Warhawk

"Warhawk is war!!!"

Welcome soldier(s) to my brief review. When I first bought my PS3, I went straight to the shop and asked for recommendation of any quality online games in stock. There were a list of games but I wasn't really sure which one to pick (you know how expensive PS3 games are, right?). You don't want to waste your money on any stupid low life quality games that's for sure. Alas I decided to read games review and make up my mind later. As a result I purchased Warhawk and glad I did it.

Before you proceed, please be reminded that my review covers the basic content and free downloadable content of the game. Further details of any paid online downloadble content will not be discussed here simply because I haven't purchased it yet.

Introduction: -

Warhawk has no story, just objectives through various game modes available. Five major maps are available to play when you purchase the game. These five major maps have a lot of mini maps depending on the game mode you're playing. Yup! These maps are the canvas for a bloody massacre between two rivals, Chernovan army and Eucadian army. So, login to your PS Network account and start the killing soldier!

Game play: Good

You play for 1 hour and you'll become like a drug addict. This game just simply dragged you inside the war zone and it's very hard to put aside the controller even when you wanted to.

You play as either Chernovans or Eucadians (these two nations are at war). Once you're inside the game, the war and killing begins… With numerous arsenals to choose from, you will not be short of any of it throughout the game. There are tanks, turrets, mines, binocular, knife, rocket launcher, riffle, grenade, machine gun, binoculars, airplanes and jeeps to use. In addition, using airplane will give you access to a wide range of missiles, grounds and items. You got air mines, lightning bolt, transparent, etc. The bottom line is, it's an open buffet for you to choose from and enjoy your killing.

The best thing about playing this game is most probably due to three specific reasons. The first will be the downloadable content available. Downloadable content will give you access to 3 major operations namely the Broken Mirror, Omega Dawn and Fallen Star, thus enables you use have an additional maps to play (you have to purchase it online). Those without the downloadable content will not be able to play the additional maps. There are also free downloadable content that adds varieties of game mode and additional items such as wrench to fix vehicles and planes. Incognito gives us a lot of game play modes to begin with. You can cooperate with your allies to capture the enemy's flag, challenging them in a spectacular Dogfight, collect power energy coins in Collections; you got Hero mode and many more. You will not be bored with it, trust me.

Second is the balance game play. For example, a soldier with a jeep can take down a tank or a soldier with rocket launcher can take down a plane. It means that even if you are not an expert to fly a plane or use the tank, you will still be able to come up as the top player and make the most kill in the game. All you need is a carefully plan strategy, cooperation and the right weapons to use. Don't expect to destroy a tank or a plane with knife! That's what I mean. If you think you're some sort of Rambo wannabe, you'll find yourself getting killed almost all the time. Balance game play resulted to a long an entertaining fight. You can't find it elsewhere. The use of bluetooth headset to plan your strategy (or asking help) has brought this game to a whole new level. This gadget will not only increase the percentage of winning, it also boosts up your spirit to get the best out of it. The headset is not a necessity as you have to purchase it separately. Even without it, Warhawk is still a great game to play.

The third and final reason is the ability to edit your character and plane. You will gain points to increase you ranks as you play throughout the game (continuously). At first you will start with the lowest rank, Recruit. This will not give you a lot of options in the edit mode but once you go to a higher rank, you are given a lot of options for editing purpose. The highest rank will be the General. It's really cool when you designed the pattern and colors of your planes, added insignia in a form of symbol to your character and plane or even get extra armor suit (sort of). You will be proud showing it to the rest of the online players.

Graphics: Average

There were many PS3 games out there offer better graphics quality. To be honest, it's better than the Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2) but not as amazing as Call of Duty 4 (PS3). Warhawk stands in between I guess. Look at the screenshots gallery and judge it yourself. The problem merely comes from the few elements used in the environments. The obvious one would be the grass that covers the battlefield zone. It was like a total plain green color. Except for the ocean, the rest looks a bit dry up to me. Despit the flaws, the design of arsenals, buildings, moutains, bridges are really nice and realistic. The graphics during battle is also surprisingly superb especially when it involves blown up vehicles, tanks, turrets and planes. You can see the debris floating in the air. A memorable experience I would say. So I guess small imperfection in the graphics are not that much of a problem (you will hardly notice it since you'll be busy finding your victims).

Sound: Good

I just love the sound of explosions, I pretty cool and realistic. The sound effects are quite encouraging for you to find another target and start killing-blowing up your enemy sky high. The sound quality when you're talking using the Bluetooth headset is at par.

Replay value: Good

Downloadable content and trapped in an intense war will keep you playing it over and over again. Plus, with the trophies achievement adds a great value to this game. To meet certain criteria in order to get the desired trophies will keep your hand busy pressing the buttons and find someone to kill for hundreds of hours. You can also check your friends' achievements and see your game progress from time to time. This masterpiece is a must for every PS3 owner.

Overall: (Good)
Pros:
- Varieties of game modes to choose from.
- Downloadable content to keep the game fresh.
- Well balance, simply and fun game play.
- High replay value.
- Good sound quality.
- Bluetooth Headset is an added advantage.
- Realistic and well designed arsenals.

Cons:
- The graphics are nice but it could've been better.
- Fast internet connection is a must (if you don't have it, don't buy it).
- Interruptions in connectivity will unable you to play the game.

Buy this game! Yes, I recommend you to buy it. If you still have doubt than be my guest and read other reviews. This is one of the best online multiplayer games I have ever played. It's simple, fast-paced action, intense, entertaining… you name it! If they improve the graphics and making it equal (or almost on par) with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, this game will be the best game of the year. Overall, it deserves to get 9 out of 10.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/18/08

Game Release: Warhawk (US, 08/28/07)