MechAssault (Xbox, 2002)

Does not Play on Xbox 360 Yet 2-3-10

BattleTech and its offshoot, the MechWarrior series, form a deep, long-running science-fiction universe that has extended from tabletop games played with miniature figures into the realm of computer games and video games. The MechWarrior series represented the giant-robot-filled universe on the PC, while BattleTech centers around the country offered an even more immersive experience, allowing players to truly feel as though they were piloting gigantic, futuristic walking tanks. Translating the complex mechanics of BattleTech into manageable gaming experiences has met with mixed results over the years, as developers have struggled to find just the right balance of simulation, shooting, and strategic elements for these games. And while there have been previous attempts to simplify the game's inherently slow pacing for a more mainstream audience, none have fared better than Microsoft's new Xbox game, MechAssault. This new game delivers the best of what BattleTech's brand of giant robot combat has to offer in a highly accessible game that's especially fun when played against others online.

I got this game because I am trying to extent the fun of playing games with Mechs or VTs (Vertical Tanks) like the original XBox game Steel Battalion. Steel Battalion was a tremendous amount of fun and it was more of a simulation than anything. MechAssault is a fun game to jump right into and see some good eye candy as you wreck havoc upon the enemy. The game is a little awkward in my opinion with the standard XBox controller, but one can easily get used to it after a few hours of play. Once again the game is a standard arcade style and some of the realism is more cartoonish than realistic. But that's my opinion. It isn't meant to be a simulation. The game is mission driven and as such may not be for someone who really just wants to play a Mech game with all the glory. With each mission comes new objectives and new weapons and Mechs. This may not keep one's attention if the desire is to play a few missions to experience the fun of the game in it's entirety. It's not like a racing game where one can just play any level and see the potential for long hours of fun... look at my review for Burnout.

This game really disappointed me. It is a pretty old Xbox game, but it wasn't worth the 5 bucks I paid for it. I do enjoy the multiplayer mode, because i can enjoy it with my nephews without having to worry about blood and profanity.
The story mode included wayyyyyy too many cut-scenes, and not enough game-play. Also, when the producers of this game wanted to make a particular part of it seem hard, they just put in a mech for you to fight. Not good enough? Let's throw in two, or three!! Original? Not so much. If you do decide to play the sequel of this game, MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf, you'll find that the game developers fixed that, adding some elements not expected from this kind of game, and made it a little more suspenseful and unpredictable.

DISCLAIMER: Do not play this game when you are supposed to be operating heavy machinery afterward. Users may find that boredom will drive them toward sleepiness. In all seriousness, this game, although pretty dumb for me, is good for 'Tweens, like 10-12. They are old enough to hear the rare use of language, and young enough not to hate you for buying it for them for christmas.

I bought this product because it was fairly cheap, and I was pleased with the functionality of this game. The game works perfectly. I like the features it has. I like the big machines charging through the cities killing other machines. This game in comparison to others is unlike any other game I have ever seen. The graphics are awesome, and the effects are fantastic. Thank you for this game.

This is a very fun, easy to play shooter game with plenty of stuff to blow up! Varying levels of difficulty keep it challenging. I saw the new Transformers movie and it reminded me of seeing this game when it first came out. Just as cool as I remembered. Shop around for a good price and you can get it brand new for a steal!