DESCRIPTION

MechWarriors first rumbled onto PC screens in 1989, with a resurgence of popularity during the following decade in the form of many sequels and expansions. MechCommander, by developer MicroProse, provides a new perspective on the giant robots by offering integrated command and control over a squad of MechWarriors in 30 tactical missions. Set in an overarching story in which the Houses of the Inner Sphere have reformed the Star League Defense Forces in an attempt to overthrow Clan-occupied planets, you take command of Zulu Company, 1st Davion Guards in a five-phase operation to regain the military star base at Kylie.

Combining real-time action and strategy in the BattleTech universe, you control up to a dozen BattleMechs selected from 18 possible chassis featuring custom armament, sensors and abilities. Mission success earns Resource Points (carried over through the campaign) used to upgrade weapons, acquire new Mechs and vehicles, and recruit pilots who gain experience through survival. Salvageable weapons and repairable enemy OmniMech chassis can be used for resale to earn additional Resource Points or employed by Zulu Company to expand capabilities.

Between missions and prior to deployment following mission briefings, Mechs can be prepped, refitted, repaired, modified and assigned to specific pilots. During battle, units can be ordered to move, attack, guard, capture or repair through a multifunction display designed to render Mech control assistance. Inner Sphere and Clan Mechs vary by cost, jump ability, armor, speed, class, weight, internal structure, engine size, and component payload. MechWarrior veterans may recognize some of the 18 available chassis: Commando, Firestarter, Uller, Raven, Cougar, Hollander, Hunchback, Hunchback IIC, Centurion, Vulture, Catapult, Loki, Jagermech, Thor, Mad Cat, Awesome, Masakari, and Atlas.

Mech arsenals consist of ballistic, energy, missile, and sensor weapons, each with specific ranges, values, recycling times, damage, and ammunition. Short and long range weapons include lasers, missiles, cannons, flamers, and gauss rifles to supplement more than two dozen field vehicles ranging from tanks, trucks and APCs to minelayers and sweepers, Elementals and mobile field artillery. The type of terrain (water, hills, bridges, ridges, trees, forests, minefields) and line-of-sight play a role in both single and multiplayer battles. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide