Warhawk (2007 video game)
Online multiplayer third-person shooter set in a sci-fi war.
Warhawk is a 2007 online multiplayer third-person shooter developed by Incognito Entertainment and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. Originally conceived as a remake of an aerial warfare game from the original PlayStation, it was the first PlayStation 3 title available both physically and digitally on the PlayStation Network. Its single-player campaign was canceled during development, leaving only the multiplayer component.
Quick Facts
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Director
- Dylan Jobe
- Designer
- Dylan Jobe; Ryan Mudd
- Composer
- Christopher Lennertz; Timothy Michael Wynn
- Released
- August 28, 2007 (NA)
- August 30, 2007 (EU)
- August 31, 2007 (AUS)
- October 4, 2007 (JP)
- Genre
- Third-person shooter
- Modes
- Multiplayer
- Platforms
- PlayStation 3
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Warhawk is a third-person shooter set in a science fictional perpetual war between the Eucadian Republic and Chernovan Empire, represented as blue and red teams respectively. Ground vehicles include a jeep and a tank, with an armored personnel carrier added by the Operation: Broken Mirror expansion. Air vehicles consist of the Warhawk and Nemesis, which are only cosmetically different; both can use nine weapons, such as the AS-3 Tow Missile system, the only weapon where the player guides the missile, leaving them vulnerable but dealing massive damage with the largest explosion in the game. The Omega Dawn expansion adds a dropship, and the Fallen Star expansion adds a jetpack. Three turrets are available: an anti-air missile turret, an anti-air flak turret, and a .50 caliber anti-infantry machine gun. The game uses the PlayStation 3 Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers, with an option to control aircraft and ground vehicles by tilting the controller via motion sensing, though a traditional control scheme is the default. Offline play supports 1–4 players splitscreen without bots, while online features up to 32-player battles, with up to 4 players per console in split screen on non-ranked servers that permit it. Players 2–4 can enter or exit during a match. Medals and rewards are awarded for certain tasks; as of v1.50, the game supports trophies used in PlayStation Home. Players customize characters with armor squad markings, Warhawk paint schemes, and other accessories, unlocking more options as rank increases. Clans can be created for online events and competitions. Arbiters, paid anonymous players, are tasked to find cheaters and can issue warnings, kicks, or bans, and can request stat erasure.
Development
Warhawk was first announced in May 2005, with a working build shown at E3 in 2006, becoming the first PlayStation 3 title demonstrated with the newly announced Sixaxis motion sensing technology. In February 2007, the single-player element was canceled due to concerns over its quality compared to the multiplayer modes; director Dylan Jobe stated that continuing the single-player/multiplayer approach would have resulted in inferior versions of both. The extra development time was used to improve in-game communication and implement features like On Demand Split Screen, which allows players to enter split screen mid-game on unranked servers where the host permits it. It was also revealed that Warhawk would be available for download over the PlayStation Network. In August 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that PlayStation 3 consoles would serve as dedicated servers, with a photograph showing a server room of racked consoles, each supporting 32 players. Developers noted the engine included technology like procedurally generated water and waves, and volumetric clouds, which could not be easily implemented on other platforms. After release, networking and stat issues were reported, including delays in receiving points and awards, failures to receive them, and connection errors. Incognito released server-side patches before the Version 1.1 update, which addressed most issues, with others fixed in Version 1.2. A demo was released on the PlayStation Store on October 9, 2008.
Reception
Warhawk generally received positive reviews, with aggregate scores classed as generally favorable by Metacritic and GameRankings. PSM provided the lowest review score officially qualified by GameRankings, describing it as a third-person shooter that never quite gets off the ground. PSM3 called it a masterpiece of balance and design, and the jewel in Sony's online crown. Edge described it as an instantly gratifying experience, noting that the lack of a single-player campaign was compensated by its flight implementation and balance. Nick Costanza and Vin Acosta were largely critical, saying it cannot be taken seriously. 1UP.com gave a positive review but stated it was not quite worth $40 for the downloadable version. It received the IGN Editors' Choice Award, called a AAA experience. Game Informer said it was better than they had hoped. GamePro noted intense online combat but said being dropped into action leaves players somewhat bewildered without a feeling of connection. GameTrailers described it as simply fun, easy to compete, but challenging to shine. Adam Sessler from X-Play complimented the multiplayer-only style, saying he would not have it any other way. Gaming Target selected it as one of their 52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2007 and awarded it PlayStation 3-Exclusive Game of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Warhawk (2007 video game)?
Warhawk was designed by Dylan Jobe and Ryan Mudd.
Who composed the music for Warhawk (2007 video game)?
The music for Warhawk was composed by Christopher Lennertz and Timothy Michael Wynn.
More in Third-Person Shooters of the 2000s
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