The Evolution
The world of `Mechs began with books, dice, and a healthy amount of imagination.Since its inception, the BattleTechworld has evolved into a series of video games encompassing most gaming genres.
It's one of the longest running franchises this industry has ever seen, and its latest chapter has just been released in the form of MechAssault on Xbox. To gain some perspective and appreciation for this storied franchise, let's take a look at its many incarnations, from 1988 to present.
BattleTech: The Crescent Hawk's Inception (Infocom, 1988)
This game was the franchise's first step into the digital world of ones and zeros.The Crescent Hawk's Inception was essentially a computer RPG. It starred Jason Youngblood as the protagonist in search of his missing father.
MechWarrior (Activision, 1989)
MechWarrior sported EGA polygon graphics. Even though the polygons were untextured, the look of the game was quite vivid. MechWarrior focused more on the action and simulation sides of the BattleTechuniverse.It allowed you to step into the cockpit and pit your wits and technology against computer opponents.You not onlycontrolled your own 'Mech, but you werealso responsible for repairing and arming your vertical tank. These customization options have since been a core staple of the series.The combination of action and strategy made for a difficult, yet rewarding, experience.
BattleTech:The Crescent Hawk's Revenge
(Infocom, 1991)
The Crescent Hawk's Revengemarked the step up to VGA graphics and introduced real-time, strategy gameplay into the BattleTech franchise.Once again, you played as Jason Youngblood, but in a plot twist, Jason switched sides to fight alongside the Clan.
MechWarrior 2 (Activision, 1992)
MechWarrior 2 took the leap to SVGA graphics and took the player back into the cockpit.While the original MechWarrior was the first 'Mech simulation game, MechWarrior 2 took the genre to a new level. It offered unprecedented customization options, along with tight control.With the NetMech expansion pack that came later, MechWarrior 2 became the first gamein the series to support online play, allowing you tobattle it outwith 'Mech pilots from around the globe. Two additional game expansions (Ghost Bear's Legacy andMercenaries) helped increase the game's replay value.
MechCommander (MicroProse, 1998)
MechCommander took over whereThe Crescent Hawk's Revengeleft off, taking players back to real-time, strategy gameplay.You controlled a newly appointed officer in charge of a group of `Mech pilots.Unlike most real-time, strategy games, the focus for MechCommander was not on building units, but on understanding the stats, abilities, and specialties of your different units.
MechWarrior 3 (Hasbro, 1999)
MechWarrior 3 once again brought us back to the simulation arena.In essence, it was the proper evolution of MechWarrior 2, with more detailed graphics, more realistic models, better animations, and loads of customization options. The Pirate's Moonexpansion was later added.
MechCommander 2 (Microsoft, 2001)
MechCommander 2 expanded on its predecessor's real-time, strategy game play and real time 3-D graphics. Like the original MechCommander, it focused on `Mech and pilot statistics, rather than unit building.
MechWarrior 4 (Microsoft, 2002)
MechWarrior 4 continued the MechWarrior legacy by adding more `Mechs, better graphics, smoother animations, and a retooled, armament system that broke down the weapons placement into dedicated sections for each `Mech. MechWarrior 4, like its two predecessors,was online capable. Four expansion packs were added, including Black Night, the Inner Sphere `Mech Pak, and the Clan 'Mech Pak. Also released was Mercenaries, the next full-blown PC game in the franchise.
And, now, there's ...
MechAssault (Microsoft, 2002)
MechAssault marks a new direction in the BattleTech franchise. It isn't a simulation, role-playing, or real-time, strategy game. Instead, MechAssault marks the franchise's first foray into the 3rd-person-shooter genre, focusing more on speed, reflexes, and strategy.You control your vertical tank of walking destruction, not from the cockpit, but from an over-the-shoulder perspective. MechAssault is the first BattleTech game for the Xbox, and it utilizes the newly launched Xbox Live for online play. With the game's Xbox Live capabilities, players can enjoy real-time voice chat, via the Xbox Communicator, and periodic, downloadable content.
The history of BattleTech is a long and celebrated one. Fans of the series have been witness to a wide range of genres and gameplay styles.Rarely has the games industry seen a series offered in so many different forms ...and on so many different systems.BattleTechhas endured for almost 15 years in this digital world, and we can be sure that, whatever the future holds, 'Mechs will be a part of it.
By Alex McLain
