From the Manufacturer
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MechAssault was, in my opinion, the best Mech game of this
console generation. MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf builds on this solid
foundation by adding new gameplay features, vastly improved
graphics, and new online functions. With so many clear
improvements, Lone Wolf is an even better game than the first,
but also has a few flaws that the original didn't.
The biggest difference in Lone Wolf is that there are other
types of vehicles to pilot besides giant robots. Besides Mechs,
you'll control battle armor, tanks, and VTOLs over the course of
the game. You can even get out of your vehicle at any time during
a mission and run around. All of the different vehicle types
control well, but the missions that require you to spend a lot of
time on foot somewhat suck. My pilot character tended to stick to
the environment a lot, leading to many deaths I couldn't avoid.
These on-foot missions, as well as a few others, contributed a
lot to the uneven difficulty level of the campaign mode. While I
beat the game in about 12 hours, much of my time was spent
repeating a handful of tough stages scattered throughout the
game, which made for some uneven pacing.
Okay, now that I've covered what I didn't like about Lone Wolf,
I can move on to what I loved about it. The core gameplay is just
as fun as the first, and I really liked the variety of missions.
I personally found the tank levels especially enjoyable using
its cannon as a sniper will never get old. The ability to
switch vehicles really emphasizes the scale of the Mechs much
more so than in the first title, I felt like I was piloting an
unstoppable engine of destruction. The inclusion of both new and
old Mechs makes for a good selection of the giant war machines.
The addition of a couple of classic boss battles is also a
really nice touch. The final boss is one of the coolest-looking
foes I've faced in a long time, and overall the graphics are
great. Both the Mechs and environments are much more detailed
than in the first game (although there are some heavy draw
distance issues), and the cutscenes look fantastic. The
soundtrack is really fitting, and the story is engaging, while a
bit sparse.
Of course, online play is a huge part of the MechAssault
franchise, and in this arena Lone Wolf certainly doesn't
disappoint. It plays much like the first title's online mode,
although the new vehicle types add a lot of flexibility within
individual s. It's fast and frantic to the point where it can
be difficult to formulate a strategy, but seldom frustrating. The
new vehicle types have allowed for some interesting game types
and s, so Lone Wolf's online play really offers something for
everyone. Conquest mode, in which different teams vie for control
of the solar system in a persistent war, will no doubt become one
of the biggest draws on Xbox Live.
While some of MechAssault 2's new features came with unexpected
side effects, Day 1 must be applauded for doing so much with this
sequel. Despite its flaws, Lone Wolf is a terrific game that
deserves the huge following it will certainly develop.
Concept:
Destroy everything that moves in a giant robot or other vehicle.
When you're done with that, destroy others online
Graphics:
The Mechs look great, the cutscenes amaze, and blowing things up
looks just swell
Sound:
Throw the horns up for some rockin' metal and the soothing sounds
of futuristic war
Playability:
It's never been easier to rain horrific destruction down upon
your foes
Entertainment:
Giant, heavily armed robots plus online play equals a ton of fun
Replay:
High
Rated: 9.25 out of 10
Editor: Jeremy Zoss
Issue: February 2005
2nd Opinion:
No one does rampant destruction quite like a Mech Warrior. As a
great follow up to a stellar game, Lone Wolf is no exception to
the rule. It offers some of the most impressive destruction and
particle effects you'll come across anywhere. The onscreen chaos
is tremendous in , and demolishing everything in your path
is cathartic on a profound level. That's why I have something of
a major gripe with the on-foot sections of the single-player
game. While usually short, they take away what I like most about
the series that overwhelming sense of power. Also, an
inordinate a of distance fog throughout dulls some of the
visual excitement. There's also something of an uneven difficulty
curve as you play, with levels hopscotching back and forth
between really hard and super easy, but overall the campaign mode
is excellent. Multiplayer gamers should be extremely pleased with
the new innovations in their department. Sw vehicles adds
a surprising layer of teamwork and strategy, and the
intergalactic Conquest mode is highly addictive proving there's
more than one reason to get Xbox Live this winter.
Rated: 8.75 out of 10
Editor: Matt Miller
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- For the first time, gamers can step out of their 'Mechs - go out on foot, jump into other Mechs and hijack other vehicles.
- Deeply-enhanced single player campaign with a compelling storyline.
- More incredible explosions and devastating destruction and javelins fly through the air and lasers light up the sky.
- Battle for control of the Inner Sphere against live nents in your Xbox Live - Team up, go on search-and-destroy missions and talk t in real-time.