Hawken

Engage in Mech Warfare with Hawken

Hawken is a thrilling free-to-play, multiplayer mech combat game that plunges players into intense warfare in a dystopian world. Utilizing highly customizable mechs, players engage in battles across various landscapes to assert their dominance.

First Impressions

From the onset, Hawken provides a substantial gameplay experience without requiring a penny. Newcomers to the public beta are greeted with a basic mech, which serves both as an entry-level unit and as a canvas for future upgrades. The game aptly introduces players to its customization system—promising depth and strategy with the proper investment of in-game currency.

Gameplay Modes and Learning Curve

The game's approach to unlocking different gameplay modes is tailored to the player's progress, starting with a traditional team deathmatch. Despite matchmaking issues that can occasionally pit beginners against veteran players, Hawken's learning curve is well-calibrated, granting a satisfying sense of advancement as control over the mech becomes second nature.

Customization and Progression

The in-game store is stocked with an array of weapons, mech parts, and items that enrich the combat experience. Though acquiring a brand-new mech might be time-intensive, the journey through the game's progression system is rewarding. As players accumulate experience and level up their profiles, a larger array of purchasable enhancements become available.

System Requirements and Controls

Hawken is not excessively demanding on system resources but does benefit from more powerful hardware. At present, it operates on 32-bit systems with DirectX9 support, which somewhat limits performance, especially on computers equipped with 64-bit processors.

The game's controls are comprehensive, with the keyboard providing a robust but complex means of control—some maneuvers, like the boost dodge, can be challenging on more compact keyboards. Gamepad support is a welcome addition, although it may require additional configuration for certain unrested actions such as the hover-jump.

Graphics and Performance

In terms of graphics, Hawken does not disappoint. While the game does not fully exploit the capabilities of 64-bit and DirectX11, its visual fidelity is impressive, scaling adeptly across systems of varying power. While top-tier effects may not be present, the game delivers a visually rich battlefield experience, nonetheless.

Microtransactions and Fair Play

The store's microtransactions never overshadow the essence of gameplay. Players have the option to accelerate their progress by purchasing in-game currency, yet the leveling system remains gratifying. Achievements and advances feel genuinely earned, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Areas for Improvement

Future developments for Hawken should focus on refining the matchmaking system to offer a balanced starting point for new entrants, averting discouraging early defeats from seasoned players. Additionally, updating the game to support 64-bit processors and DirectX11 would significantly enhance its potential for top-tier graphical performance and smoother gameplay.

Pros

• Free-to-play model with ample content from the start
• Progressive unlocking of gameplay modes suits player growth
• Deep customization system rewards investment and skill
• Engaging combat mechanics with a strategic focus
• Impressive graphics that adapt well across different machines

Cons

• Matchmaking can sometimes be unbalanced
• Limited by 32-bit performance, lacking full use of modern hardware capabilities
• Control scheme has a steep learning curve, particularly on keyboard
• Some gamepad controls require manual configuration

In conclusion, Hawken is a robust and compelling free-to-play mech shooter that hits many right notes with its customization, strategic gameplay, and excellent scaling graphics. While it has a few areas that could benefit from polishing, the game presents a solid foundation for fans of multiplayer mech action.