MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries

 PC
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 292 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 292
  2. Mixed: 63 out of 292
  3. Negative: 123 out of 292

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  1. Vargas78
    Oct 11, 2022
    8
    It's a very solid Mechwarrior game that has improved quite a lot since it first launched back in late 2019.
  2. Vuld
    Mar 31, 2022
    8
    90h on Steam, DLC included. Love the game. Beyond tired of complaints.

    Main campaign was lackluster (and DLC campaign won't impress), game is grindy here and there and the meta can be exploited to trivialize it. Mechs can limit customization and there is no clan. ... So what. Graphisms are great, sounds are nice, battles are fun and can be intense. As a tactical it's doing a fine    90h on Steam, DLC included. Love the game. Beyond tired of complaints.

    Main campaign was lackluster (and DLC campaign won't impress), game is grindy here and there and the meta can be exploited to trivialize it. Mechs can limit customization and there is no clan.

    ... So what.

    Graphisms are great, sounds are nice, battles are fun and can be intense. As a tactical it's doing a fine job and the only drawback I actually have with it is how in multiplayer only the host can manage the company between missions. For those who complain, pick a bazillion mods and shut up. Base game is $30 and it's worth that price, period.    … Expand
  3. evopop123
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    игра очень крутая и годная,это самая лучшая игра в 2022 году и жанр про мехов! такие игры про (роботов) и с таким графоном они очень редкие! мисси тут нормальные и самое главное цена) цена такой игры идеальная! советую всем кто любит роботов и битву на них)игра очень крутая и годная,это самая лучшая игра в 2022 году и жанр про мехов! такие игры про (роботов) и с таким графоном они очень редкие! мисси тут нормальные и самое главное цена) цена такой игры идеальная! советую всем кто любит роботов и битву на них)
  4. MistAndSuch
    Jul 28, 2021
    9
    The game is a fun, stompy BattleTech universe game that delivers on some lore for the dedicated fans as well as being pretty easy to get in to. Let's be honest, the source materials for this universe are immense (there's like 200 books) and it is beloved, but that also makes it somewhat intimating for those new to the series. With the last game having come out in 2001, I think this couldThe game is a fun, stompy BattleTech universe game that delivers on some lore for the dedicated fans as well as being pretty easy to get in to. Let's be honest, the source materials for this universe are immense (there's like 200 books) and it is beloved, but that also makes it somewhat intimating for those new to the series. With the last game having come out in 2001, I think this could use a BIT more lore, but it brings me in for the same reason I got into this IP in the first place: big-robots piloted by knight-mercenaries in future-feudalism.
    I'd love it if I could align more with individual houses for a RP end (like getting a land hold I can upgrade), but that's not what this game promised and I won't knock it for that. I would like to see some more customization (engines, parts, armor, stealth), but that may be coming (some mods already have it). It's a good game that works well for me as a veteran, I would love to see more BattleTech lore.    … Expand
  5. flohzilla
    May 30, 2021
    10
    Moin,
    nun endlich ist MW5 mit samt neuem DLC auf Steam angekommen.
    Uns erwartet ein Missionsbasiertes PvE gestompe, mit der Möglichkeit ein Söldnerteam einschließlich Battlemechs zu verwalten. Mir persönlich gefällt die Aktion ziemlich gut, die Grafik stimmt und die Verwaltung (welche an HBS Battletech angelehnt ist) der Truppe macht auch spaß. Das Spiel ist Modbar und die Tools kann    Moin,
    nun endlich ist MW5 mit samt neuem DLC auf Steam angekommen.
    Uns erwartet ein Missionsbasiertes PvE gestompe, mit der Möglichkeit ein Söldnerteam einschließlich Battlemechs zu verwalten.
    Mir persönlich gefällt die Aktion ziemlich gut, die Grafik stimmt und die Verwaltung (welche an HBS Battletech angelehnt ist) der Truppe macht auch spaß.
    Das Spiel ist Modbar und die Tools kann man sich im Steam Workshop downloaden.
    Gerade die umfassende Modbarkeit sorgt auch mit dafür das dieses Game hier den vollen Score von mir bekommt, Mods können einfach alles rausreißen was die Entwickler verbocken!
    Weniger gefällt die AI und die Performance, habe eine RTX3090, 32GB Ram und nen Ryzen7 3800, bei max Details und allen aktivierten Features!
    Dennoch bin ich auch gnädig mit meinem Score weil man auch so übel lange auf ein neues Mechwarrior warten musste und es mir eben auch super Spaß macht!
    Für mich überwiegt eben der Spielspaß auch bei technischen Unzulänglichkeiten!
    Auch darf man nicht vergessen, Battletech und Mechwarrior war und ist eben auch ein Nischenprodukt und ich bin echt froh das sich diesem Thema endlich mal wieder angenommen wurde.

