Warhawk (PlayStation 3 game)

Infobox VG
title = Warhawk


developer = Incognito/SCE Studios Santa Monica
publisher = SCE, Incognito
distributor =
designer =
engine =
version =
released = PlayStation Store
vgrelease|NA=August 28, 2007|EU=August 30, 2007|AUS=August 31, 2007|JP=October 4, 2007

BD-ROM
vgrelease|NA=August 28, 2007|AUS=September 20, 2007|EU=September 21, 2007
resolution = 720p, 1080i (HDTV)
480p (EDTV)
576i (SDTV)
genre = Third-person shooter
modes = 2-4 player Split-screen multiplayer, 32 player online play
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Teen|OFLCA=Mature|PEGI=16+
platforms = PlayStation 3
media = Blu-ray disc, Download
input = Gamepad, Bluetooth or USB Headset

"Warhawk" is a multiplayer-only third-person shooter, vehicle and flight combat game developed by Incognito Entertainment exclusively for the PlayStation 3. It is a remake of an aerial warfare game of the same name, which was a launch title on the original PlayStation. Apart from the similarity of controlling aircraft, the remake bears little other resemblance.

It is the first PlayStation 3 game to be available both for download on the PlayStation Network and for retail on BD-ROM. For the United States, Blu-Ray and PlayStation Network versions were released on August 28, 2007. The PlayStation Network version was released in Europe, Australia and Japan on August 30, August 31 and October 4 respectively. The Blu-ray disc version was released in Australia and Europe on September 20 and September 21, respectively, but was not released in Japan. [ [http://kotaku.com/gaming/thanks,-no/japan-does-not-need-warhawk-on-blu+ray-295959.php Thanks, No: Japan Does Not Need Warhawk On Blu-Ray ] ]

"Warhawk" was initially intended to have both single-player and multiplayer modes, however the single-player element was canceled during development due to concerns that it was inferior to the game's multiplayer component. [cite web| title = Warhawk exclusively embraces online multiplayer| url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/warhawk-exclusively-embraces-online-multiplayer/| publisher = Joystiq| author = Kietzmann, Ludwig| date = 2007-03-07| accessdate = 2007-10-04] The game was released with five maps (each with five possible configurations) and four game types, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Zones and Capture The Flag. After the 1.4 update, the number of game types increased to six with the addition of the Hero and Collection modes. Warhawk was met with a generally positive reception by reviewers. However, after launch it was plagued by connection and server issues, including ranking issues with players which were subsequently corrected in updates. [cite web| title = Yet More Warhawk Woes| url = http://www.platformnation.com/2007/11/14/yet-more-warhawk-woes/| publisher = Platform Nation| date = 2007-11-14| accessdate = 2008-04-03]

Gameplay

Warhawk is primarily a third-person shooter set in a fictional, perpetual war between the Eucadian and Chernovan armies (blue and red team, respectively). There are two ground vehicles (three with Operation: Broken Mirror expansion), two air vehicles (three with the Omega Dawn expansion and four with Fallen Star expansion) — which are the Warhawk and Nemesis (which are only cosmetically different), both of which can use 9 aircraft weapons, and the drop ship from expansion Omega Dawn which can only use chaff — and three turrets available to the player (missile anti-air turret, flak anti-air turret and the 50 caliber anti infantry machine gun). The game uses the PlayStation 3 Sixaxis [cite web| title = Warhawk Hands-on| url = http://ps3.ign.com/articles/770/770561p1.html| publisher = IGN| author = Haynes, Jeff| date = 2007-03-06| accessdate = 2007-10-04] and DualShock 3 controllers.cite web| title = Good Vibrations| url = http://playstation.com.au/news/dualshock3.jhtml| publisher = PlayStation.com| accessdate = 2007-10-04] The game can be set to make use of these controllers' motion sensing function to allow the players to control aircraft and ground vehicles by tilting the controller in different directions rather than the more conventional methods of using the D-pad or analog sticks. However, a traditional control scheme is the default option. Warhawk features up to 32-player online battles, with the ability to have up to 4 players use one PlayStation 3 in split screen mode on non-ranked servers that allow it. Players 2-4 can enter or exit the game while a match is in progress.

