I recently found a copy of MechAssault at a local game traders store for a whopping $2.99. What a steal! I couldn’t rent it for that cheap, and now I own the game. I had heard a lot about this series and was a fan of the MechWarrior games on PC, so I figured this would be a good one. This has turned out to be one of the best dirt-cheap games I’ve ever played. Because it was one of the release titles for the Xbox, it is considered an old game and can be purchased for very cheap, even on eBay.

The premise of this game is simple – you pilot giant robots to blow up things. The robots are called BattleMechs and the pilots are called MechWarriors. This game is based off the MechWarrior PC games and I noticed a lot of the same robot names as well as faction logos. There is a military-like ‘save the day’ story, but it all involves destroying the enemy. What sets this game apart from the PC versions is that it is more arcade-friendly and less like a simulator. It doesn’t have all the customization options that made the later MechWarrior games so cool, but that allows gamers to jump right into the game without having to do a bunch of tweaks.

Each level of the game is presented like a mission where you must go from point A to point B and blow something up. There are power-ups along the way, but otherwise you don’t have any ‘extra lives’ or bonus Mechs. This means that once you start a mission, either you finish it or you don’t. The more difficult levels usually require a specific strategy to beat them. Until you discover the right strategy, those levels will be nearly impossible to complete. After most missions you will be given more Mechs to choose from, with each one having its own strengths and weaknesses.

I love the way this game controls. You use the thumb sticks for movement and the triggers for your weapons. It’s very easy and straightforward and plays like most other kinds of shooters. I once played a PS2 game from the Armored Core series that employed such a ridiculous control scheme that I never could get it to work. I’m glad that this game keeps things simple because in the frenzied action you don’t have time to fumble with the controller. My only complaint about this and all the other Mech games is that it is not as fast moving as some other action titles, but then I have to remind myself that giant robots don’t move so quick.

Even though this game is now pushing four years of age, I think it looks great. Some of the cutscene animations are a little dirty, but the gameplay itself looks awesome. You are treated to bright and shiny explosions when Mechs are put down, and there are plenty of full-screen animations for exploding buildings and the like. The levels are set up using a fairly linear pathway model, so you can’t freely roam around like you could in some of the earlier MechWarrior games. I prefer to formulate my own strategy rather than be forced to storm an enemy base head on, but that’s how the game was designed.

The sound effects are also very nicely done and play a big part in the gameplay. When helicopters are flying overhead, you may not always see them, but the sound of their rotors will help you discern their location. Your Mech is also equipped with radar and other sensors to warn of upcoming enemies. Given all the action, this is the kind of game full of explosions and sound effects that it annoys my wife when she’s in the other room. When she starts telling me to turn it down, I know it’s a good game.

This game was release to be one of the first Xbox Live online multiplayer titles. It was quite popular a couple of years ago and the multiplayer aspect was supposed to be a big draw. However, due to its age there are hardly any people playing the game any more. I tried to get on Xbox Live and join in a game, but it could not find any opponents. That was disappointing. If you can find someone to play, there’s also a lot of extra maps and Mechs that can be downloaded for free.

I really enjoy playing this game and enjoy the challenge. It is quite difficult at times, but the missions can usually be finished after a couple of tries. It is disappointing that not many people are playing this on Xbox live any more, but that’s what you run into with older games. If you can find yourself a copy for just a few bucks, I’d recommend getting it.


Recommended: Yes