Warhawk shows off what the PS3 can really do

[walrusmonger]

I was playing the beta, it is just so damn sexy. Not sure if many people are following, but I had to snap a snap shot of how impressive this game is.

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/416/dsc01328jn6.th.jpg (http://img117.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01328jn6.jpg)

The gameplay is very solid, the transition between on foot to jet/tank combat is seamless. It's a beautiful game as well, you can fly all the way up into the sky and look down on everything below, while the textures remain impressive.

I'm not a huge fan of this style of game, but I plan on getting Warhawk when it finally comes out.

Here's the set up I play it on:

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9093/dsc01329oi6.th.jpg (http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01329oi6.jpg)

[PDorr3]

I forgot to register for the beta, and I was really looking forward to it too because I rarely ever play my ps3, but oh well it will be in retail before you know it (or downloadable, whichever).

I think the warhawks themselves make this game stand out, such as the picture you posted. How do you counter warhawks, with other warhawks or do you need to shoot them with rocket launchers? seems to me this game might become unbalanced after time.

[walrusmonger]

Well I was playing earlier in a death match, which was just all warhawks, so there was no need to worry about countering.

There are huge turrets in the base that fire very powerful shots. There are also rocket launchers for people on foot, and of course the warhawks.
The base you spawn at has lots of ammo and stuff, the game feels very epic where each person can do something and have it count. You cant really defend your flag with the warhawks, but on foot you can. The tanks are good at taking things out, but the jeep type things are much quicker.

It's nothing new, but it's so solid that it doesn't matter much :)

[Nintendo Gamer]

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[Borman]

I posted an HD Video on my site of the game if you guys want to check it out. The games fun, thats for sure. http://ptoponline.com ;)

[walrusmonger]

I downloaded the video but all I got was a black screen in quick time? Did I do something wrong?

[Borman]

Watch it with VLC or install a codec pack with x264 decoding. Its compressed using x264

[Gentlegamer]

Online only? No thanks.

[BHvrd]

The minute I saw 4 player split screen online or offline drop in and drop out gameplay I was sold.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/17586.html
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[heybtbm]

This game looks great. The real question is...will enough people be online to make this game fun? The requirements are not exactly inclusive. Not only are PS3 owners rare, but they also have to have high speed internet access. If Resistance multiplayer is any indication, Warhawk won't have enough people to support regular (or fun) matches.

All that being said, I really am looking forward to this game. However, I refuse to do so if it is download only. Do you hear that Sony? I want a hard copy...this download-only bullshit needs to be stamped out in its infancy.

[jajaja]

All that being said, I really am looking forward to this game. However, I refuse to do so if it is download only. Do you hear that Sony? I want a hard copy...this download-only bullshit needs to be stamped out in its infancy.

A retail copy (as in store buying retail copy) has been confirmed :) I think it will cost $60. It also includes a wireless bluetoooth headset. The retail copy also have some bonus stuff like behind the scenes movies or something. Here is a picture of the cover art.

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/798/798820/warhawk-20070622115430827.jpg

[agbulls]

I finally loaded up the beta and gave it a run through yesterday. My only complaint? This game -- like Resistance -- has the "press L3 to talk" function, which I think is extremely annoying. Apparently the game had open mic before it was just patched. Doesn't everyone prefer open mic? Pushing down on L3 isn't easy when you're getting owned and actually need your team to help.

I really hope this will change in the final release. Otherwise, the game is solid and looks great. It takes quite a bit of practice to get use to the flight mechanics of the Warhawks. I'll be curious to see if the 6-axis control (which is not in there yet) makes things easier.

How much longer do we have left on the beta now anyways? Isn't it almost over?

[jajaja]

Speaking of mics, is it possible to mute people?

[Nintendo Gamer]

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[BHvrd]

This game looks great. The real question is...will enough people be online to make this game fun? The requirements are not exactly inclusive. Not only are PS3 owners rare, but they also have to have high speed internet access. If Resistance multiplayer is any indication, Warhawk won't have enough people to support regular (or fun) matches.

All that being said, I really am looking forward to this game. However, I refuse to do so if it is download only. Do you hear that Sony? I want a hard copy...this download-only bullshit needs to be stamped out in its infancy.

I seriously question if you have a ps3 after that statement.

Resistance constantly has massive amounts of people playing! I'm always amazed by the amount of 40 player servers that are full, and amount of servers in general even if not 40 player.

I don't get why you said that at all.

[jajaja]

I seriously question if you have a ps3 after that statement.

Resistance constantly has massive amounts of people playing! I'm always amazed by the amount of 40 player servers that are full, and amount of servers in general even if not 40 player.

I don't get why you said that at all.

