Hawken

About

Hawken is a sci-fi shooter game with fabulous gameplay and splendid graphics. It offers multiplayer and single-player modes, allowing 2 players or more to control customizable, upgradable mechs in fast-paced combat. The game promises an explosive and fun experience for players in a dystopian world.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,063 reviews

gameplay91 positive mentions

grinding37 negative mentions

Fast-paced and engaging gameplay that combines FPS mechanics with mech combat.
Great graphics and immersive environments that enhance the overall experience.
Variety of mechs and customization options that allow players to find their preferred playstyle.

Pay-to-win elements with microtransactions that can create an imbalance in gameplay.
Slow progression system that requires significant grinding to unlock new mechs and upgrades.
Matchmaking issues that can lead to unbalanced teams and frustrating gameplay experiences.

gameplay
192 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
51%
2%
The gameplay in Hawken is widely praised for its fast-paced, addictive mechanics and solid controls, offering a unique blend of first-person shooter and mech combat elements. Players appreciate the extensive customization options and the emphasis on teamwork, although some note that the limited game modes and map variety can lead to repetitive experiences. Overall, the game is considered a standout in the mech shooter genre, with a friendly community and a fair free-to-play model that allows for skill-based progression.
- “The gameplay is fantastic, especially for an early access title.”
- “Hawken represents a blasting action, packed with some awesome original gameplay features and impressive quality of video/sound.”
- “The gameplay is solid, the leveling and progression is great, the map design and game modes are brilliant and most of the game is skill-based as many of the upgrades that you can get don't affect the gameplay to a degree that is unfair.”
- “The gameplay modes are few, though, as is the map selection, but the gameplay itself is so involving that you don’t really care when things start looking a bit generic (which, admittedly, happens after the first hour at most. The mechs, combat, and overall 'spectacle' are solid, but the environments are passable at best).”
- “You'll most likely find yourself grinding through every match, and the gameplay becomes linear a lot.”
- “The maps are beautiful but few and offer almost no change to the gameplay.”
graphics
139 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
76%
20%
4%
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their beauty and detail, with many users noting that they are impressive for a free-to-play title. While some reviews mention minor issues like graphical downgrades for console compatibility and a few bugs, the overall consensus highlights stunning visuals, smooth performance, and a well-designed art style that enhances the gameplay experience. Despite some criticisms, the graphics are often described as a standout feature, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.
- “This game has beautiful visuals.”
- “The graphics are outstanding, and the various mechs are easy to customize with different weapons and components.”
- “The graphics are top-notch, lots of details (for example, even light from outside illuminating the cockpit, high detailed buildings and forests make you feel piloting a huge mech).”
- “About the definitive version, I have to say the bad things are: graphic downgrade to fit the poor specifications of consoles, ugly and disgusting new interface, and the graphics aren't the shiniest thing ever.”
- “And Hawken falls terribly short with sub-par graphics, boring maps, and fewer mechanics.”
- “Graphically, it's okay, not great.”
grinding
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it can be tedious and time-consuming to unlock mechs and upgrades, it is often balanced by the enjoyment of gameplay and the ability to earn in-game currency through play. Some players appreciate the free-to-play model that allows for grinding without mandatory purchases, while others feel that the grind can become frustrating, especially when compared to the advantages of spending real money. Overall, the consensus is that while grinding is a significant part of the experience, it can be manageable for those who enjoy the game.
- “It seems like the game was turned into a cash cow instead of an actual release game because the unlock system is so heavily grindy that you can spend a very long time trying to unlock each mech and then it takes just as long to customize it.”
- “Worse yet, the weapon options can only be unlocked when you reach a certain level, which means that players who are willing to spend real money will effectively have an in-game advantage as they can buy them right away rather than grinding to get the required level.”
- “All in all, it's not a bad game, but the lack of balance and the lack of weapons and options, and the brutal grinding means there's a lot of frustration in the long run.”
story
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
73%
14%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized, with many users noting the absence of a meaningful narrative or campaign mode, leading to a focus solely on multiplayer battles. While some players express a desire for a single-player experience to explore the background of the mechs and their environment, others acknowledge that the gameplay itself can be enjoyable despite the lack of a story. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers little in terms of storytelling, which detracts from the overall experience.
- “I wish it had a single player to explain the background story behind giant mechs roaming uninhabited futuristic cities... but we are talking about a free game here, so no one is complaining.”
- “I think it would be cool if they added more of a background story and maybe a campaign?”
- “Ps: the game even has an interesting backstory.”
- “Unfortunately, the same story seems to have played out with the developer.”
- “There's no campaign or story mode, just team fights for the sake of fighting.”
- “The graphics aren't anything to celebrate, nor is the story (since there isn't one).”
monetization
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
60%
20%