    Ich wünsche allen, die sich auf MW5 einlassen, sehr viel Spaß     … Expand
  6. ComandanteCobra
    Jan 6, 2021
    8
    Good!...not awesome...but good enough.
    It fill a void for a Battletech single player simulation game and in that aspect center his objective.
    I recommend it to old players and battletech fans...if your'not in those 2 categories lower the score a little toward "Mixed". I buy it on Sale on Epic , ended it and it keep me entertained for at least 2 months. I hope there will be DLC with    Good!...not awesome...but good enough.
    It fill a void for a Battletech single player simulation game and in that aspect center his objective.
    I recommend it to old players and battletech fans...if your'not in those 2 categories lower the score a little toward "Mixed".
    I buy it on Sale on Epic , ended it and it keep me entertained for at least 2 months.
    I hope there will be DLC with additional contents like iS faction Campaign or Clans addons.
    You can read about some limitation in other review..some of them i agree with (like enemy spawning, general lack of polish and dated npc interactions) but others not at all.
    I didn't have problems with graphics, AI, grinding, bugs, few cut-scenes, tonnage limit, few npcs, difficulty, missions variety...because those things wasn't bad enough to ruin my game.
    My expectation was maybe more realistic than others .
    I was looking for a sci-fi simulation game (a underground genre in this days especially about Mechs) and I find it.
    I wasn't expecting a AAA single player experiences of the calibre of Wing commanders series of 30 years ago...because that games had a different budget and those was different times.
    For a sale price it's a solid game, I buy it and will play this and other battletech game for time to time to support this project...maybe in this way this kind of game (and Battletech in general) will have a revival.... if there are enough interest and less complains.
    Like most buyer of this game i'm and old player and i'm into Battletech franchise...old Mecharrior or Mech Commander games, Fasa manuals, Ral partha miniatures, Mechwarrior online, youtube channels about Battletech lore Like Tex Talks Battletech, Mega mek...ad so on.
    Peace    … Expand
  7. TheFrog
    Sep 24, 2020
    8
    Playing the game in Sep 2020, so in a very stable state.

    EDIT: Re-evaluated the game after a few days. Much better to play once I realized that raids are meant to be conducted using only a light and fast mech with jump jets. They are hit and miss, it's easy to die, but at least they provide some reputation and minimal pay for a very short mission duration. Demolitions are best avoided    Playing the game in Sep 2020, so in a very stable state.

    EDIT: Re-evaluated the game after a few days.
    Much better to play once I realized that raids are meant to be conducted using only a light and fast mech with jump jets. They are hit and miss, it's easy to die, but at least they provide some reputation and minimal pay for a very short mission duration.
    Demolitions are best avoided as infinite enemy respawn is stupid, and the excuse "You can't expect to level a city with no reaction" is lame: there are no reinforcements when YOU defend a city!
    Assassinations are possibly the missions I like best. Warzones are ok, just camp far from the beacon and you'll have some time to snipe enemies as they converge on you.
    Maximize armor and tinker with weapons. For example, an Archer is MUCH better if you ditch LRM20s in favor of lighter LRM15s, using the extra load for heat sinks (just don't expect the AI to be able to use them effectively).
    Try different mech configurations. For example, the Hero Thunderbolt is super powerful and can take down heavier mechs thanks to its barrage of medium lasers.
    Some 'mechs play well in your hands but fail miserably when the AI pilots them, and vice versa. Experiment.
    Getting more and more assault mechs, level 9 missions are currently paying well. Yes, the game has serious flaws, but it's also fun as hell.

