MechCommander 2 Preview

There are acceptable losses, and you will have to realize that. Of course, if you need additional units, and have the resources to afford it, you can take what you need from the enemy.

MechCommander 2, the preview from Microsoft, is – obviously – the second in the series (the original was published three years ago), and is a wonderful integration of “live” video and animation. You take on the role of a mercenary, hired to keep the peace on a distant planet. Of course, if it weren’t for the battles you find yourself involved in, there wouldn’t be a game.

For those who may never have seen the original game, think of the mechs that you command as advanced tanks. They are incredible mobile, feature a wide range of weaponry – unique to each mech – and can traverse just about any terrain. A tutorial will give you the basics of controlling your mechs, and how to use resource points to call in repair units, scouts, additional fixed artillery and other elements to aid in the success of your missions.

Some of the missions are of the simple search-and-destroy variety. Others involve more advanced propositions, such as working through enemy guns to capture a base, then working ahead to destroy other enemy units or capture addition enemy areas. Bandits are everywhere, convoys must be intercepted, and you must select the right mechs for the job at hand. How do you do that? You take the parameters of the mission, then customize the mechs you are going to use. While the game is very simplistic at the onset, each successive mission grows more difficult, challenging players’ strategic capabilities. Add to the fact that unless you have that mech with sensors in your troop, you can’t see over the next ridge, and you don’t know what may be waiting in the trees. This game is generally line of sight.

While the preview did not have all areas of play ready to look at (such as single missions), it did feature quite enough to give a solid look at what should be a well-received title. This is a game that will appeal to strategic battle gamers. It will also appeal to any fan of well-designed programs.

The camera elements of the product are very strong, allowing for great, rotating views and close-ups (if you wish to view the game that way) of the action. As for the actual graphical elements – the designers of this package can be proud. The terrain elements are very well done, and the mechs are well detailed. Combined with the video of incoming transmissions, “live” people giving you battle updates, this game features incredible eye candy. The game is fully three-dimensional (the original tried to give the appearance of 3D, but most of the action was on a two-dimensional game board), with interactive environmental elements.

The sound of the game isn’t quite as crisp as might be wanted, but the audio portion of the game is very serviceable, and does support the graphics well enough.

Control elements will be familiar to anyone who had played a strategic combat game, or even a civilization game. Most of the movement, grouping and engagement functions are controlled by mouse clicks. The player interface is easily accessible and doesn’t require pouring through the manual to understand. This game is immensely user-friendly.

MechCommander 2 is visually exciting; a game built with the best elements of strategic gaming in mind; and, despite the base idea that you are playing the part of mercenary trying to maintain peace, it is rife with action.