Not much information is known about Hawken, so much so that we are still in the dark as to what console(s) the game will appear on. Even still, the gameplay reveal definitely looks promising, and you can tell that Adhesive is putting a lot of effort into the universe surrounding the game.
What really excites me about Hawken is the implementation of mechs, the game's main draw. While we have seen many mech games over the years, such as the MechAssault games on the original Xbox and the more recent Armored Core series, this niche genre has yet to see its long overdue AAA release. The last great mech game [to me] was SEGA's 2006 title ChromeHounds. ChromeHounds was not a huge success, and that could be due to it being released early in the Xbox 360's lifespan. However, those that did buy it were treated to an online experience unrivaled by any other game--even to this day. With a living world controlled by three dueling factions fighting for resources and land, it made for some intense, and sometimes nationalistic online skirmishes.
Since then, we had seen a few mech-centric releases as well as a few mech-cameos found in games such as Killzone 3 and the upcoming BlackLight sequel. Still, this genre has not had the blockbuster experience that most other genres have. Indie developer Adhesive is aiming to rectify that problem, though, with the release of Hawken.
Again, a lot is still unknown about the game, but we do know this: with the constant spamming of military shooter after military shooter, Hawken can certainly fill an empty void. While Killzone 3, SOCOM 4, Halo: Reach and the like are all fun, they are also quite similar. Hawken, on the other hand, has the potential to "wow" us, and bring unique elements to a crowded fray.
"Potential" is certainly the key word here. Since the genre is rather empty library wise, Adhesive can quite frankly "re-write the books" so to speak on how to develop an exquisite mechanical warfare title.
I'm certainly getting a Borderlands feeling with Hawken, meaning this could be the game that surprises everyone amidst the releases of known franchises. I hope this holds true, and with E3 right around the corner, I'll be sure to keep Hawken on my radar.
