Silverhawks Reborn is a 2023 action role-playing game developed and published by Mad Man Ninja Studios. The plot follows the SilverHawks, heroes who are "partly metal, partly real", to fight the evil Mon*Star, an escaped alien mob boss who transforms into an enormous armor-plated creature with the help of Limbo's Moonstar. The player uses ranged weapons, melee and stealth to combat mechanical creatures and other enemy forces. A skill tree provides the player with new abilities and bonuses. The player can explore the open world to discover locations and take on side quests. It was released for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Samsung Zeo in 2023 and Microsoft Windows in 2024.
Development began in 2021 after the completion of Midnight Sons 2, with director Mathijs de Jonge considering it the riskiest idea pitched at the time. Being set in a futuristic setting, physicists were consulted to authenticate the world's mechanics. The soundtrack was led by composer Joris de Man.
Silverhawks Reborn was praised by critics for its open world, story, visuals, combat, characterization, and the performance of voice actors. The game won numerous awards and sold over 4 million copies by February 2023, making it one of the best-selling Mad Man Ninja games.
Gameplay[]
Silverhawks Reborn is an action role-playing game played from a third-person view. Players take control of the Silverhawks squad in multiple missions. They can kill enemies in a variety of ways – setting traps, shooting them, using explosives, and with melee combat. Machine components, including electricity and the metal they are composed of, are vital to their survival; weapons have modification slots for dealing more damage. The Silverhawks' armor have a sensor that scans machines to determine their susceptibilities, identify their location, their level, and the nature of loot they will drop. Enemies attack with defensive and offensive measures, and in either case react to a perceived threat by charging at it with brute force or projectiles. Exhibiting the behaviour of bandits, some machines are inclined to move in herds, and others, with the ability to fly, do so in flocks.
The characters can dodge, sprint, slide, or roll to evade her enemies' advances. Hiding to ambush nearby enemies can ensure immediate takedowns, and are able to hack a selection of machines with their armor's tool. Three categories occur in the skill tree: "Hawkeye" concerns shooting, "Brave" improves combat, and "Forager" increases healing and gathering capabilities. To level up, the characters attain experience points from individual kills and completing quests. Upgrades in each category result in more adept use of the skills learned.
Characters[]
Playable Characters
- Quicksilver: Captain Jonathan Quick was the former head of Interplanetary Force H and is the field leader of the SilverHawks. Known for his quick reflexes (and even quicker thinking), Quicksilver is an accomplished tactician and athlete. His armor is silver in color.
- Bluegrass: He is second-in-command of the SilverHawks and the chief pilot of the group as well as a cowboy at heart. He is the only active SilverHawk who cannot fly, but he is the one that pilots the team's vehicle the "Maraj". He uses his weapon/instrument (portrayed as his weapon-bird with the name Sideman) and his lasso. He has an interface with the Maraj's piloting system, which he has affectionately dubbed "Hot Licks". His armor has a blue-silver shade, and he wears a red bandana around his neck and a cowboy hat.
- Steelheart & Steelwill: Sergeants Emily and Will Hart are fraternal twin siblings. They became Steelheart and Steelwill respectively when they joined the SilverHawks. They had artificial hearts implanted during their transformation. Their armors are both a dark steel color. They are the "gearheads" of the team. Due to an empathic bond, when one sibling feels something, the other feels it as well. Physically, they are the strongest members of the team.
- The Copper Kidd: He is the youngest member of the SilverHawks, and the only one not from Earth. A mathematical genius from the Planet of the Mimes, he "speaks" in tones and whistles. His skin is blue except for white markings on his face that resemble the makeup of a mime. His armor is copper-colored but the wings have a silver-like appearance similar to those his teammates. A natural acrobat, the Copper Kidd has two razor-edged discs (one mounted on each hip) which he throws like Frisbees.
- Flashback: A green time-traveling Silverhawk from the far future. When he meets the 'much older' Stargazer who tells him of the fateful day the SilverHawks died, Flashback travels back in time to save them from an exploding sun.
