» Review: Starhawk | ABQ Journal

Starhawk is a welcome offering during the video game doldrums of May.

The third-person shooter (sequel to 2007′s Warhawk) offers a story that – while not necessarily unique – is at least a refreshing diversion.

Set in space, the game tells the story of two brothers who take different courses in their life after tragedy separates them.

An energy source known as rift energy is discovered, sparking a rush to cash in. You, playing as Emmett Graves, and your brother join one of these bands of Rifters – wildcatters who venture into hostile areas to harvest the precious energy – resulting in a battle.

Opposing you are the Outcasts – humans who have been exposed too long to the energy, causing them to mutate into violent creatures bent on expelling the Rifters from the rift energy conduits. Contaminated by the rift energy, you become a hired gun, sent to root out Outcasts.

The story plays out much like an old western, from the (laser) handguns to the rustic town of White Sands and the crotchety old narrator filling in details during cutscenes. Even the box art is meant to evoke a “wild west” vibe.

The game plays much like a standard third-person shooter (use a variety of weapons to kill enemies while using cover) with a twist – a game mechanic called Build and Battle.

Using Build and battle, your player is in constant contact with an orbiting station that can “drop” assets into the game when needed, providing you’ve gathered enough rift energy to complete the transaction. You can have defensive weapons, vehicles, ammunition and even additional troops dropped and constructed as needed. Assets arrive with a mighty noise and violent landing and can crush those unlucky enough to be beneath them (a handy tactic in multiplayer).

These assets can also be shared among your troops, often turning the tide.

Many of the levels involve space dogfights, putting you behind the flight stick of a mech (Hawk) that can target enemies with homing missiles and even land and stomp the smaller ones to bits.

The game also offers a multiplayer experience, making good use of the “Build and Battle” system. After launching yourself into a match (near a rift energy source), you begin absorbing the energy that will allow you to build the weaponry needed for battle.

Players can rank up during gameplay, unlocking trivial upgrades – like different clothing and vehicle decals – and more significant gameplay enhancements, such as quicker absorption of rift energy and the ability to carry more ammo.

Vehicles available to “download” during combat include a four-wheeler, a tank, a couple of aerial attack vehicles and a jet bike. The larger vehicles require more energy, which can also be gathered by killing opponents or destroying their assets.

Game modes are limited to four types – deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag and zones. The first three modes are pretty self-explanatory, while the latter mode is similar to Domination in the Call of Duty series or Conquest in the Battlefield games. Teams work to take over areas of the map, thus earning points faster toward victory.

Up to 32 players can battle in a match.

Multiplayer action is smooth, with few glitches to inhibit enjoyment. A couple of innovation are worth pointing out for Starhawk multiplayer that all shooters should consider.

The first is Explore mode. This mode allows a player to explore a multiplayer map alone, permitting him to discover the ins and outs of the map unmolested by combat. One of the tough things about a new game, especially for a latecomer, is the learning curve needed while simultaneously trying to not get killed in battle.

The second is MP Homeworld – an expansion of Explore – where a team can gather to strategize before joining a live game.

Starhawk brings sterling multiplayer to the PlayStation 3 (which is in serious need of it). The single-player mode, while short, does a good job in preparing a player for the online component.

Platform: PlayStation3

Manufacturer: Sony Interactive

Rating: Mature

Score: 8.5 chilies