MechWarrior Online

 PC
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 874 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 323 out of 874
  2. Mixed: 177 out of 874
  3. Negative: 374 out of 874

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  1. JHBS
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    One day MechWarrior Online will be in textbooks, as a lesson for students in inept design, poor communication, and terrible development. All this after getting $5 million out of pre-purchases.

    The pros: 1) Combat feels good. 2) The weapons sound wonderful. The Cons (in no particular order): 1) Horrible new player experience: the trial mechs are generally trash, and deathboxes, and    One day MechWarrior Online will be in textbooks, as a lesson for students in inept design, poor communication, and terrible development. All this after getting $5 million out of pre-purchases.

    The pros:
    1) Combat feels good.
    2) The weapons sound wonderful.

    The Cons (in no particular order):
    1) Horrible new player experience: the trial mechs are generally trash, and deathboxes, and the game defaults options that hamstring players.
    2) Terrible Graphics. The game looked better 12 months ago.
    3) Subpar hit recognition. Has hardly improved over 12 months of development.
    4) Ridiculous pricing for a free-to-play game. Mechs average 10 to 30 dollars a piece. And you need three to completely "level" the mech.
    5) A horrible grind to get anywhere near a competitive mech if you aren't looking to spend an arm and a leg. Low "c-bills" (in game currency) per match means 20+ of grinding for a single mech, if you don't want to spend money. Then you have to level it, and outfit it with all the necessary upgrades.
    6) Clunky user interface that is not at all intuitive. It's a nightmare if you aren't used to it. Took me five minutes to just launch a game the first time I started.
    7) Hilarious balance choices. For example: ECM is far to powerful an item for the weight and size.
    8) Glacially slow balancing cycles. The develops see fit to take months on altering an xml file to balance the weapons. Metas emerge that persist for months and stifle the game.
    9) Terrible communication with the community. The devs feel fit to ignore and insult the community, and constantly speak of a silent majority they are seeking to serve.
    10) Piss poor end game content: you grind for pilot trees for modules. No choices, as all are eventually unlockable. No strategy.
    11) Overly complicated, hidden mechanics. Example: Ghost heat. Too complicated to explain in a review, but just be aware its a dumb mechanic on firing multiple weapons of the same kind at once. Not documented or communicated to players in any way.
    12) No music, no cinematics, no story. No point. There is no community warfare, no overarching goal here. Just grind, and give money to PGI to lessen the grind.
    13) Poor balance from one chassis to another. The game doesn't balance for weight classes, and the classes are not well balanced against one another, though the devs promised that too. Most mediums are deathtraps, and if you want to make any in game currency, you need to pilot a heavy or assault as only damaging enemies earns you cash.
    14) Poor incentives in the game that only reward doing damage. No point in piloting anything other than the heaviest mech you can afford.
    14) One game mode: stand in a box, or fight the enemy. Oh, one wrinkle: may be two or five boxes in the game.
    15) Failure to make good on promises. The publisher and devs have promised many features, or promised not to implement other features. They have reneged on those they said they wouldn't introduce (3 person view; coolant flush) and have not delivered any of the content they promised (better UI, more game modes, collisions, community warfare).

    Bottom line: Big promises but they haven't delivered in any way. The game had immense promise, but the developers are incompetent, and what was once fun is a lesson in frustration and disappointment. Don't spend a penny, but if you're curious, fire it up and try to survive.    … Expand
  2. Fedakka
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    Despite being someone who has sunk money into the game and adores the BattleTech franchise, I cannot in good conscience recommend this game to anyone. The unfortunate reality is that the developers have entrenched themselves against the "vocal minority" of the community and have no desire to step down from their lofty perches. Meaningful communication is long dead and will not return inDespite being someone who has sunk money into the game and adores the BattleTech franchise, I cannot in good conscience recommend this game to anyone. The unfortunate reality is that the developers have entrenched themselves against the "vocal minority" of the community and have no desire to step down from their lofty perches. Meaningful communication is long dead and will not return in the foreseeable future. The devs have delivered unto us their gem; despite lacking many of their touted features with no discernible timeline or direction if we cannot fathom the greatness of their labors, then we do not deserve to partake in them. As many have said, their newest posts and Code of Conduct reflect this attitude under the comic tinge of role-playing are draconian policies that can and will silence critics, stifle meaningful conversation, and give the moderators unprecedented leeway in restricting account access.