Supporting Characters
- Commander Stargazer: A tough and grizzled old cop with bionic capabilities, he captured Mon*Star several years ago and had him imprisoned. Older than the other SilverHawks, he longs to return to Earth for either a vacation or for retirement. He chiefly serves as the SilverHawks "eyes and ears", keeping them apprised of their current situation. Generally, he ensues missions for the playable characters.
- Seymour: a space cabbie who frequently says "Y'know what I mean?" and speaks in a New York accent. Space Cabbie, a 1950s science fiction character, might inspire him.
- Professor Power: He works in the Artificial Sun and controls it. He is friendly with the SilverHawks and often helps them.
- Warden Lockup: He is in charge of the Penal Planet 10 where Limbo's criminals are kept. His face looks like a bird.
Game World, Stages and Locations[]
The Limbo Galaxy in SilverHawks Reborn is a sprawling, open-world environment meticulously designed to balance beauty and danger. Each location not only serves as a backdrop for gameplay but also plays an integral role in the story and character development. Diverse regions divide the galaxy, each with unique biomes, hazards, and secrets awaiting discovery.
Penal Planet 10[]
Amidst asteroid fields and cosmic debris, Penal Planet 10, the epicenter of Mon*Star's criminal operations, is a foreboding prison world. Towering steel structures, electrified fences, and labyrinthine tunnels dominate its surface, creating a sense of claustrophobia. The harsh, gray-blue landscapes are illuminated by the faint glow of the Artificial Sun, casting long, ominous shadows. Players must navigate through this hostile environment, battling robotic guards and Mon*Star’s henchmen. The deeper players delve into Penal Planet 10, the more they uncover about MonStar’s plans and his control over Limbo’s underworld. Secret areas within the prison house valuable resources and lore fragments, rewarding exploration and persistence.
The Artificial Sun[]
The Artificial Sun is a massive technological marvel that powers much of the Limbo Galaxy. Suspended in the vastness of space, it serves as both a functional power source and a hub for the SilverHawks. Intricate machinery and orbiting platforms surround this brightly glowing sphere. Players interact with Professor Power here, who offers upgrades, mission briefings, and insights into the Sun’s mechanics. The Artificial Sun also becomes the site of critical battles, as Mon*Star frequently targets it to destabilize the galaxy. The design of this location emphasizes verticality, requiring players to navigate a network of platforms and walkways while fending off waves of airborne enemies. The constant threat of sabotage juxtaposes the area's radiant beauty, creating an atmosphere of tense vigilance.
Asteroid Belt of Shadows[]
A sprawling field of cosmic debris, the Asteroid Belt of Shadows is a treacherous region where light is scarce, and danger lurks behind every rock. This area is a haven for space pirates and Mon*Star’s minions, who use the shadows to ambush unsuspecting travelers. Players must pilot the Maraj through narrow passages, dodge floating hazards, and engage in aerial combat with enemy ships. On foot, players explore derelict spacecraft and hidden pirate bases, uncovering loot and lore. Sudden attacks often break the belt's eerie silence, making it one of the most unpredictable regions in the game. Its design rewards stealthy and tactical play, as enemies often outnumber and outgun the SilverHawks in this region.
Planet of the Mimes[]
The enigmatic home of the Copper Kidd, the Planet of the Mimes is a surreal, mathematically perfect world where silence reigns supreme. The landscape features geometric formations, shimmering crystalline structures, and floating platforms that defy gravity. Players will encounter puzzles and challenges inspired by mathematical concepts, requiring sharp thinking and precise movement. The planet’s alien beauty contrasts with its eerie quiet, amplifying the sense of otherworldliness. Exploring its hidden temples and archives reveals more about The Copper Kidd's origins and the history of his people.
Moonstar[]
The Moonstar is one of the most mysterious and dangerous locations in the galaxy. A celestial body of pulsating energy, it serves as the source of Mon*Star’s immense power, transforming him into his monstrous form. Its surface is a mixture of jagged craters, glowing fissures, and energy conduits that seem alive. Mon*Star's elite forces heavily guard the Moonstar, making it one of the most challenging areas in the game. Players must disable its protective barriers, battle through waves of enemies, and confront Mon*Star in an epic showdown. The Moonstar’s energy fields interact with the SilverHawks’ armor, temporarily boosting or hindering their abilities, adding an extra layer of strategy to combat.