    Original review:
    I played most Mechwarrior games, with MW2 being my favourite in terms of gameplay. MW5 goes back to the roots with randomized missions, very little room for 'mech customization and a merciless, dog eat dog economy. Graphics are good, destructible buildings are a pleasure to blow up and there are moments where it's pure joy. Aiming your lasers at the main weapon of an enemy 'mech and firing them all at once, declawing it, then turning to face another enemy, leaving the finishing blow for later, while your squad mates provide cover.
    Unfortunately, everything people complain about is true. Maps are small, the AI is abysmal, radar is a joke, enemies spawn right next to you and, after a certain notoriety level, the game becomes stupidly unplayable. Let me fast forward to notoriety level 8, where playing the game became really a chore for me. I signed up for a raid mission, for a pay of about 500K. Being a hero to the faction, I got some extra haggling points, which I invested mainly in salvage shares and secondly in damage insurance. Along this mission I and my three squadmates destroyed 13 medium and heavy enemy 'mechs, along with 82 miscellaneous enemy units. Yes, NINETY-FIVE enemies total, not to mention the ones I couldn't destroy because I was barely able to make it to the extraction point alive. Only much later I realized that I had lost one of my best pilots, who couldn't eject in time, ad at that point it was too late to reload without losing a lot of progress. Maximizing a pilot's abilities takes ages, and the ones you recruit start pretty low.
    So, I have damage for more than two million bucks, without counting the pilot, but insurance and pay, combined, go barely over one million. If I repair my mechs in a combat zone, I'll also pay 50% extra, otherwise I have to spend several hundred thousand buck to go to the nearest industrial hub and come back. My saving grace is the 'mech I can salvage using my shares. A nice Thunderbolt, worth a hefty price - except, if I sell it, I get just 50% of its value. So I did end up gaining something (except it doesn't even begin to compensate the loss of the pilot), but this was after several attempts and with continuous super ultra careful managing of my squadmates' positions, to prevent them from getting butchered due to their stupidity. Now, consider this: the faction that contracted me walks away with several salvaged mechs, worth millions each, for a total that is several times as much what they are paying me. They don't pay you, *you* are paying *them* for the privilege of fighting their war! If you were a privateer, with no payout but keeping all salvage for yourself, you'd earn several times as much.
    Having to face several times the strength of your team is stupid, when your squadmates have the same AI that animates the enemy. With four human players you could probably maximize specific role for 'mechs, using long range weapons to soften up targets from a distance, before moving in for the kill (or at least it would be if your radar worked a little more often), but with three AI morons that zero in on enemies when they have weapons perfectly suited for long range engagement, it becomes ultra frustrating.
    It appears that the designers have not listened to player feedback in the least, hence the Metacritic rating. It's such a pity because there would be so much to like in this game, if only they fixed at least the broken economy and reduced the enemy spawn a bit. They would get a bonus for avoiding to have enemies spawn right next to you and fixing the horrible radar.    … Expand
  8. pleblah
    Aug 15, 2020
    9
    I had a lot of fun with this. It could have done with more hand crafted missions but overall the random missions are pretty decent and the combat feels great. The game definitely had some short comings (most notably the ai) but thanks to mods most of these have been addressed.
  9. Ludewich
    Jul 22, 2020
    9
    I have just finished my second campaign play-through and the Epic Store reports a play time of "9 d" (which includes little to no AFK time).

    What I really like about the game is * excellently implemented combat * lots of ways to customize mechs (Reloaded mod, see below!) * high level of immersion * it feels good to be part of a team, even if it just consists of the AI lance mates *    I have just finished my second campaign play-through and the Epic Store reports a play time of "9 d" (which includes little to no AFK time).

    What I really like about the game is
    * excellently implemented combat
    * lots of ways to customize mechs (Reloaded mod, see below!)
    * high level of immersion
    * it feels good to be part of a team, even if it just consists of the AI lance mates
    * weather system and bioms works well
    * lots of "kaboom".
    * good visuals
    * great support for modding + great modding community

    It is the first game where I actually _use_ lots of mods: mods are such a big improvement over the base game which appears to be lacking in many aspects. Interestingly, much of which has been added by mods appears to be already hidden somewhere in the base game (like customizable engines, armor upgrades etc)... maybe it will eventually become part of the base game.

    What I do not like is
    * Something about the scaling is off. I am pretty sure that this is due to the scaling of the grass: it is too large. It makes mechs look... small. This might be fixed by mods, I do not know.
    * dull characters. The great mech hangar is essentially dead; I never felt any kind of relation to the characters (including the own figure and the lancemates).
    * the mission loading times are ... obscene. On my (mediocre) system, it takes about 2 minutes (!) to load a mission. This applies to every mission. It must be CPU bound since a friend of mine has a slower graphics card and a slower hard drive, yet it loads much faster on his intel CPU.

