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Warhawk (2007 video game)

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Warhawk
Developer(s)Incognito/SCE Studios Santa Monica
Publisher(s)SCE, Incognito
Platform(s)PlayStation 3
ReleasePlayStation Store
BD-ROM
Genre(s)Third-person shooter
Mode(s)2-4 player Split-screen multiplayer, 32 player online play

Warhawk is a fast-paced multiplayer 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 was the first PlayStation 3 game to be available both for download on the PlayStation Network and for retail on BD-ROM. There is also a free downloadable demo available on the PlayStation Network. 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 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.[3] The player is able to rank-up though 20 ranks ranging from Recruit to General, unlocking new personnel and aircraft customization options at each rank.

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 original ground vehicles, a jeep and a tank, and an Armored Personnel Carrier is added by the Operation: Broken Mirror expansion. There are two original air vehicles, the Warhawk and Nemesis (which are only cosmetically different), both of which can use 9 aircraft weapons. The Omega Dawn expansion adds a dropship, and the Fallen Star expansion adds a jetpack. There are 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] 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 offers online and offline multiplayer play. Offline allows for 1-4 players splitscreen (without bots). Online features up to 32-player battles, with the ability to have up to 4 players use one PlayStation 3 in split screen mode (on non-ranked servers that permit 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 will be used in the 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, a forum post, a kick, or a temporary/permanent ban. Warhawk Arbiters can also request that the Warhawk's stats be erased.[8]

PlayStation Home

Warhawk is currently one of the few games that supports game launching in PlayStation Home. This feature allows players to host a game in Home and then launch it once other players have joined. The player may even invite friends to the game launch. Once the game has been launched from Home the players may return to Home at any time via the "Return to PlayStation Home" option that appears instead of the "Quit Game" option. On February 26, 2009, Incognito Entertainment and SCE Studios Santa Monica launched the Warhawk space for PlayStation Home. Beyond its unique aesthetics, the space is functionally similar to those for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Far Cry 2, with one notable exception: the "Warhawk Sand Table". It's a place to plan in-game strategies using "VR" set-pieces -- vehicles, maneuver icons, etc. -- which can be moved around on 2D versions of any of the game's maps (and their variants).[9]

The first person to access the table is in control. Here's where one of the problems arises: anyone can walk up and watch as a user plans their "secret" strategy. Furthermore, there's no way to share or use the finished battle plan within the game. It's all up to each player's memory (or notepad).

There is also a "Learning Terminal" (eight in all) that tells the users about General Hints, Weapons, and Flying.

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.[10] In February 2007, it was announced that the single player element of the game was to be pulled.[11] This was due to concerns Incognito had over the quality of the single-player campaign, particularly when compared to the multi-player modes.[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".[13] 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. Split screen can only be used in battles that allow it. Only unranked servers have the ability to have it and even then, it is an option whether or not the host wants it on or off.[12] It was also revealed at the same time that Warhawk would be made available for download over the PlayStation Network.[14]

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.[15] 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.[16]

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.[17][18] 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.[19] A demo was released on the PlayStation Store on October 9, 2008.

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.[20] 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$29.99 (£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 America and the Jabra BT135 in Europe, allowing players to chat with other players online while playing the game.[21].[22] An additional third was later released on October 10, 2007 without the inclusion of a USB headset, which was priced at US$39.99.[23] 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.[24]

Updates and Expansions

The armored personnel carrier in the Vaporfield Glacier map.

Additional downloadable content has been released, with more announced, since the game's 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 stated 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.[25] Warhawk updates are free, but expansion packs are sold online for a price.[20] Updates are mandatory installations that must be completed in order to play the game. Expansion packs 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.[26][27] 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. Also in update 1.3, the "stat padding" issue, a bug that allowed game players to cheat by increasing their points cumulatively by dropping the opponents' flag off the level and having it respawn back into the players' hands to repeat, was resolved by completely removing the ability to drop the flag.[28] Update 1.4, released on July 16, 2008, features two new game modes called "Hero" and "Collection," and introduced the Quick Join feature, which searches for a server that connects the user to matches that work with the user's current level.[29] The next update, Version 1.5, was released on August 27, 2008 and includes trophy support, the winning entries from the European version of the paint and insignia contest,[30] and allows the user to play music via the XrossMediaBar in-game.[31]

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.[32] The second expansion pack was released on April 17, 2008 entitled "Operation: Broken Mirror",[33] 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.[25] A new map called Vaporfield Glacier was also included in the new expansion. It is the largest map to date, and includes 10 different layouts.[34] In the PlayStation Store, there is also an option to purchase the first two Booster-packs for a reduced price,[35] 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 added the Icarus MK1 Jetpack which allows troops to fire while airborne as well as a new map called Tau Crater.[36] All three of the booster packs cannot be combined, nor can one affiliate with another, and people who do not own an expansion featured in a server they are attempting to join will not be able to join the server.

