Mechwarrior 3

"a strong multiplayer addition to the engine, a fun game in general and one which gives you a new respect for size and superiority in a gaming environment, it truly is a good game, just not a great game."

"The gaming experience begins as soon as the plastic shrink-wrap has been torn loose, and the seal broken from the side of the box. The 66 page manual, BattleMech Technical Reference booklet, and laminated keyboard reference card that slide from the box are not only satisfyingly thick and in-depth, but well written, packed full of useful and relevant information, and keeping in theme with the BattleTech universe itself. The game begins with a typically explosive introductory sequence depicting giant 30ft 'Mechs of the 31st century locked in mortal combat thought the burnt-out husks of a desolate city. The short movie is not at all dissimilar to the intro of its predecessor, and could easily follow on from the dying ebbs of MechWarrior 2, however, this time around, the AVI video sequences pale in comparison to the in-game graphics themselves."

"So, the story is quite important then, but is it actually any good? Well, to be honest, if you haven't been following the series then not a lot of it makes much sense. However, if you have then you may be impressed by it's cunning use the story. The plot goes as follows, the year is 3038 and the various Houses of the Inner Sphere have joined allegiances to take on the Clans with swollen ranks and greater firepower. So, the aim of the game is to totally annihilate all the Clan Warriors, including (and with special note given to) the Smoke Jaguars clan."

"The AI of the enemy units is excellent. I was engaged in an ordinance duel with a smaller less armored enemy Mech and I had disintegrated most of its offensive capabilities. Rather than continue to stand toe to toe with me as he would have in MW II, he retreated. Bloodthirsty for the kill (and salvage) I followed. Unfortunately, he lead me within range of a heavily armored and distant long range missile platform that opened up and tore both my Mech's arms asunder. Also, the intelligence of allied Lancemates is substantially improved. They no longer get hooked up indefinitely on terrain obstacles and actually seem to work to forward your cause."