The Maraj (Mobile Base)[]
The Maraj is more than just a starship; it is the SilverHawks’ home and operational center. Fully explorable, the Maraj provides players with a place to regroup, strategize, and customize their equipment. Key areas within the ship include:
- Command Deck: The main hub where players plan missions and receive briefings from Commander Stargazer.
- Training Room: A holographic simulation room where players can test new abilities and practice combat techniques.
- Crew Quarters: Personalized spaces for each SilverHawk, offering insights into their personalities and backstories.
- Workshop: A station for crafting and upgrading weapons, armor, and tools.
- Observation Deck: A quiet area where players can gaze at the galaxy and reflect on their progress.
The Maraj also features a unique AI system, "Hot Licks," voiced by a charismatic character who interacts with players and provides mission updates. As the game progresses, the Maraj evolves, gaining new capabilities and unlocking additional areas.
Starry Void[]
The Starry Void is a breathtaking and enigmatic region within the Limbo Galaxy where time and space behave unpredictably. This area is characterized by swirling cosmic anomalies, glittering starfields, and fragmented debris seemingly frozen in time. Players encounter challenges involving temporal distortions, such as reversing or slowing down time to navigate collapsing bridges or solve intricate puzzles. Flashback's abilities rely on these anomalies, making this region essential to his story arc. Hostile entities and rogue machines, seemingly trapped in temporal flux, populate the Starry Void, creating unique combat scenarios that necessitate time-based strategies. The environment itself is hauntingly beautiful, with celestial phenomena such as supernovas and auroras providing a stunning visual spectacle.
Black Hole Hideout[]
Located near the edge of a massive black hole, the Black Hole Hideout is a shadowy base of operations for MonStar’s elite forces. An asteroid field conceals the hideout, requiring precision piloting of the Maraj to access its hidden entrance. The interior features a sprawling network of dimly lit corridors, reinforced bunkers, and high-tech laboratories. This location serves as a hub for MonStar’s secretive operations, including the development of advanced weaponry and robotic minions.
The gravitational pull of the black hole adds an extra layer of danger to this area, with shifting debris and energy fields that can destabilize the player’s movement. Navigating the hideout involves stealth, hacking security systems, and engaging in intense close-quarters combat. The final section of the hideout features a high-stakes mission where players must disable a weaponized satellite aimed at the Artificial Sun while escaping the ever-tightening pull of the black hole. The Black Hole Hideout's atmosphere is heavy with tension, amplified by its dark aesthetic and the omnipresent threat of Mon*Star’s enforcers.
Nebula Nexus[]
The Nebula Nexus is a vibrant and bustling intergalactic hub located at the crossroads of major star routes. This location functions as a marketplace, diplomatic hub, and a blending pot for the diverse cultures of the galaxy. Its design features towering holographic advertisements, neon-lit streets, and sprawling bazaars offering everything from rare alien artifacts to cutting-edge weapon modifications. NPCs from various species populate the area, each with unique stories and side quests that expand the game’s lore.
Players can interact with merchants to purchase or trade items, recruit allies, and gather intelligence on Mon*Star’s operations. The Nebula Nexus is also home to a hidden black market, where riskier deals can lead to rare rewards or unforeseen consequences. A standout feature of this location is its dynamic events: players might witness spontaneous street performances, intervene in interspecies disputes, or uncover smuggling rings. The Nexus provides a welcome diversion from missions that heavily emphasize combat, instead focusing on exploration, social interactions, and resource management.
Crystal Caverns of Zephyros[]
Hidden beneath the surface of a remote, icy moon, the Crystal Caverns of Zephyros are a labyrinthine network of shimmering tunnels and glowing mineral formations. The caverns are rich in resources crucial for crafting high-tier upgrades, but they are also fraught with danger. The refractive properties of the crystals create optical illusions, making navigation challenging. Enemies, including Mon*Star’s mining drones and indigenous crystal beasts, blend seamlessly into the environment, requiring sharp observation and strategic planning.