    Instead of building onto the game, much of the development time is spent fixing problems they themselves have created. The frequency of updates does not reflect the quality(and the frequency is nothing to be proud of)- a mech once or twice a month that also happens to be PGI's income source. Where are the Community Warfare updates promised, the tons of new maps, the Clan Tech, the UI changes? Where is one positive change over the past six months that doesn't have a dollar value attached to it?

    Weapons follow a cyclic and predictable pattern of being over or under powered and more concerning, the Hero Mech sales seem to follow these trends as well. Maps are infrequently added and many of the recent ones are among the least popular. There is no content outside of two equally unimaginative death match modes. There are a solid number of mechs to play, but advancement in the game is designed so as to restrict you to grinding up one singular chassis for months on end to unlock minor but important performance boosts. Furthermore, the economy has been recently modified to decrease the already meager currency earning, which is simply unacceptable for players who do not choose to spend $10+ a month on a premium account and drop $15-30 on a Hero mech.

    The only positive decisions this company seems interested in making are the ones it can take to the bank. Even those, like community designed trial mechs, took an eternity happen. Don't be conned into investing in the game because of the massive recruit bonuses or the pomp and ceremony of a launch you'll rapidly become one of the jaded, angry "trolls" that PGI ignores or bans.    … Expand
  3. sadlerbw
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    Gameplay is solid, and while twitch reflexes still help, the pace is slower the fights more strategic than most FPS's. If you like Mech-style combat this is a great way to get your fix. If you like Battletech then the mechs and the combat are awesome to see coming to life. The learning curve can be very steep, but once you figure out where your legs are headed it's no big deal.

    The    Gameplay is solid, and while twitch reflexes still help, the pace is slower the fights more strategic than most FPS's. If you like Mech-style combat this is a great way to get your fix. If you like Battletech then the mechs and the combat are awesome to see coming to life. The learning curve can be very steep, but once you figure out where your legs are headed it's no big deal.

    The MMO-like aspect of constant, rolling feature and content updates is both good and bad. It's nice because new, freely-playable mechs and maps are coming out monthly. However, since new features are always on the horizon it always feels like the game isn't 'done'.

    If you are hesitant about this game, I'd say wait for Clan Warfare and UI 2.0 to be released before jumping in, but if you are willing to put up with a somewhat clunky out-of-combat UI and the lack of an overarching story, and just want to blow up some big stompy robots, go ahead and jump in now.    … Expand
  4. Vasces01
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    While there is still work to be done on this title. It has a solid foundation that can be built on. The base game play is fun and I'm looking forward to the meta game to be layered on top.
  5. scott96707
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Mechwarrior Online is the best giant stompy robot game out there. I've played the previous mechwarrior games as well as other giant robot games... none of them hold a candle to this game.
    Also, it's free to play so if you think shooting lasers into someone's eye from atop a 60ft high weapons platform sounds like fun, all you have to do is download the client and jump in!
  6. garhent
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    MWO has a lot of issues. I could not at this time recommend the game to anyone to actually spend money on. It would be ok to play for free, but its not worth money at this time.

    A lot of promises were made involving the ability to play as part of the inner sphere, clan invasion, and the ability to allow hits to register on mech (yes the game has been in beta for over a year and there    MWO has a lot of issues. I could not at this time recommend the game to anyone to actually spend money on. It would be ok to play for free, but its not worth money at this time.

    A lot of promises were made involving the ability to play as part of the inner sphere, clan invasion, and the ability to allow hits to register on mech (yes the game has been in beta for over a year and there are problems with hits actually registering) are not something the DEV's have been able to deliver on yet.

    The DEV's have been working on monetization primarily with easy to code camouflage, items, hero mechs and additional packages of mechs.

    At this point, the current state of the game is what the Devs are actually able to code and deliver. I would not expect much else from Piranha at this time.

    The best mech in the game now is a 30 ton mech that has ridiculous issues with hits registering. The devs have known about this for months and aren't doing much about it. The game is a disappointment compared to the first video they released to the founders package with the promises they made and what they actually delivered. The game is the first time since I was 16 and got swindled by carnies on a bait and switch scheme. Yup, MWO Bait and Switch, its that bad in delivering what they promised.    … Expand
  7. Haroldwolf
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    At the best this game is a glorified mech simulator. The RPG elements are a joke. PGI project and program management skills are amateurist at best. Communication with their player base is spotty and the launch was like a drive by.

