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Warhawk (2007 video game)

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Warhawk
Developer(s)Incognito/SCE Studios Santa Monica
Publisher(s)SCEA, Incognito
Platform(s)PlayStation 3
ReleasePlayStation Store
Blu-ray Disc
Genre(s)Third-person shooter
Mode(s)Split-screen multiplayer, 32 player online play

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 Blu-ray Disc. 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.[1]

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.[2] 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 patch, 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 patches.[3]

Gameplay

Multiplayer mode showing a Eucadian tank targeting a Chernovan soldier via split screen.

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 expansion Operation: Broken mirror), two air vehicles (three with expansion pack Omega Dawn) - 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[4] and DualShock 3 controllers,[5] these controllers' motion sensing capabilities are used to allow 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 an option. Warhawk features 32-player online battles, with the ability to have 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 achievements. The developers have strongly hinted at the possibility that these rewards will be adapted to be used as trophies, which are used in the upcoming online service PlayStation Home.[6] 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.[7] 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, forum post, a kick, temporary/permanent ban, or the Warhawk Arbiters can request your Warhawk stats be erased.[8]

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.[9] In February 2007 it was announced that the single player element of the game was to be pulled.[10] This was due to concerns Incognito had over the quality of the single-player campaign, particularly when compared to the multi-player modes.[11] Dylan Jobe, the games director said "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".[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.[11] It was also revealed at the same time that Warhawk would be made available for download over the PlayStation Network.[13]

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.[14] 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.[15]

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.[16][17] 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,[8] with others being addressed in the Version 1.2 update.[18]

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.[19] 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).[20] This version features extra content such as behind-the-scenes developer interviews, concept art and trailers. In addition, the retail version of the game comes 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.[21] On October 10, 2007 a $39.99 disc-only version of the game (without the Bluetooth headset) was released to North American consumers.[22]

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.[5] 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.[23] Warhawk updates are free, but expansion packs are sold online for a price.[19] Updates are mandatory to continue playing over the internet and the player is automatically prompted within the game to start the download and install patch 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.

The new armored personal carrier and map Vaporfield Glacier

The 1.1 and 1.2 updates were released on 19 October 2007 and 19 December 2007 respectively, fixing numerous exploits and stability issues.[24][25] 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.[26] Update 1.4, released on 16 July 2008 features two new game modes called "Hero" and "Collection". [27] The next update, 1.5, will include trophy support and possibly the winning entries from the European version of the paint and insignia contest[28], and possibly in game music.

To date, two expansion packs have been released. "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.[29] The second expansion pack was released April 17, 2008[30] 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.[23] These two expansion pack vehicles are not playable in the same game. 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.[31]Now in the PlayStation Store, you may also purchase a bundle including both expansions, Operation: Omega Dawn, and Operation: Broken Mirror.[32] The Warhawk website states that a third expansion will arrive shortly after 1.5.

Trophies

On July 1, 2008 Dylan Jobe announced that the Warhawk 1.5 patch would include trophy support. A total of 56 trophies would be released. He also provided a breakdown.

  1. There are 10 trophies based on the Warhawk's current stats/rank/awards system. Like getting all your Bronze badges, attaining a specific rank, or earning a number of medals. These will be retroactive.
  2. There are 34 trophies that are entirely *new rewards based on Warhawk's core game and not based on current stats, ranks or other awards.
  3. There are then 4 trophies per booster pack, 12 all together. (Omega Dawn, Broken Mirror, and 1 unreleased booster.)[33]

Reception

The game generally received positive reviews, with its aggregate review scores being classed as generally favorable by Metacritic and Game Rankings.[34][35] PSM 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."[36] 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."[37] 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.[38] It was given the IGN Editors' Choice Award, calling it "a AAA experience that is an adrenaline rush for online fans."[39] Game Informer described Warhawk as "better than they'd hoped for".[40] 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.[41] GameTrailers described Warhawk as "simply fun, easy to compete, but challenging to shine."[42] Adam Sessler from X-Play complimented the game's multiplayer only style saying "...I wouldn't have it any other way."[43] 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".[44] Screwattack has also given praise to Warhawk, giving it the number one spot in their "Top 10 PS3 Exclusives"[45].

