Fans of flight simulator games are typically looking for one of two experiences. A fast-paced, no holds bar thrill ride or the alternative, a highly realistic game where the utmost precision is a must. H.A.W.X. 2 is by Ubisoft to meld the two styles together, an experimental formula of sorts. You have plenty of thrilling dogfights; while on the other hand, you have some level of realism in refueling or landing. Another component implemented to make the game stand out from the rest, is a larger focus on narrative. H.A.W.X. 2 is also not half-bad looking, with some well detailed planes as well as level design. Sounds like an overall great package at this point, but when you finally grab a hold of a controller/flight stick and sink your teeth into the experience, everything is either underwhelming or clashes with other elements in the game. The attempt to implement a plot with twists and turns falls short, as it feels like one of the lesser stories in the Tom Clancy universe, carrying heavy clichés from its brethren. Stolen nukes, cities under siege, the usual, except without the memorable characters to breathe life into said events. You feel more like a side character, rather than a radical fighter pilot. There are plenty of elements from the other various Clancy series, all of which feel forced into the game. The plot is far from laughable; it just feels forced, drawing away from its overall appeal.
The typical audience for flight simulators probably isn’t here for the narrative, more than likely they’re here to take to the skies as well as a few bombing runs. So how does H.A.W.X. 2 handle when it lifts off? It feels like a mashup of a few popular series, with a dash of action and a few small nods to more realistic series. Sadly it never creates an entertaining experience with either element, especially not for someone looking to delve into a flight sim for the first time. The air combat is easily one of the more enjoyable aspects of the game, but it’s unfortunately broken up far too often by various things that don’t involve combat. On occasion, you’ll pilot a UAV or some other craft, tasked with something other than taking part in furious action. This can vary from listening in on enemy conversations or dropping bombs to support ground troops. It is a commendable effort in delivering some variance in gameplay, but it just breaks up the action far too much to be a worthwhile addition. Once you get back into the pilot seat, there are plenty of good times to be had while taking part in some of the air combat, but even that is occasionally broken up by confusing objectives, wildly varying levels of difficulty, and some unintelligent AI partners. Outside of the Co-Op mode, you’re pretty much on your own in objective completion. Yes, there is a Co-OP mode, and it lessens the time spent trying to complete a difficult mission, but the game is still overall difficult even with another pilot aiding via Xbox Live.
Overall, I highly recommend trying to play through the game with a buddy. As said previously, there a few attempts at implementing realistic elements into the game like landing, but even with an optional assist on landing, it is far too easy for your landing attempt to end in a fiery wreck. It’s not a poor addition by any means, but it will try the patience of newcomers. Once you’ve completed the 20-some campaign missions, there is a multiplayer mode that can lead to a bit of fun, that is, if you’ve picked up some skills from playing through the campaign. If you try to dive straight into the multiplayer and haven’t taken the time to nail down the controls and other elements, you’ll be shot down faster than you can blink an eye. I was worked by veterans more than I’d like to admit, but a few more goes at the campaign helped my overall attempts at scoring in multiplayer. This is mostly due to the level system placed within the game, which can give those who’ve completed the campaign an upper hand with the various planes acquired by completing said campaign. To get a good grasp on the game I played it two ways, part of the campaign with a controller, the other portion with the Xbox 360 Saitek flight stick. I can attest that if you plan on spending some time and money on H.A.W.X. 2, a flight stick is almost a must. Not to say the game is by any means impossible to play without one, but the controls aren’t well mapped to the Xbox 360 controller.
Due to the complicated nature of the controls, I felt much more satisfied with gameplay while doing aerial maneuvers with the flight stick. I applaud those out there who are already playing the game with ease, using just an Xbox controller. Outside of controls, it’s obviously a much more immersive experience using a stick. The lack of a flight stick doesn’t make H.A.W.X. 2 feel broken, but use of an alternative controller is highly recommended. Delving into the overall sexiness of the game, the jets are often fairly easy on the eyes and the environments are occasionally visually attractive as well, but where the game really hits its lows in terms of visual prowess are the underwhelming cutscenes. Almost everything within each cutscene is ugly, especially the character design. As far as the game goes graphically, its good looks are heavily spread throughout gameplay. H.A.W.X. 2 isn’t a bad game, or a bad flight sim, it’s just largely mediocre. Every great aspect such as the thrilling dog fights are slowed down by some out of place mission free of combat. Fans of the original will feel right at home, but anyone looking for an outstanding flight sim or anyone looking to try their first aerial combat game won’t find solace or excitement in H.A.W.X. 2. I can’t rightly recommend it to anyone other than those frothing at the mouth for more time in the skies. I commend Ubisoft for attempting to experiment with the genre, but each new mechanic they’ve tried to implement into H.A.W.X. 2 drags down the best elements of the game.
