MechCommander
(Review as featured in APC October 1998.)
"Mech fall over. Go boom." So a Battletech-obsessed friend of mine kept saying as I played MechCommander, the latest in a long line of Battletech-inspired games.
| MechCommander |
by Microprose/FASA
Interactive
|
Microprose is well known for producing high-quality
strategy/management games, and its first MechWarrior game seems to be continuing this
tradition. MechCommander plays somewhat like a cross between Warcraft and Syndicate on a
Civilisation II map. Instead of the most recent games, which gave you control over a single MechWarrior, MechCommander gives you command over multiple Mechs at one time. Thanks to the extremely intuitive command interface, this is much easier than it might seem. The command interface is primarily mouse-based, although after a while you find yourself using a keyboard/mouse combination
MechCommander incorporates a good learning curve — early missions allow you to explore, get used to controlling your Mech squads and sort out some simple tactics. Later on, things become more complex, and you find yourself commanding one squad to run interference so that you can sneak-attack bigger Mechs while capturing vital supplies . . . while under aerial attack.
Graphically this game really stands out, from the
detailed maps to the close-up views of the Mechs themselves. It is full of great little
touches, such as damaged Mechs and exploding high-detail scenery. This high-quality
approach is also carried over to the sounds: your troops react to events, panic when in
trouble, and scream in terror when forced to eject. MechCommander should appeal to strategy freaks and those looking for a suitable (and not too difficult) strategy game. Oh, and, of course, the 'Mech fall over. Go boom' crowd. But in their case MechCommander is preaching to the converted.
By Alex Kidman
