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Starhawk
From the creators of Warhawk (2007) comes
Starhawk, a first person shooter adventure that is set in the distant
future and transforms gamers into protagonist and unlikely hero, Emmett
Graves. With mankind almost on the brink of extinction, there only hope
lies with the last precious resource of the universe, Rift Energy.
Unfortunately this commodity is tainted and with it comes the death of
endless humans.
The
saviour to humanity is Graves, a mercenary who is caught in the middle
and must somehow change the tides of war and become the redeemer of
mankind. Even though the story is your standard sci-fi story, the
gameplay fortunately breaks the mould slightly as this is not your
shooter. Best of all this game has this real sci-fi Wild West feel to it
and of course... Mechs!
The key to Starhawk is the ability to call down support from the skies
which is not just equipment. You can call down buildings such as
turrets, walls and other goodies to give you the edge when the enemy
invasions begin. This system has been dubbed as the "build & battle"
system which actually works quite well.
However all these items have a cost which requires you to have the funds
available before making a purchase. Fortunately the first level of
Starhawk in the single-player campaign begins a tutorial as it teaches
you the basics of the game from combat to summoning the buildings and
fortifications that are needed to save your hide on this frontier space
planet.
Apart from the usual first person experience, Graves has access to a
variety of vehicles from hoverbikes to even jetpacks that assists in
giving you an eagle eye in the sky. My favourite vehicle was the jets
that lets you fly across the skies and does give the gameplay a unique
spin.
Best
of all, the game has this real harsh feel to it so don't expect anything
too arcade or targeted at children. To liven up the story, there are
several cut scenes throughout the game that assist in enhancing the
stereotypical story which also gives you and Graves a purpose for
succeeding. The gaming environments in Starhawk are quite diverse and
really has this sci-fi frontier feel to it like the short-lived Firefly
TV series by Joss Whedon.
The downside to Starhawk is that the campaign is rather short and we
completed the game is just over 5 hours. In relation to the campaign
mode, the title can be played with 2-player via a co-op mode for either
splitscreen or online which shortens the campaign even more. Fortunately
Starhawk contains a rather fun online experience with up to 32 players
online.
There
is even a sense of RPG or levelling employed when you play online as you
can upgrade your characters, skills and vehicles. My favourite online
mode was this strange hybrid of capture the flag that actually works
with the bizarre build & battle mechanics. Communication is however the
biggest resource you have while playing online. This is needed to get
your team in order, especially with the upcoming battles.
Graphically Starhawk is a good looking title on the PS3 with some very
diverse and detailed environments. I love that almost Wild West frontier
feel to the game but with a health dose of sci-fi. Special effects and
lighting are used well in the game and overall it comes together quite
well with the gameplay.
The
voice acting of Starhawk is quite professional, especially with our hero
Emmett Graves who sounds like he could give even the hardest of enemies
a run for their money. The sound effects work well with the gameplay,
especially the good use of surround sound. Explosions are loud as are
the weapon effects.
Final Level
Starhawk is a decent shooter adventure game on the PS3 that is slightly
hampered by the short campaign mode. The main aim of the game is
multiplayer that is starting to develop a good community. Overall, it's
a decent game and there's plenty of action to be found online and in the
multiplayer co-op modes. Check it out! |
