MechAssault: Xbox Live Tactics 2

Think you've mastered all that MechAssault has to offer? Think again. It's time to fire up your Xbox and download some brand-spanking new, red-hot online multiplayer content. First, you get two totally new multiplayer maps, Hell's Kitchen and Stone Cold. And you also get two completely original 'Mechs, Corvus and Raven. But hey, if you've already been there, done that, but haven't had a whole lotta luck with the new stuff, keep reading. Follow these strategies and get ready to blow away anyone who dares challenge you!

Also, check out the MechAssault Crash Course for more strategies to use online.

The Maps

Hell's Kitchen
Imagine a fiery industrial complex surrounded by molten lava and steep canyon walls. Sort of like the Size Matters II campaign map minus the puny Elemental 'Mech. Canyons and towering refinery complexes are great places to hide or launch hellish attacks, making this a map bursting with options. Don't think you have to choose a strong assault 'Mech for victory—cleverness and resourcefulness go a long way in this Kitchen.

Weaker 'Mechs have a fighting chance against offensive monsters like the Mad Cat and the Atlas in Hell's Kitchen. How is this possible? Here's how: Lure foes into the center of the map near the surprisingly explosive pumping stations. A few well-placed shots from any 'Mech will send the station sky-high, taking with it a majority of the health of anyone unfortunate enough to be in the area. It's the great equalizer move between weak and strong. But once those buildings are rubble, it's back to square one. Plan an escape route that weaves between fortified buildings in case you grab the attention of an irate baddie. The low-armor 'Mechs have better maneuverability, so remember that when fleeing from angry Mad Cats.

Pay attention to your heads-up display. The blistering temperatures make 'Mechs overheat quickly, so keep that in mind when unleashing your weapons, especially when wading through magma. Powerups are rare, so be on the lookout for salvageable weapons after a kill. The buildings don't contain any hidden items, so don't waste precious ammo looking for treasure. In a pinch, remember the randomly spawning powerup on the island in the middle of the magma lake.

Stone Cold
The polar opposite of Hell's Kitchen, this wintry level is wide open and vast. Limited visibility thwarts long-range targeting from the other side of the arena; with nowhere to hide, Assault 'Mechs take the advantage in this map.

The bitter cold keeps your weapons cool, so you can deal more punishment before overheating becomes a problem. Like in Hell's Kitchen, don't waste your time blasting ground targets looking for powerups—there aren't any. Keep your eyes peeled for the randomly spawning powerups that appear near the center of the map. Reaching them before your rivals light you up with their PPCs and rockets can be dicey, though. 'Mechs with speed can grab them before suffering too much damage, but pokey 'Mechs should be choosy about when to make a run for it. Wait for a distraction before making a move.

Any cover you can find to hide behind won't last long. The mountains of ice are no match for a storm of missiles and PPC fire. About the only significant physical feature in this map is the elevated ledge around the perimeter. Use it as a vantage point for surveying the battlefield and taking shots at distracted bad guys, but get ready to dodge a barrage of weaponry from those who notice you lurking around. More maneuverable 'Mechs could find a few hiding places up there. If you have target jamming or null signature you can be one fearsome opponent.

Newbies should choose a more powerful 'Mech to compete with the heavy hitters in Destruction and Last Man Standing modes. Skilled players can use null signature and target jamming to their advantage against the rookies in slow, hulking 'Mechs.

The 'Mechs
MechWarrior, say hello to the two newest BattleMechs: Corvus and Raven. Overall, neither are suitable for solo multiplayer matchups—just try competing in Destruction and Last Man Standing against the assault 'Mechs! But in a support position during team play, both prove invaluable. Corvus and Raven are fast and agile, a deadly combination for the upcoming Capture the Flag mode. You would be wise to master them now.

Corvus
These 'Mechs are about speed. You can run circles around your opponent, but Corvus lacks both firepower and armor, making it a tasty morsel for assault 'Mechs. Weapon selection is limited to the pulse laser and auto cannon. So why in the world would you want to choose Corvus? If you have the skills to defeat an assault 'Mech with one of these underdogs, you'll earn mad respect from everyone. But ideally, Corvus is designed to support larger 'Mechs.

Corvus' long-lasting jump jets transform formerly out-of-reach places into spectacular hiding spots. Try staging an attack from the top of the large refinery structures in the center of Hell's Kitchen by hopping on a pumping station and then firing the jump jets to reach the top. But don't get too comfortable—you are standing on a huge bomb.

Raven
Raven is similar to Corvus: fast on its feet but armed with feeble firepower. What sets Raven apart is the extra long-lasting null signature ability that can really give you an edge up if used skillfully. In team play, help your comrades while "cloaked" by covertly striking opponents or snatching powerups from the playfield before the other guys reach them. If foes catch on to your presence, just stop firing and run for your life. You'll be much harder to track when not shooting traceable projectiles. Raven's arsenal is limited to lasers, machine guns, and crossbows, so make sure that fighting back is your absolute last option.