The game uses medals and rewards, which are awarded for certain tasks. As of v1.50, the game supports trophies, which are used in the upcoming online service PlayStation Home. [cite web| title = How Warhawk Makes Home Really, Really Cool| url = http://kotaku.com/361562/how-warhawk-makes-home-really-really-cool| publisher = Kotaku| author = Haynes, Jeff| date = 2008-02-28| accessdate = 2008-04-09] Players are also able to customize their characters with armor squad markings, Warhawk paint schemes, and other accessories. More customization options are unlocked as the player increases in rank. [cite web| title = Warhawk's Contest Winning Paint Jobs Are Fruity And Fantastic| url = http://kotaku.com/370981/warhawks-contest-winning-paint-jobs-are-fruity-and-fantastic| publisher = Kotaku| author = McWhertor, Michael| date = 2008-03-21| accessdate = 2008-04-09] Warhawk also allows the creation of clans, which may participate in online events and competitions. The game also makes use of arbiters, paid anonymous players who are tasked to find cheaters within the game. They are able to punish offending players in several ways, such as an email warning, a forum post, a kick, or a temporary/permanent ban. Warhawk Arbiters can also request that your Warhawk stats be erased.cite web| title = Warhawk v1.1 Patch and Arbiters| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/10/19/warhawk-v11-patch-and-arbiters/| publisher = PlayStation| author = Jobe, Dylan| date = 2008-10-19| accessdate = 2008-04-09]

Development

"Warhawk" was first announced to the public in May 2005, with a working build shown at E3 in 2006. This version was the first PlayStation 3 title to be shown with the newly announced Sixaxis motion sensing technology. [cite web| title = Warhawk E3 2005 First Impressions| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/warhawk/news.html?sid=6125002| publisher = GameSpot| author = Rorie, Matthew| date = 2005-05-16| accessdate = 2008-03-12] In February 2007, it was announced that the single player element of the game was to be pulled. [cite web| title = Warhawk exclusively embraces online multiplayer| url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/warhawk-exclusively-embraces-online-multiplayer/| publisher = Joystiq| author = Kietzmann, Ludwig| date = 2007-03-07| accessdate = 2007-10-04] This was due to concerns Incognito had over the quality of the single-player campaign, particularly when compared to the multi-player modes.cite web| title = Warhawk Preview| url = http://ps3.ign.com/articles/770/770561p1.html| publisher = IGN| author = Haynes, Jeff| date = 2007-03-06| accessdate = 2008-03-12] Dylan Jobe, the game's director, stated, "If we were to continue down our single-player/multiplayer approach, it would have resulted in not as good single player or not as good multiplayer". [cite web| title = Warhawk PS3: The Full Story| url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158037| publisher = 1UP.com| author = Kennedy, Sam| date = 2007-03-15| accessdate = 2008-03-12] The extra development of the multiplayer mode was used to improve existing elements such as in-game communication, and to implement new features such as "On Demand Split Screen", whereby players can easily enter split screen mid-game. It was also revealed at the same time that "Warhawk" would be made available for download over the PlayStation Network. [cite web| title = Warhawk Will Be On Blu-Ray And PSN| url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158534| publisher = 1UP.com| author = Klepik, Patrick| date = 2007-04-05| accessdate = 2008-03-12]

In August 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment America released news that PlayStation 3 consoles would be used as the dedicated servers for Warhawk. A photograph was released which showed a server room with several PlayStation 3 consoles in racks. Each server is able to support 32 players. [cite web| title = Warhawk server revealed - all PS3 based!| url = http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=FullNews&I=5386| publisher = Gaming Nexus| author = Husemann, Charles| date = 2007-08-08| accessdate = 2007-10-04] The games developers have commented that the engine used in the game features technology which could not be easily implemented on any other platform, such as procedurally-generated water and waves, as well as volumetric clouds. [cite web| title = Inside the Deveopers Studio| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/07/05/inside-the-developers-studio-dylan-jobe/| publisher = Sony| author = Jobe, Dylan| date = 2007-05-07| accessdate = 2008-04-01]