I'd say his concerns are valid. Warhawk is an online game only, which requires other people to play online or else you cant play it (i dont think its possible to play offline with bots, buy maybe). With Resistance you also have a single player mode. However, i doubt there will be any problems finiding enough players online with Warhawk :)

[heybtbm]

I seriously question if you have a ps3 after that statement.

Resistance constantly has massive amounts of people playing! I'm always amazed by the amount of 40 player servers that are full, and amount of servers in general even if not 40 player.

I don't get why you said that at all.

I wasn't suggesting the Resistance servers are dead, they're just "more selective" I guess (Spinal Tap ref.). I've had the occasional 40 player server earlier this year, but as of late...the players per server average seems to be half that. Regardless, seeing as this will be a retail release...I think I'm going to bite.

[heybtbm]

Anyone pick this up today?

I picked up the retail copy (w/ Bluetooth headset) at BB this afternoon. Between this and Metroid Prime 3, I think my gaming schedule will be set for quite some time. I probably would've held off buying this new on release day, but the 360 is "in the shop" (Xbox service is backed up apparently), and I need to get back to some multiplayer shooter action.

I'm planning on trying it out tonight and will post some impressions tomorrow. IGN just gave it and 8.8, which is just about the highest rating they've given a PS3 game so far (besides Resistance and Ninja Gaiden). Should be fun.

[walrusmonger]

I haven't picked it up yet, I'm deciding on whether or not I want to plunk $40 or $60 on it, but I might have to wait a few weeks since I'm low on cash (last 4 months of college for me, had to buy books/pay for parking/etc).

[s1lence]

I want to buy a retail copy but time constrants probably means a download for me. ZOMG I might actually play a game on my PS3.

[BHvrd]

I agree this game is fast, fluid, and beautiful. The water effects in general are something else.

I've been playing this game all day long, it REALLY grows on you big time! This is by far my favorite ps3 game. Really fun! REALLY FUN!

It's like a well refined Battlefront game with elements of other games thrown in. The amount of freedom is nice, if somewhat limited at times "certain stages you can't dismount warhawk". A really awesome game.

Exactly the kinda game i've been looking forward to!

[heybtbm]

Initial impressions of Warhawk...

I played for about 2 hours last night. The game itself looks beautiful, this is without a doubt "next-gen". I'll continue to be amazed with games that can switch between flying around a map and being able to get out and walk around at any spot on that map. The use of vehicles is what makes this stand out from the other online shooters out there. One of the reasons I love Battlefield 2 is the ability to hop in any vehicle and start blowing things up. This is the main component of Warhawk. Huge maps and plenty of fighting going on all around.

Another essential feature of Warhawk is the ability to start up the game and immediately launch into an ongoing battle. You select your desired server and away you go directly into the fight. Again, this is a feature of my beloved Battlefield 2 and it makes other online shooter lobbies seem just that much more torturous.

The servers can host 32 player matches, and as of 6:00pm last night, there were 650+ servers operating. My earlier fears of not enough people buying this game (i.e. hard to find matches) were groundless.

I'm still getting the hang of combat and figuring out what buttons do what, but Warhawk is an overall A-list, quality shooter...for the PS3 no less.

[ZiLL]

I've been playing this since it came out...downloaded it since I already had a headset.

This has got to be one of the best online shooters I have played in a VERY long time. The flying controls are a bit hard to get down at first, but once you do it's a breeze.

The balance between planes, grand troops, and vehicles is damn near perfect. You can take out a hovering warhawk with a sniper rifle. You can lock onto warhawks with the rocket launcher. The turrets are very powerful, but are also sitting ducks.

This is the ultimate game of rock, paper, scissors.

[BHvrd]

You can take out a hovering warhawk with a sniper rifle.

This is the ultimate game of rock, paper, scissors.

EXACTLY. The fact that you could take a Warhawk out possibly even with a pistol is an exciting proposition. It seems the reviewer at PSM complained about this, but to me his complaints were extremely off base.

If it wasn't possible to take down a Warhawk with any ground based weapons it would make people just use Warhawks and there would be no real balance as you could just gank using it. In this game you have a chance EVEN with a pistol.

Ground assault comes into as much playing as air assault. It's obvious they used their time wisely in developing this game, and the only thing I can see that would make it better is an update to allow more than 32 players, cause the Battlefields are so large and somewhat unused to an extent.

There could be some monumental battles if they patched in more than 32 players at a time. The game has plenty of flexibility for updates and hopefully they do, but as it stands I can definetly see myself playing this down the road even if something else better cum's out, it's just that fun.

heybtbm, I also was amazed by the amount of people online and amount of servers, almost as active as the Half-Life servers on pc, and that's saying alot. It defintely proves there are people out their with ps3's.

