Helldivers 2, the co-op PvE shooter from Arrowhead, is currently dominating the Steam charts and has become a cultural phenomenon. Johan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead, and the team have created not only a fun shooter but one that hits the nostalgia buttons in just the right way.
There’s little question that Helldivers 2 is inspired heavily by Starship Troopers. The game wears its inspiration on its battle suit sleeve, from the over-the-top action to the dialogues. Fans now want the two to be inextricably mixed, and only one man can make that happen.
Helldivers 2 Fans Clamor for a Starship Troopers-Style Commercial
The post comes from Redditor ArcaverProNoob, who has taken an idea from a Facebook Helldivers 2 group. The post is a request for Arrowhead to create a commercial for the game with none other than Neil Patrick Harris. By styling the commercial as a recruitment video, they could lean into the ardent patriotism angle.
The original trailer for Helldivers 2 already has heavy Starship Trooper vibes, from the lines all about serving the greater good to making enlisting sound like it’s all about glory. It feels almost identical to the scene in the movie where the audience is asked to join the Mobile Infantry. It’s also where we get the “I’m doing my part!” meme.
Many comments under the post are also in support of this idea, sharing how they would want the commercials to pan out. One commenter shared his idea of Command and Conquer-style videos in the game using actors from the movie. Another commenter even shared some potential lines for Harris to say.
Harris plays the role of Dr. Carl Jenkins in the movie and delivers the “aim for the nerve stem” line in the instructional video “Know Your Foe” in the movie. Having him enact a similar role for Helldivers 2, where he is possibly going over the different kinds of Terminids and how to deal with them, would be a great callback to the classic. Maybe he could also make a cameo in the game itself and surprise fans!
Action and Teamwork Are the Hallmarks of Helldivers 2
As in Starship Troopers, the game is heavily reliant on players acting in a coordinated fashion to complete missions. Pilestedt has even acknowledged the inspiration from the movie and claims he needs some “Roughnecks” in the game.
Clips have already started circulating on social media of players intentionally dive-bombing a Terminid after cracking a grenade. It’s moves like that that underscore the game’s intense but also humorous take on action. Plus, it’s always satisfying to land an explosive on a bug and watch it erupt into goop and fire.
With the right people behind the wheel, Arrowhead could create a series of videos much like Far Cry 3. Not only would it be a good draw for people who are familiar with Starship Troopers, but it also makes for an entertaining watch and shows the devs are very in tune with what the fanbase desires.
Aside from NPH, who would you like to see in such a commercial for the game? Let us know in the comments below.