    My review is based on the following set of mods:
    * reloaded mod (mandatory!)
    * tabletoprules lance mate aI mod (mandatory!)
    * tabletoprules AI mod (mandatory!)
    * hellfire and brimstone (missile trails, smoke)
    * realistic weapon velocities 128
    * Kh0rns Sound mod
    * paint style savings
    * Weather fix mod
    * better spawns

    If you like mechs, destroying things, PvE combat, custom weapon loadouts then I strongly recommend this game!    … Expand
  10. cmfrip
    Jul 14, 2020
    8
    *If not obvious: a great -detail- shooter*

    I think this game is great. At first I was not so convinced and was sceptical, but over time, I have grown to like MechWarrior(MW) 5 alot! I like how it does in fact play like MW and most aspects of those games pan in with any other that was made. Procedural style of design is not so good in-comparison to MW4's linear Missions - which    *If not obvious: a great -detail- shooter*

    I think this game is great. At first I was not so convinced and was sceptical, but over time, I have grown to like MechWarrior(MW) 5 alot!

    I like how it does in fact play like MW and most aspects of those games pan in with any other that was made.

    Procedural style of design is not so good in-comparison to MW4's linear Missions - which is much more polished - but it works and I am enjoying playing the game.

    Its true, Most other design out side of Combat is like BattleTech or even Xcom -Enemy Unknown.

    I also like the characters and the way the story is laid out - though not the best- It is fields ahead of BattleTech imo.

    The one thing it handles better than MW4 is how AI teammates respond - sometimes - as it at times it just breaks... not sure if tha tis deliberate

    Game could be better optimised graphics wise and certanly does crash.

    I dont like : Mech editor's- Hard-point system
    the way the HUD illustrates a target mech's health – that is just not legible.    … Expand
  11. andir
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Great game, i play it with friend and mods one of the best game this year, and small + its on epic.
  12. ZoSo425
    Apr 9, 2020
    9
    It does what it sets out the do and satisfied my craving for a new single player mw mercs game. Any lack of depth in the game currently will improve as modding expands and new DLC comes out.
  13. contris
    Apr 4, 2020
    9
    well im a biased fan.
    + graphics
    + patches
    +++ MODS (some are musts like yet another mech mod)
    - AI (friendly fire is rly frustrating, u need to manualy possition them via move orders)
    - its not fully priced AAA title which is a shame
    dont play repetitive autogenerated missions (feels like fillers) but high reward quest lines and campaing quests!
  14. Gere1987
    Feb 15, 2020
    10
    Engem leköt a játék, számomra tudja adni azt az élményt amit a régi részek is adtak és amit elvártam a játéktól, megérte az árát, főleg ha még lesz hozzá content.
  15. AlexBaileys
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    As a fan of the game universe, I can say that the developers tried to please us. The game conveys the atmosphere of battletech quite well.
    Random players may not like it, of course.
  16. Almighty_Craft
    Jan 1, 2020
    8
    Very good Mechwarrior game.

    plus: The campaign is a classic cliché, but interesting enough from the second half. Mechs selection more than sufficient (although I look forward to DLC) Movement and combat is perfect. In co-op the game is much better. cons: AI lance pilots are stupid. AI does not use jumpjet (at least one saves tonnage). AI rarely gets stuck somewhere (but using    Very good Mechwarrior game.

    plus:
    The campaign is a classic cliché, but interesting enough from the second half.
    Mechs selection more than sufficient (although I look forward to DLC)
    Movement and combat is perfect.
    In co-op the game is much better.

    cons:
    AI lance pilots are stupid. AI does not use jumpjet (at least one saves tonnage). AI rarely gets stuck somewhere (but using commands will solve everything, just send them to a specific location or a specific target).

    conclusion:
    I look forward to the next DLC, especially I hope the clan invasion.    … Expand
  17. BingoBongoInCul
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    Yes missions are repetitive, yes HUD is terrible, yes IA is meh but this game is addictive and with great potential for modders . This game deserve at least a 7 but I will give it a 10 for the ridiculous amount of haters coming from MWO
  18. Gacu666
    Dec 20, 2019
    9
    I really don't understand why so much hate is being poured onto that game. Yes it may not be ideal, yes the missions may be repetetive, but come on, you're driving a bipedal tank, what did you expect, Call of Duty?
    At it's core it's a simulator and in comparison to Mechwarrior 2 and 3 which I loved back in the day (unfortunately I skipped 4 as it was clunky and too arcade for me) it is    I really don't understand why so much hate is being poured onto that game. Yes it may not be ideal, yes the missions may be repetetive, but come on, you're driving a bipedal tank, what did you expect, Call of Duty?
    At it's core it's a simulator and in comparison to Mechwarrior 2 and 3 which I loved back in the day (unfortunately I skipped 4 as it was clunky and too arcade for me) it is spot on and very well made.
    Yes there are bugs, but the devs are fixing them already, and people whining about it act like primadonas. It has just been a week and the changes devs made are already visible.
    As for the performance. I have a dated gtx980 and Ryzen 7 2700 and the game plays near perfectly, so I'm not entirely sure if people with negative reviews play it on potatoes or something simillar, but you guys need an upgrade.