The monetization model in the game is primarily based on microtransactions, which include cosmetic items and some mechs that can be purchased but are not essential for gameplay. While players can earn most items through gameplay, there are concerns about the aggressive nature of in-app purchases, leading to mixed feelings about the overall value and fairness of the system. Many players recommend waiting for free-to-play periods to avoid spending excessively on microtransactions.
- “Everything you can earn through the game, no microtransactions needed!”
- “Yes, microtransactions are part of the game, but, barring cosmetic items, there is almost nothing you can buy with real money that can't be earned in the game, and the starting mech (though unimpressive in appearance) is remarkably well-rounded and balanced.”
- “The in-game purchases are mostly for cosmetic items and just about everything can be acquired through just playing the game and earning enough credits.”
- “Developer cash grab and run.”
- “Wait for the free-to-play period to start up, rather than blow your cash on an outrageously expensive web of microtransactions designed from the ground up to trick fans into throwing good money after bad.”
- “But the nickel and diming with the microtransactions killed it for me.”
optimization
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
33%
25%
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with smooth performance reported across various hardware setups, including mid-range laptops. Players appreciate the impressive graphics and minimal bugs, alongside ongoing tweaks for better in-game balance. The game effectively utilizes its engine to deliver a visually appealing experience without compromising performance.
- “Performance: this game utilizes the Unreal Engine - it's a great-looking game that runs well on my i7.”
- “I can't imagine anyone but the rich brats wasting money on something that does nothing for in-game performance.”
- “For someone playing on the lower end of the PC requirement spectrum, I am constantly surprised at how well this game has optimized its graphics engine.”
- “The game consists of very few bugs so far, and constant tweaks are being made to increase in-game balancing and performance.”
music
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
11%
22%
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising its epic quality and integration into the gameplay. While some noted that the soundtrack is somewhat limited, the overall consensus highlights it as a standout feature that enhances the gaming experience.
- “The graphics are amazing, the music and sounds on battle are simply epic.”
- “Best graphics, best gameplay, best game modes, best mechs, best soundtracks, best everything and did I mention best soundtracks?”
- “[url=https://youtu.be/s9fqre4qemk]Epic soundtrack[/url] and hardcore gameplay.”
- “This free-to-play model is so deceptive and fraudulent that I believe it will eventually be outlawed, and I certainly wouldn't want to be associated with anyone involved on that day the music stops.”
- “Soundtrack 6/10”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
13%
38%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its superb graphics, engaging audio, and immersive environments, particularly in jungle settings. Players appreciate the friendly vibe and smooth gameplay, which enhance the overall experience, making it enjoyable despite its indie origins. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a significant strength of the game, contributing to its fun and engaging nature.
- “Its easy to control, good graphics, runs smooth, and has a great atmosphere and feel to it.”
- “I don't generally like free-to-play games with Dota 2 being an exception, but this game is fantastic... excellent graphics, atmospheric audio, solid playable netcode, a slick, uncomplicated user interface, but all that is just a bonus because the game is genuinely fun to play!”
- “The atmosphere as well as the art style and graphics are quite superb for an indie game and such a small development team.”
- “Love the atmosphere of the game world.”
- “Atmosphere 4/10”
stability
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
86%
The game's stability is mixed, with users reporting various bugs and glitches that can affect gameplay, particularly in competitive settings. While some players find the experience enjoyable despite these issues, others express frustration with the frequency and impact of the bugs. Overall, the game offers fun and unique gameplay, but stability concerns remain a notable drawback.
- “The game runs smoothly with minimal bugs, making for a stable and enjoyable experience.”
- “I appreciate the quick matchmaking and the overall stability of the servers.”
- “The customization options are great, and the game feels polished and reliable.”
- “The game itself is buggy, but nonetheless it's fun!”
- “This game is so damn buggy, don't waste your time.”
- “A few glitches throughout, e.g., finding games with parties, etc., but gameplay seems to be good.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting its immersive mechanics that enhance the combat experience and evoke feelings of empowerment. The game's artistic quality, particularly the use of Maya for modeling, inspires creativity and hope among users, contributing to a sense of community and shared passion. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to evoke genuine emotions and foster a supportive environment.
- “The added mechanic of being able to sprint short distances in almost any direction adds a level of immersion that gives combat an actual emotional feel, rather than being just about lining up your crosshairs and pulling the trigger.”
- “A game has never made me feel more of a badass than this game.”
- “Also the game... on a modeling terms is just awesome... knowing all the models are made in Maya made me cry a little because I use Maya and I want to do that well, gave me hope... enough of the side stuff, game is epic ^^ so get it.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky visual elements and the amusing limitations of gameplay, such as the inability to use camouflage on alternate models. Players find the underpowered mechs and the inclusion of humorous emotes for taunting opponents to be particularly entertaining, adding a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
- “The funny part is that you cannot use the camo on the alternate models.”
- “>many mechs are hilariously underpowered.”
- “You get 9 mechs, some cool cosmetic items, and hilarious emotes to taunt your enemies with!”