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MechWarrior Online shows off the Hunchback
The Hunchback is not the prettiest machine in MechWarrior Online. It's not meant to be, and quite frankly, it doesn't need to be. This little 50-ton machine is all about taking hits and giving back as good as it gets. It's a classic design for showing off what a medium 'Mech can do, and it's also the subject of the newest video from the staff at Piranha Games. Solidly in the middle of the spectrum of weights, the Hunchback boasts a sizable amount of armor for its frame and a respectable speed as well. Its armaments might seem light at first, but the AC/20 mounted in its shoulder provides a great deal of punch, and the lasers on its arm and head can carve opponents up in short-range engagements. Take a look at the trailer just after the break to see the machine in action -- even if it's not pretty in stills, its performance more than makes up for looking a little ungainly.
MechWarrior Online dev diary gives handy piloting tips
If you think you're ready to hop into the cockpit of a giant robot in MechWarrior Online and go out there all guns a-blazing, think again. You first need to learn how to pilot such a machine, which the developers say is quite unlike your traditional MMO avatar or vehicle. For one thing, you need to consider that parts of the 'Mech work independently of each other. You can be going in one direction, have your torso twisted to face another, and have your arms moving in yet another. Plus, there is the issue of heat generation -- and shutdown -- to consider. So take a moment to brush up on these basics with a developer video on the subject after the jump. Your life may just depend on it.
MechWarrior Online developer blog discusses beta stages and launching
The term "open beta" has kind of been kicked around in the world of free-to-play MMOs, with several games entering open beta and essentially remaining there for eternity. MechWarrior Online's latest developer blog leads off by describing this problem, pointing out that terms like "launch" and "beta" don't have the same meaning when applied to a free-to-play game. But the game is still progressing toward open testing and a launched state, and the timeline for both is outlined in the blog. Starting on August 7th, all Founders will have full access to the closed beta, complete with currency to purchase items. All funds spent on purchasing items during closed beta will be refunded with each major patch and refunded again when the game switches to open beta. If you still haven't quite grabbed the Founder's Package yet, you've still got some time, as the package is being extended past the initial cut-off date of August 7th. For more details on the testing schedule and what's next for the game, look through the full rundown of the testing phases and the road to launch.
MechWarrior Online showcases the Atlas [Updated]
Last week we showed you MechWarrior Online's light-weight Jenner model, which is available as part of the MWO Founder Package. This week it's the Atlas' turn in the spotlight. The Atlas weighs in at 100 tons, roughly three times the weight of the more agile Jenner, and has a deadly combination of long- and short-range missiles, four medium lasers, and an autocannon. Because of the weight and weaponry that make it deadly, the Atlas isn't known for being light on its feet. Anyone driving an Atlas will have to have a keen understanding of the battlefield in order to not get caught from behind before being able to bring the mech's technological terror to bear. Skip below the cut to witness the power of this fully armed and operational battlemech! [Edit: Took out the word "exclusively" for the Jenner in the Founder's package as non-Founders can also earn this mech.]
The mighty Kuratas gets assembled on video
It'll cost you $1.35 million to own one, but putting together a Kuratas isn't any easier. The latest video of the monstrous mech shows it being transported and assembled. That means flatbeds, cranes and a whole lot of socket wrenches. Of course, at the end of the day, you've got a 13-foot tall robot you can climb inside. Certainly puts that Ikea bookshelf project into perspective, huh?
Hands-on with MechWarrior Online
Last week, we sent San Francisco freelancer Emil Vazquez to the MechWarrior Online Community Day event to get some hands-on time with the game. This article reflects his opinion of his experiences! The MechWarrior franchise is, unsurprisingly, one that centers on giant mechanical battle-beasts beating the un-living daylights out of each other. Like a lot of mech games, MechWarrior Online makes "big" its modus operandi: You pilot a giant mech with colossal weaponry that unleashes biblical levels of destruction on its surroundings. It really should be obvious what you're getting into when you slip behind the controls of your own insanely customized mechanical soulmate, and for the most part, the surprises are few. But there are a few things that I came to appreciate during my time with the hands-on demo of MechWarrior Online, and it's the little things that make MechWarrior Online (and the MechWarrior franchise in general) more than just a mech simulation.
MechWarrior Online answers questions about Founder status
If you can't wait for the chance to stomp around the battlefield in your very own BattleMech, you probably gave the fine people behind MechWarrior Online your money for the Founder Package as soon as it was available. But perhaps you waited a little longer and have discovered that you still have none of the promised beta access, or perhaps you weren't even sure when the beta access would begin. Fear not, as Piranha Games has posted a brief update clarifying these matters. Founders should already have access to the game's closed beta, with any recent purchasers receiving it shortly after the transaction clears. However, there was a glitch on the servers last weekend that resulted in some purchasers not being granted beta access as intended. Founders without access should contact customer support for help in resolving that matter, but most everyone affected should be free to log in to the test servers now and start blasting away.
