Games Review: H.A.W.X.

We've been following the exploits of Captain Mitchell and the Ghost Recon team over a few sequels now, and numerous times we've called in the ait support. This game puts you in the hot seat, taking on that air support role. In the first mission, you are a part of the US military, protecting the Ghost team but soon after the team is decommissioned. Your two wingmen join you as operatives of a private security firm working for various superpowers around the world stopping everything from terrorists to dictators. You'll run bombing missions, escort VIPs and bombers or take on ground and air units while protecting sensitive military and civilian installations.

The story is interesting but not as compelling as most Tom Clancy games. The cut scenes between missions are often a little too ham-fisted and while they tie the story together well enough, the overall story is a little flimsy. That being said, the game play is exciting and a load of fun, so the plot doesn't really need to blow your socks off, so to speak.

This isn't a flight simulator but the controls are a little less forgiving than an arcade style flight game. There are a great number of on screen prompts, as well as audio cues, to help you know what to do and when to do it. It can get a little overwhelming at times, especially in the later levels, but after a few attempts, you get the hang of it pretty quickly. The combat happens in third person view with a HUD that includes ammunition, bearings and waypoints.

There is also an ERS assist feature that you can use to help your flying skills. When pressing X, a series of chevrons appear on-screen showing you the best way to get to your enemy quickly or avoid getting blown out of the sky when targeted by an enemy rocket. It works well for those looking for an easier experience, but it's a little too easy mode as well. You don't have to use it though but, that being said, in the later levels you would have to be pretty damn good at flying to get through a mission alive. With it turned off you can make tighter turns to avoid missile locks but it also increases the risk of stalling your engines if you break too hard.