Trophies

On August 27, 2008 the Warhawk 1.5 patch was released and included the addition of trophy support[37]. 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 Unranked as well. Each of the available expansions also feature an additional 4 trophies.[31][38].

GGL Tournament

On July 27th, 2008 GGL.com hosted a Warhawk zones only tournament where the winning team would receive a Champions blade to replace their standard knife. Anyone participating in the tournament earned a ceremonial blade as a consolation prize.

Reception

The game generally received positive reviews, with its aggregate review scores being classed as generally favorable by Metacritic and Game Rankings.[39][40] 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."[41] 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."[42] 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.[43] It was given the IGN Editors' Choice Award, calling it "a AAA experience that is an adrenaline rush for online fans."[44] Game Informer described Warhawk as "better than they'd hoped for".[45] 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.[46] GameTrailers described Warhawk as "simply fun, easy to compete, but challenging to shine."[47] Adam Sessler from X-Play complimented the game's multiplayer only style saying "...I wouldn't have it any other way."[48] 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".[49] Screwattack has also given praise to Warhawk, giving it the number one spot in their "Top 10 PS3 Exclusives"[50].

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(the room is crap believe me)". 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. ^ "Warhawk Command Center Goes Live in PlayStation Home Today!". SCE.
  10. ^ Rorie, Matthew (2005-05-16). "Warhawk E3 2005 First Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  11. ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig (2007-03-07). "Warhawk exclusively embraces online multiplayer". Joystiq. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  12. ^ a b Haynes, Jeff (2007-03-06). "Warhawk Preview". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  13. ^ Kennedy, Sam (2007-03-15). "Warhawk PS3: The Full Story". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  14. ^ Klepik, Patrick (2007-04-05). "Warhawk Will Be On Blu-Ray And PSN". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  15. ^ 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)
  16. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-05-07). "Inside the Deveopers Studio". Sony. Retrieved 2008-04-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Ihtsham, Usman (2007-10-05). "Incognito Fixing Warhawk Problems". Playstation Universe. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  18. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-08-28). "Warhawk Launch". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  19. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-10-22). "Warhawk V1.2 Patch". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  20. ^ a b Plunkett, Luke (2007-08-14). "Warhawk FAQ Answers Frequent Warhawk Questions". Kotaku. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  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. ^ Dunham, Jeremy (2007-03-14). "WarHawk Confirmed for Blu-ray". GamingBits. Retrieved 2008-04-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ 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)
  24. ^ Nguyen, Kim (2008-07-28). "PS3 Greatest Hits Launch Today". PlayStation.Blog. Retrieved 2008-08-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ 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)
  26. ^ Pigna, Kris (2007-10-22). "Two Patches Incoming for Warhawk". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  27. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2007-10-22). "Warhawk v1.2 Patch". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-08.
  28. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-02-15). "Warhawk v1.3 Patch details". Sony. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
  29. ^ Warhawk v1.4 Update “Free Gameplay Modes!!”
  30. ^ Warhawk Paint Scheme & Insignia Contest
  31. ^ a b Warhawk v1.5 Update
  32. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-02-15). "Operation: Omega Dawn". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-03-28). "Warhawk Operation: Broken Mirror details, trailer". Sony. Retrieved 2008-04-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ Jobe, Dylan (2008-03-21). "Warhawk Contest Winners! Plus v1.3 trailer!". Sony. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  35. ^ PlayStation.com - PLAYSTATION3 - Store - Warhawk Booster Combo
  36. ^ Gamoc. (August 9, 2008). "Warhawk: Operation Fallen Star". Retrieved on 2008-08-16
  37. ^ "Warhawk 1.5 Patch Up". TheSixthAxis. 2008-08-27.
  38. ^ UPDATE:Warhawk Trophies -- July 1st, 6:00 pm MST,2008 Warhawk(PS3) - Playstation.com Forums
  39. ^ a b "MetaCritic: Warhawk". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  40. ^ a b "GameRankings: Warhawk". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  41. ^ "Warhawk gets 6.5/10 from PSM". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  42. ^ "Warhawk gets 90 from PSM3". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  43. ^ Rybicki, Joe (2007-08-27). "Warhawk - Review". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  44. ^ Haynes, Jeff (2007-08-28). "Warhawk Review". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  45. ^ "Game Infomer reviews Warhawk". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  46. ^ "GamePro reviews Warhawk; score: 4/5". N4G.com. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  47. ^ "Video review of Warhawk". GameTrailers. 2007-09-02. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  48. ^ D'Aprile, Jason. "Warhawk - Review". X-Play. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  49. ^ "52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2007". Gaming Target. 2008-01-04.
  50. ^ Gametrailers.com - ScrewAttack - Top Ten PS3 Exclusives
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