    It's a shame that FASA's Mechwarrior has come to this.
  8. Intel5
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    Calling MWO stillborn would be wrong, as it is really more akin to a grotesque, wailing, and thrashing harlequin fetus.

    Either the game developer is trolling the entire community, or is suffering from the most crippling form of corporate retardation I have ever seen. You have to try to take a franchise with such a dedicated fanbase, and a game with so much promise at the beginning, and    Calling MWO stillborn would be wrong, as it is really more akin to a grotesque, wailing, and thrashing harlequin fetus.

    Either the game developer is trolling the entire community, or is suffering from the most crippling form of corporate retardation I have ever seen. You have to try to take a franchise with such a dedicated fanbase, and a game with so much promise at the beginning, and throw it all away.

    Time after time PGI has made terrible balance adjustments, fixed issues to things that people never found was a problem, breaking other things in the process, ignored the most rational and helpful members of the player base who were begging them not to this much anticipated title up.    … Expand
  9. Interrogator
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    One of the best Multiplayer Mechwarrior games I've played.

    There have been some developmental delays, but all of that melts away as you burn up an enemy Atlas that has a skull face with an eye patch.

    This game is worth it, try it, and I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it even if it's only for a few hours (You'll want to play more than that, I assure you).

    Happy Hunting Mechwarrior.
  10. Flavious59
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    MechWarrior: Online is a rare game that creates a unique player experience in it's gameplay. There is no game on the market that plays quite like MWO. Upon release, the game is a solid deathmatch experience, but more exciting is the potential and the drive from the developers and the community. The launch of MWO does not necessarily mark a finish product, but instead marks the end of theMechWarrior: Online is a rare game that creates a unique player experience in it's gameplay. There is no game on the market that plays quite like MWO. Upon release, the game is a solid deathmatch experience, but more exciting is the potential and the drive from the developers and the community. The launch of MWO does not necessarily mark a finish product, but instead marks the end of the beta testing phase. The game is in the best state it's been in since closed beta, and I've seen the game continue to grow and improve for the year I have been playing. I will continue to support the developers, and I look forward to upcoming features such as the enhanced UI and Community warfare!… Expand
  11. Saevus
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    MechWarrior Online needs to be judged by the sum total of its parts. We can't use the "Beta" excuse anymore. That means the game's mechanics, gameplay, development cycle and developer are all fair game.

    MWO is a very good mechanical example of how the Cry Engine can be used to create a first person shooter. The concepts are extremely solid and the IP (BattleTech) is second to none.    MechWarrior Online needs to be judged by the sum total of its parts. We can't use the "Beta" excuse anymore. That means the game's mechanics, gameplay, development cycle and developer are all fair game.

    MWO is a very good mechanical example of how the Cry Engine can be used to create a first person shooter. The concepts are extremely solid and the IP (BattleTech) is second to none.

    MWO is not a very good game.

    I say this because in order for there to be a game, there has to be a reason to play the game. Something to drive you. Unless dumping real money on paint schemes and custom one off mechs that are marginally useless is a gameplay mechanic, then we are left with shooting other mechs, which on the surface is great. Except once the shiny has worn off, you realize you are facing the same 3 mechs with the same 2 weapons over and over. Weapon balance is broken, hit detection is broken, features that were promised a year ago are now over the horizon, the communication in the forums is dead, unless you follow their very specific guidelines and say only nice things.

    At the end of the day, I personally play games because they are fun. I had a lot of fun with MWO when I knew I was playing a beta that had a lot of polish yet to come. But over time, it became clear the developer doesn't quite understand what it has or where it wants to take it. The weapon balance is a perfect example, the weapons go through FOTM phases, as they nerf/change one weapon, another rises, and they have literally gone in a complete circle. What is good today, at launch, was good 1 year ago in beta, and is EXACTLY the same. The play style, the mechanics, none of it have changed for the better.

