Protection Methods. After dealing with some powerful criticism previously, they’ve delivered a really impactful patch on Sept. 17 and the suggestions has been overwhelmingly optimistic. Our arsenal has been attacked, our ways refined, and for that, Arrowhead, we thanks.”
The satirical tone, in addition to an enthusiastic fanbase that tends to purchase into the lore, is a big a part of what makes Helldivers 2 so particular, and it’s cool to see how the universe has impressed followers like GoMan to make their very own artistic works. Galactic Frontline Information additionally takes the time to name out spectacular fanart or comical clips highlighting “disgraceful content material” set to circus music.
Galactic Frontline Information is staffed with an array of characters, launched on this enjoyable Cowboy Bebop-inspired montage. Whereas the Helldivers are all the time on the entrance strains, Tremendous Earth consists of many different departments: the armed forces, scientists, manufacturing unit staff, and typically even sick youngsters. Tasks like Galactic Frontline Information assist discover the larger universe of Helldivers, providing a way of the broader galaxy and its conflicts.
Even once I’m not actively taking part in Helldivers 2 and having fun with different shooters, I get pleasure from maintaining with the story. Doing so by a fan broadcast is a good way to see how different gamers really feel about new content material. Whereas the tone is tongue-in-cheek, the challenge is clearly born of ardour, and it’s a enjoyable option to see a well-recognized recreation by recent eyes.