Although there's a fair amount of new content here at the German Games Convention this year, the majority of the titles on display are showing off old builds and demos that we've seen either at E3 or earlier. However, during a private Killzone 2 presentation I had the opportunity to get some hands-on time with the multiplayer of Guerilla Games' hotly-anticipated shooter. And although you can only play so many rounds in fifteen to twenty minutes, it was a great experience and certainly increases my excitement for the game's release early next year.

Before we were actually given hands-on time with Killzone 2, most of the presentation was informational and discussed all the features of the online infrastructure. As far as I can tell, these details were already well-documented by Greg during E3 last month, though the biggest announcement to come out of the presentation was the inclusion of AI bots that can be used throughout the various multiplayer modes. So if you're interested in learning about all the intricacies of Killzone 2 online, make sure to check out our previous coverage.

Otherwise, we were handed controllers right after the presentation and a game was promptly set up with folks back at Guerrilla Studios participating as well. We had two matches to enjoy so I started things off by spawning as an Engineer. Killzone 2's multiplayer is class-based and the character designs for each class are very stylish, especially on the side of the Helghast. Players will be able to use classes like the Tactician, Assault, Scout and Medic. The Engineer's role, as you might imagine, is to construct sentry turrets and maintain the devices with his repair skill, all while holding back enemies with a powerful shotgun that works wonders in -- of course -- close-range combat.

Both maps we played on were generally closed off and confined, though that's not to say that space was limited. Rather, most of the play space was simply interconnected rooms and hallways, with occasional larger open areas speckled throughout. One of the first things I noticed with these maps is that they're incredibly layered in terms of the diversity of platform elevation, window and balcony size as well as lighting schemes. There are some great places in the maps where combat is playing out in every direction at multiple heights and the whole experience feels very rich and strategy-oriented.

Once I found myself being annihilated one too many times as an Engineer, I changed it up and selected the Tactician class on the side of the ISA. Although the Tactician's skill set is for advanced use only (they can actually deploy spawn points for their teammates in order to change the flow and direction of battle), I was more drawn to the Tactician's nifty machine gun which served me well over the following moments.

Lastly, I tested out the Assault class. While these soldiers are clearly much slower than the normal classes, they come equipped with power explosive weapons like a grenade launcher or an RPG. The explosions in Killzone 2 are pretty satisfying and launching a well-aimed rocket into an opposing soldier and watching their body fly through the air in the midst of fire and smoke is truly classic.

Fighting against the Helghast is actually very cool in Killzone 2 online because you can see their eyes in the dark and through dense smoke. It adds to the idea that these two opposing sides are really locked in a conflict. But regardless of what side you're on, Killzone 2 is a lot of fun online and clearly offers a tremendously rich experience to PS3 owners. I was truthfully shocked at how close the multiplayer portion of the game looks like the incredibly vivid single-player we've seen so much of before. Every little detail seems reflected in the multiplayer. My only complaint is the framerate, which definitely suffers during moments of intense action, but I can only imagine that these issues will be remedied by the time the game hits store shelves. The folks at Guerilla still have several months left and code optimization is a priority for them right now, so gamers shouldn't be concerned.

Overall, Killzone 2 was a blast -- even in my sleep-deprived state. I can't wait to see more.