    I love playing the game, I've spent at least a 100h already in it and I intend to play more.
    Oh and there will be OFFICIAL modding tools, so imagine the possibilities, you never had these before.

    Take off the nostalgia glasses and don't hate this game. It's the only singleplayer Mechwarrior game since 2003 and in my eyes it's near damn perfect.    … Expand
  19. bops2hardcore
    Dec 18, 2019
    9
    40 hours in Solo, MW5 is the surprise of the year, its solid, has a bunch of extras, story, campaign missions and lore to get you caught up on the battletech universe, while you travel the innersphere and visit different planets.
    On maximum settings, this game is a major upgrade to MWO, although models and assets were used from MWO, but they were great imo. The battle simulation is on    40 hours in Solo, MW5 is the surprise of the year, its solid, has a bunch of extras, story, campaign missions and lore to get you caught up on the battletech universe, while you travel the innersphere and visit different planets.
    On maximum settings, this game is a major upgrade to MWO, although models and assets were used from MWO, but they were great imo. The battle simulation is on point, AI is decent.
    3440x1440p wide screen with 120 FOV is the way to for a total immersive experience.
    Mission types are fun, I would like to see more types.
    There is a bit of a management and grind aspect, if your going for rare and hero mechs, but its all fun. So many layers to this game from head hunting for squad pilots to the great mech rock music to the cheesy and sometimes humorous dialog.
    Definitely a worth while buy.    … Expand
  20. TheWasian
    Dec 18, 2019
    8
    Game is a solid refresh of the franchise. If you are on the fence of purchasing the game I suggest watching Baradul on YouTube and making a decision after watching a few of his videos. If you're a die-hard fan of MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries you're going to want this, if you're just a casual fan then you might want to wait it out.
  21. HonestOpinion4
    Dec 17, 2019
    9
    I am not a MWO gamer. I am an old school gamer, who played MW2.. 3.. 4 and so on.
    I have now played MW4 for few weeks and also MWO, just to refresh my memory.
    MW4 is a classic and still a FUN to play. Lots of mechs and great gameplay. Graphics were dated allready back in 2000, so today, game isn't about graphics, but a great Mech action. MWO is fun for few hours... but after 20    I am not a MWO gamer. I am an old school gamer, who played MW2.. 3.. 4 and so on.
    I have now played MW4 for few weeks and also MWO, just to refresh my memory.

    MW4 is a classic and still a FUN to play. Lots of mechs and great gameplay. Graphics were dated allready back in 2000, so today, game isn't about graphics, but a great Mech action.

    MWO is fun for few hours... but after 20 matches... it's just deathmatch after another. If you don't pay to win... you are just a punching bag between big boys. Interest died quickly.

    MW5... i really didn't have high expectations. I saw preview videos, developer promised big mecs, high level destructibility and lots of mech action. Also price is low, so it tells this is not a AAA game.

    Still... It is far More fun than any AAA game past 4 years. There is everything in place, Great gameplay, great economics system, good graphics for a 49$ game... Huge battle arenas, lots of mechs... Campaign... or instant action if you have only that half an hour break from family life. :)

    Bugs yes... but everyone game has them. I've had less bugs with MW5 than Call of duty MW or Battlefield 5, which are much bigger titles with multimillion dollar budget.

    So MW5 deserves 9 points. For a 49$ game, it is packed with Heavy Metal action.... Makes me play again and again... sign of a good game.

    Epic Game exclusive... Delays... Not a Steam title... I don't care, it's the game that matters. All I want game to be fun. And I also support the fact that developers earn more money. Money keeps wheel spinning.    … Expand
  22. PilatusTurbo
    Dec 16, 2019
    9
    There are mostly good things, and a couple rough things about the game. Reviewers leaving harsh marks, well, did you really have to play the game more than the 2 hour return window that Epic Games Store offers, like Steam, to see the graphics weren't up to your standards? Wow.... xD

    I don't really care about the Epic thing, aside of I wish It was on Steam with all my other games. That    There are mostly good things, and a couple rough things about the game. Reviewers leaving harsh marks, well, did you really have to play the game more than the 2 hour return window that Epic Games Store offers, like Steam, to see the graphics weren't up to your standards? Wow.... xD

    I don't really care about the Epic thing, aside of I wish It was on Steam with all my other games. That aside, it made no difference to those of us who are realistic.

