MechWarrior 5: Clansis the latest in a line ofMechWarriorgames stretching back over 30 years, and though technology and game design principles may have evolved in that time, there are a few elements that have persisted from one series entry to the next. Of course, each game features an arsenal of impossible to miss 40-foot-tall mechanized war machines, but theBattletechuniverse in whichMechWarrioris based is largely about the people in the cockpits. Even in gameplay terms,MechWarriorpilots usually have their own traits and skills independent of the mech they’re operating.
Game Rant recently sat down with Piranha Games CEO Russ Bullock to discuss team’s approach to theMechWarriorseries and what he feels is most important to include in a properMechWarriorgame. In his opinion,MechWarriorgames ought to emphasize the pilots within the mechs, and they should also feature deep management and customization systems for which the series is known.
MechWarrior 5: Clans Is About The Pilots
As Bullock mentions, it’s the pilots that truly driveBattleTech’s universe, though he conceded that previousMechWarriorgames didn’t always express this well enough.BattleTech’s lore is incredibly deep and full of dramatic stories of individuals struggling through the universe’s centuries of conflict for causes both tyrannical and noble, andMechWarrior 5: Clans' tale of up-and-comingcadets from Clan Smoke Jaguaris the series' best example.
InClans, it comes down to the fact that there’s a pilot inside the mech. That’s what makesMechWarriorunique—it’s not justTransformersor whatever. It’s about the people. The machines are impressive, but the mech warriors themselves are crucial.
I think that aspect got a bit lost in pastMechWarriorgames, where you’d almost forget there were pilots in the machines due to the lack of storyline. In this game, you’re constantly hearing from the pilots, and when you go to the front end, it’s about the customization aspect. The actual management aspect is what sets it apart from other giant mech games.
This focus on the individual pilots also shows through in the gameplay:each pilot inMechWarrior 5: Clanshas a surprisingly involved skill system that has an impact on the squad’s performance. Just as players ought to assemble a well-balanced force of mechs, their all-important pilots also benefit from careful consideration.
It’s Not a MechWarrior Game Without Deep Customization
That leads to another core component ofMechWarrior:the deep management gamethat takes place outside of combat.MechWarrior 5: Clansmay be a linear campaign, but that doesn’t mean PIranha Games has taken away the toybox. Just like its predecessors,Clansfeatures several overlapping customization and management systems where players can modify their mechs, manage repairs, purchase equipment, and research technology. Bullock noted that it was important to balance this series staple with the pacing of the game’s focused narrative.
I think there was some worry about balance. AMechWarriorgame isn’t really aMechWarriorgame unless you have those elements, but at the same time, we’re trying to create a game that brings in a whole new era ofMechWarriorfans and creates newMechWarriorenthusiasts. We have to be careful about how deep things go, or at least provide players with an easier path while they learn that stuff.
I thinkClansdid a pretty good job of that because, when it comes to your mech bay and mech repairs, you can pretty much let things roll along automatically. Now that you’ve gotten to the next act, you’ll see as you play that the clan itself will take care of you and handle all the repairs of your mechs. You can just roll along from mission to mission. But when you’re ready or want to, you can go in and customize those mechs and dive deeper.
It’s good news for franchise veterans and newcomers alike that althoughMechWarrior 5: Clans' management gameplayis crunchy enough for the min-maxers to enjoy, Clan Smoke Jaguar is more than capable of taking care of things on the player’s behalf. Whether players want total control of every armor plating and missile launcher or if they’re only interested in experiencing the story,MechWarrior 5: Clansleaves room for both playstyles.
MechWarrior 5: Clans
WHERE TO PLAY
In MECHWARRIOR 5: CLANS, players take on the role of a newly graduated pilot from the Smoke Jaguar cadet program, thrust into the heart of the Clan Invasion of the Inner Sphere during Operation Revival. This pivotal moment in the MechWarrior universe sees players leading a five-mech “Star” squad across numerous planets with diverse biomes, engaging in an expansive campaign filled with immersive gameplay and intricate combat encounters.Armed with customizable BattleMechs featuring cutting-edge technologies, players explore a wealth of tactical options and strategic possibilities. The game leverages the power of the Unreal Engine to deliver stunning environmental details and visceral destruction, making every battle against the tyrants of the Inner Sphere an epic experience.As the first Clan-based MechWarrior game in nearly three decades, it combines a captivating narrative with well-crafted characters and moral dilemmas, culminating in a dynamic and adaptive combat experience enhanced by a revamped MechLab, Hardpoint, and OmniPod system.Experience the Clan Invasion from the perspective of Clan Smoke Jaguar as you lead your Star through engaging missions and combat, with cinematics unlike anything seen before in MechWarriorStrategic adaptability is key to victory and more accessible than ever with the new Battle Grid, Command Wheel, and Streamlined ControlsCustomize your ‘Mechs with advanced Clan weapon systems, equipment, and upgrades for mission-specific battles, and advance your pilots with the new pilot progression systemExperience MechWarrior like never before with a fully standalone campaign featuring detailed environments and dynamic destruction using the latest Unreal Engine and new Tech UpdatesPlay with up to 4 other players as you protect and lead your Star through complex missions and thrilling combat
