If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

MechWarrior Online announced, due 2012

Classic mech sim series MechWarrior is back in action, as Piranha finally unveils a long-awaited reboot.

PC Gamer reports the beloved franchise returns in the form of a free-to-play, team-based online multiplayer mech sim.

Played from first person perspective and described by the developers as "really the MechWarrior you know", the game draws heavy inspiration from the series' heyday in the 90's and early 2000's.

Players can join teams of four, or lances, for battle, and band together in guild-like mercenary leagues. Conquest mode is the main focus, but deathmatch games will be available.

MechWarrior traditionally features a heavy emphasis on upgrading and customising mechs, but Piranha hopes to turn battles into tactical affairs focused on information flow, rather than "arms races".

Freemium features will be available, but the developers promise that players will not be able to pay to win - in-game items which grant advantage during battle will not be available for real-world currency but must be earned through play.

The game's plot will actually play out the entire series' fiction in real time, with one real world day equal to one day of the game's universe, beginning ahead of the Clan Invasion of 3050. That seems to make it a perfect starting point for those unfamiliar with the MechWarrior canon and the Battletech franchise it draws on.

The sweeping storyline will take in a number of locations, and the differing environmental factors will affect gameplay significantly; ask any 90's PC gamer about MechWarrior and you're likely to hear a rant about overheating.

MechWarrior Online is expected in the latter half of 2012.

Thanks, EvilAvatar.

Sign in and unlock a world of features

Get access to commenting, homepage personalisation, newsletters, and more!

In this article

Mechwarrior Online

PC

Related topics
About the Author
Brenna Hillier avatar

Brenna Hillier

Contributor

Based in Australia and having come from a lengthy career in the Aussie games media, Brenna worked as VG247's remote Deputy Editor for several years, covering news and events from the other side of the planet to the rest of the team. After leaving VG247, Brenna retired from games media and crossed over to development, working as a writer on several video games.

Comments