The Unexpected Connection Between Helldivers II and Starship Troopers: A Newfound Appreciation for Classic Sci-Fi

The recent release of Helldivers II on PlayStation 5 and PC has sparked a wave of excitement and intrigue among gamers, with many drawing comparisons to the classic sci-fi film, Starship Troopers. The squad-based shooter, developed by ARROWHEAD GAME STUDIOS, has surpassed expectations, with its combat feeling fantastic, missions staying fresh and interesting, and smart progression system.

However, the unexpected connection between Helldivers II and Starship Troopers goes beyond the surface level. The renewed interest in the 1997 film has been a topic of conversation on social media, with many fans expressing their appreciation for the satirical science fiction movie that was initially met with critical backlash upon its release.

Director Johan Pilestedt of Helldivers II recently shared on Twitter a screenshot of Starship Troopers rising through the ranks as the “most popular movie online” based on engagement score. The statistics were provided by Television Stats, a website that tracks data and shares performance metrics for various titles.

The surge in viewership of Starship Troopers can be attributed to the success of Helldivers II, which has drawn comparisons to the film due to its patriotic pageantry and alien bugs. The two titles have been hot topics on social media, with many fans finding Starship Troopers again (or even for the first time) and giving credit to Helldivers II for reigniting the discourse around the movie.

Starship Troopers, based on Robert Heinlein’s jingoistic outer space war epic, faced critical backlash upon its release in 1997. However, the underrated flick gained a cult following in the years that followed as audiences came to realize it was much more than a cool action movie about space marines fighting space insects.

The renewed interest in Starship Troopers is not just limited to the film, but also the classic, Hugo-award-winning sci-fi book from which it took its name. Many fans have been meaning to read the book for a while and are now taking the opportunity to do so.

The unexpected connection between Helldivers II and Starship Troopers is a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic sci-fi and the importance of revisiting these works. It also highlights the power of gaming to inspire and rekindle interest in other forms of media.

As Helldivers II players continue to struggle to get online due to servers being at capacity, the developers have asserted they are working around the clock to solve these problems. In the meantime, fans can take solace in the fact that they are contributing to the renewed appreciation for Starship Troopers and the classic sci-fi genre as a whole.

In conclusion, the unexpected connection between Helldivers II and Starship Troopers is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic sci-fi and the power of gaming to inspire and rekindle interest in other forms of media. The renewed appreciation for Starship Troopers is a reminder that sometimes, the most underrated works are the ones that deserve our attention the most.

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @AdeleAnkers.