You will go nuts when bombarded by missiles.

Now let’s jump in to the game play. It’s hard not to compare the highly successful Ace Combat series with HAWX 2. The similarities are pretty obvious and as an Ace Combat veteran it was easy for me to get in to the game since I am already aware on how the game will play out. Ubisoft have done a few changes in the sequel by introducing take-offs, landing sequences, four-player co-operative play and mid-air refuelling. And I must say starting your engines and then zooming across the runaway might be shallow but trust me they were surprisingly enjoyable. The mid-air fuelling sections are bit on the difficult side since it requires absolute precision since you have to align your plane with fuel pipe attached to other plane, but the inclusion of an assist option made my life much easier. Assist mode is nothing but a way point for the player to follow so that the plane can be guided safely while landing or re-fuelling with optimum speed and height.

These are some the best parts of the game.

HAWX 2 can get extremely frustrating and demanding at times. The inclusion of 4 player co-op actually made me think that whether this game was actually designed for the single player experience or not. There are several missions where you will be tailed by enemy planes trying to nail you with frequent bombarding of missiles. In one particular mission I was flying and thrusting up and down for an hour just to save my ass when my flares were out. Frustrating sequences like this made me think that I was no longer enjoying the game and I was just pushing it too hard. This frustration was only broken when the UAV sections takes place. Even though it might feel shallow, dropping missiles and keeping pointers with the UAV are undoubtedly the best parts of the game. It kind of amazes me that the best part of HAWX 2 actually resides in this UAV mechanics rather than piloting the fighter jets.

HAWX 2 truly shines in its other modes and multiplayer gaming. Missions can be replayed again and again with the player having the freedom of selecting plane and weapons of choice. Using this you can unlock more ammo and difficulty in the arcade mode.

Plane models are slick.

The presentation of HAWX 2 is a bit of a hit and a miss. The UI is pretty slick but the menu is big pain to navigate through. The visuals are definitely the defining factor in the game with realistic looking plane models and highly detailed environments although the explosions especially on the ground look dated. The cut scenes do a decent job of moving the story forward but the character models are laughable. The voice overs and the background score are the most attractive mechanics of HAWX 2 and puts some life in to the Mr. Captain Obvious type story.

Overall I think HAWX 2 does a decent job when compared to its predecessor. But it really needs to go along way before it can stand in front of franchises like Ace Combat. For wanna be pilots who are starving for some action and explosions, HAWX 2 is a good deal since there are not too many flight based games around anyways.

This game was reviewed on the Xbox 360.

“This new HAWX game is directly inspired by Tom Clancy’s books, and it will enable fans to once again experience the excitement and intensity that established HAWX as a successful brand.”
In the mean while you can have a look at the latest images from the game below.

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But thats going to change in the sequel. HAWX 2 takes place in Middle East where the player has to fight off against insurgents. Unlike last time the American HAWX won’t be alone as you will have a UK and a Russian HAWX to support you, with each of them having their own storyline. Also Ubisoft are trying to make the game as realistic as possible with landing and taking off scenes. Also as is the case with any sequel these days, expect more air crafts, better arms and ammunition and the inclusion of UAV’s which will help the player to destroy target from a distance.

Ubisoft have also released some new screens and the game is looking very promising indeed (well at least visually). See for your self in the image gallery below.

Note: Please click the image to see in a pop up and use back-next button to navigate through the images.

hawx_2_1

Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 plunges fans into an explosive environment where they can become elite aerial soldiers in control of the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft. The game will appeal to a wide array of gamers as players will have the chance to control exceptional pilots trained to use cutting edge technology in amazing aerial warfare missions.

“With over one million units sold worldwide, Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. has become a very successful brand for Ubisoft,” stated Bogdan Bridinel, creative director at Ubisoft “This new H.A.W.X. game is directly inspired by Tom Clancy’s books, and it will enable fans to once again experience the excitement and intensity that established H.A.W.X. as a successful brand”