    In the end, the game hasn't made any real progress in the last year mechanically. They have added more mechs and more maps (Some of which are just god awful, I am sorry, that is what $250k in man hours gets you? I am sorry to hear that..) but the mechs all play the same. It's a matter of finding the FOTM weapons and fitting them to the one you like the most. The matchmaker is a joke, there are no lobbies, no community warfare. I've watched dedicated unit after dedicated unit (Including mine) walk away rather than deal with this hot mess.

    As a F2P shooter, to waste a weekend playing? Give it a shot. As a game you can throw yourself into? Not even close. Might be one day. I for one don't join the doom and gloom crowd, the game is a solid mechanical base for a game. I also won't jump in the bandwagon of all the guys giving it a 10, I recognized no less than 25 names as people associated with or closely aligned with PGI in the reviews that gave 10's. Just sad.    … Expand
  12. Watchit
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    I thought I'd give a review that was actually helpful!
    -Player since closed beta.
    PRO's -Good/Decent graphics -Great customization/choice of available mechs -fairly balanced gameplay (You can't make everyone happy in an mmo, so it will never be "perfectly" balanced) -Giant mechs. Seriously, how can you say no to that? -Very immersive combat (if you don't count 3rd person view)    I thought I'd give a review that was actually helpful!
    -Player since closed beta.

    PRO's
    -Good/Decent graphics
    -Great customization/choice of available mechs -fairly balanced gameplay (You can't make everyone happy in an mmo, so it will never be "perfectly" balanced)
    -Giant mechs. Seriously, how can you say no to that?
    -Very immersive combat (if you don't count 3rd person view)
    -Free to play

    CON's
    -Lack of meta game currently, this is the biggest issue at the moment
    -rabid fanboys bemoaning the current state of the game can be a turn off (but for some reason they stick around anyway)
    -Devs are really bad estimating how long it will take to implemint certain features and many arrive much later then intended or dropped entirely
    -Map output is a little slow, but what do you expect from a 44 person team
    -steep learning curve (though some people enjoy that!)

    Mixed
    -Not everything is according to battletech canon. Some see this as a con. Some don't care. So, it goes under "mixed"
    -The current U.I. is horrible, but is being replaced with U.I. 2.0 soon(tm)
    -3rd person view (not extremely useful, and a little bit immersion breaking)
    -Cash shop.

    To expand on the cash shop, it can be a bit pricey, but thankfully most items are purely vanity items. Anything you can buy for cash that effects gameplay can be earned for free by playing the game. The only exception are hero mechs, which besides varying in hardpoints and paint job from regular mechs, they are indistinguishable from others in combat ability.    … Expand
  13. SandLantern
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    At this point, I can say that I am rather bored of the Gameplay, but I have been playing for about a year. I still enjoy the game immensely and play somewhat regularly, I can say that for few other games. Minecraft and the Super smash bros. series.

    That said, the devs are constantly pushing out updates and I have put way more money into this game than I ever expected I would a FtP    At this point, I can say that I am rather bored of the Gameplay, but I have been playing for about a year. I still enjoy the game immensely and play somewhat regularly, I can say that for few other games. Minecraft and the Super smash bros. series.

    That said, the devs are constantly pushing out updates and I have put way more money into this game than I ever expected I would a FtP title. I am stoked for more content, but even if it never comes, the balance is pretty good and the gameplay is solid.    … Expand
  14. ZnA1209
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    Wanted to like this game, and honestly, its kind of fun if you dont get too invested in the game. The money grind is terrible, there are a very, very limited number of maps, cash prices are ridiculously over priced (A full set of camo that is limited to one mech will cost you $15)

    PGI is terrible at communicating and has yet to implement half of anything they promised would be available    Wanted to like this game, and honestly, its kind of fun if you dont get too invested in the game. The money grind is terrible, there are a very, very limited number of maps, cash prices are ridiculously over priced (A full set of camo that is limited to one mech will cost you $15)

    PGI is terrible at communicating and has yet to implement half of anything they promised would be available at launch.    … Expand
  15. Warning44
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    A good game for how young it still is, and F2P. Graphics are awesome and I feel like I really get more of the Battletech feel than some of the other M.W. titles of the past. Very enjoyable, even more so with a group of friends. Can't wait for future updates and the game to just get better.
  16. AC273
    Sep 17, 2013
    2
    Super unintuitive. Devs that don't listen to the community. Lack of a purpose to the game. Makes me miss MechWarrior 4.

