Chromehounds

By Shoitaan

One of the biggest hits on the original XBOX was, as we know, MechAssault. MechAssault 2 came later and was also, not without its charms. It was only time before the 360 got a Mech game to add to its arsenal, enter Chromehounds in all its partially flawed glory.

Chromehounds is a squad-based tactical action game set on an alternate Earth where a cataclysm of sorts during the 1980’s radically altered the way history was progressing. Solar Flare expansions produced radio interference on a global scale which in turn halted logistics of products and materials world wide and generally descended Earth into chaos. Twenty years later the game takes place focusing on a fictional conflict between fictional countries.

The single player game which is frequently referred to (for good reason) as a glorified tutorial takes you through the various countries and the long winded speeches given by the NPC’s generally feel like a recruitment efforts. The NPC’s discuss their own motivations for defending their various home nations and also mission objectives and greater plot points through communications over radio with you. There are also handy text boxes that write out what the NPC’s say as they say them but all in all the interaction is very sterile. The story occurring during the single player is somewhat interesting in that its not horrible tedium to listen to, however it’s not exactly riveting either. The difficulty is low and the missions can be done within a few days if you put any effort into it. The only replayability for the single player campaign would be to get the top rank for missions so you can unlock more parts for your HOUNDS and earn achievements.

Why unlock parts if the singleplayer is so tedious? Because the multiplayer is a different game altogether – and the parts help you there. After you taste the various countries and Role-Types (Soldier, Sniper, Defender, Scout, Heavy Gunner, Commander – all of whom play very differently) you can experience the glory that is multiplayer. Chromehounds offers one of the best multiplayer experiences around – not just on XBOX Live. The events during the singleplayer missions lead you up to the commencement of the Neroimus war, and the multiplayer is the war itself. You pick one of the 3 fictional nations to serve and proudly go into battle guns blazing in an intense struggle to eventually take enemy capitals. The different nations research and sell different part types and so your own Role-Type preferences will most likely play a major part in the nation you wish to serve.

As mentioned before, this game is a squad-based tactics game. Neroimus war is just that, you are unable to participate without a squad (maximum 20 people) and each battle (max 6vs6) is highly tactical with teamwork and coordination being absolutely necessary for success. Although the build up to the conflict may be rather slow as the HOUNDS move at a realistic pace (ie slow), the action in the thick of it is intense and enjoyable. The heavier HOUNDS move slow but are incredibly tough and heavy hitting while the light HOUNDS fly through the landscape at least twice as fast as their heavier brethren.

The garage is the second best (to combat) part of Chromehounds. The customisation in this game is superb. From how you build your HOUND to what it looks like, there are thousands of combinations. The many different chassis/engine/cockpit/heavy weapons/light weapons/other function parts/system chips total to somewhere in the hundreds with the developers promising to release more as time progresses through XBOX Live. The level of detail you can have on your HOUNDS appearance through patterns and decals are mind-boggling. With the ability to make your own decals that are up to 20 layers you are limited only by your imagination!

The sound effects in the game are very good and the explosions and various weapon fire noises sound as they should. The soundtrack… not so much.

Graphics: Explosions and HOUNDS are fantastic. Scenery mostly isn’t.

The game isn’t for everyone as the slow moving HOUNDS definitely drives people away as does the strong need for tactics and teamwork. People expecting the spiritual MechAssault 3 will be bitterly disappointed as will people looking for a run and gun.

In short:

Singleplayer: dull, but you could probably use some of the parts you get

Multiplayer: So good, so very good

8/10

(Points deducted for having crappy singleplayer and some bugs in the multiplayer lobby)