Following the games release, many issues with networking and player statistics were reported, such as delays in receiving points and awards, failure to receive the points or awards, and "connection failed" and "connection lost" errors.cite web| title = Incognito Fixing Warhawk Problems| url = http://www.psu.com/Incognito-fixing-Warhawk-problems--a0001198-p0.php| publisher = Playstation Universe| author = Ihtsham, Usman | date = 2007-10-05| accessdate = 2008-03-12] [cite web| title = Warhawk Launch| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/08/28/warhawk-launch/| publisher = Sony| author = Jobe, Dylan| date = 2007-08-28| accessdate = 2008-03-12] To address these issues, Incognito released several server-side patches before releasing the games first update, Version 1.1. This update addressed the majority of issues users experienced with the game, with others being addressed in the Version 1.2 update. [cite web| title = Warhawk V1.2 Patch| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/10/22/warhawk-v12-patch/| publisher = Sony| author = Jobe, Dylan| date = 2007-10-22| accessdate = 2008-03-12]

Release

There was initial confusion as to how this game would be distributed to consumers, after the announcement that it would be a multiplayer-only title.cite web |url= http://kotaku.com/gaming/no%2C-faq/warhawk-faq-answers-frequent-warhawk-questions-289546.php |title= Warhawk FAQ Answers Frequent Warhawk Questions |accessdate=2008-04-02 |date=2007-08-14 |publisher=Kotaku |last= Plunkett |first=Luke] Sony announced on May 16, 2007, that there would be two iterations of the game. The game alone is downloadable from the PlayStation Store for US$39.99 (£19.99, €29.99), with an initial download size of 798MB. This version is restricted to the Playstation Network account that buys it. The second is a retail Blu-ray Disc version that sells for $59.99 (the standard retail price of most PlayStation 3 games upon release), bundled with a Jabra BT125 Bluetooth headset in North America and the Jabra BT135 in Europe, allowing players to chat with other players online while playing the game. [cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/sleep-is-for-the-weak-warhawk-getting-midnight-psn-release-this-week-40726.phtml |title=Sleep is for the weak: Warhawk getting midnight PSN release this week |accessdate=2007-09-10 |last=Chester |first=Nick |date=2007-08-26 |publisher=DESTRUCTOID] . [cite web |url= http://ps3.ign.com/articles/772/772517p1.html |title= WarHawk Confirmed for Blu-ray |accessdate=2008-04-02 |last= Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=2007-03-14 |publisher=GamingBits] An additional third was later released on October 10, 2007 without the inclusion of a USB headset, which was priced at US$39.99. [cite web |url=http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/levelup/archive/2007/10/01/exclusive-warhawk-price-at-retail-dropping-to-match-psn-later-this-month.aspx |title=$39.99 Version of the PS3 Game Warhawk, Minus Bluetooth Headset, To Hit Retail Stores Later This Month |accessdate=2008-07-04 |last=Croal |first=N'Gai|date=2007-10-01 |publisher=Newsweek] Both retail versions feature extra content such as behind-the-scenes developer interviews, concept art and trailers. Warhawk was re-released as a Greatest Hits title on July 28, 2008 for $29.99. [cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/28/ps3-greatest-hits-launch-today/ |title=PS3 Greatest Hits Launch Today |accessdate=2008-08-03 |last=Nguyen |first=Kim|date=2008-07-28 |publisher=PlayStation.Blog]

Updates and Expansions

Additional downloadable content has been released, with more announced, since the games launch. Expansions include new maps, weapon upgrades and character customization options. The DualShock 3 controller became compatible with the game upon the release of the version 1.20 patch. Incognito has said that any future development on the incomplete single player campaign would only be released as a separate product, and not as an expansion to the current game. Warhawk updates are free, but expansion packs are sold online for a price. Updates are mandatory to continue playing over the internet and the player is automatically prompted within the game to start the download and begin the install for the patching process. Expansion packs, on the other hand, are optional, and the ability to purchase expansion packs is available within the menu of the game itself, as well as through the Playstation Store.

