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MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries

April 11, 2024

Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries is a vehicle simulation video game for Microsoft Windows, released in 2002. It is a standalone expansion of MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, based on the BattleTech MechWarrior game universe.[3][4][5]

Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries
Developer(s)FASA Studio
Studio MekTek
Publisher(s)Microsoft Game Studios
Studio MekTek
Producer(s)Jon Clark
Designer(s)David Fifield
Programmer(s)Chris Tohline
Artist(s)Seth Spaulding
Heinz Schuller
SeriesMechWarrior
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release
Genre(s)Vehicle simulation
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries and Clan and Inner Sphere expansions were re-released for free. By April 22, 2010 Microsoft had cleared its free release[6] and on April 30, MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries was released to the general public by MekTek as a free download.[7] However, due to the massive influx of 100,000 downloads and web site accesses, MekTek.net and related services crashed.[8] MekTek recovered the MekMatch match making service on May 1 and the forum was restored the next day.[9]

In the following years, MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries was no longer available free. MekTek expressed their intent to move away from the BattleTech franchise,[10] and a new group interested in maintaining free versions appeared but encountered difficulties securing permission to continue offering the game as a free download.[10]

Plot edit

In the game, the player takes the role of Spectre, a mercenary BattleMech pilot travelling inside the fictional interstellar region of the BattleTech universe called the Inner Sphere during the FedCom Civil War (specifically during the time period from January 1, 3066 to late July 3067).

The player's mercenary company initially takes on localized threats in certain planets far from the civil war. As the player's team takes on more missions, the assignments get tougher; at one point, Spectre may challenge a Jade Falcon group led by Aisa Thastus, The Star Colonel, to a duel. Aisa Thastus will join the player's team as a bondsman if the Falcons are defeated in this mission. It is a beach-side battle that pits eight of Spectre's best against ten of hers. That mission can be substituted for a mission to attack the Falcons in a sneak attack where the battle is just as difficult. This direction leads to the death of Aisa instead of her joining the team.

Depending on how the player handled allegiance between House Steiner and House Davion, they would end up with one of two mission paths, with three different endings.

Davion Ending: Spectre and three lancemates must run a gauntlet of multiple mechs, turrets and aircraft before a final battle with Nondi Steiner. The final battle consists of a courtyard containing three Longbow, and three Awesome fighting Peter's Victor-mech forces. Spectre must aid Peter in defeating these mechs (up to six depending on how fast Spectre's lance arrives and how well Peter does) before fighting Nondi. She rides a low-key Hauptmann and has four potent Daishi bodyguards. Instead of fashioning his position as leader, Spectre becomes Peter's personal guard for years to come.

#1 Steiner Ending: The first option is on the planet Carse, where Spectre has the opportunity to fight Clan Wolf for a Trial of Position. The Trial is a 1-on-5 (one at a time) with the best warriors Wolf's Clan offers - Vulture, Thor, Mad Cat, Masakari, and Daishi. In winning, the Spectre will present the Khan with the location of Steiner and become part of Clan Wolf - where he would grow to be an elite Trial fighter.

#2 Steiner Ending: This is the second option and is available at the same time as the Trial of possession. Steiner is in exile and Spectre can gain control of a full base worth millions of credits. As the two missions become available, Spectre's tactical officer, Castle, pleads the case for abandoning Katrina Steiner and the losing side of the war. Instead of undergoing the Trial of Position, Spectre elects to take a contract on New Canton to defend a base under attack by the Capellan Confederation. After repelling some 25 mechs and General Woo Kang Kwo, Spectre's unit takes the base for themselves.

Gameplay edit

The player is a pilot of a BattleMech or 'Mech, the iconic war machines in the BattleTech universe. Mercenaries has the player piloting a 'Mech and running a mercenary company at the same time. The company is sponsored by one of four mercenary outfits in the BattleTech universe—the Kell Hounds, Gray Death Legion, Northwind Highlanders, and Wolf's Dragoons. Each faction has their own special attributes, such as the Wolf's Dragoons being equipped with 'Mechs that have Clan technology.

In the campaign, the player controls up to two full four-man squads called lances. The other squad members can be issued commands such as attack or power down. The larger squad sizes allowed for larger battles, a unique addition to this iteration of the classic videogame franchise.

Missions are played in various environments, from deserts to urban areas. Completing them plus special objectives helps the player earn more money to buy weapons and 'Mechs for his unit. The resource management extends to maintaining the 'Mechs and hiring new pilots with the requisite salaries. The game time will be measured in weeks.

