"Tactical frenzy" is the best phrase for this MP shooter that balances out well the differences between foot a
Good:
1. Well balanced multiplayer If your are on foot, wheels, wings, or in a turret, each method has their advantages, uses, and weaknesses. If it is up to a players preferences to stick with one type or to spread out their uses throughout a game, one won't feel too underpowered or outnumbered without feeling like having and edge. It can be boiled down to rock/paper/scissors with the addition of a few extra office supplies to add to this game.
2. Awesome large maps With only five maps available right now, they make a presence by their massive size and the graphic engine's noteably looong draw distance. Each map seems to bias along the spectrum between foot and flight, but is a good thing since it keeps strategies varied and complex. Each map has a personality that separates it from the others. Also depending on the max player size maps can have different configurations that compliment that, keeping players close enough to stay in the action without being too close. It is rare to die within the first five seconds of spawning in, yet it takes less than 15 seconds to find a fellow or opposing teamember.
3. KISS (keep it simple stupid) Warhawk feels stripped down to the basics of multiplayer. It is easy to pick up after a few rounds despite the lack of detailed instructions (including the retail which still had me guessing). This focus on the basics of what makes good multiplayers shows that Incognito had a good idea of what "fun" is in multiplayer, and also is what makes the ability of this game to be well balanced. It gives the game a slightly arcadey feel, and allows the more casual player to have fun while the hardcore serious can stick to their precision tactics. Somehow this game can balance in the elitists (yet the game is still too new yet for this to be proven).
4. Great point system Following that Incognito "gets" multiplayer, a very detailed stat and awards system is included. Every facet in multiplayer is scored positively or negatively to add to your global score and rank. This is the most advanced and detailed system I have EVER seen, and should set a standard for future multiplayer games.
Bad:
The "Bad" is more a wishlist than a flaw. As fun as the game is there are a few things left out that should be a natural inclusion to next gen multiplayer.
1. Lacking instructions. I had the retail version which gives enough instruction to get off the ground. Still there were a lot of specifics missing that had me scratching my head. This leads to a lot of trial and error approach, which will come to separate the flock from the herd. This might've helped Noobs find thier way into the game quicker without all their mindless teamkilling and wonky tactics.
2. Needs a better server browser and matchmaking Warhawk is server based. Thanks to Bungie I've come to expect matchmade games to be a staple to get quick online play. Luckily in finding specific servers you can choose exactly what gametype you want to play. Unfortunately these servers tend to be full and one has to fish for any next available server that may not necessarily be the type of game you want. You can start your own server to your liking, but are limited on having the full 32 player experience.
3. No friend invites or partying up. Maybe this is another Halo thing I've gotten too used to. If I seem to run into a player that I team up well withing a game, as long as I stay in the server I can play alongside that player more than once. On quitting the server there is no way to specifically invite that player to my friends list. A clan ability is available through the game, but this only includes your original friends list. To add other players you have to exit the game to the XMB and find them that way to add. If Warhawk does have an easier method to add players to your friends list I haven't found it yet.
4. The PS3 only allows one PSN account and microphone at a time. Really its not the game's fault. When taking my PS3 to a friends house they could not play in the game as their own account, but had to be under my account. The fact my friends could play on one screen is awesome and as easy as hitting start, but it would have been nice if they could have gotten their own identity. This also follows with the mic. The mic is only active to the main player. The PS3 doesn't seem to allow more than one mic.
Well thats it. So much for keeping it short.