The third-person shooter Starhawk is the spiritual successor of the first-person shooter Warhawk. The previous title’s large-scale mayhem is carried over into this game, which combines dogfights between flying mechs known as Hawks with ground-based warfare employing vehicles or normal infantry combat. Additionally, the game features a combination of the two. Players can move freely and fire weapons, much as in a typical action game; however, they also have the option to board tanks and other vehicles, as well as Hawks that may immediately morph into flying formations. An entire single-player campaign and real-time tactical components, such as the Build n’ Battle system, which enables the character to construct buildings directly from the battlefield, are the two significant changes made compared to the original edition. Both of these features are considered to be substantial improvements.
The single-player game occurs in a far-off time when humans have colonized different planets and star systems around the galaxy. They mine Rift Energy, which is a rich resource but also has some risks associated with it. The energy can potentially mutate humans into vicious monsters that name themselves Outcasts if exposed to it. They launch an assault on the mining sites, one of which is the farm owned by the protagonist, Emmett Graves, and managed by him and his brother, Logan. Both brothers are exposed to the energy when it is destroyed, but only Logan mutates, while Emmett obtains a regular implant from their mutual acquaintance Sydney Cutter. Emmett and Sydney become Rift Savages, which hunt mutants, but they finally run across Logan, who has assumed the role of leader of the Outcasts. The narrative progresses into a large-scale conflict, with the two brothers serving as the focal point of the action.
In addition to the ongoing battles, a particular portion of time is devoted to constructing various constructions. Rift Energy can be obtained in several ways, including completing missions and destroying enemies, vehicles, and structures. In addition to that, there are fissure barrels strewn about the setting that holds it. The units of currency are referred to as orbs and cells. One cell can be obtained for every ten balls, and twelve cells can be stored. It is used as a form of cash to construct buildings, which are subsequently delivered to their destinations from outer space. Some of the various constructions include walls, corrals, garages, auto-turrets, watchtowers, outposts, supply bunkers, A.R.M.s, vulture stations, launch pads, beam turrets, depots, and shield generators. They must hold back the vast number of enemy units since they have both offensive and defense capabilities and are vital. There are constructions that not only provide cars but also can be enhanced.
One instance of the multiplayer mode supports as many as 32 players simultaneously. The Build n’ Battle system is also available there. However, each team can only construct a maximum of 32 buildings. Several different game types are available, including Zones, Capture the Flag, Death Match, and Team Death Match. The second mode is a Domination or Conquest-style game in which players strive to seize and maintain control of Rift rigs, which serve as new spawn sites for the game. A persistent experience system is a part of the multiplayer mode, and it comes with various skills that can be obtained and equipped. Depending on the way, the game also supports cooperative play, which may be offline or online, with as many as two or four players.
