Summary

Release Year: 1998
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy, Tactical
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: FASA Interactive
Publishers: MicroProse Software, Inc.

MechCommander (1998): A Real-Time Strategy Classic

MechCommander is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by FASA Interactive and published by MicroProse in 1998. It is the second game in the MechWarrior franchise, following MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. MechCommander is set in the BattleTech universe, a fictional universe where humanity has colonized the stars and giant robots called BattleMechs are used for warfare.

The player takes control of a mercenary unit of BattleMechs and must complete a series of missions, ranging from destroying enemy forces to escorting VIPs. The game features a variety of different BattleMechs, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must carefully manage their resources and use the terrain to their advantage in order to succeed.

MechCommander was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best RTS games of all time. It was praised for its deep gameplay, challenging missions, and excellent graphics. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

Gameplay

MechCommander is a real-time strategy game in which the player controls a mercenary unit of BattleMechs. The player must complete a series of missions, ranging from destroying enemy forces to escorting VIPs. The game features a variety of different BattleMechs, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must carefully manage their resources and use the terrain to their advantage in order to succeed.

The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player can zoom in and out to get a better view of the battlefield. The player can control their BattleMechs directly, or they can set them to follow orders. The player can also use a variety of different weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies.

MechCommander features a variety of different mission types, including:

Destroy enemy forces: In these missions, the player must destroy all of the enemy forces on the map.
Escort VIPs: In these missions, the player must escort a VIP to a specific location.
Capture objectives: In these missions, the player must capture a specific objective, such as a building or a vehicle.
Defend locations: In these missions, the player must defend a specific location from enemy forces.

The game also features a variety of different difficulty levels, so players of all skill levels can enjoy the game.

Mechs

MechCommander features a variety of different BattleMechs, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player can choose from a variety of different BattleMechs, including:

Light Mechs: Light Mechs are the smallest and fastest BattleMechs in the game. They are armed with a variety of weapons, including lasers, machine guns, and missiles. Light Mechs are best used for scouting and harassment.
Medium Mechs: Medium Mechs are larger and more powerful than Light Mechs. They are armed with a variety of weapons, including lasers, machine guns, missiles, and autocannons. Medium Mechs are a good all-around choice for most missions.
Heavy Mechs: Heavy Mechs are the largest and most powerful BattleMechs in the game. They are armed with a variety of weapons, including lasers, machine guns, missiles, and autocannons. Heavy Mechs are best used for taking down enemy fortifications and destroying enemy BattleMechs.

The player can also upgrade their BattleMechs with a variety of different weapons and equipment. This allows the player to customize their BattleMechs to suit their own playstyle.

Reception

MechCommander was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its deep gameplay, challenging missions, and excellent graphics. The game was also praised for its innovative use of the BattleTech license.

MechCommander won a number of awards, including:

Game of the Year from Computer Gaming World
Best Strategy Game from IGN
Best Real-Time Strategy Game from GameSpot

MechCommander has been ported to a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. The game is still popular today, and is considered one of the best RTS games of all time.

Legacy

MechCommander has had a lasting impact on the RTS genre. The game’s innovative use of the BattleTech license helped to popularize the franchise, and the game’s deep gameplay and challenging missions have set a high standard for other RTS games.

MechCommander has also been credited with inspiring a number of other RTS games, including:

StarCraft
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Company of Heroes

MechCommander is a classic RTS game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s deep gameplay, challenging missions, and excellent graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.