    The graphic COULD be good, since I have played all the Crysis games, and they look wonderful. The screen is filled with this grainy grit that makes it look like your watching the game on an old school TV. Why? How can a game build on the same engine as Crysis    Super unintuitive. Devs that don't listen to the community. Lack of a purpose to the game. Makes me miss MechWarrior 4.

    The graphic COULD be good, since I have played all the Crysis games, and they look wonderful. The screen is filled with this grainy grit that makes it look like your watching the game on an old school TV. Why? How can a game build on the same engine as Crysis look so bad!    … Expand
  17. GalenCrayn
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    Ok, my first vote was influenced by my anger at the bad release. This game could be great but at this state it is not more than a fill-in game.

    1) graphic: not bad with directX11 perhaps better. We will see 2) mechdesign: great work from the lead designer alex iglesias 3) maps: insufficient and wrong scaled. you havent got the feeling of walking in a 12meter high mech. 4) ballance:    Ok, my first vote was influenced by my anger at the bad release. This game could be great but at this state it is not more than a fill-in game.

    1) graphic: not bad with directX11 perhaps better. We will see
    2) mechdesign: great work from the lead designer alex iglesias
    3) maps: insufficient and wrong scaled. you havent got the feeling of walking in a 12meter high mech.
    4) ballance: ok, not perfect but ok
    5) sound: nice
    6) music: there is no background music
    7) game modes: only 1 in 2 different variants
    8) long time motivation: none, because there is only the same game mode

    And now to the comment of Russ Bullock (one of the staff of PGI, the company that made this game) you can find here with a 10 point rating. What he desribes is a future vision of MWo. Not one of the features he desribes is in the game. Would they part of the game you would only find here 10/10 ratings. When will you see this features? Nobody knows. The Devs dont talk about that.

    Resume: Wait a few month and perhaps it will be the perfect mech game. Now it is a nice fill-in game but not worth to pay real money for it.    … Expand
  18. TKSax
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    The game play itself is good, still some bugs that cause some issues. 2 game modes that gets boring after a while. Besides the content the gameplay is still the same from closed beta, many many missed target by dates set by the devs that were missed. Game could be great if devs can deliver, but giving a 4 now as it seems only a quarter of the game is done. Disappointed that on "launch" dayThe game play itself is good, still some bugs that cause some issues. 2 game modes that gets boring after a while. Besides the content the gameplay is still the same from closed beta, many many missed target by dates set by the devs that were missed. Game could be great if devs can deliver, but giving a 4 now as it seems only a quarter of the game is done. Disappointed that on "launch" day there was no new content or games modes of any kind, launch day is a Joke just another patch day.… Expand
  19. PedroPortela
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    Avoid this game at all costs if you're a true Battletech Fan. The amount of lying and false expectations PGI/IGP has put out on money grabbing schemes make evil companies like Microsoft or EA look like angel's.

    They have perpetually ignored the true fans that got them this way when the money was in the bank and set their sights to that special crowd that is Call of Duty players, while    Avoid this game at all costs if you're a true Battletech Fan. The amount of lying and false expectations PGI/IGP has put out on money grabbing schemes make evil companies like Microsoft or EA look like angel's.

    They have perpetually ignored the true fans that got them this way when the money was in the bank and set their sights to that special crowd that is Call of Duty players, while enticing battletech fans with false promises and nonexistent carrots while pushing a sale store on a product still in beta, meaning the game is so dumbed down it is no better then any generic shoebox shooter out there.

    And they continue to ask money while pushing key features like maps, a new and working UI (the current one is still buggy and has remained for a year) a gaming lobby or even game modes.

    Right now it has ONLY 2 modes, in which new players rampage to each others bases avoiding combat so that you can move to the next game and do the same over and over again "maximizing" earnings per hour... Yes it has come to this point, and the current IP holder even approves of this.

    Stay away from this. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell everyone you know and keep away from this disaster before you too will regret spending money on this when you could have bought something much better.    … Expand
  20. Lynxy
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    If you waited for good and deep gameplay, just how it was advertised before closed beta start, you'll find none of that. It's simple random TDM 12x12 battles right now. No new features for greater replayability in one and half year. Good game for few hours in a week, but boring as after 2-3 weeks of continuous everyday play.

