As a huge KF2 fan, yes, Killing Floor 3 is very different from KF2, and that can be jarring at first if you go in expecting more of the same. The tone, presentation, and overall feel have shifted, and it is undeniably less gritty and less dark than its predecessor. That said, different does not automatically mean worse. Once you let go of the idea that this needs to be KF2 all over again, it becomes much easier to appreciate KF3 for what it actually is rather than what you expected it to be.

At its core, the game is still a lot of fun. The co-op loop is engaging, the action gets intense in all the right moments, and those chaotic matches where everything nearly falls apart but somehow comes together at the last second still exist. Those clutch moments, especially when teamwork really clicks, are where the game shines. It still captures that classic Killing Floor feeling of tension and release, even if the atmosphere and presentation have evolved in a different direction.

Another important thing to consider is that the game is clearly improving over time. A lot of the negative sentiment seems frozen around early impressions or launch expectations, while the actual experience continues to get better with updates and tuning. The gameplay feels like it is on an upward trajectory, and that matters for a co-op shooter that is meant to be played for the long haul rather than judged solely on its first impression.

There are still features I would absolutely like to see return. Text chat feels like an obvious missing piece, especially for coordination in public matches or for players who do not use voice chat. A server browser would also go a long way toward giving players more control over how and where they play, and it would help rebuild that sense of community that KF2 had. These are fair criticisms, and adding them would significantly strengthen the overall experience.

The lighter tone and reduced grit compared to KF2 will not be for everyone, and that is a valid complaint. KF2 had a very specific horror identity that longtime fans connected with. Still, even with that shift, I would be lying if I said I have not been having a genuinely good time playing KF3. The fun is there, and it keeps pulling me back in for more matches.

My honest advice is to try the game for yourself and form your own opinion. Do not take every negative review at face value, because a lot of them feel driven by comparison and bandwagoning rather than the actual moment to moment gameplay. If you approach KF3 with an open mind, there is a good chance you will find that, despite its differences, it is still an enjoyable and evolving entry in the series.

Also, STOP MAKING US RUN TO THE DAMN VTOL EVERY TIME