    Game needs some polish, but mechanics and Mech combat are solid. If you are into MWO, than this is pretty much the same setup, with UE instead of Cry engine. I don't mind it. The missions are somewhat similar or 'repetitive', but some imagination must be used even in 2019.

    The Starmap is huge, and you'll easily get more than 1 hour per $1 out of the game. I love travelling to new systems, looking for the mech or two I hope to find and buy. I haven't seen the major issues with the AI; the pilots make mistakes just like humans do, like running into a wall while circle strafing.

    One negative reviewer on here complained about having to walk from the mech bay floor in your ship, after each mission, all the way up to the bridge to look at the starmap and contracts. Or... you can hit tab from just about any screen and access all of that... Uninformed noobs with no patience.

    Also, those hitting the game on its FPS, which aren't too bad on my RX 580 with Ryzen 5 2600, 16 gigs DDR4 2400, why are we criticizing a new small publisher game on performance when it hasn't even been post release optimized? That's every new game today, requires a bit of patching.

    Another thing, is that PGI won me over with EXCELLENT support. Release day, I was having a small issue that caused the game to stop. I emailed them, not expecting much, and hoping I didn't just get stuck with a broken game. I had an email back from the automated system within a short time telling me where to find the game's log file (I couldn't find, even though I'm quite familiar with that type of thing) and also asking for a DX Diag. Within an hour of that, I had a person from PGI communicating with me, and they had the issue fixed soon. It was a very rare USB peripheral I had plugged in, and never would've thought to unplug. He apologized that the issue was caused by that, and that they are working hard on hotfixes for those small issues. Game has been running 100% since I unplugged that item, and when I feel like playing that particular game again, I can plug it back in...

    Another gripe is the UI being rough. Yeah, MWO's UI was a joke until you forced yourself to get used to it. TO those who think the mechlab was simplified, I also thought that at first. You have to look slightly left/above your mech on that screen, where it has a small toggle switch that says details. That shows you the complex modding screen for armor, heat sinks, ammo placement, etc.

    If you hate the game so much, why didn't you quickly realize, within that 2 hour return window, to just return it?

    No, I don't work for PGI, and I almost didn't buy it due to skepticism of their team based on a lot of Youtube comment controversy from mad founders. I'm also a long time MW fan, and had to give them a chance on a paid game (MWO is free to me, never spent money on it.)

    Give it a chance, If you're into Mechwarrior, and can handle it not being perfect. it's a lot better than the Zero singleplayer Mechwarrior games we've not had for over 15 years. I'm still enjoying the heck out of it, and with the games depth, I can see a lot of future enjoyment. Replayability is there, too, as you can align with a different faction if you want, next play through.    … Expand
  23. GrimmShado
    Dec 16, 2019
    9
    Pros:
    The core combat feels GREAT.
    Walking through the hangar and seeing your mechs with damage they took on your last mission is super cool. The procedurally generated environments are pretty and interesting to me, but I can see how they'd feel repetitive after 20-30 hours of gametime. I've observed AI doing a number of smart-ish things, like: a fast mech breaking to the side of an    Pros:
    The core combat feels GREAT.
    Walking through the hangar and seeing your mechs with damage they took on your last mission is super cool.
    The procedurally generated environments are pretty and interesting to me, but I can see how they'd feel repetitive after 20-30 hours of gametime.
    I've observed AI doing a number of smart-ish things, like: a fast mech breaking to the side of an incoming wave to attempt to flank you, enemies with primarily long range weaponry will attempt to stay longer range by backing up, AI mechs turning to protect their remaining good leg.
    The hardpoint limitation system allows for customization without turning every mech into a gunbag to throw the same build on.
    The meta-game of managing your mercenary company is also thoughtful and reasonably well done. I'm motivated to keep playing because I want to see what high-tier weapons and better mechs I can find.
    The game has more of a learning curve than most, so if you're new it's important to stick to easier areas to avoid losing money on missions by taking too much damage. Some may view this as a con.
    Some writing immersion elements are good - for example, all mechs have a paragraph describing the history of the chassis.

    Cons:
    Right now on many missions enemies spawn super close, even under 100 meters away. I hear this is high on their list for patching.
    The initial cutscene establishing the story is terrible. I don't know why they included it. It feels like it came straight out of 2004. They patched it to improve texture appearance, but they should have deleted the whole cutscene into a volcano.
    The NPC mannequins populating the dropship are lifeless and don't add anything useful.
    In general could really use more "hand made" main story or side quest missions. Something approaching 90% of the missions are procedurally generated, which will probably feel grindy and repetitive to people who aren't mechwarrior fanatics.

