MechAssault was the first 'Mech video game for the Microsoft Xbox. It was developed by Day 1 Studios and published by Microsoft. MechAssault was released in 2002. Its sequel, , was released on December 28, 2004. The game is set in the BattleTech universe and is a part of the Mechwarrior range of computer games.
Modes of play
Campaign Mode
This is the story driven part of the game, here you complete the games missions as well as work on your skill for the online battles.
Xbox Live
MechAssault can be played on Xbox Live, a high-speed Internet gaming community where you can create a permanent gamer identity, set up a friends list to see who is online, invite them to play, and talk to them in real time. The fastest way to find an online session of MechAssault is Quick Match, which allows the player to search for a session quickly, specifying minimal criteria. For players who want to join a specific type of online session of MechAssault hosted by another player, Optimatch allows the player to specify the criteria for the session they want to join. The player can also create and host an online session of MechAssault. Once the player defines all the characteristics of a game, they can even invite other players from their friends list or leave slots open for any online player to join the battle.
Grinder
In Grinder mode (local play only), the player tries to survive as more and more 'Mechs are spawned into the battle. Play on your own or team up with a friend. The maps available in Grinder are:
- Coliseum
- Hell's Kitchen (download required)
- River City
- Stone Cold (download required)
Destruction
In Destruction mode, the player can choose a 'Mech and fight to the death in deathmatch or team deathmatch. The player or team with the most kills wins. The maps available in Destruction are:
- Coliseum
- Frosty
- Hell's Kitchen (download required)
- Icepack
- The Junkyard
- Number 51
- River City
- Stone Cold (download required)
Last Man Standing
Last Man Standing is a free-for-all with no respawning. Once a player dies, they stay dead. Gameplay can be either deathmatch or team deathmatch. The maps available in Last Man Standing are:
- Coliseum
- Frosty
- Hell's Kitchen (download required)
- Icepack
- The Junkyard
- Number 51
- River City
- Stone Cold (download required)
Not It!
Not It! is a free-for-all game in which one player is "it". Points are awarded for killing "it" but once a player does, the tables are turned and now that player is "it". The maps available in Not It! are:
- Coliseum
- Frosty
- Hell's Kitchen (download required)
- Icepack
- The Junkyard
- Number 51
- River City
- Stone Cold (download required)
Quantum Redshift
Quantum Redshift is playable as a demo in MechAssault. It is a futuristic racing game where you can win through sheer speed or just through killing your opponents. The player chooses from three levels of difficulty, two racers, and one circuit.
Weapons
Most of the 'Mechs are outfitted with offensive and defensive weapons systems, and many of them feature jump jets.
Offensive weapons
Energy weapons
- Pulse Laser
- The pulse laser is rapid-fire and particularly useful against vehicles. It is possible to fire off a new burst every fraction of a second. Accuracy depends on how well the player can track the target.
- Laser
- This is the standard beam laser. It fires a single long beam of energy with a tracking ability that continues to do damage even if the target moves.
- PPC
- The Particle Projection Cannon (PPC) is a ball of energy with a trail effect and slight seeking capability. The player charges the PPC by pulling and holding the Right trigger until fully charged, and then releasing the trigger to unleash the bolt of energy.
Ballistic weapons
- Machine Gun
- The machine gun is your rapid-fire, short-range weapon of choice for ballistics. It is very accurate at close range. Damage is light to heavy, depending on range. No heat is generated by this weapon.
- Autocannon
- The autocannon is a high-velocity, direct-fire ballistic weapon. Potential damage impact is moderate to heavy, depending on range. Heat generation is moderate. The rate of fire is fairly slow, and accuracy is moderate.
- Gauss Rifle
- The Gauss rifle uses a series of magnets to propel a very heavy metal projectile at high velocity over a great distance. Impact is moderate to very heavy. The Gauss rifle has the potential to knock another 'Mech off its feet. The rate of fire is very slow, but it is accurate to a great distance. It generates very little heat.
Missile weapons
The player achieves target lock by holding the targeting reticle over an enemy for a few seconds. When the a target lock is achieved, the reticle changes to red crosshairs. Target lock is lost if the reticle is moved off the target for more than a few seconds.
