It’s time to do our first roundup of critics reviews for next-gen games. Since the PlayStation 4 came out first, I thought that it would be a good idea to start with the PS4’s big first-party exclusive. While Xbox One fans aren’t getting an exclusive FPS at launch, PlayStation fans are getting Killzone: Shadow Fall to kick off the new generation. It’s not what I’d call a PlayStation trademark franchise but it’s what Sony are leading with.

Reviews of KSF are mixed. While some critics really enjoyed it, there are many complaints that Killzone: Shadow Fall doesn’t match its pretty next-gen visuals with next-gen gameplay. However, there aren’t any suggestions as to what next-gen gameplay is. I’m not saying that devs should be allowed to retread the same old gameplay without updating it but if you can’t quantify what improved gameplay is, can you mark a game down for it?

PlayStation Nation (95%): Even with a couple of stumbles during the campaign, this is a fantastic game, and like I said, I have a hard time believing that this is a launch title. Shadow Fall is the biggest step in evolution that the series has seen, and although a few die-hards may have an issue with the more open nature in sections, I think that many are going to appreciate what’s been accomplished here. The story takes some pretty interesting twists and turns, and the action never gets stale.

Destructoid (90%): I like Killzone: Shadow Fall for its change of direction from previous series games, as well as its change of pace over other first-person shooters. Guerrilla has tried a few new things this time around, and should be commended as such. I welcome the almost sandbox-ish level approach, and the stealth segments did a nice job of breaking up the standard shooting action. It’s really nice when gameplay concepts win out over big set pieces and cinematic events. Oh, and it’s beautiful. A stunner. Killzone: Shadow Fall is the game that will make you happy to own a PS4. This needs to be on your PS4 launch game list.

Eurogamer (70%): It sets up an open-ended tactical shooter in a cynical world of sci-fi realpolitik – and then bottles it, taking the easy escape route of another suicide mission into empty spectacle. There’s a lack of confidence here that contrasts starkly with Guerrilla’s dazzling, sure-footed command of the new hardware. It’s a game that any new PlayStation 4 owner will be proud to show off – but it won’t be one they remember by the time PS5 rolls around.

Giant Bomb (60%): Killzone: Shadow Fall is a real mix of highs and lows, so where you come out on it will depend on your interests. If you don’t care about campaigns in your first-person shooters, Killzone provides a solid alternative to the modern-military games that are all the rage these days. It’s highly configurable and the developers claim to have multiple free updates in mind for future expansion. But if you want a story and like to shoot your way through a great campaign, Shadow Fall has too much downtime and too many frustrating moments to recommend.

Polygon (50%): That absence of meaningful evolution might be Killzone: Shadow Fall’s biggest sin. For all the next-gen bluster of its visuals and the repeated blunt-force attempts to ram a message home, Guerrilla’s first shot on the PS4 retreads shooter cliches, and poorly. In a launch lineup crowded with shooters, Killzone: Shadow Fall sits at the bottom.