[Nintendo Gamer]

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[ZiLL]

So pretty much ignore the whole review that PSM did? Cause half the review was complaining about it not being balanced...

Pretty much...

The game has an very arcade feel to it. Things don't handle like they should...they handle like you WANT them to. You WANT to be able to do a powerslide in a jet going 300+ MPH..you WANT to shoot down a jet with a rocket launcher, and blow up a tank with a flame thrower.

Bottom line, it's just a ton of fun to play.

[BHvrd]

Pretty much...

The game has an very arcade feel to it. Things don't handle like they should...they handle like you WANT them to. You WANT to be able to do a powerslide in a jet going 300+ MPH..you WANT to shoot down a jet with a rocket launcher, and blow up a tank with a flame thrower.

Bottom line, it's just a ton of fun to play.

Agreed. Fun is the key here and this game has bucket loads of it. The ragdoll physics make dying even fun/funny.

After you use tactical mauevers to escape a lock-on of 5 missles and end up above the clouds and see the sun shining you will get it, the game has freedom and lots of it. Oh and it looks great too, all bump mappy, solid and buttery nipple smooth.

[Sothy]

wait... PS3 got multiplayer going finally?

Hmm I may pick one up when they hit the 99$ mark now.

[heybtbm]

So pretty much ignore the whole review that PSM did? Cause half the review was complaining about it not being balanced...

I have no idea what the people at PSM are smoking. Warhawk is the new definition of "Rock - Paper - Scissors".

I have to reiterate how f'ing good this game is. My favorite game type is "Zones". Essentially it's the same gameplay strategy as Battlefield 2. You take over zones and defend them from the opposing team while trying to take over enemy zones. The maps are so huge and the gameplay is so balanced, you can run around (on foot) and do some serious damage. Good luck trying to blow up a foot soldier in your Warhawk while he's in a bunker. Zone control usually ends up being decided by a good old-fashioned shoot out around the zone flag. Damn fun.

One thing is for sure, I SUCK at trying to lock on enemy warhawks with missles. I'm about 0 for 150 right now. At this point I'm using my warhawks exclusively for traveling across the maps.

[ZiLL]

One thing is for sure, I SUCK at trying to lock on enemy warhawks with missles. I'm about 0 for 150 right now. At this point I'm using my warhawks exclusively for traveling across the maps.


I had a hell of a time at first too...here's a few tips that might help..

1. The longer you lock on with your swarm missiles, the more you will shoot at one time. You WILL need to hit an enemy multiple times with the swarm missile to take him down. I always try and fire at least 3...5+ is best.

2. Try and shoot the missiles when you are close to an enemy aircraft, they will have less time to maneuver away. This works especially well if they are coming at you.

3. Play the Dogfights!!!! Dogfights are a type of game where you spawn directly in the warhawk...there are no ground troops, no tanks, etc. Great learning grounds.

[BHvrd]

wait... PS3 got multiplayer going finally?

Hmm I may pick one up when they hit the 99$ mark now.

They got a good game I wouldn't say they got the whole multiplayer going per se, sony still needs to work on their voice chat as it's still not so hot.

The game is pretty damn lag free, moreso than any other game i've seen that pushes this kind of graphics and gameplay. I remember playing Battlefront and having the spaceships have epiletic seizures, lol, not this, my Warhawk has not had one seizure yet!

What the hell do you play anyway Sothy!

[SaturnFan]

Yeah, that one high point of Warhawk, virtually no lag.

But, it would've been nice if there were "bots" to play against.

[Nintendo Gamer]

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[heybtbm]

I've been playing quite a bit of Warhawk over the weekend. One thing that is absolutely unacceptable is loosing your gameplay stats if you're disconnected mid-game. Why this happens is beyond me. Even PS2 games can save a players stats on the game servers.

Essentially, if you play "x" amount of games and are disconnected a few hours later, every single game you played in that time simply "vanishes". It's as if I didn't even play the game (stat-wise). Very annoying.

Ranked games are the only type of games that log stats anyway, so if you primarily play "player" matches, loosing stats isn't even an issue. For ranked games though, it's a kick in the crotch. I like stats, I like leaderboards...what can I say? I have to admit, this sours me on Warhawk a little. It seems like a patch could alleviate the whole issue.


Update 11:45pm: Total server meltdown. Sony released firmware 1.92 to address the ranking issues at 11pm. Now, they've just taken the Warhawk servers offline. Too many people playing the game.

Sony and Incognito apparently weren't expecting such a hit. That's the problem with online only titles. When the servers go down, you don't have a game anymore.

[MonoTekETeA]

I just played this game tonight, and it is good. It feels a lot like a multiplayer Jet Force Gemini that never was, just the way the soldiers move and aims remind me of it.

