Mr. Finnegan's Mechwarrior 4 Review
posted at 4:10 PM on Friday, January 12th, 2001
Introduction
| Publisher |
| Microsoft Games |
| |
| System Requirements: |
300Mhz
650MB HD Space
64 MB Ram
8MB DirectX 8-compliant video card |
| |
| Reviewed Using: |
Althon 600Mhz
192 MB RAM
GeForce 32MB |
I love games that are straightforward. Why, you ask? Simple. It usually means the learning curve is about as straight as an arrow and that the review will be shorter than usual. I'm lazy like that.
There are two constants that make a good video game if they are paired together or employed well by themselves. Those two factors are big giant robots and beautiful women. There are few lookers in this game I admit but I think the big giant robots are the focus in a game called MechWarrior.
MechWarrior4: Vengeance is the imaginatively named 4th installment of the MechWarrior series of computer games, which are based upon the miniature strategy game Battletech by FASA.
Giant robots fight each other. Things explode.
Finnegan is happy.
Story
MW4:V picks up where MechWarrior3 left off. You are a warrior returning home victorious from a successful campaign, only to discover that your planetary home has been seized and your immediate family slaughtered.
Your only option? Could it be…VENGEANCE?! Joining forces with your uncle, you decide to return home and stage a rebellion against the occupation forces.
This particular chapter of the Mechwarrior series takes place entirely inside the Inner Sphere, leaving those smelly Clan heathens behind.
Gameplay
Got to give Microsoft credit. If they do anything right, they know when not to change a good thing. The controls for the MW4:V were extremely similar to good ‘ol MW3. If there were any differences, you could alter them to your preference with ease.
Special bonus points to Microsoft for acknowledging other devices. True, their reference card does have an image of a Microsoft Sidewinder joystick on it, but I plugged in my Saitek Cyborg 3D Digital in and the controls work marvelously.
There have been some changes made to the Firmpoint customization system, which basically makes it harder for you to turn your mech into a lame gun-boat. Now only certain weapon types, such as "Energy" or "Missile", fit in any given slot, so players are encouraged to take a balanced weapon loadout. Works for me!
The sim-like feel has been dampened down a little, but not so much that it ruins the feeling of you stomping around in a giant metal suit. You can't do silly stuff like walk sideways or anything. The venerable torso-twist, where you walk one way but look in another direction, is still as useful as ever.
Umm…you shoot stuff. They blow up. Learn the finer points on your own. Like I said, gameplay is pretty straightforward.
Aesthetics
Breathtaking. The game’s aesthetics are really something to behold and fry weak graphics cards with. The system requirements are an outright lie. You need a decent amount of power to run this game, but if you got the goods you HAVE to get this game for the imagery alone.
Special Cool Extras! You can create custom decals to slap on the side of your Mech. I’m already in a MW4:V clan and we have our own custom logo. You also get little mini-movies in between each episode that shows how the plot has progressed with each victory.
Sound
Another winner. It should be said that almost all of the MechWarrior games have had great sound. Sometimes it was the music that caught attention, and sometimes it was the sound effects. In MW4:V, its definitely the latter. The cool computer voice is still present, and you get great voice communications during combat, albeit repetitive at times.
The musical score isn’t nearly as good as some of its predecessors. Microsoft could have done better here. In addition, they removed music during multiplayer combat. What the heck?
Conclusion
I’m combining value into my conclusion. The game is definitely worth the money. Its fun as hell to play, and as I’ve said I’m already in a clan that’s in a league. If you got the equipment and the cash, pick it up NOW. Come blow shit up with me!
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Blow stuff up in oh-so-many ways!
Aesthetics 5/5
*drools*
Sound: 4.5/5
It gets the job done.
Value: 5/5
Done with the game? Play online.
The Verdict: 4.5/5
What?! You’re still here? Get the damn game already!
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