The 1.1 and 1.2 updates were released on October 19, 2007 and December 19, 2007 respectively, fixing numerous exploits and stability issues. [cite web| title = Two Patches Incoming for Warhawk| url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3163856 | publisher = 1UP.com|author = Pigna, Kris|date = 2007-10-22|accessdate = 2008-04-02] [cite web| title = Warhawk v1.2 Patch|url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/10/22/warhawk-v12-patch/|publisher = Sony|author = Jobe, Dylan|date = 2007-10-22|accessdate = 2008-03-08] Update 1.3 was released on April 2, 2008 and included two new weapons, eighteen new player-made customizations for planes and forty-four new player-made custom insignias for both troops and planes, integration of PlayStation Home, and new in-game chat features, such as cross-team chat. [cite web|title = Warhawk v1.3 Patch details|url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/02/15/warhawk-v13-patch/|publisher = Sony|author = Jobe, Dylan| date = 2008-02-15|accessdate = 2008-02-19] Update 1.4, released on July 16, 2008 features two new game modes called "Hero" and "Collection", and introduced the Quick Join feature, which ultimately searches for a server that matches what the user specifies. [ [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/14/warhawk-v14-update-%e2%80%9cfree-gameplay-modes%e2%80%9d/ Warhawk v1.4 Update “Free Gameplay Modes!!”] ] The next update, 1.5, that was released on August 27th, includes trophy support, the winning entries from the European version of the paint and insignia contest [ [http://community.eu.playstation.com/playstationeu/board/message?board.id=608&thread.id=97744 Warhawk Paint Scheme & Insignia Contest] ] , and allows the user to play music via the XrossMediaBar in-game. [ [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/08/11/warhawk-v15-update-%e2%80%9cfree-never-gets-old%e2%80%9d/ Warhawk v1.5 Update] ]

To date, three expansion packs have been released. The first, "Operation: Omega Dawn", released on December 20, 2007, includes a new night themed map, Omega Factory, and a new aircraft, the KT-424 Combat Dropship. [cite web|title = Operation: Omega Dawn|url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/11/30/operation-omega-dawn/|publisher = Sony|author = Jobe, Dylan|date = 2008-02-15|accessdate = 2008-03-08] The second expansion pack was released on April 17, 2008cite web|title = Warhawk Operation: Broken Mirror details, trailer|url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/03/28/operation-broken-mirror/|publisher = Sony|author = Jobe, Dylan|date = 2008-03-28|accessdate = 2008-04-22] entitled "Operation: Broken Mirror", which includes a new armoured personnel carrier equipped with an energy shield, and the ability to boost, similar to a Warhawk, as well as serving as a mobile spawn point.cite web|title = GDC 08: More Warhawk DLC Incoming|url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3166494|publisher = 1UP.com|author = Gallegos, Anthony|date = 2008-02-21| accessdate = 2008-02-22] A new map, called Vaporfield Glacier, is also included in the new expansion. Vaporfield Glacier is the largest map to date, and includes 10 different layouts. [cite web| title = Warhawk Contest Winners! Plus v1.3 trailer!| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/03/21/warhawk-contest-winners-plus-v13-trailer/| publisher = Sony|author = Jobe, Dylan|date = 2008-03-21|accessdate = 2008-03-21] In the PlayStation Store, there is also an option to purchase the first two Booster-packs for a reduced price, [ [http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Store/30191 PlayStation.com - PLAYSTATION®3 - Store - Warhawk™ Booster Combo ] ] , and there will be another combo pack with all three included. The latest booster pack, "Operation Fallen Star" was released on August 28, 2008 and adds the Icarus MK1 Jetpack which allows troops to fire whilst airborne as well as a new map Tau Crater. [Gamoc. (August 9, 2008). [http://www.ps3vault.com/warhawk-operation-fallen-star-3018 "Warhawk: Operation Fallen Star"] . Retrieved on 2008-08-16] The three expansion pack vehicles are not playable in the same game.

Trophies

On August 27, 2008 the Warhawk 1.5 patch was released and included the addition of trophy support [cite web|url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2008/08/27/warhawk-15-patch-up/|title=Warhawk 1.5 Patch Up|publisher=TheSixthAxis|date=2008-08-27] . A total of 57 trophies are available in the game, 10 of which are retroactive and can be obtained based on previously recorded statistics without the user having to complete tasks a second time. A further 34 are based upon gameplay and so are not retroactive. The trophies can be attained Split-screen or Un-Ranked as well. Each of the available expansions also feature an additional 4 trophies. [ [http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=warhawk&thread.id=636957 UPDATE:Warhawk Trophies -- July 1st, 6:00 pm MST,2008 Warhawk(PS3) - Playstation.com Forums ] ] [ [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/08/11/warhawk-v15-update-%e2%80%9cfree-never-gets-old%e2%80%9d/ Warhawk v1.5 Update] ] .

Demo

A demo was released on the PlayStation Store on October 9, 2008, more than a year after the game's launch.