    Also this game have very steep learning curve. First 3-5    If you waited for good and deep gameplay, just how it was advertised before closed beta start, you'll find none of that. It's simple random TDM 12x12 battles right now. No new features for greater replayability in one and half year. Good game for few hours in a week, but boring as after 2-3 weeks of continuous everyday play.

    Also this game have very steep learning curve. First 3-5 hours of play will consist from your continuous deaths without chance to kill anyone by your own. And you'll need about 80-100 hours to get your first mastered chassis with good fitting, so you can play on even level with everyone else.    … Expand
  21. Valleye
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    This game is what the Mechwarrior engine should be. It is well balanced and fast to get into. It lacks some polish and story. The fast and deadly action is still worth playing even after one year. I would still like to get (and wont) a PvE story arc.
  22. sandpit
    Sep 17, 2013
    2
    I write this poor review with a heavy heart. At the core this game is not horrible, not good, but not horrible. Game play is actually fun, for a few weeks. The problem is that eventually you will grow tired of the repetition.
    Buy mech, outfit mech with weapon systems and armor, shoot other mechs, rinse repeat.
    The game developers attempted to alleviate this by adding "objectives" but    I write this poor review with a heavy heart. At the core this game is not horrible, not good, but not horrible. Game play is actually fun, for a few weeks. The problem is that eventually you will grow tired of the repetition.
    Buy mech, outfit mech with weapon systems and armor, shoot other mechs, rinse repeat.
    The game developers attempted to alleviate this by adding "objectives" but they essentially boil down to shoot mechs at specified locations. There is no real depth or reason to replay this game other than playing a deathmatch. If you're a fan of CoD then you will enjoy the game play mechanics. Sounds good right? Stomping around in a walking machine of death with lasers, missiles, and gauss rifles sounds fantastic right?
    Well you would be half right. There are several things standing in your way. There is a very steep learning curve that will frustrate many new players. Every weapon system has it's own unique damage, heat, firing rates, and weight profiles. The tutorials and in game help are minimal at best. Old school battletech players will feel right at home (the heat and damage profiles do not equate to an exact tabletop replication but still feel very familiar). New players can easily become overwhelmed by the slew of controls and near endless weapon, armor, weight, and engine combinations.
    To it's credit the devs added a 3rd person view (much to the chagrin of approximately 90% of the existing player base) which is touted as being a tutorial tool for new players. Unfortunately this does not replace a good tutorial and explanation of controls and functions. Instead of developing an in-game tutorial the development team opted to include videos on for year's that the complete lack of in-game tutorial options would be extremely detrimental.
    The actual game play is fun for a quick game but quickly get stale. There is no core game other than shoot the other guy. There is no interactive terrain. There is no in game communication except for text chat, which can quickly lead to a severe loss if you are playing against a team using a third party voip tool. Don't get me wrong, shooting the other guy in the head with my lasers is somewhat satisfying but there are absolutely no accomplishment to be made or had. No leaderboards, no badges to be earned, no planetary faction to earn stats for, nothing.
    That leads me to my final, and biggest, point of contention. YEARS(I cannot stress that enough, it is not a hyperbole but literally years) a feature called community warfare was promised. Many of the founders bought founder packages based solely on this feature. To date this feature has not even been hinted at. This feature is essentially what would give players a replayability factor. An entire galaxy full of planets that are fought for by different factions. Ownership of the planets dynamically changing hands as players face off for control of the planet and resources it offers. Unfortunately it was promised before final release and has, as of yet, even been mentioned as to having any kind of release date.
    The game itself is fun for a short period. It's free to play so you have nothing to lose by giving it a try but if you are looking for something deeper than "run out there and shoot the other guy" then pass this one by. I really wanted to give this game a great review but due to consistently missing the mark, failing to follow through with promised features, disregard and lack of communications on the forums by the dev team I simply cannot recommend this game.
    In closing this game ALMOST delivered. I suppose there is still a lot of potential but as a final release this is a very shallow game. I can easily get the same type of game play out of free games offered on my tablet and smartphone. In today's market you simply must offer more than just point and shoot gaming.
    Gameplay:5
    Audio:2
    Story:0
    Social functions(voip, player communication options in game, lobby to chat with other players):0

    Unfortunately the complete lack of being able to communicate effectively in a PC MMO is unforgivable

