Warhawk
Review
This re-imagined version is a blast to play
by Chris Scott
reviewed on PS3
Different Game Types (cntd.)
You can control the fighter jets with the six-axis controls and those that spend some time with it will be able to pull off some wicked maneuvers but the six-axis scheme is not for everyone. Fortunately they can be turned off for those, like me, who can’t get the hang of it. Overall though the Warhawks handle well and people will be spending a lot of time in them.
Looks and Sounds
You may have noticed that I have yet to talk about how the game looks or sounds. There is a reason for that and it is because the game looks and sounds mediocre. Graphically this is not an ugly game but it sure doesn’t make any strides to showing what the PS3 can do.
On the audio side of things, the sound effects sound nice, if a bit muted on a 5.1 surround system. But it’s nothing that will shatter your ears in audio ecstasy. Obviously concessions were made on the graphical and audio front order to make sure the game plays well.
Online Multiplayer
Being as Warhawk is an online multiplayer game I would be remiss if I did not comment on the Playstation Network and the game interface. Despite being primarily an online only game (you can play offline with up to four players) you must agree to the terms of service every time you log on. Once logged in you will have the option to join a game or create one. Joining a game is as easy as selecting a server and, providing they have an open slot, hopping into play.
I have experienced some bugs, especially with Sony’s ranked servers, where the game says there are open slots on the server list but the game bounces back saying it is full. An update has gone out and this problem is a little less rampant but it does crop up from time to time.
Another problem that has arisen is that the online stats and ranking system are buggy. Warhawk uses a points and event based system for ranking up your character. For your stats to accumulate you must play on a ranked server and as you complete the requirements for your next level your rank will increase, unlocking different character customization options. In theory this is a decent progressive ranking system, unfortunately the stat tracking has been buggy since launch and recently a lot of people have been erroneously promoted.
Best multiplayer option
All in all though Warhawk is a well-done game and for PS3 owners it is the best multiplayer option outside of Resistance: Fall of Man at the moment and shows that Sony can do online. If Sony and Incognito continue to support the title with updates and downloadable content, Warhawk could have the legs to become a really great title but at this time it is just a very good one.
7.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