The player has some control over which missions to accept and in what order. In addition, how each mission is performed affects the timeline, and the player's reputation is measured in terms of Nobility or Infamy points. For example, killing civilians and neutral targets results in infamy points, which in high numbers can limit the player to brutal and "unethical" missions. Also, the player must choose between loyalty to House Steiner or House Davion. This is important as allegiance will eventually affect available contracts and even influence the ending of the game.

The game offers options to toggle unlimited ammunition and no heat buildup. In the 'Mech customization menu, the mercenary company's available Mechs can be upgraded with new weapons or equipment such as antimissile systems, extra armor, heatsinks, or ECM jammer pods. The configurations of each 'Mech can limit what weapons can be equipped, with penalties on weight by the ton and heat levels. Since 'Mechs tend to overheat (mostly from using large and powerful weapons while equipped with too few heat sinks, or by being hit with a few specialized heat-inducing weapons), the player has to equip a combination of high-heat energy weapons and low-heat-but-high-weight ballistic and missile weapons, which use up ammo, unlike energy weapons. It is possible for entire limbs to be blown off a 'Mech, resulting in loss of weapons or reduced movement. Destruction of the center torso or cockpit of a 'Mech, or of both legs, will result in the instant destruction of that 'Mech.

The Arena matches, which take place in the gaming planet of Solaris, has the player-character competing with a variety of enemy 'Mech pilots in "last-man standing" combat. If all other enemy 'Mechs are destroyed, the player wins the match and is rewarded money. Many of the opposing pilots have names and backstories, which are revealed by the arena announcer who provides constant real-time commentary on the matches. Arena battles are divided into four weight classes and take place in several different arenas. After winning all of the matches in each weight class, the player advances to the championship round, which is open to all weight classes. Competing in them can boost the player's reputation.

Reception edit

Mercenaries received "favorable" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[11] GameSpot nominated the game for its annual "Best Sci-Fi Simulation Game on PC" award, which went to Star Trek: Bridge Commander.[22] During the 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Mercenaries received a nomination for "Computer Simulation Game of the Year" by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.[23]

References edit

  1. ^ "What's New?". Eurogamer.net. 2002-11-15. from the original on 2023-03-25. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  2. ^ "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Invades Stores". IGN. 2002-11-08. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  3. ^ . Battletech. July 9, 2009. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  4. ^ Jeff Haynes (July 9, 2009). "MechWarrior 4 To Be Re-Released". IGN. from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  5. ^ "Free MW4 "Very Shortly"". Blue's News. September 4, 2009. from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  6. ^ Richard Mitchell (April 22, 2010). "Mechwarrior 4 free release cleared by Microsoft". Engadget (Joystiq). from the original on November 2, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  7. ^ Vince McMullin (April 30, 2010). . Studio MekTek. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  8. ^ . Battletech. May 1, 2010. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  9. ^ . Battletech. May 1, 2010. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  10. ^ a b . Studio MekTek. January 22, 2013. Archived from the original on October 27, 2013.
  11. ^ a b "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries for PC Reviews". Metacritic. from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  12. ^ George Jones (February 2003). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 223. p. 86. from the original on June 18, 2004. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  13. ^ "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". Game Informer. No. 117. January 2003. p. 119.
  14. ^ Bruce Grey (November 18, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Review". GameSpot. from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  15. ^ Bernard Dy (December 2, 2002). "GameSpy: MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". GameSpy. from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  16. ^ Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi (November 12, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries - PC - Review". GameZone. from the original on October 3, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  17. ^ Ivan Sulic (November 8, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Review". IGN. from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  18. ^ "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". PC Gamer UK. January 2003.
  19. ^ "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". PC Gamer. January 2003. p. 80.
  20. ^ "PC Review: MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". PC Zone. 2003.
  21. ^ Andrew S. Bub (December 13, 2002). . X-Play. Archived from the original on December 17, 2002. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  22. ^ GameSpot Staff (December 30, 2002). . GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 7, 2003.
  23. ^ "D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 1 August 2023.

