It was back in March when we got our very first look at MechWarrior Online gameplay and since that time, developer Piranha Games has been updating the official MWO site with blog entries, detailing on the game’s unique variety of warfare, and what really excites us, listing mechs one-by-one that will be shipping with the game at launch. With the game releasing next month, we thought we’d share the latest and play a little catch-up.
First, a little background on when MechWarrior Online takes place with the Battletech canon:
The last time we delved into the development of the game, we looked at some new screenshots and examined the details of the Mech Lab - a place where players purchase and customize their mechs, from weapons and armor to paint colors, heat sinks, and everything in between. Today we’re going to look at the latest series of videos from MechWarrior Online, detailing two the game’s featured Battletech units: the Jenner and the Centurion (concept art below). We’re also going to look at two vastly different and harsh terrains players will battle each other, and last but not least, we’re going to let Piranha Games’ head honcho detail the four pillars of MechWarrior Online gameplay.
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Jenner
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8dWwXwIcFo
The fast-moving Jenner (moves at 118 km/h) is deadly in packs and is optimally used as a fast-moving, quick-jumping backstabber. It has very little armor so if you plan on tanking, the Jenner is not for you.
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Centurion
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m24i6iTeyc
The Centurion might be a great beginner mech since it’s strong in all situations and at all ranges. Featuring a variety of weapon types, including missiles, autocannons and lasers, and a fair amount of armor, the Centurion also comes in different variants and is highly customizable.
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Caustic Valley
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCYQtzfp9BM
The Caustic Valley offers gameplay-affecting terrain thanks to the heat the acidic environment gives off. To succeed in battle on the mineral-rich planet, players must be very cautious about watching heat levels, especially with heavier mechs. The surface temperatures will also cause problems for thermal optics, giving sneaky players better opportunities to hide their mechs. Weapons heat up quickly and take more time to cool down, so ballistic weapons are recommended.
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Frozen City
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsOgoNr2OQw
Much like the Caustic Valley, the Frozen City map offers another dynamic environment with practically the opposite effects on gameplay. Get lost in a blizzard, run through a glacier tunnel, and let your weapons run wild without worry about quickly overheating. Players will need to rely on team communications via information warfare, thermal imagine and sensor data to stand a chance in this frozen hell.
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Developer Diary #1
Now that you’ve had a brief tease of MechWarrior Online gameplay, let Piranha Games’ Russ Bullock run you through the details and four pillars of gameplay that players need to understand to get into the full MechWarrior experience.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6wYb6TNFNk
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If these mechs and environments have piqued your interested, head over to the official MechWarrior Online website http://mwomercs.com/ for more information, to pick your pilot name. You can also now buy into the Founder’s Program via one of three packages which offer early access (on August 7th) and a limited chance for players to get a founder’s tag, in-game bonuses (including more mechs), in-game credits and a 1-3 month premium account with additional rewards - read the details here.
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Are you going to give this free-to-play PC MMO a chance?
MechWarrior Online launches later this summer.
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Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes.
