MechWarrior 4: Vengeance/ Black Knight Expansion
MicrosoftPC
Technology is good for at least three things: games (of course), weapons (of course), and, lest we forget, robotics. It’s only logical, therefore, that one of the best developments of this century incorporates all three. MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, Microsoft’s latest adaptation of the classic tabletop game of dice, charts, and warring robots, has finally done it right.
Those familiar with earlier versions will recognize most of the game’s features: the thin storylines, the endless array of weapons, and the corps of robot buddies. But this MechWarrior is much more playable, due to a stable 3D engine, beautiful scenery, and a faithful adherence to the dualities of the original game: speed vs. size, power vs. finesse, overwhelming firepower vs., well, anything that crosses your path.
Therein lies the fun of the game — the combat works, and works well. You can play along with the progressive scenario, facing bigger and bigger challenges, recouping salvage from your vanquished foes, and constructing ever-grander BattleMechs. Or you can plug in and play in any of about 100 different landscapes, with the ‘Mech of your choice, versus any combination of foes.
The unbeatable Black Knight expansion pack offers still more playability: a new multidirectional story/mission timeline, new landscapes (the best ever), new ‘Mechs and weapons, and an illicit black-market trade hut to bring you ever more, ever faster.
But the game is also about the man inside the ‘Mech. Go online to hunt the greatest game of all, either mano a mano or in giant 16-bot free-for-alls. It’s the only way to go. But beware: Once you’ve gone, it’s a long way back.
This article appears in December 21 • 2001.