Reception

VG Reviews
1UP = A-
Edge = 8/10
EGM = 8/10
GamePro = 4/5
GameRev = B
GSpot = 8.5/10
GSpy = 4.5/5
GI = 8.25/10
GT = 8.6/10
IGN = 8.8/10
OPMUK = 9/10
PSM = 6.5/10
PSM3 = 90/100
X-Play = 4/5

MC = 84/100 cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/warhawk | title = MetaCritic: Warhawk | publisher = Metacritic | accessdate = 2008-03-09 ]
GR = 84/100 cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/928383.asp | title = GameRankings: Warhawk | publisher = Game Rankings | accessdate = 2008-03-09 ]

The game generally received positive reviews, with its aggregate review scores being classed as generally favorable by Metacritic and Game Rankings. "" provided the lowest review score officially qualified by the GameRankings website. The magazine described it as "a third-person shooter that never quite gets off the ground." [cite web| title = Warhawk gets 6.5/10 from PSM| url = http://www.n4g.com/News-60914.aspx| publisher = N4G.com| accessdate = 2007-10-04] Other reviews were more positive in their outlook. "PSM3" described the game as "a masterpiece of balance, of design, and the jewel in Sony's online crown." [cite web| title = Warhawk gets 90 from PSM3| url = http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News-62157.aspx| publisher = N4G.com| accessdate = 2007-10-04] The reviewers at Edge magazine described it as an "instantly gratifying experience", also saying that the lack of a single player campaign was made up for by "its brilliantly implemented notion of flight and considered balance". 1UP gave "Warhawk" a positive review, but said, "It's just not "quite" $40 worth," referring to the price of the downloadable version on the US PlayStation Store. [cite web| title = Warhawk - Review| url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3162354&sec=REVIEWS| publisher = 1UP.com| author = Rybicki, Joe| date = 2007-08-27| accessdate = 2007-10-04] It was given the IGN Editors' Choice Award, calling it "a AAA experience that is an adrenaline rush for online fans." [cite web| title = Warhawk Review| url = http://ps3.ign.com/articles/816/816472p1.html| author = Haynes, Jeff| publisher = IGN| date = 2007-08-28| accessdate = 2007-10-04] "Game Informer" described "Warhawk" as "better than they'd hoped for". [cite web| title = Game Infomer reviews Warhawk| url = http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News-63424.aspx| publisher = N4G.com| accessdate = 2007-10-04] "GamePro" stated that although "Warhawk" offers an intense online combat experience, being dropped immediately into the action leaves you "somewhat bewildered" and doesn't give you that "feeling of connection" to the game. [cite web| title = GamePro reviews Warhawk; score: 4/5| url = http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News-63412.aspx| publisher = N4G.com| accessdate = 2007-10-04] GameTrailers described "Warhawk" as "simply fun, easy to compete, but challenging to shine." [cite web| title = Video review of Warhawk| publisher = GameTrailers| url = http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24450.html| date = 2007-09-02| accessdate = 2007-10-04] Adam Sessler from X-Play complimented the game's multiplayer only style saying "...I wouldn't have it any other way." [cite web| title = Warhawk - Review| author = D'Aprile, Jason| publisher = X-Play| url = http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1620/Warhawk.html| accessdate = 2007-10-18] Gaming Target selected Warhawk as one of their "52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2007" as well as awarded it "PlayStation 3-Exclusive Game of the Year". [cite web| title = 52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2007| date = 2008-01-04| publisher = Gaming Target| url = http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=8088] Screwattack has also given praise to Warhawk, giving it the number one spot in their "Top 10 PS3 Exclusives" [ [http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27842.html Gametrailers.com - ScrewAttack - Top Ten PS3 Exclusives ] ] .

References

External links

* [http://www.us.playstation.com/Warhawk/ Official "Warhawk" site]
* [http://www.kewego.co.uk/video/iLyROoaftuKN.html Ad free promotional video]
* [http://gaming.wikia.com/index.php?title=Warhawk_Videos Trailers, reviews, and gameplay videos for "Warhawk"]
* [http://www.warhawkstats.com/ Warhawk Stats] - Site with all coverage on ranks, awards, points, maps and tips
* [http://www.myhawk.org myhawk.org] Community web site with statistics and player ranks
* [http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/23216/info.shtml "Warhawk" profile page]