Warhawk makes me want UT

So last week I looked thru a computer magazine at a Borders.  I saw they had a little sidebar article on it that talked about a new feature of Unreal Tournament called "Unreal Warfare".

It looked like UT has a completely new feature where you can have a commander.  That commander can see who is on his team, what their gaming stats are like, and he can give way-points.

That means if I was to join an online server and someone was leading the force, he would see that I die a lot but do ok with turrets.  He then could give me a way point that went to a base that was going to be attacked and I could help defend it.

For me that would make a much more fun experience then Warhawk.  I am having fun in Warhawk.  It is the most fun I have had since the first Unreal Tournament game.  The problem with Warhawk is I do not know if I am contributing and helping at all.  Most of the people do not have microphones, and no one ever says, good job on that turret guy!  Keep shooting down Warhawks.

The appeal that UT2008 is going to have for me is the ability to make a difference in the game and be recognized for it.  I want people to know that instead of rushing for a tank I stayed back and delayed the enemy from rolling over our base.  Right now Warhawk only rewards lots of killing, rather then team play.  A person who sits at a choke point on a map with a tank or sniper rifle and holds back an army from advancing should get just as much reward as the guy who jumps into the middle of an enemy base and shoots down 12 people buy himself.

I also can't wait to play a FPS online that lets you feel more like you are working together as a team.  Right now in Warhawk if we all attack the same base that is great, but it is never organized or coordinated.

Online FPS has come a long way.  From the confined levels of DOOM to the open landscapes of Warhawk.  It has only gotten more fun, but I can't wait for new social mechanics to take place and make the games even more fun.