- Crossbow
- Crossbows are short-range missiles that feature heat-seeking but limited turn and splash capability. Note that seeking is only possible once target lock has been achieved.
- Hammer
- Hammer missiles are medium range, medium speed, and dumb-fire (no seeking capability). They have a heavy impact on the target and a large splash radius. There are never more than two included on a single 'Mech because of ordnance load-out considerations.
- Javelin
- Javelin missiles are high impact and long range. After launching, they begin to accelerate toward and seek the target if target lock is achieved. There are never more than four included on a 'Mech. Splash damage is moderate.
Defensive and special weapons
Jump jets
With jump jets the player can launch their 'Mech into the air as a defensive tactic in order to avoid missiles. The player can also use jump jets as an offensive
tactic to fire beyond objects that obstruct their view. They also help players move to strategic positions in an environment that you might not have gotten to otherwise.
Null signature
Null signature masks a 'Mech from enemy radar when the player activates it and for as long as they have power remaining. As a 'Mech builds up heat or uses weapons, the it becomes increasingly visible.
Target jamming
Target jamming jams enemy radar within a given range when the player activates it. It also causes enemies to lose target lock-on.
Chaff
Chaff attracts all missiles for a limited period of time after its been deployed. Limited power makes chaff unusable.
Salvage
In addition to the stock weaponry a 'Mech is provided with, the player can also salvage weapons and armor during missions. Find salvage by destroying certain buildings, enemy vehicles, or even 'Mechs.
Each weapon salvage a player performs increases the level for that particular weapon. There are three levels, and with each additional level the weapon's firepower increases until the weapons of that particular level are depleted. The basic level 1 weapons always provide unlimited ammunition, but not as much firepower. A selected weapon's power level is indicated in the HUD's weapons display.
The types of salvage:
- Armor salvage increases a player's health in a mission. Each time the player salvages armor, a green shield with a white cross appears momentarily on the HUD.
- Missile salvage increases the number of missiles a player fires at one time, shortens the recharge rate, and increases the damage.
- Energy salvage increases the power of the player's energy weapon, shortens the recharge rate, and increases the impact on the enemy.
- Ballistic salvage increases the number of rounds the player can fire in a short amount of time and increases the damage inflicted on the enemy.
The 'Mechs
Uller
The Uller Light BattleMech is extremely versatile and touts a potent arsenal of weapons that provide striking power at all ranges. It is fast, very well armored, and makes a great reconnaissance 'Mech.
Owens
The Owens Light BattleMech has become a staple for front-line regiments. It is lightly armed, but fast, and can carry all Inner Sphere electronic components. It rarely engages an enemy directly but uses its superior electronics and LRMs to provide support for heavier 'Mechs.
Cougar
Ton for ton, the Cougar Light BattleMech is probably the best 'Mech out there. With its low profile and high speed, it is very hard to hit and has a powerful weapons package for its size.
Uziel
The Uziel Medium BattleMech combines maneuverability with firepower and decent armor; it is a good performer in any role. With its speed and jump jets, it is ideal for hit-and-hide tactics.
Vulture
The Vulture Medium BattleMech is aptly named for its hunched shoulders, protruding head, and bird-like legs. Its lower-torso Omni slot add to its versatility, and its huge twin missile racks can carry more missiles than any other 'Mech. It is very good in a fire support role.
Catapult
Slow but extremely rugged, the Catapult Medium BattleMech is best used as a standoff threat where it can use its long-range missile racks. It is designed for second-line defense but with strong offensive capabilities.
Thor
The Thor Medium BattleMech offers mobility and short- to medium-range capability. It successfully blends fi repower and maneuverability, and it can dish out a lot of damage in any terrain.
Mad Cat
The Mad Cat Assault BattleMech was the first to appear in the Inner Sphere. It also has been the most used. It offers an array of weapons but is particularly lethal with its missile packs.
Atlas
The sight of an Atlas Assault BattleMech still makes even the most experienced MechWarrior break out in hives. The head, torso, and weaponry create a perfect combination of function and fear factor. It is built to inflict a lot of damage on its enemies.
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