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Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 Preview

Scheduled release date:
September 7, 2010
Publisher:
Ubisoft
Developer:
Ubisoft Romania
Number Of Players:
1-8
Genre:
Flight


Long-time fans of the genre continue to call for a new Ace Combat but you know, if you take a long, hard look at Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 , you may forget all about your painful longing. For Ubisoft Romania appears to have everything you need, right here in a spruced-up sequel that features a plethora of upgrades and additions, which serve to enhance the already-glossy exterior. Taking place in the near future, three nuclear devices have gone missing and Middle Eastern and Russian insurgencies have thrown the world into a state of near-panic. You will watch this story unfold from three contrasting perspectives; one moment, you’ll be concentrating on the US H.A.W.X. squadron, and the next, you’ll be viewing the drama through the eyes of the British Navy. There’s a global conspiracy afoot and somehow, someway, the truth will be revealed…the narrative might really impress you.

To assist in the development and implementation of this aforementioned narrative, Ubisoft has tapped the abilities of ex-BioWare employee Edward Douglas, who is now the creative director for H.A.W.X. 2 . In speaking to IGN , Douglas – who recently helped with Mass Effect 2 – said his first goal was to really give the storyline a boost. He mentions that in the first H.A.W.X. , we only had one point of view; “you didn’t really know who you were in the world.” But in this sequel, you will see a blossoming of character development and dialogue, thereby allowing you to examine multiple scenarios from different angles and contributing to the story’s depth. While many flight games have attempted to boast decent plots in the past, few have really succeeded; this may be the very first example of a title in the genre that captivates its audience through solid story construction. Of course, the focus will remain on the flying and the designers have spared no effort in making the gameplay top-notch.

It appears that diversity and variety will be key. Instead of constantly winging about in the air, engaging in dogfight after dogfight, you will participate in many different types of missions, all of which line up with that interesting story. Essentially, Ubisoft really wants to place you in the cockpit like never before; they want you to know what it’s like to take off and land, and some of the control will indeed take place on the ground. As Douglas said- “When you're in the briefing room or the carrier, or when you're in the control room, you're not just floating in the air. Maybe you're at a computer, controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle, or talking to contacts on the ground.” At the same time, despite the added dose of authenticity, Ubisoft still says the flying mechanic is actually more accessible than before. This time, you’re going to be “a lot closer” to the action, which should ramp up the intensity level, and you will have several difficulty options to choose from. …not everyone wants the same experience, right?

The various gameplay aspects are what really intrigue us. AC130 Gunship support missions, aerial raids during the cover of night, assisting ground forces, espionage sorties, and even piloting UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) will all be included, so you won’t be getting tired or bored any time soon. You can either wing about by yourself or take on the campaign in co-op mode for up to four players, via System Link or online, and Ubisoft says there will be plenty of improvements for the online competitive and team-based elements. Lastly, there’s the clear upgrade in terms of visuals, which you can sort of see in the new batch of screenshots. The detail is higher and more elaborate than ever and with slick special effects, Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 should definitely shine on a good HDTV. You may be waiting for October’s typical set of blockbusters but well before then, you can try a potential top-quality title right here; it launches on September 7, flight aficionados.

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hellish_devil
hellish_devil
13 years ago

I've been really wanting a flying game for a while, but I don't know wich one should I get. I know there is HAWX and Il Sturmovck. So any suggestions?? (I want an old one so I can get it cheap)

Axe99
Axe99
13 years ago

Both IL-2 and HAWX are great games. If you're more of a sim-style flyer, or into WW2, you can't go wrong with IL-2 (it also has a good arcade mode, although it still a bit more 'sim' than your average arcade mode). HAWX, on the other hand, is all modern and jets, and is _very_ arcade, but also a lot of fun. You get more missions with IL-2, but more aircraft variety with HAWX (in SP) – but the variety in aircraft handling is far greater in IL-2, given it's simmish bent. HAWX is stronger in MP, but both games were pretty quiet MP-wise months ago, so I'd get them pretty much for SP only unless you've got someone to play them with. Hope that helps :).

Axe99
Axe99
13 years ago

Re; the above comment – actually jumped on IL-2 this morning with a mate and the online was doing alright at that time – we had a room of 8-10 of us on the 'Realistic' setting (sim-style handling, but still with very un-WW2 HUD aids ;)), and not trouble finding peeps to play arcade with as well.

hellish_devil
hellish_devil
13 years ago

Thanks man

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
13 years ago

Man am I looking forward to this game. It seems alot of the issues I had (read about them here on the user reviews) with HAWX seemed to be addressed. If HAWX 2 can deliver the entire package, I might forget about Ace Combat for while. Namco has a ton of work ahead of them, and long list of PS2 Ace Combat fans to please.

On to my Ace Combat rant…

To me, Ace Combat 04 is the pinnacle of console air combat games. Namco has yet to hit that magic since. I enjoyed AC05 and ACZ quite abit, but I still was left wanting more.

Then came Ace Combat 6 Shattered Skies. The 360 exclusive. I'll admit I was angry with that whole thing, but it didn't stop me from jumping in with wreckless abandon. What I was treated to was a rip off. The aircraft count was low, so low I could have sweared AC04 had more or equal to planes. I know for a fact that AC05 and ACZ did.

Then came the DLC. At first, I was excited to get the DLC, that was until I read that it was nothing more then paintjobs with adjusted stats at price point that was so Micro$oft. Ironically, I remember searching the levels in AC04 for the ACE, so I could earn that special paint job on a plane I most likely had. Why Namco did you take that route? Little did I know, it was start of my dislike for all things Microsoft.

/rant

Anyways, now back to HAWX 2. I am ready to get that Platinum Trophy already. It'll look nice next to HAWX 1's..


Last edited by maxpontiac on 8/3/2010 10:50:11 PM

Him
Him
13 years ago

Better not be as crappy of a port like the first HAWX

Check this out: http://www.lensoftruth.com/?p=8404

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
13 years ago

Even with that, the first one was still enjoyable.

But you are right.. Ubisoft better not do that the PS3 users.

Axe99
Axe99
13 years ago

The first game was totally playable and very enjoyable (if it was your thing) – I wouldn't get too worried about finickity little technical details.

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
13 years ago

So far, the video's looking very good.
But some of the lead pilot's dialog is quite cheesy.

I still want my Ace Combat back on the PS3, where it rightfully belongs!!!!!!!

StangMan80
StangMan80
13 years ago

This game is shaping up very nicely and I think this just might be a first day buy for me . I been wanting to flight game for a while now and I think HAXK 2 can fix that.

Axe99
Axe99
13 years ago

I'll get this no matter what, and if they get rid of that _ridiculous_ "assistance off" camera, I'll even enjoy all, rather than most of it :). The original HAWX was still a lot of fun, and the additions they're planning above sound brilliant as well.

As for Ace Combat, I wouldn't mind a HD remake of AC4 – totally agree with ya maxpontiac, it's the best of the bunch, and my fave console flight action game (as opposed to flight sim – IL-2 takes that prize) yet released.

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
13 years ago

To me every mission on Ace Combat 04 was epic. Of course some were better then others, but I always felt that the missions were not rushed or added on.

I can't for the life of me figure out why Namco has yet to reward the PS3 user base now. There is NO excuse. At all.

___________
___________
13 years ago

meh.
i really love fighter jet games, but HAWX scared me far too much for me to get excited for this!
not to mention, well ubisoft are not exactly on a roll this year!
ill wait till reviews come in before im make any decisions.
just one thing though…… FOR THE LOVE OF GOD ENOUGH PROTECTING GROUND TROOPS FOR THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE FREAKING GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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