Great Multiplayer? yes! Great Fun? yes! Horrible value? uhh.. what?
One of the first games I ever owned for my original playstation, was the original Warhawk. What set this game aside from all other games was that it was so innovative with its mixture of flight combat and cool array of weapons. Of corse other classics came out for the PS that made many players forget about this buried treasure for quite some time until someone had the idea to resurface it on a next-gen console... and I am proud to say that it does its ancestor incredible justice.
Graphics: 8
This is a fairly standard score for a next gen game, and I'll admit that the graphics look alot similar to older games. Vehicle schemes kind of remind me of playing Unreal Tournament 2004. Not that its a bad thing, but maybe some object and character details could have been beefed up a little bit. I do have a defensive theory that could explain why the graphics weren't top-notch. For being a huge multiplayer game, I think the developers took into consideration that if they took the graphics to amazing levels, online play would slow down substancially due to draw distance rendering and shader details. Multiply the lag of loading that times 32 (max. amount of players) then you would see a LOT of hiccups. So don't be too hard on the graphics, because the developers definately had you in mind.
Sound: 10
I am normally extremely picky when it comes to sound only because I used to mod my own sound effects and tweak with codecs. I won't brag, but I have a pretty nice setup for surround sound. Playing this game I expected some out of place explosions or delayed explosions. Man was I wrong.
This game truly does have some realistic sound effects, and I was ultimately impressed.
Control: 9
I was a little skeptical at first about playing with sixaxis tilt, so i used the analog sticks.... I recommend NOT conforming to the analog sticks. Tilt flying was SOO suprisingly fun that I never cared how many times I died, just as long as I got to scramble to another plane for my next go.
It's tricky at first, but pleeeaaaase do not judge until you at least get a hang of it.
Gameplay: 10
Alot of games generally throw in a weapon or two that gives the lucky player who wields it a greater advantage. For example, in Halo you have the rocket launcher / shotgun combo or the gaylord that runs around with the sword slaying everyone and ends up winning. Please believe me when I say that a player has to be a God (or a hacker) to have any sort of advantage over another player in Warhawk. Everyone has the equal ability to kill... anyone. Some may disagree by saying that too many people camp in the turrets. But 1 shot with a tank or 2 grenades will take them out. Trust me everything is so balanced in this game that it definately makes it enjoyable for 1st time users.
Value: 9
OK. 2 methods of owning this game. 1. You buy it retail for $60 dollars and it comes with a bluetooth headset. (what I did.. headset is pretty cool too)
2. Download from the playstation store for $40. Can use your purchase to sign on to PSN and download up to 5 friends' consoles (with your account only)
Alot of people say that this game is worth maybe $30 only because its Multiplayer only with 5 maps. Seriously...
I think this game really makes up for not having a single player campaign. Besides, think about Halo again. Hardly anyone plays single player anymore. Multiplayer fragfests are the biggest thing now for gaming. STOP COMPLAINING.
As far as the 5 maps only goes. They are all customizable to size of games, and nobody really notices too much because you're immersed into the game. If you really don't like the limited map choices, then just remember that there will be updates and map packs for our downloadable pleasure.
If price is still an issue... just remember.. you forked over 600 bucks for this machine. I think you can afford it.
Overall: 9.0
I'm not going to be a fanboy and talk this game up just so i can play with the other limited PS3 owners. I own both 360 and PS3. I wrote this review to hopefully answer some questions that skeptical gamers might have about this game.
Overall this is a very fun game, and a definate for your PS3 shelf.
Peace
~Elliptix~