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Starhawk PS3 Review - www.impulsegamer.com -
Starhawk
Reviewed by
James Wright
on
Starhawk PS3 Review. Starhawk is a decent shooter adventure game on the PS3 that is slightly hampered by the short campaign mode.
Rating:
3.8

Gameplay 7.8
Graphics 8.0
Sound 8.0
Value 7.9
Distributor: Sony
Review Date:
May 2012
Reviewer:
James Wright

7.8


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!





 

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