Hawken is a multiplayer mech combat game by Adhesive Games Ltd. & Meteor Entertainment slated for release on 12/12/12. I’m no mega mech-warrior fanboy, but I did fall in love with the genre in the 80’s by playing the pen and paper role-playing game Robotech as well as the DOS based Battletech, the amazing 1988 classic from Infocom. Even if I hadn’t had that childhood exposure, I truly believe that I would still be drawn to this game purely due to the fact that controlling a huge mechanical machine and shooting lasers is simply awesome. The video itself takes some getting used to. The constant 1st person perspective can give players a nauseous feeling after a while, especially when there is so much of the HUD in our playing field. I’m sure that after a few hours though, the limited perspective may simply add to the actual experience, and complete the immersion. Speaking of immersion, the sound effects from a few videos I’ve seen are amazing. There’s the one scene is the video above, when the player’s mech simply pushes a mini-van off of a bridge, and the eerie metal creaking and screeching simply gave me goosebumps. I’ve been signed up for the beta for a few weeks now, and still have not heard back from them…and I’m starting to get worried! I want me some Hawken!
Here’s what the makers of Hawken had to say:
- What game modes are supported? We have two unique team game modes, as well as team deathmatch and free-for-all deathmatch.
- When will it be released? Our official release date is 12/12/12, but we will have a closed beta before that time.
- What engine are you using? Hawken has been developed using the Unreal Engine from Epic Games.
- What platform is it for? Hawken will initially be released on the PC.
- How much will it cost? Hawken will be a downloadable free-to-play title. Yes, you can play for free. There will be in-game purchases that will allow greater customization and more weapon variety.
You can visit the official site here, sign up for the beta here, and follow them on facebook here.
Oh, I almost forgot, while we’re talking about immersion and mechs, you should check out this amazing looking controller specifically geared towards ‘mech-heads’: the Razer Artemis for Mech Warrior. Now if they come out with a South Paw variant..I’m mosdef buying it.
Pictures and info via: http://www.playhawken.com/ & www.razer.com
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