External links edit

April 11, 2024
mechwarrior, mercenaries, mechwarrior, mercenaries, vehicle, simulation, video, game, microsoft, windows, released, 2002, standalone, expansion, mechwarrior, vengeance, based, battletech, mechwarrior, game, universe, mechwarrior, mercenariesdeveloper, fasa, st. Mechwarrior 4 Mercenaries is a vehicle simulation video game for Microsoft Windows released in 2002 It is a standalone expansion of MechWarrior 4 Vengeance based on the BattleTech MechWarrior game universe 3 4 5 Mechwarrior 4 MercenariesDeveloper s FASA StudioStudio MekTekPublisher s Microsoft Game StudiosStudio MekTekProducer s Jon ClarkDesigner s David FifieldProgrammer s Chris TohlineArtist s Seth SpauldingHeinz SchullerSeriesMechWarriorPlatform s Microsoft WindowsReleaseNA November 8 2002 2 EU November 15 2002 1 Genre s Vehicle simulationMode s Single player multiplayerMechwarrior 4 Mercenaries and Clan and Inner Sphere expansions were re released for free By April 22 2010 Microsoft had cleared its free release 6 and on April 30 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries was released to the general public by MekTek as a free download 7 However due to the massive influx of 100 000 downloads and web site accesses MekTek net and related services crashed 8 MekTek recovered the MekMatch match making service on May 1 and the forum was restored the next day 9 In the following years MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries was no longer available free MekTek expressed their intent to move away from the BattleTech franchise 10 and a new group interested in maintaining free versions appeared but encountered difficulties securing permission to continue offering the game as a free download 10 Contents 1 Plot 2 Gameplay 3 Reception 4 References 5 External linksPlot editIn the game the player takes the role of Spectre a mercenary BattleMech pilot travelling inside the fictional interstellar region of the BattleTech universe called the Inner Sphere during the FedCom Civil War specifically during the time period from January 1 3066 to late July 3067 The player s mercenary company initially takes on localized threats in certain planets far from the civil war As the player s team takes on more missions the assignments get tougher at one point Spectre may challenge a Jade Falcon group led by Aisa Thastus The Star Colonel to a duel Aisa Thastus will join the player s team as a bondsman if the Falcons are defeated in this mission It is a beach side battle that pits eight of Spectre s best against ten of hers That mission can be substituted for a mission to attack the Falcons in a sneak attack where the battle is just as difficult This direction leads to the death of Aisa instead of her joining the team Depending on how the player handled allegiance between House Steiner and House Davion they would end up with one of two mission paths with three different endings Davion Ending Spectre and three lancemates must run a gauntlet of multiple mechs turrets and aircraft before a final battle with Nondi Steiner The final battle consists of a courtyard containing three Longbow and three Awesome fighting Peter s Victor mech forces Spectre must aid Peter in defeating these mechs up to six depending on how fast Spectre s lance arrives and how well Peter does before fighting Nondi She rides a low key Hauptmann and has four potent Daishi bodyguards Instead of fashioning his position as leader Spectre becomes Peter s personal guard for years to come 1 Steiner Ending The first option is on the planet Carse where Spectre has the opportunity to fight Clan Wolf for a Trial of Position The Trial is a 1 on 5 one at a time with the best warriors Wolf s Clan offers Vulture Thor Mad Cat Masakari and Daishi In winning the Spectre will present the Khan with the location of Steiner and become part of Clan Wolf where he would grow to be an elite Trial fighter 2 Steiner Ending This is the second option and is available at the same time as the Trial of possession Steiner is in exile and Spectre can gain control of a full base worth millions of credits As the two missions become available Spectre s tactical officer Castle pleads the case for abandoning Katrina Steiner and the losing side of the war Instead of undergoing the Trial of Position Spectre elects to take a contract on New Canton to defend a base under attack by the Capellan Confederation After repelling some 25 mechs and General Woo Kang Kwo Spectre s unit takes the base for themselves Gameplay editThe player is a pilot of a BattleMech or Mech the iconic war machines in the BattleTech universe Mercenaries has the player piloting a Mech and running a mercenary company at the same time The company is sponsored by one of four mercenary outfits in the BattleTech universe the Kell Hounds Gray Death Legion Northwind Highlanders and Wolf s Dragoons Each faction has their own special attributes such as the Wolf s Dragoons being equipped with Mechs that have Clan technology In the campaign the player controls up to two full four man squads called lances The other squad members can be issued commands such as attack or power down The larger squad sizes allowed for larger battles a unique addition to this iteration of the classic videogame franchise Missions are played in various environments from deserts to urban areas Completing them plus special objectives helps the player earn more money to buy weapons and Mechs for his unit The resource management extends to maintaining the Mechs and hiring new pilots with the requisite salaries The game time will be measured in weeks The player has some control over which missions to accept and in what order In addition how each mission is performed affects the timeline and the player s reputation is measured in terms of Nobility or Infamy points For example killing civilians and neutral targets results in infamy points which in high numbers can limit the player to brutal and unethical missions Also the player must choose between loyalty to House