Since the launch of the Sony PlayStation 3 gamers have been clamoring for an experience over the PlayStation Network that would really solidify the service as something which is extremely fun and enjoyable. PS3 owners have been waiting for their multiplayer killer app to match the fun games such as SOCOM brought to the PS2 and Halo brought to the Xbox and now Xbox 360. Incognito has stepped up to try and deliver this multiplayer experience with the release of Warhawk.

The first thing which must be mentioned is that Warhawk is a multiplayer-only game. There is no single player game to be found here. This is a game which is all about the multiplayer from start to finish and it shows. The developers took the road of focusing on the multiplayer to try and make the best game possible. Warhawk is the first large game to be offered over the PlayStation Network as well. It comes in downloadable form on the network for $40 and is sold at retail for $59.99. The retail version comes with a Bluetooth headset made by Jabra.

Anyways, onto the game; Warhawk is a remake of the PlayStation hit franchise and actually has some extremely solid visuals in its presentation. The first thing which you will notice once you jump into a game is the amazing draw distance. Some of the maps in Warhawk are extremely detailed and once you get to a high point in one of them and look out you will immediately know you are playing a next-gen game. You can stand there as a character and literally see from one end of the map to another.

You will not just be looking at blank areas either as these are some extremely detailed maps. The terrain, destructible environments, etc are all done very well. The character’s animations with the way in which they move around the map and from vehicle to vehicle is both smooth and responsive making for a great looking game. The detail paid to things such as the level of detail put into the texture work on the mountains and such.

There are 5 worlds in Warhawk meaning that there is not that much variety in what you see. The special effects visually though are enough to keep you amazed every time you jump in. You will notice things such as explosions, bodies launching through the air, shadows being cast from vehicles and aircraft, etc. All of these move extremely smooth with a solid framerate throughout. With a multiplayer game such as this you would not expect such a fantastic visual display as it should be more about the gameplay. Here though it is clear that Warhawk is a feast for the eyes.

From an audio perspective Warhawk does not disappoint either. The way in which the Dolby Digital surround is set up is done so in a way that the surround channels can really help you in the game. You will be able to hear when people are running up behind you in the rear channels as well as being able to hear where the actual gun sounds are coming from. This makes for a very spacious audio experience and is greatly appreciated.

The sound effects themselves which accompany the guns are equally as impressive. The explosions pack quite a punch when they are delivered through your subwoofer and each gun has various distinct sound effects to go along with them. Once you see a series of explosions firing in front of you all at once you will be blown away by your sound system. The way in which the audio is presented really makes you feel like you are in the middle of the battle.

When you first start up Warhawk you will immediately be a new recruit and you will have to make your basic character from the normal ordinary models. You will also model the appearance of your Warhawk for battle as well. You will then have to choose your sides which are both equally balanced. You can choose to be on the Eucadians which are more current-day soldiers, or you can join the Chernovans. The Chernovans are more futuristic and seem to have superior technological advancements.

The multiplayer allows you to play in massive 32 player games in the above stated five different worlds. The game modes available include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Nodes play.

Each map is made up of many mini-checkpoints and small bases similar to the way in which EA’s Battlefield game was set up with on the PC and consoles. Once you capture one of these points you are allows spawning from there.

The game play of Warhawk is touch-and-go depending on how much time you want to spend with it. The first thing which has to be made clear is that the first time you log into a server on Warhawk you are probably going to get your tail chopped off and handed to you in a silver platter. This game is very difficult and has a steep learning curve. This does not mean that it does not play well, because it actually plays very well, it is just that there is a lot to learn which may detract players from ever fully getting into it.

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