MechCommander 2 scores highly in the graphics category. It's 3D graphics are
detailed and smoothly animated. Explosions and weapons fire are visually
stunning, and make combat in the game more exciting. The landscapes are three
dimensional and the environments are fully interactive. Both serve to add a
realistic look to the game that makes it more enjoyable. For example, units move
more slowly uphill and there is an advantage to units attacking from a higher
elevation. Also, Mechs will knock over fences and trees as they move from place
to place.
The music and sounds are of top quality, too - which can really be
appreciated during an episode of heated combat. One sound effect that seems to
be absent, though, is the sound of Mechs moving. It seems odd to see a heavy
Mech jogging across the countryside without making a pounding racket.
There's a lot to like about MechCommander 2, but it is not without its
shortcomings. Unit AI is, for the most part, quite good. For example, units know
how to respond to attacks and maneuver into position to best use their weapons
without the need for the player to constantly give them orders. However, the
unit AI tends to be on the aggressive side, and you will have to monitor your
Mechs closely enough to avoid having one go charging across the map in pursuit
of an enemy. Also, the pathfinding works great most of the time, but
occasionally units inexplicably get stuck and do not respond to move orders
unless you carefully walk them around obstacles with a series of short move
orders. These quirks prove to be an occasional annoyance, and for the most part
you can count on the AI to handle your Mechs nicely.
The campaign and its storyline are engrossing, but some veteran strategy
gamers may find some of the missions too linear. Mission objectives are
presented in numbered order and in several missions this is the order in which
they will have to be tackled in order to complete the mission. More freedom in
selecting a strategy to complete these missions would certainly enhance the
game's replayability.
Perhaps MechCommander 2's biggest shortcoming is its lack of provided solo
missions or a skirmish option. The game does come with an excellent mission
editor, but it takes some time to develop a mission and some players might not
want to invest that much time into creating a 'quick' game of MechCommander 2.
The Bottom Line: This game rates: 85%.
An excellent and enjoyable tactical combat game for those who don't enjoy base
building or resource gathering. It is only a few shortcomings away from being a
really great game.
System Requirements: 266 MHz Pentium CPU; 64 MB RAM; 8 MB Video
RAM; 4x CD-ROM; 400 MB Hard Drive Space; Mouse..
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