The Dogs of War

Cry "Havoc" and let slip
the dogs of war.
—Julius Caesar, Shakespeare

SEGA® and From Software are readying a mech-sized assault on Xbox 360™, allowing fans of massive destruction, strategy, customization, and giant 'mechs to rejoice.

Chromehounds™ fills a needed slot in the Xbox 360 library with an epic science-fiction game heavy on tactics, destruction, and a remarkable selection of 'mechs (Hounds) and other high-tech vehicles and weaponry.

The playable E3 build offered a telling glance at the gameplay available, and I was able to piece together a few clues that help unveil just what this blockbuster is set to deliver.

Customization at Last

Fans of the genre have clamored for customization, and at long last, From Software will deliver in a big, big way. Nearly every piece of your Hound, from the body, legs, and weaponry can be augmented, upgraded, swapped out, and customized. Moreover, the level of detail is flat-out unparalleled as enormously comprehensive readouts offer every stat you'd ever want to consider when readying your Hound for combat.

Statistics like weight, energy use, penetration power, range, ammo type, cost, reload time, and durability only scratch the surface. Hardened strategists can work magic in the factory to create a unique and deadly machine they can truly call their own.

Perspective

While the customization options are nearly endlessly varied, the gameplay itself is both deep and simple. The game controls by default from the third person perspective, and instead of offering a standard targeting reticule, you look through a window in the upper right hand corner to spot and aim at enemies. A first-person mode is also available (including a reticule)—switch to it to make the window change to the third-person view. A careful use of both views maximizes your environmental awareness, as well as ensure spot-on aiming.

Map Dependant

Maps are common and useful in most games, but they're vital in Chromehounds. The map is divided into a simple grid system (letters going across, and numbers down the side) that offers a comprehensive glimpse at the topography as well as key tactical locations in the area. Whether in single-player or multiplayer, the ability to call up the map and identify enemy positions precisely (as well as respond to given information) provides an immediate and easy to use tactical advantage.

Presentation

Visually, Chromehounds offers the best marriage of scope and detail yet seen on Xbox 360. A careful examination of the Hounds themselves reveals nuances of detail you wouldn't expect. The environment surrounding you is enormous and strategically useful (level design is built with tactics in mind), not to mention destructible. Perhaps most impressive is that Hounds look effective. There's no wasted space; they're lean, mean, walking destruction machines. I could go on and on, but the screenshots speak louder than words.

Little is known at this time about the online component, though multiplayer is a focus, and according to SEGA's official site, expect clan support. That comes as a relief to both 'mech fans and Xbox 360 fans in general.

With graphics built for Xbox 360 from the ground up, customization at a level never before seen on a console, 115 different maps on which to wage war on, and the promise of online multiplayer utilizing clan support, Chromehounds is set to not only fill a need on Xbox 360, but define one while it's at it.

Article by Ryan Treit