 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X.
Common Sense Media says
Solid air combat game doesn't push the envelope.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents needs to know that while the language is generally mild, you may hear the 's' word and 'bastard' now and then. Targets like tanks and planes are shot constantly. But there is little blood, primarily firing of bombs and missiles and watching fire-filled explosions, usually from a distance. When you crash, team members call you 'down', not dead.
What's it about?
The Tom Clancy moniker is one of the most recognizable in video games today, so much so that UbiSoft has already created dozens of games based on Clancy's various works. Now comes TOM CLANCY'S H.A.W.X., a dramatic air combat offering set in the not-too-distant future in which you retire from the armed forces to join an elite squadron of mercenary pilots. Your goal is to save your clients' oil rigs and the like – until you find your employer might be the bad guy.
H.A.W.X. can be controlled with either the 360 controller, or (much better) a flight stick attachment. Your left stick controls altitude, your left and right button the yaw, the right trigger -- the speed, and the X button, your homing missiles. You can brake to about 1,000 mph with your left trigger and lock on targets using the Y button. Missions, which escalate in complexity, take between a half hour and an hour to play through. You can play online as well.
Is it any good?
Once you're in the air, flying over any city is wonderfully impressive because the developers used satellite imagery to create these worlds. As you choose carefully from 50 sleek aircraft (including the stealthy F-117 Nighthawk), you move through a generally compelling story, 19 levels worth. While the online play is somewhat exciting, it's not really a step forward as far as uniqueness is concerned. Still, you can cooperatively play all the single player missions over Xbox Live.
The primary challenge with H.A.W.X. is trying to pilot the plane with the 360's controller -- without crashing. You may find targeting challegning because your crosshairs are colored gray and can get lost in the colors of the sky above and terrain below. For newbies, there should have been a step-by-step tutorial that's more intensive than the tutorial given in the first level. While what's present is O.K. for core gamers (who'll wish the planes had more nuance), anyone who is trying to pilot for the first time may be daunted.
What families can talk about
Parents can talk about whether or not you want to be a fighter pilot. In the future if you had the choice, would you leave the armed forces to fly rogue missions around the world? Or would you simply be happy to work for your country? Also, there are 50 planes in H.A.W.X. Which is your favorite? Why?
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AGE
NOT WHAT THIS SITE SAYS IT IS!!!!!
This game has absoloutly no blood, suggestive themes, smoking, or the word sh-t in it! It's very clean and educational, but I reccomend owning some other tom clany series' before this sutch as splinter cell or ghost recon. I would reccomend this game for ages 8 and up lots of fun and it makes a great gift!
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AGE
It is educational because of the flying planes. it shows you what some people tdo for a living. I have this game and havent noticed the S*** word.... Ive had no problems online or off.. i would recomend it but one down side is the controls. For a young gamer it would probably be hard too fly the planes, and might find tutorials tricky.
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AGE
Amazing Game
I have saved $50.00 to buy this great game. The game has very nice graphics easy to learn controls and overall amazing. However, there is some violence (by blowing up tanks, planes, and helicopters) but there is absolutely no blood or gore. Occasionally, but not very often (I mean not often at all) you will hear Da*n or He*l a few times but kids hear much worse at school. Don't listen to the rating about alcohol reference I haven't seen and alcohol anywhere in this game. Amazing game, I think 10 and up is good.
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Kid, 2 years old
February 6, 2010
AGE
perfect for tweens.
it is the funnest game ever.
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AGE
This game in relly calming during a free flight and a very easey game to play
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AGE
Great game for 11+
Great game with outstanding graphics. The language could have been toned down without detracting from the game. It is fun to fly, but not as intensive as a flight simulator. Unlimited weapons etc.
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