Anatomy of a 'Jacking

The most talked-about features of Day One's giant walkin' tank sequel MechAssault® 2: Lone Wolf—except for the MMO-like persistent online universe that lets you conquer entire worlds in the name of your clan—is probably the new ability to latch onto and steal enemy 'Mechs. It's not as easy as just hitting Y (though that does come in later); instead, you'll have to outwit and out-think the controller of the vehicle you want to steal.

To see the original Windows Media video that goes with these screen shots, click here.

The screenshots included below were taken during Split Screen multiplayer gameplay, so you could see the action from both sides. For the purposes of this article, we're going to assume you're the dude in the Battle Armor.

Step 1: Get thee behind them.

First, you've got to get into position. Move fast. It's difficult for a big 'Mech to target your Battle Armor, but you can still get blasted if you give away your intentions. Get behind the enemy 'Mech, jump-jet up to the back of the ‘Mech by pressing down on the left joystick, press A to latch on with your claw, and initiate 'jacking (or as the game calls it "Neuro-Hack.")

Step 2: Hit A to start hacking.

Here's the tricky part. Both you and your potential 'jacking victim get a Neuro-Hack graphic that shows you what buttons to push and in what order. It's a contest of speed and accuracy, and the fastest, sharpest gamer (or A.I.) wins.

Step 3: Match the buttons faster than your foe.

When the yellow bar around the Neuro-Hack graphic is almost full, and your enemy's is empty, you're almost there.

Step 4: Success! Watch that enemy pilot fly!

Congratulations, you've successfully hacked into an enemy 'Mech. But, you haven't quite finished 'jacking it yet. Go ahead and take a half second to watch your foe go flying into the sky on his malfunctioning ejector seat (at least the first time). It's pretty funny.

Step 5: Get out of that BattleArmor …

Now you've got to get out of the old and into the new—you don't just materialize inside your new ride. This is the most dangerous point in your 'jacking, since you'll be a plain old human for a few seconds and can suffer all the things a plain old human can suffer in MechAssault 2. Hit Y to get out of your Battle Armor.

Step 6: . . . and slip into something more deadly.

Now, run as if your life depended on it (it does, at least in-game) and get to the new—now unoccupied—'Mech. Your enemy will be busy waiting to respawn. (Those ejector seats apparently don't come with parachutes.) Watch out for his teammates, if you have any. Hit Y to get in.

Step 7: Enjoy your new ride—and watch for hackers!

Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a shiny new 'Mech. Get out there and start blasting … but be aware that you're now a target. They can do the same to you. Keep your thumb ready, and your weapons charged. You never know when someone's going to jump on your back and try to hack you.

By Ben Barker