    TL;DNR if you are a mechwarrior fan you should enjoy the heck out of this game. It's not perfect by any means, but I am really having a good time with it.    … Expand
  24. bbulldog
    Dec 16, 2019
    10
    This is a bit rough round edges but still the mosy fun ive had in a game in years.
  25. ravineh
    Dec 15, 2019
    9
    It's not perfect, but it has actually positively impressed me.
    The most important part, which is the combat itself is really enjoyable and the best part
    of the game. Jumping from planet to planet constantly battling in missions is really fun. The game isn't actually that easy. it hurts to loose good components and the repairs are considerably high that they do matter. There is enough    It's not perfect, but it has actually positively impressed me.
    The most important part, which is the combat itself is really enjoyable and the best part
    of the game. Jumping from planet to planet constantly battling in missions is really fun.
    The game isn't actually that easy. it hurts to loose good components and the repairs are
    considerably high that they do matter. There is enough diversity in missions for them to not
    feel the same even after some time, especially as you swap around mechs in your lance
    and pilot different setups.
    Yes there are parts of the game which feel like 6/10. Those however aren't where the focus is
    and it didn't bother me for that reason.    … Expand
  26. BinhoXT
    Dec 14, 2019
    9
    This is Game is everything I've been asking for! But will you enjoy it? Let's find out:

    - I played the old Mechwarrior games from 2 to 4 (or some of them, well even Mechwarrior 1) and loved it, will I enjoy this one? That really depends. I saw some old school fans really disappointed with it (I'm still not sure why). Others (like me) really liked it (I love Mercs 2 despite its broken    This is Game is everything I've been asking for! But will you enjoy it? Let's find out:

    - I played the old Mechwarrior games from 2 to 4 (or some of them, well even Mechwarrior 1) and loved it, will I enjoy this one?
    That really depends. I saw some old school fans really disappointed with it (I'm still not sure why). Others (like me) really liked it (I love Mercs 2 despite its broken bugs). Well, have you played Mechwarrior Online? If you like MWO's gameplay but you are not a huge fan of the PVP aspect, and wish it had a mercenaries campaign like Mechwarrior 2 or 4, than this game is for you. You gonna love to manage your lance of pilots, deal with the economies, fly all over the Inner Sphere to get contracts while the action combat being really really fun! If not, well, there is a chance you will not like it. I think it does what the other Mercs games did but way better!

    - I'm more into a good and well told story that keeps me interested! How about me?
    If you are more into the story driven games, if you think Death Stranding is a masterpiece despite its mostly boring gameplay, well stay away then. MW5 Mercs is not about the story, it never was. If the gameplay does not get you interested, story won't do it at all.

    - I play World of Tanks (or maybe War Thunder) and really like it! Is this my style?
    It could be. Would you like a single player/coop version of WoT where you can hire a platton with 4 tanks, start with only light tanks and keep progressing, buying medium tanks later, like a M4 and T-34 as you get more credits (no gold, f*** gold), you and your pilots keep improving skill, blowing AI tanks and soldiers, until you finally have reputation and money enough to buy a full platoon of Maus or IS-7? Than I'd recommend you give MW5 a try. You will just have to learn about how those mechs and weapons work, but controlling a mech feels a bit like controlling a tank.

    - I like fast paced FPS games. I play Apex a lot, I still like quake and unreal and even modern shooters. Can MW5 be as good?
    I have some friends that have a lot of fun playing Apex, for example. I have some fun as well when I'm playing with them. But they hated MWO. Gameplay feels way to slow for them, mechs move way to slow, aiming feels different, micromanaging heat and 3 or 4 weapons groups can be a bit complex. If you are more into fast paced shooters, even single player ones, there may be a high chance for you to not find MW5 that fun.

    - What about open world? I love to mindless wonder around an open world doing all kind of things. Is this game like that?
    Open World? No, why should it be? We don't need more boring open world games. MW5 is mission based. You can visit any planet you want, choose the contracts you want to take and keep playing the game as long as you like (There is no time limit to finish the campaign), but no open world.

