Tom Clancy's HAWX

Even with the small targeting issues, and the lackluster multiplayer Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. is an excellent newcomer to the air combat/shooter genre that has been dominated by Ace Combat, I for one hope that they continue to build on the wonderful ideas that this game has shown, if only to make H.A.W.X. 2 an even better.

Although on the surface H.A.W.X. seems like an Ace Combat 6 clone, a deeper examination reveals that it has taken the Ace formula, and improved upon it. The incorporation of satellite imagery, a leveling system, and new control mechanics are enough to make this most recent Tom Clancy title soar over the competition. As a huge fan of the flight action genre, I can say that H.A.W.X. is this generation’s true ace.

Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. is a game every fan of the dogfight genre should buy. But other gamers that are not into air planes, will find a very nice game as well.

The real strengths of this game are the dynamic OFF mode, the superb challenges and ranking system which give the game a superb long term appeal. Take to the skies with HAWX and you will not be disappointed.

It’s quite often entertaining and challenging, but often frustrating and boring as well.

Buy HAWX for the single player experience not as an online aerial shooter, although there is a co-op mode which is fun since you can play through any mission with another player.

Hawks offers short time entertainment, especially if you play the multiplayer mode. On the whole this title offers lots of exciting action and fun.

For some reason though, it doesn't quite push the envelope in terms of gameplay and it does feel slightly less entertaining than, say, Ace Combat 6. It does, however, stand as one of the best-looking aerial combat games on the market and we do recommend you give it a whirl.

Tom Clancy's Hawx is a very welcome game because of the current shortage of this kind of title and the good ideas it brings, which are implemented well, in a natural way, and in a few hours it would seem as if those "virtual ways" would have been part of the genre's gameplay since its birth.

H.A.W.X is flight action combat at its best and is served up nicely with a heavy dose of political espionage, intrigue, and betrayal, Tom Clancy style. Whether you rent or buy you’ll definitely want to take part in this supersonic ride of your life.

HAWX has been a real surprise: it manages to differ from the usual dogfighting games thanks to some original ideas, adding variety to a long-time stale genre. Flight-sim purists could dislike it, but if you'll approach it without prejudices it'll be able to entertain you during all of its 20 missions, playable alone or in co-op, or allowing you to fight intense and lag-free 4 vs 4 online dogfights.

Missions are incredibly narrow, leaving almost no room for improvisation. But, the flying and fighting in the jets is good fun, especially when done with or against other players.

Tom Clancy’s Hawx has the looks but is also as shallow as flight combat games come. For some people the lack of realism is a complete turn-off, but for those who can simply take it for what it is – a shoot ’em up – it’s actually good fun. [Apr 2009]

Despite a few shortcomings, H.A.W.X. is a solid title that will satisfy anyone looking for a new jet fighter game and the co-op play is sure to tie over friends looking for something new to plow through together.

With some really innovative gameplay, exciting missions, fantastic set pieces, and the overall lack of competition, H.A.W.X. is probably the best game in its genre. [MC Issue#43, p.88]

HAWX is an enormously exciting shooter, and manages to take modern combat, strip away the technical side favoured by the Ace Combat series, and create a game that's inspired more by the myth of fighter pilots than the reality. And as any three-headed fire-breathing griffin will tell you, the myth is far more entertaining. [Mike Channel]

HAWX is the enjoyable debut of the new Tom Clancy franchise from Ubisoft. The french company makes a risky bet by developing a game for a hard genre like the flying arcades, but this game achieves sensational results.

If you like aerial shooters, then you'll probably rush out and buy HAWX regardless of what anyone else says, and to be fair you'll certainly get your monies worth if you delve into all modes on offer.

HAWX features multiplayer dog fighting that runs smoothly over Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. Hokey dialogue mars the otherwise stellar presentation and flight sim fans will balk at the simplistic controls.

It’s disappointing that the multiplayer doesn’t take advantage of the opportunities established by the rest of the game’s design, but the four-player co-op is a very welcomed addition.

H.A.W.X. is without a doubt the best title of its genre on this generation of consoles. Despite a classic gameplay, some missions push the edges of simple missile fighting. The versus mode is funny and will keep you busy for a long time. If you like a good blend of arcade a simulation, you're going to have a lot of fun with this last "Clancy's" title.

An excellent title which does a decent job of balancing its sim and arcade elements. Great graphics along with fifty fully licensed jets and satellite imagery to give you a satisfyingly authentic experience. The inclusion of a fantastic co-op mode makes the game even more worthwhile, and there's nothing like taking to the skies with some friends.

Flight Simulation? No. Action? Definitely!

A solid and enjoyable flight sim for those of us who don't take them too seriously. [Apr 2009, p.63]

HAWX is a very enjoyable and easy to pick up game, those who enjoy their action in the sky will not go wrong with this title.

In the end, H.A.W.X is a fun game to pick up and play with some buddies online in either co-op or even online versus but for anything more than that it’s a bit disappointing.

This arcade-style aerial-combat game has plenty to offer those flying solo, but it doesn't offer much in the way of competitive multiplayer content.

The online play -- particularly co-op -- gives HAWX significant replayability. Everything from the picture-perfect planes to the stunning real world environments looks great, even after multiple passes.

A fun ride. It doesn't bring very much new to the table, but it also works just fine and doesn't make you take your shoes off at the security checkpoint.

Some extraneous features like voice commands are nice features but don't add much to either help or hurt the game. The meat of the action will make your gamer heart soar but ends far too soon.