H.A.W.X. - Strike Commander it is not....

But I got to tell ya, I get a certain thrill hearing that lock-on signal and shoving a missile up the enemy's tailpipe. Flight Sims was my first exposure to online gaming with Xwing vs Tie Fighter. But I had previously played Wing Commander and Strike Commander and loved both franchises (though Strike Commander only had one game where Wing Commander had 4 or 5). So after playing the demo of H.A.W.X. I liked the game enough that I play it now almost once a night after "seeing a copy of it fall from the sky". It's not really worth the $40-$50 in stores now. I'd wait a bit for Steam to put out another one of their half off sales. Once that happens I'll probably see to purchasing it.

What I loved about Strike Commander was that, as you progressed through the game, you earned cash to purchase better equipment. H.A.W.X. is based on a leveling system. As you progress, you gain rank and get to unlock different airplanes and loadouts. I just completed the missions in normal mode. There is hard and Extreme modes I have to explore. The missions are laid out quite simply, usually consisting of CAPs, Escorts, or bombing missions. And while Strike Commander offered a brand of realism akin to F-16 Fighting Falcon, H.A.W.X. realism includes death by running into buildings or the ground. It also offers a feature called OFF. Basically it turns off the computer that keeps you from making 'extreme' maneuvers, like drifting. Drifting occurs when you hit the OFF switch and apply your brakes while making a turn. You basically pivot on your end or wingtip a full 180 degrees, giving you a great Angle of Attack on your target.

So while the game does have a few flaws in it, I find it an enjoyable break from the monotony of making gold on WoW sometimes. Peace may find it enjoyable to play.