MechWarrior will be back! And it will be Online! It has been a very long time since we have seen a new MechWarrior game, so this is fantastic news to fans of the series, myself included. MechWarrior Online, as it is officially called, is to be released in the second half of 2012. It is also free-to-play, which is a growing trend among online-only games.
The story is set "in the year 3049 during the early stages of a massive interstellar war", and "puts you in command of the most powerful war machine to ever walk the field of battle, the mighty BattleMech™." MechWarrior online will give you the ability to customize your mechs to suit your battlefield role; upgrade systems, replace weapons, and tweak armor with endless options.
Co-operative gameplay will play a big part in the new MechWarrior game, allowing you to get together and form your own Mercenary Corps, invite friends, and "battle other player-made Merc Corps for prestige and power." You will have the option to pledge your allegiance to one of the five factions or "great houses" and fight to control planets all over the galaxy.
In addition, MechWarrior Online will have a reward system based on experience points, C-Bills, unlocks, and recognition. Players will be able to upgrade skills and refine their roles "using an all-new leveling system, and up-to-the minute detailed player statistics" which will allow them to track and share their progress and compare it with other players.
Russ Bullock, co-founder of Piranha Games, states “We’re excited to lead the MechWarrior franchise online for fans of the series. We’re proud to partner with Infinite Game Publishing, and are thankful for the fans of the MechWarrior series that have been so patient for the next MechWarrior game to arrive. Infinite Game is a partner who understands both the world of games publishing and the crucial technical needs of today’s AAA online gaming experiences. Together we are bringing fans epic next-generation Mech combat online in 2012.”
So, guys, are you excited to play this new iteration of the classic battle mech series? I know I am!
You can also reserve your pilot name on the official website, right now. Just don't take mine: TheOneNeo.
