Tom Clancy's HAWX

""He's too close for missiles, switching to guns""

When I first saw the release trailer for this on the ps network I almost fell over. So when I got the game I was expecting to get knocked over and that happened.

This game is set in the future and there are quite a few fighters to choose from, 50 in total. Most are current or retired models, other's are made up future fighters. Now as the other reviewer has mentioned I won't be comparing it with ace combat, mainly because ace combat has yet to come to the ps3, but also because both games are different in many areas, however HAWX feels more realistic.

The sound in HAWX is very well done, for those who have the ps3 hooked up to a home theatre system you will not be dissapointed.

Visually the game excels in the detail of the fighters, the terrain has been satelite mapped so every mountain range, road and buildings that would be found in the various real locations around the world are present.

Controls are actually very well done, the ERS system is great for starting a target run on other fighter's or even land targets, particulary those in the city levels. Also the assistance off mode takes some getting use to, but once you do get a handle on it, you are able to bank hard and get behind enemy fighter's very quickly. The POV on this is sort of done like a dogfight from top gun the movie.

The game also has a great multiplay mode as well....you can play the campaign missions online with other's increasing your points which in turn gives you trophies and also increase your rank. When you reach certain points per mission you unlock more fighters and weapon load outs.

Of course you can also do death match and team death match modes online as well.

Replability is very high as there are a heap of trophies to collect and it is one of the first ps3 titles to use the online multiplay so well.

Rent or buy.......Well it depends on what gamer you are, if you liked ace combat then you will love this and with that in mind buying the game is the way to go. Of course if you rent it first, you may wish you had actually bought it instead.....

I gave the game a score of 9/10 only due to the detail on some buildings, but the way I see it, in the real thing I highly doubt you would have time to notice what billboard was on the side of a building.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/11/09

Game Release: Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. (AU, 03/06/09)