Steiner or House Davion This is important as allegiance will eventually affect available contracts and even influence the ending of the game The game offers options to toggle unlimited ammunition and no heat buildup In the Mech customization menu the mercenary company s available Mechs can be upgraded with new weapons or equipment such as antimissile systems extra armor heatsinks or ECM jammer pods The configurations of each Mech can limit what weapons can be equipped with penalties on weight by the ton and heat levels Since Mechs tend to overheat mostly from using large and powerful weapons while equipped with too few heat sinks or by being hit with a few specialized heat inducing weapons the player has to equip a combination of high heat energy weapons and low heat but high weight ballistic and missile weapons which use up ammo unlike energy weapons It is possible for entire limbs to be blown off a Mech resulting in loss of weapons or reduced movement Destruction of the center torso or cockpit of a Mech or of both legs will result in the instant destruction of that Mech The Arena matches which take place in the gaming planet of Solaris has the player character competing with a variety of enemy Mech pilots in last man standing combat If all other enemy Mechs are destroyed the player wins the match and is rewarded money Many of the opposing pilots have names and backstories which are revealed by the arena announcer who provides constant real time commentary on the matches Arena battles are divided into four weight classes and take place in several different arenas After winning all of the matches in each weight class the player advances to the championship round which is open to all weight classes Competing in them can boost the player s reputation Reception editReceptionAggregate scoreAggregatorScoreMetacritic83 100 11 Review scoresPublicationScoreComputer Gaming World nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 12 Game Informer9 5 10 13 GameSpot7 8 10 14 GameSpy nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 15 GameZone9 10 16 IGN9 1 10 17 PC Gamer UK 83 18 PC Gamer US 85 19 PC Zone82 20 X Play nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 21 Mercenaries received favorable reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic 11 GameSpot nominated the game for its annual Best Sci Fi Simulation Game on PC award which went to Star Trek Bridge Commander 22 During the 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards Mercenaries received a nomination for Computer Simulation Game of the Year by the Academy of Interactive Arts amp Sciences 23 References edit What s New Eurogamer net 2002 11 15 Archived from the original on 2023 03 25 Retrieved 2023 05 22 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries Invades Stores IGN 2002 11 08 Retrieved 2023 05 22 MechWarrior To Be Distributed Free On BattleTech com Battletech July 9 2009 Archived from the original on February 24 2012 Retrieved December 30 2017 Jeff Haynes July 9 2009 MechWarrior 4 To Be Re Released IGN Archived from the original on May 11 2018 Retrieved December 30 2017 Free MW4 Very Shortly Blue s News September 4 2009 Archived from the original on June 10 2011 Retrieved June 7 2011 Richard Mitchell April 22 2010 Mechwarrior 4 free release cleared by Microsoft Engadget Joystiq Archived from the original on November 2 2015 Retrieved December 30 2017 Vince McMullin April 30 2010 Mechwarrior4 Free the long awaited moment Studio MekTek Archived from the original on July 14 2011 Retrieved December 30 2017 MechWarrior Is Back Battletech May 1 2010 Archived from the original on February 24 2012 Retrieved December 30 2017 Battletech Free Update Battletech May 1 2010 Archived from the original on April 26 2012 Retrieved December 30 2017 a b Before posting on MechWarrior4 Studio MekTek January 22 2013 Archived from the original on October 27 2013 a b MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries for PC Reviews Metacritic Archived from the original on August 17 2016 Retrieved June 14 2016 George Jones February 2003 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries PDF Computer Gaming World No 223 p 86 Archived from the original on June 18 2004 Retrieved December 30 2017 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries Game Informer No 117 January 2003 p 119 Bruce Grey November 18 2002 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries Review GameSpot Archived from the original on April 13 2019 Retrieved December 30 2017 Bernard Dy December 2 2002 GameSpy MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries GameSpy Archived from the original on March 10 2016 Retrieved December 30 2017 Kevin BIFF Giacobbi November 12 2002 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries PC Review GameZone Archived from the original on October 3 2008 Retrieved December 30 2017 Ivan Sulic November 8 2002 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries Review IGN Archived from the original on June 19 2018 Retrieved December 30 2017 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries PC Gamer UK January 2003 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries PC Gamer January 2003 p 80 PC Review MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries PC Zone 2003 Andrew S Bub December 13 2002 MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries PC Review X Play Archived from the original on December 17 2002 Retrieved December 30 2017 GameSpot Staff December 30 2002 GameSpot s Best and Worst of 2002 GameSpot Archived from the original on February 7 2003 D I C E Awards By Video Game Details MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries interactive org Academy of Interactive Arts amp Sciences Retrieved 1 August 2023 External links editMechWarrior 4 Mercenaries at MobyGames Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries amp oldid 1183037102, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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