I never played the first MechCommander, and had only ever played the simulation games in the series, so naturally I approached this game with reservations. Despite my preference for the simulation combat of the Mechwarrior titles, I found MechCommander fairly enjoyable and worthwhile.
MechCommander 2, as the name suggests is an RTS game set in the Battletech universe of which the Mechwarrior and MechAssault series also originates. You command a unit of mercenaries who are working on the strife torn Carter V. A number of different factions are contesting Carter V, namely House Liao, House Steiner, House Davion and the local rebels, though later on Davion will join forces with the rebels. There's no need to worry about which faction to side with since you do no get the freedom to choose your missions. Rather you are lead down the game's one track story that sees you work for all the factions one after another. Ultimately you end up working for former enemies and fighting against former employers. I was disappointed of course by this since I expected more freedom ala Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries which I played before MechCommander 2.
Like any RTS game, you control your team from an isometric map view though you can fully rotate and zoom the camera. At the very least, you are able to buy and sell mechs, equipment, customize the mechs etc. You also have the ability to train new skills for your subordinates such as light/medium/heavy/assault mech specialization. Weapon and ECM specializations also exist, allowing you to strengthen your pilots abilities since your enemies and missions will become tougher naturally.
During missions you are also awarded points that you can use to call in various types of reinforcements. This is especially important since it can really make the missions easier. The reinforcements range from being able to call in artillery pieces, repair trucks, air strikes, probes, etc. You can even insert a pilot into mechs that have been taken out, allowing you to salvage and use them during the mission itself. Naturally, a limit on the points prevents you from doing all of the above during a single mission.
A high point of this game is the acting which I found good and very believable unlike Mechwarrior 4: Vengeance. I also did not find one FMV scene where they copped out on the budget and used terribly done CGI backgrounds like the closing movie for Mechwarrior 4: Vengeance did. All the actors appeared to be on actual sets.
It's a shame that they haven't made another RTS title in the genre since MechCommander 2, as I feel that they were doing a good job and going down the right path. With RTS games like Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War allowing you to zoom all the way in to see your troops in all their exquisite detail, it's a wonder they haven't done such an update of the RTS Battletech genre. Even if you are only casual fan of the Battletech games, it won't hurt your wallet to collect this.
MechCommander 2, as the name suggests is an RTS game set in the Battletech universe of which the Mechwarrior and MechAssault series also originates. You command a unit of mercenaries who are working on the strife torn Carter V. A number of different factions are contesting Carter V, namely House Liao, House Steiner, House Davion and the local rebels, though later on Davion will join forces with the rebels. There's no need to worry about which faction to side with since you do no get the freedom to choose your missions. Rather you are lead down the game's one track story that sees you work for all the factions one after another. Ultimately you end up working for former enemies and fighting against former employers. I was disappointed of course by this since I expected more freedom ala Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries which I played before MechCommander 2.
Like any RTS game, you control your team from an isometric map view though you can fully rotate and zoom the camera. At the very least, you are able to buy and sell mechs, equipment, customize the mechs etc. You also have the ability to train new skills for your subordinates such as light/medium/heavy/assault mech specialization. Weapon and ECM specializations also exist, allowing you to strengthen your pilots abilities since your enemies and missions will become tougher naturally.
During missions you are also awarded points that you can use to call in various types of reinforcements. This is especially important since it can really make the missions easier. The reinforcements range from being able to call in artillery pieces, repair trucks, air strikes, probes, etc. You can even insert a pilot into mechs that have been taken out, allowing you to salvage and use them during the mission itself. Naturally, a limit on the points prevents you from doing all of the above during a single mission.
A high point of this game is the acting which I found good and very believable unlike Mechwarrior 4: Vengeance. I also did not find one FMV scene where they copped out on the budget and used terribly done CGI backgrounds like the closing movie for Mechwarrior 4: Vengeance did. All the actors appeared to be on actual sets.
It's a shame that they haven't made another RTS title in the genre since MechCommander 2, as I feel that they were doing a good job and going down the right path. With RTS games like Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War allowing you to zoom all the way in to see your troops in all their exquisite detail, it's a wonder they haven't done such an update of the RTS Battletech genre. Even if you are only casual fan of the Battletech games, it won't hurt your wallet to collect this.
