Mech Assault 2 Lone Wolf - Xbox

Game Detail

From the Manufacturer

MechAssault was, in my opinion, the best Mech game of this console generation. MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf builds on this solid foundation by adding new gameplay features, vastly improved graphics, and new online functions. With so many clear improvements, Lone Wolf is an even better game than the first, but also has a few flaws that the original didn’t.
The biggest difference in Lone Wolf is that there are other types of vehicles to pilot besides giant robots. Besides Mechs, you’ll control battle armor, tanks, and VTOLs over the course of the game. You can even get out of your vehicle at any time during a mission and run around. All of the different vehicle types control well, but the missions that require you to spend a lot of time on foot somewhat suck. My pilot character tended to stick to the environment a lot, leading to many deaths I couldn’t avoid.
These on-foot missions, as well as a few others, contributed a lot to the uneven difficulty level of the campaign mode. While I beat the game in about 12 hours, much of my time was spent repeating a handful of tough stages scattered throughout the game, which made for some uneven pacing.
Okay, now that I’ve covered what I didn’t like about Lone Wolf, I can move on to what I loved about it. The core gameplay is just as fun as the first, and I really liked the variety of missions. I personally found the tank levels especially enjoyable – using its cannon as a sniper rifle will never get old. The ability to switch vehicles really emphasizes the scale of the Mechs – much more so than in the first title, I felt like I was piloting an unstoppable engine of destruction. The inclusion of both new and old Mechs makes for a good selection of the giant war machines.
The addition of a couple of classic boss battles is also a really nice touch. The final boss is one of the coolest-looking foes I’ve faced in a long time, and overall the graphics are great. Both the Mechs and environments are much more detailed than in the first game (although there are some heavy draw distance issues), and the cutscenes look fantastic. The soundtrack is really fitting, and the story is engaging, while a bit sparse.
Of course, online play is a huge part of the MechAssault franchise, and in this arena Lone Wolf certainly doesn’t disappoint. It plays much like the first title’s online mode, although the new vehicle types add a lot of flexibility within individual maps. It’s fast and frantic to the point where it can be difficult to formulate a strategy, but seldom frustrating. The new vehicle types have allowed for some interesting game types and maps, so Lone Wolf’s online play really offers something for everyone. Conquest mode, in which different teams vie for control of the solar system in a persistent war, will no doubt become one of the biggest draws on Xbox Live.
While some of MechAssault 2’s new features came with unexpected side effects, Day 1 must be applauded for doing so much with this sequel. Despite its flaws, Lone Wolf is a terrific game that deserves the huge following it will certainly develop.

Concept:
Destroy everything that moves in a giant robot or other vehicle. When you’re done with that, destroy others online

Graphics:
The Mechs look great, the cutscenes amaze, and blowing things up looks just swell

Sound:
Throw the horns up for some rockin’ metal and the soothing sounds of futuristic war

Playability:
It’s never been easier to rain horrific destruction down upon your foes

Entertainment:
Giant, heavily armed robots plus online play equals a ton of fun

Replay:
High

Rated: 9.25 out of 10
Editor: Jeremy Zoss
Issue: February 2005

2nd Opinion:
No one does rampant destruction quite like a Mech Warrior. As a great follow up to a stellar game, Lone Wolf is no exception to the rule. It offers some of the most impressive destruction and particle effects you’ll come across anywhere. The onscreen chaos is tremendous in scope, and demolishing everything in your path is cathartic on a profound level. That’s why I have something of a major gripe with the on-foot sections of the single-player game. While usually short, they take away what I like most about the series – that overwhelming sense of power. Also, an inordinate amount of distance fog throughout dulls some of the visual excitement. There’s also something of an uneven difficulty curve as you play, with levels hopscotching back and forth between really hard and super easy, but overall the campaign mode is excellent. Multiplayer gamers should be extremely pleased with the new innovations in their department. Switching vehicles adds a surprising layer of teamwork and strategy, and the intergalactic Conquest mode is highly addictive – proving there’s more than one reason to get Xbox Live this winter.

Rated: 8.75 out of 10
Editor: Matt Miller

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