EDIT: 3/15/09 The game now has a tutorial mode! Updated score: 4.5/5
Early on in development of Warhawk the developers scrapped the single player mode because they felt it was "inferior to the online component". Well, at least they're honest.
Warhawk is a third-person shooter exclusive to the Playstation 3. Like I mentioned before it is multi-player only. I must say that there are no other games quite like it.
When you begin a game you start out as a regular foot soldier. You get a pistol and two grenades. You can pick up other weapons like an assault rifle, a rocket launcher, sniper rifle, and even a set of binoculars that when focused upon an enemy unleashes a green death ray from above that is virtually inescapable.
However the real fun comes when you get in vehicles. Warhawk is a re-make (only in spirit) of the original PSone launch title. You can pilot fighter jets, drive jeeps, and roll with tanks. The vehicles can be controlled with the motion sensor on the PS3 SIXAXIS controller or with the analog sticks/d-pad. The control scheme is very tight and not confusing at all. You'll be in vehicles most of the time because they're usually more effective (however in some situations being on foot is an asset). Additionally you can play frenzied death matches with no vehicles.
At the time of this review there is no shortage of online games to play. You can also play local matches with your friends (just press start on the other controllers when you get to the stage). With the PS3 robust HD capabilities Warhawk may see a favorable return to split screen gaming (split screen looks wonderful on a 50" 1080i plasma TV... trust me). However, I heard that finding games that allow split screen online is harder than you would think. I guess the online community doesn't like it. (edit 4/11/08: actually, it's not very hard at all to find games that have split screen enable. I haven't had a problem.)
Warhawk has a ranking system that not only relies on the collection of "points" but "medals" too. Without certain accomplishments you are not able to reach higher ranks. As you go up in rank new customization options are open to you. You start as a recruit and work your way up into General status.
Another great thing about Warhawk is the way its maps are set up. Each map has many different parts and "configurations" to play on. The same map has 5 or more possible play areas.
The bad thing about Warhawk is the bewilderment. You are basically just dropped into matches (there was hardly any beginner's rooms when I was starting out) with little more than some tips that pop up on screen to obstruct your view and let you know how things work (they can be turned off, so don't worry). The only tutorial you can get is to just play the game. However, once you've nailed the basics you'll start having a lot of fun.
VERDICT: (4/5) If you have a PS3 you should probably have Warhawk. While the first few hours are hard and confusing the gameplay is very fun. You won't find combat like Warhawk offers anywhere else.
