I bought HAWX on a whim after deciding to trade in a couple of games sooner rather than later to maximise my trade in value

It follows the same form of plot lines as any other Tom Clancy game with shadowy organisations and military powers for hire aplenty

The action takes place over many famous and real landmarks with the physical locations being mapped from real satelite imagery.

The missions are generally in the form of go here, take out x ground objects or tackle y aircraft. The objectives are mixed up with the odd support role or escort mission and the story line unfolds to give your missions and death bringing purpose

To give the game some zest there is a unique view option unlocked as you progress. The camera zooms out to a sort of 3/4 aspect allowing you to dogfight much more easily. it turns off the computer control and gives you the freedom to perfomr tight turns and forced stalls – this mode is essential when entering into a dogfight section, of which there are plenty

The game also gives you ERS – or Enhanced Reality System – basically a guide of hoops to fly through to giude you directly to your chosen target – sessential if your target is a yank hidden in some city streets

In addition to these you often have 2 wingmen who you can assign simple tasks like “defend” or “attack”

Although enjoyable the missions do become a little samey and since buying I haven’t felt much of an urge to pick it up – for me there isn’t enough control over the aircraft, perhaps down to the more realistic bent of the game. I also feel that I am incredibly distanced from the game as often the enemy are taken out from a mile away or more, so you never get up close and personal with them – everything just seems like dots on the horizon so the gam can seem a little empty despite all of the action

I am yet to play this game online in anger but there are full mission, 4 player co-op options as well as straight up dogfighting for 8 players

All in all an interesting take on the genre but sadly not enough here to keep my attention

Pro’s

Vast array of aircraft and weapons options to unlock
Fun dogfighting with unique camera angle
You tube video capturing is fun
Full campaign available in drop in out co-op

Cons

Gameplay is a little shallow and repetetive
You can seem very distant from the action
Graphics seem a little last gen

Score

5/10