MechAssault

• Release Date: November 13, 2002
• Genre: Simulation
• Style: Giant Robot Sim
• Similar Games: Robotech: Battlecry (Xbox), GunGriffon: Allied Strike (Xbox), MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf -- Limited Edition (Xbox)

Game Description

An offshoot of Microsoft's MechWarrior series on the PC, which in turn is based on the FASA-licensed BattleTech universe, MechAssault is an action-oriented mech combat game designed specifically for the Xbox. Rather than strap players into the cockpit for a simulation style of game, MechAssault is played from a view behind the 30-foot mechs as they lay siege to anything foolish enough to stand in their path. In total there are 12 upgradeable mechs to guide across 20 combat missions set within fully destructible environments.

As a mercenary from the Wolf Dragoon clan, players are in the dangerous position of infiltrating an enemy planet to prevent a war. Negotiations on this world are not forged with the pen but with firepower, and strategy will play an important role in the outcome of a mission. Certain mechs are more agile than others, so the environment becomes a key factor in which to choose. Objects within the scenery can also be used to an advantage. Tanks coming out of a tunnel can be neutralized by focusing firepower above it, collapsing the entrance and trapping the enemy inside.

Trees can also be set ablaze to smoke out infantry lurking behind them, and a missile to an oil refinery, fuel drum, or even a skyscraper can have a devastating impact on enemy mechs nearby. Each mission can thus be completed in several different ways since players are given the freedom to destroy anything and everything they see before them. A mech can squish soldiers underneath its massive feet, blast the glass out of windows and watch as the shards blanket the street,

The single-player game follows a campaign format complete with mission briefings and cinematic cut-scenes to further the story. Once the campaign is over, the game can still be enjoyed with some friends (or would-be enemies). Players can challenge up to three competitors on a split-screen or take the combat online via the Xbox Live broadband service. The latter option includes voice communication support and downloadable content such as maps, mechs, and more. Multiplayer games offer a selection of team-based missions as well as deadly free-for-alls.

Review: Overall

An action-packed offshoot of the MechWarrior series, MechAssault is sure to appeal to players who like to shoot particle projection cannons first and ask questions later. The strategy involved in missions is token at best -- the game is more interested in showing the awesome destruction potential these armored assault warriors can wreak on cities filled with traffic, skyscrapers, towers, airports, bridges, and more. After a few minutes swaggering around with these mechanical monstrosities, players can't help but be floored by the intense pyrotechnics and raw power found within this game.

The storyline is as simple as they come, which is appropriate given the emphasis on pure shooting action. A fanatical cult known as the Word of Blake is terrorizing peaceful cities with tanks, troops, helicopters, ships, and 'Mechs, so it's up to players to take them all out with extreme prejudice. The majority of missions involve neutralizing specific buildings or installations and all supporting defensive units. As players progress further into the game, more 'Mechs become available that offer different features (such as jump jets). Later missions have players defending a unit from its attackers, and even entering an enemy base inside a stolen 'Mech trying to avoid detection.

While players can go anywhere they want within the battlefield, missions are scripted in a linear manner. Moving into one area, for instance, automatically triggers an event that is the same each time the mission is subsequently played. The actual fighting has a freeform style -- spanning the entire level map if so desired -- and will give players a controller workout, with enemies aggressively pursuing from the air, ground, and sea. The 'Mech can walk over infantry units and blast tanks and ships with missiles, but the main event is the battles with other 'Mechs. These beasties come in three types (light, medium, and heavy) and can pack more than enough punch by themselves, let alone in groups.

Combat is a bit awkward, but players learn to adapt after the first few missions. Players guide their 'Mech using the left thumbstick while swiveling the 'Mech's torso using the right thumbstick. Players must always have the unit in sight at all times to use their long-range firepower -- tricky when the enemy can boost high into the air, run behind a structure, or retreat into well-defended areas. There are also annoying super soldiers to worry about, who are as small as infantry but with armor nearly as strong as a 'Mech. They tend to boost up and down making them tricky to target. Once players eliminate these threats and knock out the specific target building(s), the mission automatically ends.

The star of the show is the graphics engine, which rewards those who have always wanted to blow up everything around them (in a game, of course). Players can blast holes into any structure in the game, torch trees by firing at them, crush people, cars, and small structures simply by walking over them, and watch buildings crumble to the ground after a few well-placed shots to their foundations. It's a shame there isn't any type of reward or incentive for doing so, other than retrieving valuable salvage for replenishing a 'Mech's health, missiles, or energy.

Like the game Blast Corps, players could have earned destruction bonuses or cash for the amount of territory they destroyed, and possibly use this money for upgrades. Unfortunately all of the 'Mechs come outfitted with a specific weapons package that cannot be modified by players. The only choice a player has before each battle is which 'Mech to use, which is rather obvious since a new 'Mech is doled out after completing a mission. In addition, some missions only involve one 'Mech, further limiting the decisions being made. While the 20-mission campaign is as straightforward as they come -- watch a brief cut-scene, listen to objectives, and eliminate a finite number of enemies -- the game's possibilities seem limitless with its multiplayer support via Xbox Live.

Online play is as fast and furious as the single-player campaign, and aside from the usual problems of people dropping out, camping near 'Mech regeneration spots, and trash talking new players, MechAssault plays extremely well. It is recommended that first-time players familiarize themselves with some of the maps by playing the one-player Grinder mode, which throws an unlimited number of computer 'Mechs at them to see how long they can last. After getting a feel for multiplayer competition against the computer, players can join games where it's every 'Mech for itself, games of tag called "Not It," or games where they fight alongside a team. Initial variants include competing for most kills or simply being the last team or 'Mech alive at the end of the game.

The most intriguing option is the game's support for downloadable content, meaning players can add new 'Mechs, maps, and even new multiplayer modes beginning in February 2003. MechAssault is a good action-oriented single-player game that is transformed into a great multiplayer game -- one well worth getting Xbox Live for. Hopefully more titles will support downloadable content in the future, which not only extends a game's shelf life but also helps create buzz and community support that is so important for an online title. MechAssault is not the strategy title MechWarrior fans may have been hoping for, but when a game's fast and furious action is only topped by its sense of wanton destruction, it's hard to complain.

Review: Enjoyment

The single-player game is okay, suffering from some repetitive objectives and too few strategic elements, but MechAssault shines as a multiplayer title.

Review: Graphics

The worlds look great, with plenty of things to smash and destroy. Each 'Mech is well animated and no matter how much fire, rain, snow, electricity, or other effects are thrown at the screen, the action never slows down.

Review: Sound

The music is not memorable, but the sound effects and voice acting are well done. Players will receive situational updates as the game progresses via radio chatter from their team.

Review: Replay Value

The ability to download additional content via {!Xbox Live} is excellent, as are the supported multiplayer games. Once players finish the 20-mission solo campaign, it's doubtful they will ever return to it again.

Review: Documentation

Half of the color manual is devoted to multiplayer gaming, which should give you an idea where the focus is. Also offered are brief bios on each of the featured 'Mechs and a list of weapons.

Production Credits