Mechwarrior 5: Clans Review

Summary

The video script offers a detailed review of a mech-based game, highlighting its character management, control options, and multiplayer experience. While it features enjoyable gameplay moments, the narrative struggles with engagement and personalization, often feeling disconnected from the core mechanics. Technical issues during multiplayer sessions and repetitive missions detract from the overall experience. The reviewer recommends waiting for a sale or exploring it on Game Pass, noting that the game has potential but ultimately falls short of expectations, making it a title that may only appeal to fans of the genre.

Takeaways

• 😀 The game offers a complex mech customization system, requiring careful consideration of character skills and mech capabilities.
• 🕹️ Control schemes are versatile, allowing for various input devices, though some limitations exist with joystick compatibility.
• 👥 The game supports five-player crossplay multiplayer, but technical issues, such as crashes and inactive enemies, have been reported.
• 💾 The saving system is minimal, necessitating mission restarts after crashes, which can disrupt gameplay flow.
• ⚔️ Combat encounters can be exhilarating, with opportunities for strategic maneuvers and engaging actions against enemies.
• 📖 The narrative lacks depth and emotional connection, making it challenging for players to invest in the story and its characters.
• 🔧 Inventory management is cumbersome, requiring frequent navigation through menus to configure mechs and characters effectively.
• ⚖️ The game’s mechanics have restrictive limitations, which can frustrate players seeking more freedom in customizing their playstyle.
• 💸 The reviewer recommends waiting for a sale or trying the game on Game Pass, highlighting that it has enjoyable aspects but feels shallow overall.
• 🤔 The game's execution of its narrative and mechanics may lead to debates among fans regarding its lore and design choices.

Q & A

What are the key issues identified with the game's upgrade path?

The reviewer found the upgrade path disappointing due to cumbersome menu navigation, which complicates the process of outfitting mechs and understanding pilot skills.

How does the game handle character and mech customization?

Players must carefully match characters with appropriate mechs to maximize the effectiveness of pilot skills, as these skills may not be useful if not synergized with the mech's equipment.

What control schemes are available for gameplay?

The game offers various control schemes, including GamePad controls that have limited remapping options, and mouse and keyboard controls that allow for full customization.

What multiplayer features does the game include?

The game supports five-player crossplay co-op on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, but the reviewer experienced crashes and mission failures, which negatively affected the multiplayer experience.

How is the game's narrative described?

The narrative is described as lacking personal engagement, with an overarching story that fails to connect with players on a smaller group level. The faction dynamics are also noted as somewhat impersonal.

What are the issues with mission structure in the game?

The missions are considered repetitive, which can lead to a sense of monotony, and the game does not have a robust saving mechanism, causing frustrations if crashes occur.

What gameplay moments does the reviewer find enjoyable?

The reviewer enjoys intense combat moments where mechanics are well-executed, such as destroying enemy mechs and strategizing during heated battles.

What is the reviewer's overall recommendation regarding the game?

The reviewer recommends waiting for a sale or trying the game on Game Pass, as it has enjoyable elements but does not fully deliver on expectations.

How does the reviewer perceive the complexity of mech outfitting?

The reviewer finds the mech outfitting system complex yet shallow, suggesting that it lacks depth and variety, which might frustrate players looking for more customization options.

What criticism does the reviewer have about the game's fiction and presentation?

The reviewer feels that the game struggles to present its fiction effectively, leading to arguments about narrative details among fans of mech genres, and that it ultimately detracts from the gameplay experience.