Kuratas, the 13-foot mech: unleashes your inner Ripley, costs $1.35 million (video)
Suidobashi Heavy Industries has put the finishing touches to its latest project, the 4.4-ton Kuratas. Mobile suit obsessives around the world can thank artist Kogoro Kurata and robotics expert Wataru Yoshizaki for the robot frame, which has space to house a pilot inside. The mech's touchscreen UI even includes a Kinect-based movement interface and the shudder-inducing "smile-activated" twin BB gatling guns. You can customize your own diesel-powered beast in the dystopian gang colors of your choosing, but be advised: the $1.35 million price tag doesn't include further customization options like a faux leather interior, cup holder or phone cubby. The Kuratas does, however, come with the ability to make phone calls direct from the cockpit, so you can tell your enemies that you're coming for them.
MechWarrior Online introduces the Jenner
What good's a battlemech without jumpjets on its legs and a whole bunch of exclusives on the side? Meet the Jenner, a light-armor battlemech that comes as part of the legendary founders package for MechWarrior Online. The MWO early closed beta access, which is bundled into every founders package, starts soon, which makes this the perfect time for the Jenner to strut its stuff. The Jenner mech is based on speed, with a top speed of 118 km/h and jumpjets to add it its maneuverability.With a short range missile and four medium lasers, it's a mech designed to get into the fight, rip its enemies apart, and get away quickly. Skip below the cut for a video preview of this intimidating little mech.
Piranha reveals MechWarrior Online's Caustic Valley
Up for another MechWarrior Online video reveal? Good, because we've got a look at the game's Caustic Valley map embedded after the break. As it turns out, the valley is aptly named. It's "a land of acidic haze and caustic heat," which provides a fine contrast to the sexy mechs striding through the landscape and raining fiery hot death down on one another. Caustic Valley also plays havoc with heat-based weapons. As Piranha Games says in its latest blog update, the heavy dust and brutal heat "greatly affects your ability to use heat-producing weapons such as lasers, as they will quickly spike to very high levels." See for yourself after the cut.
MechWarrior Online reveals Centurion mech
Been looking for the perfect mech in MechWarrior Online? Not been able to find it? Today's reveal of the Centurion mech and its variants may be the answer to your troubles. This new mech has good speed and medium armor without sacrificing the deadliness of its walking arsenal. That balance makes it an excellent mech for getting the feel of the game and an idea for how you'd best like to play. Three variants of the mech allow for a little more customization of playstyle. The CN9-A and CN9-AH variants are toting 8.5 tons of armor. The CN9-A has weapons for any range, while the CN9-AH exchanges close-quarters weapons for greater ranged hostility. The CN9-AL has an impressive 11 tons of armor strapped on and bears lasers where the other variants have cannon. Check out the official post for all the details, or skip below the jump to see the introduction video for yourself. Apparently the MWO team is in a revealing sort of mood because a Spider mech design was also posted today.
MechWarrior Online Q&A talks BattleTech stats, weapons, and more
Do you have a few burning questions for MechWarrior Online's devs? Well, it's too late because they've already answered them! OK, it's probably not too late, as we're sure the guys at Piranha will field some community questions before MWO's August 7th street date. That said, there is a new Q&A session on the game's official site that's worth a quick read right now. There are 10 separate questions and answers, many of which offer interesting nuggets about what long-time BattleTech fans can expect from the free-to-play sci-fi title. "We use the table-top [game] as our base stats, and then test from there. Most things are still pretty close, though," Piranha says. There's more, including blurbs about the minimap, ammo switching, and game types. Check it out via the link below.
New MechWarrior Online Q&A focuses on weapons and environments
Piranha Games has answered another round of community questions about MechWarrior Online, and as with previous answer sessions, the new information focuses on some of the fine details of the game's design. Perhaps the most saddening one is the confirmation that 'Mechs will react to destruction simply by collapsing or possibly suffering several small internal explosions rather than the enormous fireballs of death seen in some of the other games in the franchise. There is, however, confirmation that some of the structural aspects of your 'Mech will come into play during battles. 'Mechs with higher-mounted weapons will be able to shoot over certain environmental obstacles that others cannot, while those with higher viewports will be able to see more easily through larger environments. This may come into particular relevance in urban environments, a long-time staple of the MechWarrior franchise -- and it's confirmed that there will be appropriately huge and sprawling cities. Take a look at the full answers for more details as well as some clarifications on the workings of pulse lasers.
MechWarrior Online to hold community day in sunny Santa Clara
Do you love beer and pizza? Do you love MechWarrior Online? Do you love it enough to write up to 100 words about how much you love the game and deserve to attend a special event celebrating MWO? You do? That's so weirdly convenient because on July 27th, Nvidia will be hosting an invite-only MWO Community Day, and the only way to to score an invitation is to write 100 words or less about why you are so very special and should totally be part of this event. Each entrant has to be at least 21 years old, available on the July 27th, and able to travel to and stay in Santa Clara, California, on his or her own dime. If you fit those qualifications and are selected to be an attendee, you'll enjoy a chance to meet with the development staff, view demos, learn more about the tech behind the mechs, fight in-game for a chance for prizes, eat pizza, drink beer, and be merry. Interested? Check out the official forum thread for full details on the community day and contest.
