Warhawk is the first title for the PS3 to bridge the networking gap. You can buy the game either on Blu-Ray at retail stores or download the title from the PlayStation Network. That, in and of itself, makes this game revolutionary. But what about the game itself? Warhawk definitely stands up the challenge and could be the first real killer app for the PS3. Here is a breakdown of some of the facets of Warhawk for the PS3:

Presentation and Graphics: Warhawk is a very crisp looking game. Not the best graphics ever, but very good none the less. The game runs at 720p natively, and scales to 1080i for users with older HDTV sets. One of the biggest graphic features of Warhawk is the draw distance. You can clearly make out buildings and other landscaping details, opponents, and even moving turrets from the complete opposite side of the map. The clouds and water effects in the game are stunning as well. The water isn’t near the level of BioShock, but what else is? Framerate issues rarely (if ever) crop up during Warhawk, no matter the amount of people playing on a map at any given time. 4.5 of 5

Sound and Music: If you have surround sound, Warhawk is definitely going to give it a workout. Sporting 7.1 channel Uncompressed Linear PCM audio, the game simple rocks. Every movement, shot fired, explosion, and pumping on the throttle of a vehicle happens in crisp surround sound. For a multiplayer only title, it’s essential to be able to hear where your enemies are coming from, and Warhawk definitely excels in this area. I’d go as far as to say it has some of the best sound effects I’ve ever heard. 5 of 5

Gameplay: You can experience Warhawk from multiple angles, where on foot as a third person shooter, in ground based vehicles, or with aerial combat. Each type has its own advantages given the map and game type. Whether you want to take down aircraft with a rocket launcher, or try to destroy a turret while hovering, there are many choices as to how you can play the game. No matter which you choose, the controls are well layed out and feel very tight. Warhawk has all your standard online modes, including Team Deathmatch, Zone Mode (territory holding), and Capture the Flag and supports up to 32 players in each mode. There are 25 maps in the game at the present time, with more maps and game types possibly coming with downloadable content. With all of the host options to customize each game, Warhawk sports plenty of depth. 4 of 5

Multiplayer: Warhawk is a multiplayer only title. Don’t go buying it expecting a campaign mode, because you’ll be sadly disappointed. The game can have up to 4 people on each PS3 both offline and online. No other “next-gen” online games have supported 4 players on one console, and I commend Incognito for putting this feature into the game. Warhawk allows you to get 3 other friends at your house to play online against the world. Games support up to 32 players simultaneously with zero lag. That’s right, no lag even with 32 players. There have been a few server issues that the development team has worked hard to correct, which have enhanced connections for many people. 4.5 of 5

Lasting Appeal: With an expansive online community, a huge number of maps and a good amount of game types, Warhawk provides a wealth of opportunity for a lot of gamers. It’s not very often that two games will play exactly alike, given the customization options set by the host. Solid gameplay, great graphics and great sound will keep you playing Warhawk for quite a while. 4.5 of 5

Final Word: I’ll just come out and say it: Warhawk is a killer app for the PS3. If you have the console and enjoy online shooters, do yourself a favor and grab Warhawk. Whether you get the retail version for $60 with the included headset or the $40 download is up to you. But either way, the game is worth every penny.

Overall: 4.5 of 5

1 = Not worth the bandwidth.

2= Demo is enough, not worth your money.

3= Game is good, depending on the price, seriously consider picking it up.

4= Worth your money. Should provide some good times for quite awhile.

5= Buy the game. Lock your door. Pick up a case of beer. This could take all night.