This location also features environmental hazards such as collapsing tunnels and sub-zero temperatures that deplete the player’s stamina. The caverns' beauty is unmatched, with bioluminescent flora and cascading crystal waterfalls creating an otherworldly ambiance. At the heart of the caverns lies a massive crystal guardian, a boss encounter that tests the player’s combat adaptability and puzzle-solving skills.
Phantom Reef[]
The Phantom Reef is a surreal, aquatic region consisting of floating islands and submerged ruins. Accessible only through specialized upgrades to the Maraj, this location introduces underwater exploration and combat. The reef is teeming with bioluminescent marine life, some of which are peaceful while others are hostile predators enhanced by Mon*Star’s experiments.
Players must use stealth and agility to navigate the treacherous waters while avoiding deadly whirlpools and electrified nets deployed by MonStar’s forces. The submerged ruins hold ancient artifacts and hidden lore about the origins of the Moonstar, offering key insights into MonStar’s powers. Phantom Reef also introduces unique gameplay mechanics, such as oxygen management and subaquatic stealth, making it a standout region for players seeking a new challenge.
The Forge of Aeons[]
A massive industrial complex located deep within a dormant volcano, the Forge of Aeons is a key manufacturing site for Mon*Star’s war machines. Its molten core powers the facility, creating a fiery, hazardous environment that tests players’ reflexes and timing. Several zones, such as assembly lines, smelting chambers, and control towers, divide the forge.
Players must navigate through conveyor belts, avoid pools of lava, and deactivate security drones while engaging in fast-paced combat. The Forge culminates in a boss fight against one of Mon*Star’s most formidable mechanical creations, requiring players to exploit their knowledge of enemy vulnerabilities and environmental hazards. The Forge of Aeons is a visually striking location, with molten metal rivers and towering machinery creating a sense of overwhelming scale.
Soundtrack[]
The SilverHawks Reborn soundtrack combines original compositions by Joris de Man with a mix of carefully curated 1980s classics and modern synthwave and electronic tracks. This combination creates a soundscape that blends retro-futurism with contemporary production, enhancing the game’s cyberpunk atmosphere. Mad Man Ninja Studios designed the tracks to enhance the emotional depth, intensity, and exploratory nature of the Limbo Galaxy.
| Track Name | Original Artist | Album (Release Year) |
|---|---|---|
| SilverHawks Theme (Reborn Mix) | Joris de Man | Original Composition |
| Neon Ascension | Joris de Man | Original Composition |
| Moonlit Shadows | Joris de Man | Original Composition |
| Nightcall | Kavinsky | OutRun (2013) |
| Protovision | Kavinsky | OutRun (2013) |
| Testarossa Autodrive | Kavinsky | OutRun (2013) |
| Blinding Lights | The Weeknd | After Hours (2020) |
| Reborn | Carpenter Brut | Leather Teeth (2018) |
| Turbo Killer | Carpenter Brut | Trilogy (2015) |
| Run | Le Matos | Chronicles of the Wasteland (2018) |
| 1985 | Magic Sword | Endless (2021) |
| The Grid | Daft Punk | TRON: Legacy Soundtrack (2010) |
| Derezzed | Daft Punk | TRON: Legacy Soundtrack (2010) |
| Electric Dreams | Giorgio Moroder & Phil Oakey | Electric Dreams Soundtrack (1984) |
| Together in Electric Dreams | Giorgio Moroder & Phil Oakey | Electric Dreams Soundtrack (1984) |
| Self Control | Laura Branigan | Self Control (1984) |
| Hyperion | Gesaffelstein | Hyperion (2019) |
| Chase | Giorgio Moroder | Midnight Express Soundtrack (1978) |
| Blue Monday | New Order | Power, Corruption & Lies (1983) |
| Love On A Real Train | Tangerine Dream | Risky Business Soundtrack (1983) |
Gallery[]
