MechCommander 2 is an strategy/action game that drops you once more into the familiar BattleTech Universe. You probably still remember Mechcommander that was released in 1998 and MechCommander Gold which included an expansion campaign as well as new options and new mechs. These games was cool, with good storyline and graphics. So what is new provides MechCommander 2? In Mechcommander 2 you take on the role of a mercenary commander that has just arrived on the planet of Carver V with his fledgling company and is immediately thrown into the cauldron of House Steiner's battle with local bandits...well big surprise? seems it's not :) However if you are MechCommander fan, you probably won't be disappointed, MechCommander 2 features 4 never before seen mechs (together over 29 Mechs), 24 missions of frantic action (shoot'em all!) in an immersive and fully 3D environment, multiplayer for up to eight players and eight teams over the Internet on Zone.com or a LAN, Mission Editor (the same tools employed by MechCommander 2 level designers) to create your own missions and even an Encyclopedia with all the details you need to feel at home in the BattleTech Universe. But the most obvious change from its predecessor is the move from 2D sprites to a full 3D game engine. The result is obviously better graphics and noticeably smoother interface, easily controlled free camera and zoom. Also the terrain and buildings are beautifully modeled and quite realistic. Only the mechs themselves are a little less detailed when you zoom in closely, but who care :)
Although the improvements over the original MechCommander are striking, the game gameplay is rather similar, which isn't a bad thing. Like the first MechCommander, MechCommander 2 places you in control of multiple mechs rather than in the cockpit of a single one (a la the Mech Warrior series). Multiple combats within the campaign will decide whether you are successful or fail at your objectives. First of all you have to configure&customize your mechs first, buy pilots. Each mech can be outfitted with multiple types of weaponry, sensor packages, and armor. Certainly the goal is to build the perfect unity of mech and pilot to success in game objectives :) Another surprise in Mechwarrior 2 is the use of resources and credits. In the original game you won resources for completing mission objective, now you win c-bills (money) to be able buy new `Mechs and modify them. Resource points are accumulated during the mission by capturing resource buildings/trucks. If you have resources, you can call airstrikes, build local artillery, send out sensor probes, or repair your damaged Mechs! It's really pretty cool. This sweet improvement adds an entirely new dimension of tactics to the game. But the best part of the game is combat. Fortunately the combat is pretty simple here, you don't need anything special to learn. Everything you need is target an enemy, and the mechs under your command will move forward and backward to get the best range for the attack, You even don't need to switch between weapons, automatically the best one is being used. The explosions effects are simply excellent! If you are a big fan of the 1st-person shooters, you may not enjoy this game as much as MechWarrior 4, but I simply very like this game. if you are fan of the original Mechcommander, you must have this sequel!