MechWarrior 3 Review

Developer: Zipper Interactive
Publisher: Microprose, a part of Hasbro Interactive 
Official site: www.mechwarrior3.com
Version evaluated: First patch, MechWarrior 3 1.1.1.21
Reviewed by: C.T. Dang
Posted: 26/07/99

Box minimum requirements:
166MHz Pentium, Win 9x, 32MB RAM, High Colour graphics (640 x 480 x 16-bit colour—2MB video RAM minimum), Double-speed CD-ROM drive, 240MB free on hard drive, DirectX-compatible sound card

Box recommended minimum requirements:
200MHz Pentium, Win 9x, 64MB RAM, High Colour graphics (1024 x 768 x 16-bit colour), 3D accelerator, Quad-speed CD-ROM drive, 390MB free on hard drive, Joystick

Real recommendations:
Box recommendations, except: 233MHz Pentium, mouse more precise than joystick

Multiplayer: IPX, TCP/IP, phone modem, LAN, Microsoft Gaming Zone

Introduction

Today the PC gamer has a choice of three giant robot simulations: StarSeige, Heavy Gear 2, and MechWarrior 3, all released this year. The wider selection of a traditionally niche genre in gaming is accredited to the success of the MechWarrior series.

Based on the BattleTech universe from FASA, the MechWarrior series took off with the release of MechWarrior 2 by Activision in 1995. The game immersed players in the BattleTech universe, and packed action, simulation, and strategy together into an impressive package. The fan base grew as word got out of this
elaborate hybrid. An add-on pack and pseudo sequel followed, Ghost Bear Legacy and Mercenaries, respectively. Eager fans have waited three years in anticipation for a fully blown sequel, and MechWarrior 3 has finally arrived, a few months after StarSeige, and a few days before Heavy Gear 2.

The series has undergone the expected facelift, and will satisfy MechWarrior 2 fans for the most part. Those expecting a revolution of the genre or series, and even some hardcore MechWarrior 2 fans, will be in for a disappointment. MechWarrior 3 is a buggy and at times frustrating MechWarrior 2 game-play
experience. Nonetheless, while it lacks a lot of polish, it follows in the footsteps of its great parents.

The Story

Based on the rich Battletech universe, MechWarrior 3 has a naturally strong back-story. Although hardcore Battletech fans will thoroughly enjoy it, its unusually detailed backdrop may put others off. The single player campaign consists of a single operation. Focusing on a single operation means detail and high immersion. The briefings are done quite well, but the campaign story is
rather dull, despite injections of Lance-mate attitude. It is believable, however, and contributes to the overall verisimilitude of the game, an attribute of the MechWarrior series.

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