Hawken vs Heavy Nova
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Hawken drops players into intense, high‑speed battles piloting heavily armed mechs across destructible environments. The game blends classic shooter mechanics with deep customization, letting you tweak weapons, armor, and abilities for each match. Featuring both solo and team‑based modes, Hawken offers a variety of objectives from deathmatch to capture‑the‑flag, all set against a backdrop of futuristic warzones. Its free‑to‑play model provides ongoing content updates and a competitive ladder for aspiring pilots.
Heavy Nova is a 1991 action title where players control a massive mech battling other mechs of varying sizes. The game features simple controls—A for punches, B for kicks, and a rocket button for sustained flight—making combat easy to pick up yet challenging to master. Originally released for the Sharp X68000, it was later ported to the Sega Mega‑CD and Mega Drive, bringing its arena‑style fighting to console audiences. The game blends platforming elements with fighting mechanics in a futuristic setting, offering both single‑player and multiplayer modes. Its retro graphics and arcade‑style gameplay capture the early 90s spirit of mech combat.
- High‑intensity mech combat with deep customization
- Fully destructible, dynamic environments
- Robust free‑to‑play model with regular updates
- Cross‑platform play across PS4, PC, and Xbox One
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Fast‑paced, action‑filled combat
- Supports two‑player local multiplayer
- Distinctive retro aesthetic
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Microtransaction‑driven progression can feel grindy
- Limited single‑player narrative content
- Limited to single‑screen arenas
- No modern save or checkpoint system
- Graphics may feel dated to new players
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHeavy Nova offers a simple, retro, one‑time‑purchase mech fighter for local play, while Hawken provides a modern, free‑to‑play, online‑focused mech arena with deep customization.
Key differences
- •Heavy Nova is a paid, one‑time purchase; Hawken’s pricing is free‑to‑play with microtransactions.
- •Heavy Nova supports only local single‑screen battles; Hawken offers online multiplayer, co‑op, and cross‑play.
- •Heavy Nova’s content is limited to a few arenas and no narrative; Hawken includes destructible maps, seasonal ladders, and regular updates.
- •Heavy Nova uses retro pixel art from 1991; Hawken features modern 3D graphics and dynamic environments.
Gameplay & fun factor
Hawken adds deep mech customization, destructible arenas and varied modes versus Heavy Nova’s simple button‑press combat.
Platform availability
Hawken runs on PS4, PC, Xbox One with cross‑play; Heavy Nova’s platforms are unspecified beyond “multiple ports.”
Price & value
Hawken is free‑to‑play (price unknown but no upfront cost) whereas Heavy Nova requires a one‑time purchase.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Hawken supports online multiplayer, team modes and co‑op; Heavy Nova only offers local two‑player battles.
Content & replayability
Hawken provides regular map updates, seasonal ladders and loot crates; Heavy Nova is limited to single‑screen arenas.
Difficulty & accessibility
Heavy Nova’s simple controls and low learning curve are more accessible than Hawken’s steep learning curve.
Graphics & performance
Hawken uses modern 3D graphics and dynamic environments; Heavy Nova relies on dated retro pixel art.
Choose Hawken if…
Players who want modern graphics, online multiplayer, deep customization, and regular content updates.
Choose Heavy Nova if…
Players who prefer retro aesthetics, simple controls, and local couch co‑op without ongoing costs.
Common questions
How much does each game cost?
Heavy Nova is a paid one‑time purchase; Hawken’s pricing is listed as unknown but it is marketed as free‑to‑play with microtransactions.
Can I play with friends online?
Heavy Nova only supports local two‑player battles; Hawken supports online multiplayer, team modes and cross‑play across PS4, PC and Xbox One.
What kind of content and replay value do they offer?
Heavy Nova offers limited single‑screen arenas and no narrative; Hawken provides destructible maps, seasonal ladders, regular updates, and extensive mech customization.




