Half a decade has passed since Hawken, the free-to-play multiplayer mech shooter, was withdrawn from the online world due to a rocky development journey. Now, 505 Games is breathing new life into the brand, reincarnating it as the PvE-focused, initially single-player game known as Hawken Reborn.
The first version of Hawken made quite a splash in 2011 with a striking trailer that hinted at its potential. However, it encountered difficulties in garnering a substantial following once it transitioned into the competitive gaming scene. Despite a promising relaunch in 2017 following an unsuccessful early access attempt in 2014, the game failed to attract a robust player base, leading to the closure of its PC servers in 2018.
Given its challenging history, the decision to revive Hawken might seem unusual. Nevertheless, five years after its withdrawal, Hawken Reborn is now visible on Steam’s free-to-play list, preparing to make its early access debut as a title genuinely in its early stages of development, on Wednesday, May 17th.
Hawken Reborn: A Sneak Peek into the Early Access Version
Hawken Reborn’s initial release, described as being at a nascent stage of its lifecycle, promises six playable story missions accessed via its Merc Net menu. The early access version will also include one playable zone and radio missions, offering early opportunities for replayability and exploration.
Furthermore, players can look forward to customizing five different mechs, equipped with a variety of weapons and thrusters that can be tailored to individual playstyles.
The Future Development Plan for Hawken Reborn
505 Games anticipates that Hawken Reborn will remain in Steam’s early access for approximately 18 months. Once the key foundational elements are firmly in place, the game is set to receive new content. This will encompass additional mechs and missions, cooperative multiplayer, and an epic storyline, all planned for inclusion as part of the game’s full release at a later date.
At this point, 505 Games has not disclosed plans for platforms beyond PC. However, those eager to experience the reimagined Hawken Reborn can get their first taste when it makes its early access debut on Steam this coming Wednesday, May 17th.
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