    My view:
    I'm having a freaking blast with this game. It reminds me a lot of the original Mechwarrior 1 for DOS in some aspects. The story starts similar, you have a Merceneries Lance, can travel the Inner Sphere as you like (as long as you have the C-Bills), have to deal with the risk of taking missions. They may have ripped off some things from the new Battletech game (and that's not a bad thing), but some of it was firstly introduced in this first Mechwarrior game from 1989. Gameplay is solid! I'm a MWO fan and the gameplay feels like second nature to me. If you like western giant stompy Mechs that feel a bit more simulation than arcade you may enjoy MW5: Mercs.
    I hope my review can help you decide! Thanks for reading it!    … Expand
  27. Critic2018
    Dec 14, 2019
    9
    Mechwarrior 5 plays and feels like a good game. The gameplay is excellent along with the graphics; however, the AI could be a little more engaged and unpredictable. I applaud the company for attempting to create something more along the original lines of the Mechwarrior franchise (and the POS that was MWO). Overall, I enjoy playing the game and the difficulty when trying to score hitsMechwarrior 5 plays and feels like a good game. The gameplay is excellent along with the graphics; however, the AI could be a little more engaged and unpredictable. I applaud the company for attempting to create something more along the original lines of the Mechwarrior franchise (and the POS that was MWO). Overall, I enjoy playing the game and the difficulty when trying to score hits against the lights makes it quite enjoyable.… Expand
  28. Kotey
    Dec 14, 2019
    10
    За свои деньги отличная игра. Есть куча косяков, но в целом очень нравится. К тому же патчат потиху. Вообщем доволен, чего ждал того и получил ;)
  29. Danisco
    Dec 11, 2019
    9
    feels like Battletech meet Rebel Galaxy anyway I enjoy playing this game and well just ignore those haters they can't help especially those trollers
  30. EyeSayUgh
    Dec 11, 2019
    9
    Gotta weigh in here. I have played Mech Warrior Online 60+ hours and BattleMech 80+ hours and this new addition to the Battlemech / Mechwarrior experience is essential. Some people are saying this game is average. I do not agree.

    There are definitely aspects that could use improvement! I literally am waiting on baited breath with fingers crossed that we get expansions, DLC, or even just    Gotta weigh in here. I have played Mech Warrior Online 60+ hours and BattleMech 80+ hours and this new addition to the Battlemech / Mechwarrior experience is essential. Some people are saying this game is average. I do not agree.

    There are definitely aspects that could use improvement! I literally am waiting on baited breath with fingers crossed that we get expansions, DLC, or even just QOL updates for this title.

    Because it is SO FUN to play. When there is 12 plus bogies on the screen and you are assaulting a base in a Blackjack trying to lay down the suppression fire long enough while sniping turrets and helicopters for your three AI controlled lancemates to help you pull through it is TENSE.

    The physical experience of switching from a Blackjack to a Vindicator is so impactful! On paper they really are not that much different. In piloting the different loadouts and weapons make you feel like you are piloting a different mech. This is so downplayed by the two other titles.
    Your skill as a pilot here really helps you out.

    MWO dosen't quite have the longevity of a mercenary comapny. The MWO experience is similiar to this (though not nearly as impactful) but it feels like a skirmish simulator and while online with big battles it just dosen't hold my interest (not to mention the grind is high). In addition it's really hard to be tactical because you get smoked SO FAST by huge groups of players. It's very chaotic and (for me at least) boils down to very basic tactics you have to adhere to to not get dog-piled cored. BATTLEMECH is great in it's own rights but you don't have as strong as a visceral experience due to it being a slow paced top down tactics game (which I love but I don't feel like I am a pilot, more a general commanding troops).

    Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries blends the two into a sublime balance.
    It's not perfect across the board and could use some fine tuning so I give it a 9 instead of a ten.

    I hope it continues to get some more development love because I am having a blast and I think anybody who enjoys MWO and BATTLEMECH is missing out if they don't give this game the chance it deserves. With any upcoming soft tweaks it's an easy 10 for sure, 11+ with any future additions to the core gameplay.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. ZTGD
    Oct 7, 2021
    65
    While I am glad to see MechWarrior make a return; its just not the one I’ve been waiting for. While the latest expansion Legend of the Kestrel Lancers adds new mechs, biomes and a linear story missions its still more of the same, so if one doesn’t like the base game…. Then the expansion isn’t going to do much to change that.
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  2. Hey Poor Player
    Jun 1, 2021
    70
    Mechwarrior 5 is for the detail-oriented mech fans who are willing to sacrifice immediate excitement and gratification for a more grounded simulation of what it would be like to pilot a massive mechanical monster. The career mode provided with this new expansion might please those who are craving more action from the base game, but there’s no new story to be had or any major gameplay additions to hook in anyone else. For the weighty price tag – Heroes of the Inner Sphere is only worth a purchase for those truly addicted to this more thoughtfully paced mecha-mercenary-em-up.
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  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 28, 2020
    80
    An excellent mech simulation, sophisticated management and a return to the old days in a modern form. Only the graphics could be better. [Issue#301]
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