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Cheap Thrills: H.A.W.X 2 The 8-bit game

Cheap Thrills is a column by Chris Gampat reviewing affordable (under $20) or free games for the recession.

I remember playing the original version of H.A.W.X in alpha form back during my PCMag.com days and then the Android version put out by Gameloft. While I comfortably preferred the latter, the 8-bit version of the game is simply the most addicting. H.A.W.X. 2's 8-bit version is an ode to old-school top down shooters, with a few flourishes that test player strategies and reflexes while offering versatility in the way the game can be played.

Storyline

In the 8-bit version, you are a Navy jet pilot tasked to providing cover to Ghosts on the ground. This requires taking out larger planes, ships and other enemies. The plot unfolds during the games three levels.

For an 8-bit game, you can't expect anything more.

Gameplay

H.A.W.X 2 is an extremely simple game to play. Players have the options of making the plane fire automatically or manually. The former is controlled simply by pressing spacebar and the latter can be accomplished with the Z button. Pressing X will make your jet invincible for a little while, surrounding the plane with blue triangles like the HUD markers that appear when using ERS in the full game.

There are different types of planes: Thunder, Illusion, Eagle, Typhoon and the MFI. The MFI is unlocked only once you've beat the game the first time and it is the most powerful one overall. Each play is different and different stats. If you prefer to be a speed demon, there is a plane for that. Maybe you want great firepower and will sacrifice to have mediocre speed and armor, and there'ss a plane for that, too.

After killing enemies, the player gets to collect different powerups and items to gain points. The different power ups allow the pilot to shoot different ammo, heal you, get an extra life, etc. It's standard shooter fare.

Graphics

Don't expect to get breathtaking views of the Jesus statue in Brazil as you could in the first game. This is a top-down shooter and if anything, reminds me a bit more of Dune if it were a shooter. If you're playing the game on an Android device, it won't even match the beauty of some of the newer titles that you've been seeing.

Sound

This soundscore on this game give the feeling that they're sitting down in front of their original Nintendo system and just having loads of fun with their buddies while enjoying chips and soda. To be honest with you, the game can be played on mute with no problems.

Replayability

H.A.W.X 2 actually has quite a bit of replayability to it because of all the different plane options and the one plane unlocked after you beat the game the first time. If at first you fail with one plane, maybe it wasn't for you. Players can experiment to try to beat each level with different jets. My only critique is that I wish one could save my progress.

Give it a try yourself and let us know your comments down below.