References

  1. ^ Thanks, No: Japan Does Not Need Warhawk On Blu-Ray
  2. ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig (2007-03-07). "Warhawk exclusively embraces online multiplayer". Joystiq. Retrieved 2007-10-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ "Yet More Warhawk Woes". Platform Nation. 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2008-04-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Haynes, Jeff (2007-03-06). "Warhawk Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  5. ^ a b "Good Vibrations". PlayStation.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  6. ^ Haynes, Jeff (2008-02-28). "How Warhawk Makes Home Really, Really Cool". Kotaku. Retrieved 2008-04-09.
  7. ^ McWhertor, Michael (2008-03-21). "Warhawk's Contest Winning Paint Jobs Are Fruity And Fantastic". Kotaku. Retrieved 2008-04-09.
  8. ^ a b Jobe, Dylan (2008-10-19). "Warhawk v1.1 Patch and Arbiters". PlayStation. Retrieved 2008-04-09.
  9. ^ Rorie, Matthew (2005-05-16). "Warhawk E3 2005 First Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  10. ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig (2007-03-07). "Warhawk exclusively embraces online multiplayer". Joystiq. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  11. ^ a b Haynes, Jeff (2007-03-06). "Warhawk Preview". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  12. ^ Kennedy, Sam (2007-03-15). "Warhawk PS3: The Full Story". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  13. ^ Klepik, Patrick (2007-04-05). "Warhawk Will Be On Blu-Ray And PSN". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  14. ^ Husemann, Charles (2007-08-08). "Warhawk server revealed - all PS3 based!". Gaming Nexus. Retrieved 2007-10-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-05-07). "Inside the Deveopers Studio". Sony. Retrieved 2008-04-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Ihtsham, Usman (2007-10-05). "Incognito Fixing Warhawk Problems". Playstation Universe. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  17. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-08-28). "Warhawk Launch". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  18. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-10-22). "Warhawk V1.2 Patch". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  19. ^ a b Plunkett, Luke (2007-08-14). "Warhawk FAQ Answers Frequent Warhawk Questions". Kotaku. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  20. ^ Dunham, Jeremy (2007-03-14). "WarHawk Confirmed for Blu-ray". GamingBits. Retrieved 2008-04-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Chester, Nick (2007-08-26). "Sleep is for the weak: Warhawk getting midnight PSN release this week". DESTRUCTOID. Retrieved 2007-09-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Croal, N'Gai (2007-10-01). "$39.99 Version of the PS3 Game Warhawk, Minus Bluetooth Headset, To Hit Retail Stores Later This Month". Newsweek. Retrieved 2008-07-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ a b Gallegos, Anthony (2008-02-21). "GDC 08: More Warhawk DLC Incoming". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-02-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Pigna, Kris (2007-10-22). "Two Patches Incoming for Warhawk". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  25. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-10-22). "Warhawk v1.2 Patch". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-08.
  26. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-02-15). "Warhawk v1.3 Patch details". Sony. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
  27. ^ Warhawk v1.4 Update “Free Gameplay Modes!!”
  28. ^ Warhawk Paint Scheme & Insignia Contest
  29. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-02-15). "Operation: Omega Dawn". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-03-28). "Warhawk Operation: Broken Mirror details, trailer". Sony. Retrieved 2008-04-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-03-21). "Warhawk Contest Winners! Plus v1.3 trailer!". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  32. ^ PlayStation.com - PLAYSTATION®3 - Store - Warhawk™ Booster Combo
  33. ^ UPDATE:Warhawk Trophies -- July 1st, 6:00 pm MST,2008 Warhawk(PS3) - Playstation.com Forums
  34. ^ a b "MetaCritic: Warhawk". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  35. ^ a b "GameRankings: Warhawk". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  36. ^ "Warhawk gets 6.5/10 from PSM". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  37. ^ "Warhawk gets 90 from PSM3". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  38. ^ Rybicki, Joe (2007-08-27). "Warhawk - Review". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  39. ^ Haynes, Jeff (2007-08-28). "Warhawk Review". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  40. ^ "Game Infomer reviews Warhawk". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  41. ^ "GamePro reviews Warhawk; score: 4/5". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  42. ^ "Video review of Warhawk". GameTrailers. 2007-09-02. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  43. ^ D'Aprile, Jason. "Warhawk - Review". X-Play. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  44. ^ "52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2007". Gaming Target. 2008-01-04.
  45. ^ http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27842.html
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