MechWarrior 2

• Release Date: 1997
• Genre: Simulation
• Style: Giant Robot Sim
• Similar Games: Amok (Sega Saturn), Amok (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

It is the year 3057 AD and warring clans are fighting for power. You must choose to play as a member of either the Wolf Clan or the Falcon Clan. As a beginner you are given the lowest rank of MechWarrior. Your objective is to advance through the ranks, become the Galaxy Commander, and receive the rank of Khan.

You have 48 missions to battle through, 16 of which have been designed exclusively for the Sega Saturn. MechWarrior 2 features 12 BattleMechs for you to control: Firemoth, Kit Fox, Jenner, Nova, Storm Crow, Mad Dog, Hellbringer, Summoner, Timber Wolf, Gargoyle, Warhawk, and Dire Wolf. Plenty of power-ups are included for you to gain extra firepower and improved abilities for each 'Mech. A training mode is also available to help you learn the controls of a 'Mech.

Saved games can be placed on a memory card or passwords can be used instead if you so choose.

Roots & Influences

The MechWarrior series began on the PC. This series is quite original and has itself influenced many copycat titles.

Review: Overall

If you are a fan of BattleMech combat then you should enjoy MechWarrior 2. It is filled with a variety of missions, each with different 'Mechs that you can control.

A total of eight control configurations are available providing players with varying degrees of control. The important function to learn is how to effectively use the torso twist function. This is the key to combat as is it the fastest way to find a target while it is moving. Controls respond well, although until you really have them down perfectly you will probably get confused in the heat of combat.

In order to understand what a 'Mech it is best to try the training missions. Training is tedious and is not always explained clear enough but it does help to familiarize users with the controls. Missions basically place you in a hostile environment and have a couple of objectives that need completion. An onscreen diamond helps point the direction for you to go in as it marks the location of the current objective. Some missions in MechWarrior 2 can be rather difficult as you get shot at from various directions. Stand still and the game will be over quickly. Being able to shoot in one direction and run in another is the key to survival.

Graphically the levels need some improvement. The skies look good but the surface is grainy and breaks up in some areas. 'Mechs are not very detailed as they are polygon based and are usually only two colors. Explosions at least have a realistic look to them. Overall the graphics are okay but they probably could have been better. Sounds are a mixed bag as well. Weapons need more realistic sounds. Lasers and missiles don't have explosive effects when considering what they are being shot from. Voices are done nicely as they announce enemy detections and the completion of objectives.

MechWarrior 2 has a lot of action and enough missions for 'Mech fans. However, if you have never enjoyed 'Mech games then you most likely won't find this one too entertaining either.

Review: Enjoyment

Only for the 'Mech fans.

Review: Graphics

Need some cleaning up.

Review: Sound

Voices sound good but weapons do not.

Review: Replay Value

Various missions and plenty of playable 'Mechs.

Review: Documentation

Does not explain enough of the game's features.