This is by far one of the best PS3 games so far, and this would probably be the only game I would own if I did own a PS3.

We did get disconnected a lot, but I think towards the end it cleared out. (Maybe it was pre-stress of the meltdown.)

[PDorr3]

PSM's review is the only negative review according to gamerankings.com (if you even think 6.5/10 is that bad). I am going to buy warhawk really soon, and finaly have a game worth turning my ps3 on for...watched some video reviews (gametrailers, ign) and the game looks so damn amazing...

[heybtbm]

Incognito and Sony are working on a fix for the stat issues. Mainly, your personal game stats do not update. Medels, ribbons, kills, etc. are not being registered properly. These do not show up in your online Warhawk profile and you therefore cannot increase your rank (and attain the additional options from ranking up). According to Incognito, the stats are being saved in their servers, and will be accounted for once the fix is in place.

We shall see.

Anyway, it's an incredibly fun game. Tons of people online. Just about every match is maxed out. This means your playing with 24 to 32 people at a time. A bit insane...but so much fun. I think the best part is how balanced the gameplay is. Example: I took out an enemy Warhawk hovering in front of me yesterday with a flamethrower. Ground troops with the right weapons can destroy Warhawks, tanks, etc. How often does that happen in an online shooter?

[Cinder6]

Well, that's settled, then. I'll be getting it when it comes out in stores, for the headset (and I prefer having a physical object when I buy something, natch).

[MonoTekETeA]

You won't be disappointed, the only thing that upsets me is the price. But ask anyone that knows me, I wouldn't even buy a game for half the price unless I was going to sell it to make a profit. As I told my friend, to me, Warhawk is only worth $30s to me and that is with the headset. Example being Halo 3 is also something that I would only pay $30 for or so, Mass Effect I might pay $40 for. I am a real cheap skate. :wink 2:

[PS2Hawk]

This game looks great. The real question is...will enough people be online to make this game fun? The requirements are not exactly inclusive. Not only are PS3 owners rare, but they also have to have high speed internet access. If Resistance multiplayer is any indication, Warhawk won't have enough people to support regular (or fun) matches.

All that being said, I really am looking forward to this game. However, I refuse to do so if it is download only. Do you hear that Sony? I want a hard copy...this download-only bullshit needs to be stamped out in its infancy.

there are 1000 servers everytime I go onine and they are pretty much Full, sometimes it takes me minutes to get in games because everyone is connecting and if you think Resistence doesnot has enough Player .. you are totally wrong, its always full just search for custom games..

[heybtbm]

there are 1000 servers everytime I go onine and they are pretty much Full, sometimes it takes me minutes to get in games because everyone is connecting.

I know what you mean. I only play on ranked Sony servers (blue "SCEA" servers) and always have a hard time getting in during peak hours. Once you get on a server though, you're set. I also play "zones" almost exclusively, so there are usually only 20 or so SCEA servers that are dedicated to just "zones".

[PS2Hawk]

I know what you mean. I only play on ranked Sony servers (blue "SCEA" servers) and always have a hard time getting in during peak hours. Once you get on a server though, you're set. I also play "zones" almost exclusively, so there are usually only 20 or so SCEA servers that are dedicated to just "zones".

ya totally, once you are in there are like 5 diffenent maps, but according to your thread title, YOU KNOW WHAT WARHAWK REALLY PROVES ? XBOX LIVE IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY.

[heybtbm]

XBOX LIVE IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY.

I have to disagree with you on that one. Xbox Live is the online service right now. I can't even imagine someone owning a 360 and not having a XBL Gold account. To each their own. However, I will say that Warhawk is still more fun online than most 360 games I've played on XBL.

[segagamer4life]

I have to disagree with you on that one. Xbox Live is the online service right now. I can't even imagine someone owning a 360 and not having a XBL Gold account. To each their own. However, I will say that Warhawk is still more fun online than most 360 games I've played on XBL.


I picked this up used over the weekend, but haven't played it yet, thats a big claim to make, I have played several fun games on xbl, but I will pop it in over the next few days to check it out, also anyone know if the Socom ps2 headset works with the ps3? I see the logitech, basically the same USB headset online, boasting it works for both systems, just curious, thanks.

[PS2Hawk]

I picked this up used over the weekend, but haven't played it yet, thats a big claim to make, I have played several fun games on xbl, but I will pop it in over the next few days to check it out, also anyone know if the Socom ps2 headset works with the ps3? I see the logitech, basically the same USB headset online, boasting it works for both systems, just curious, thanks.

ya it works, also make sure u tune the controls, 2 of my friend gave up because they couldn't understand motion controls, I told them to turn those off.