- Platform: IBM PC Compatible
- Release Date: 1998
- Genre: Simulation
- Style: Giant Robot Sim
- Similar Games: MechWarrior (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), MechWarrior (IBM PC Compatible)
Game Description
Set in our distant future, earth has colonized a second planet. Years later, earth leaders have decided to destroy the colony, and and were soundly defeated in the battle, north and south united to fight against earth, but split and became vicious enemies after.The game itself is simple. You play a soldier who rides in a large robot, controlling it's actions and fighting against enemy robots.
Heavy Gear is quite like the Mechwarrior series of games (Mechwarrior, Mechwarrior 2: Ghost Bear's Legacy, and Mechwarrior Mercenaries), but has several new twists. Your robot (Gear) has wheels which allow you to move twice as fast when they are activated. As well, you have the ability to hold weapons in your hand, drop you weapon, and pick up one from your fallen foes.
Heavy Gear can be played in 2 seperate single player modes (Story and Campaign), and mulitiplayer support allows you to play over a net/modem connection.
~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
Heavy Gear is basically nothing more than a Mechwarrior 2 with different "Mechs" called "Gears" (hence, Heavy Gear). There are some differences between "Mechs" and "Gears" such as the weaponry. The "Gears" in Heavy Gear use ammunition weapons whereas "Mechs" in Mechwarrior 2 use energy weapons.Off the bat, something very noticeable in Heavy Gear is the horrid blocky ground. It is truly terrible on a non-3D accelerated machine, and when turning on the Gear's wheels, little pink squares, supposedly dirt flying from the wheels, will fly out.
Some of the features, such as mortars, take time to get used to but are a blast (literally!) when the proper tragectary to launch them at is learned.
As well as the mortars, being able to drop your current weapon, and pick up the dropped (or blasted off) weapon of a foe was definitely a bonus.If you see the enemy holding a good gun you want, blow off the arm and take it!
Disappointing is the lack of any real gameplay. The "story" seems to be the main part of the game and has cheesy FMV (I'd much rather have good animation) and has you follow a set path. The other option, random maps and missions, are okay, but you may find yourself playing the same missions over and over and over again. To boot, the computer AI isn't very good at all.
Heavy Gear is a large game to install resulting in even more reason not to keep it around very long.
~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide
Review: Enjoyment
Overall, was an enjoyable game. The graphics subtracked much from it, as well as the pretty stupid AI.~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide
Review: Graphics
Gears look good, but the ground looks horrible.. Not to mention the dirt that flies.~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide
Review: Sound
Great music and sound.~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide
Review: Replay Value
It's a strategy game, so you can replay it easily.. after all you go through though, I don't know if you'd want to.~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide
Review: Documentation
Manual covers all you need to know, and even details background.~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide
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