MechWarrior Online showcases new Frozen City environment in video
Piranha Games showcased its first video dev diary for MechWarrior Online just yesterday, but that isn't stopping the company from offering more peeks at its upcoming free-to-play game. Today the studio revealed the newest environment for mech battle fans: the Frozen City. This new area offers some special advantages and disadvantages. One benefit of the cold is that mechs will take longer to overheat, but ice also causes a loss of traction. The dynamic, unpredictable weather will affect visibility and force players to rely on teammates. MechWarrior Online also released the results for its most popular commander names survey; Wolf beat out all other names with nearly double the registered names (20.5%) as next closest competitor, Cat. Why is the name so popular? Some theorize that there's a historical connection to the Wolf's Dragoons elite mercenary force, which was introduced in the first edition of the original board game. Take a look at the Frozen City in the video after the cut and head over to the official forums to check out what other pilot names people are picking. [Source: MechWarrior Online press release]
MechWarrior Online video dev diary on the four pillars of warfare
Feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of handling your first multi-ton machine in MechWarrior Online? Piranha Games president Russ Bullock understands that the concept can be intimidating at first. To help, Bullock stars in the first MWO video dev diary, which boils down the game's "four pillars" to an easy-to-digest segment. Don't be fooled by the name: The four pillars of MechWarrior Online have nothing to do with story. Instead, Bullock gives an overview of how Piranha is making combat more than tab-targeting and button mashing. These four MWO pillars are mech (the build of your battle machine), information (battlefield awareness), role (taking on a specialty role in combat), and community warfare (engaging in the conflict outside of the game). The explanation of the four pillars is interspersed with in-game clips, including a neat one of a 'mech powering up. You can catch up on your MechWarrior Online knowledge after the jump.
MechWarrior Online serves up community answers on the details of combat
Whether you're a fan of the original BattleTech tabletop games, a fan of the MechWarrior series, or a fan of both, you know that the details of 'Mech combat are always important. MechWarrior Online is being fortunately developed with an eye toward the fine details, as explained in the latest round of community questions and answers. For instance, the developers are designing LRMs to retain their intended long-distance functionality, with any missiles fired too close to the target simply bouncing off as inert duds. The game is remaining very true to its source in many ways -- for example, location of equipment in a 'Mech will still play a major part in design -- but it's also changing certain elements. One of the team's major goals is to ensure that light 'Mechs are still a threat to assault 'Mechs, making sure that no pilot will ever feel as if his machine is useless in a given engagement. There's a great deal of attention to detail in the project, something that fans of the game should appreciate.
MechWarrior Online founder's packages detailed
If you've got your heart set on MechWarrior Online, today is a good day for you! The founder's program goes on sale today, with an additional tier of awesomeness available. The new $120 legendary tier comes with a three-month premium MechWarrior Online account. Additionally, you'll get four founder's BattleMechs, $80 worth of in-game currency, a founder's tag for extra status boosting, game credits, and early access starting August 7th. The $60 elite package has the same tags, in-game currency, and early access as the Legendary tier, but only two months of premium account access and one BattleMech. If you're not worried about frills, the $40 veteran package will get you $40 worth of in-game currency, one month of premium status, founder's tags, and early access. [Source: Piranha Games press release]
Mechwarrior Online system requirements, founder's program teased
The latest MechWarrior Online dev update features details on the game's founder's program. Piranha Games says that the deal is "a lifetime award and recognition opportunity." You'll get exclusive in-game mechs, a founder's forum tag, and more, details of which will be revealed on June 19th. The dev blog also outlines a tentative closed beta testing schedule for the rest of the summer as well as MWO's system requirements. "Right now a duo core system is our minimum spec machine but it is also our main focus of concern," Piranha says. "It's obvious that a quad core system is the key as even the earliest Core 2 Quad systems run the game very well and it is our goal (since there are still so many out there) to optimize the Core 2 Duo systems to run much faster."
E3 2012: Razer reveals concept controller for MechWarrior Online
Atmosphere is important in a game. Sure, when you get behind the cockpit of a 'Mech in MechWarrior Online, you can control everything just fine with a mouse and a keyboard, but that doesn't feel quite right. No, you should have something that feels appropriately like a set of controls for an enormous walking battle tank. Something like the Razer Artemis, in other words. The peripheral manufacturer has just unveiled its concept controller specifically targeting the upcoming game, and like most Razer concepts, it certainly looks right on the money. The demo unit on the show floor is unfortunately non-functional, as it's meant as a proof-of-concept rather than a retail product. Currently the team is looking at the best ways to implement the functionality needed, with the final product in flux as feedback is taken into consideration. If it sparks your imagination, however, you can certainly take a look at the trailer for the upcoming controller just after the break. [Thanks to Space Cobra for the tip!]