    That averages to a 1.75    … Expand
  23. captcole117
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    Poorly balanced and perpetually behind schedule with no release date for key features such as UI 2.0 or community and clan warfare. To make matters worse the devs add unnecessarily complex fixes to basic problems. Critical gameplay mechanics such as ghost heat are poorly conceived and only explained in obscure forum posts, new players will be mystified by these apparent contradictions ofPoorly balanced and perpetually behind schedule with no release date for key features such as UI 2.0 or community and clan warfare. To make matters worse the devs add unnecessarily complex fixes to basic problems. Critical gameplay mechanics such as ghost heat are poorly conceived and only explained in obscure forum posts, new players will be mystified by these apparent contradictions of the rules. Community suggestions are not taken seriously when formulating balance changes, and the high skill meta game has been stagnant for months.

    Furthermore the devs continue to dumb down the game in ways they had previously promised they would not, such as the introduction of third person view and coolant flush. These together with the poor balance has driven of much of the competitive community.

    Perhaps most importantly the long awaited continuity and addition of consequences for the outcome of games is no where in sight, do not believe any timetables the devs show you. The gameplay quickly becomes boring as the matches blur into a streak of soul crushing sameness, and if you value your life as I do, you will uninstall as I have.    … Expand
  24. Fitzbattleaxe
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    A game that has promise, but promise that sadly will probably never be fulfilled. I've been playing MWO on and off since it was in closed beta, and while its been over a year since MWO opened to the public, the developers have failed to add any meaningful content.

    MWO has two game modes, which are basically a base capture mode, and a resource capture mode. The vast majority of the time    A game that has promise, but promise that sadly will probably never be fulfilled. I've been playing MWO on and off since it was in closed beta, and while its been over a year since MWO opened to the public, the developers have failed to add any meaningful content.

    MWO has two game modes, which are basically a base capture mode, and a resource capture mode. The vast majority of the time these simply degrade into team death match, and so things get repetitive very quickly. There are no pre-match lobbies, so you can't chose your map, or who you fight against (though there is at least a way to choose who fights alongside you), and on the whole I can't help but feel that this multiplayer-only game is less compelling than most of the multiplayer modes that come tacked on to single player games (and yet vastly more expensive if you actually want to unlock all the content).

    Now I'm not saying it isn't fun. If you're looking for a mechwarrior game, and like me you can't get any of the previous incarnations to run well on your computer, then by all means, you should give it a try. But think before you spend any money. The devs have been promising new features and balance fixes from day one, and yet in many ways the gameplay is worse now than it was last year. It's not a complete game, and I genuinely don't hold out much hope for it ever being one. If you've got $20 to spare, you're better off tracking down a copy of Mechwarrior 4.    … Expand
  25. KSAnderson
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    I have been playing this game since the early days of open beta, and I must admit, all tho I am a bit disappointed by a few of the choices the development team has made, and the things they put time into, I still have to say this game is GREAT!! I love the community, especially NGNG, and I really REALLY see a future E-sport presence for this game! It has some REAL potential on a pro level.I have been playing this game since the early days of open beta, and I must admit, all tho I am a bit disappointed by a few of the choices the development team has made, and the things they put time into, I still have to say this game is GREAT!! I love the community, especially NGNG, and I really REALLY see a future E-sport presence for this game! It has some REAL potential on a pro level. I cant wait to be one of the first professional MWO casters!!! Ok tho, seriously, just come play. Its FTP, and honestly you could go thru almost the entire game with out spending a dime.

    Lastly don't pay attention to the crybabies, you find them in every game. Everyone I play with that has a positive attitude loves the game, those who are more "ass-hat" prone generally cry about this or that for a few hours. While he is QQ'ing about Imba we are all out having a great time with the next match.

    Suck it up and enjoy, its a work in progress, but damn, I sure have enjoyed the ride.    … Expand
  26. MavRCK
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    Let's evaluate this game for what it is today: Launch!

    It's fun. Ridiculously fun. You get to join up with teams and friends (try the Comstar Teamspeak Server or House Davion Teamspeak) and run around in robots. It's not perfect, but if you're new to the game and or never played since Mechwarrior 2,3,4 and or never played Mechwarrior, you're in for a treat it sounds great, looks    Let's evaluate this game for what it is today: Launch!

    It's fun. Ridiculously fun. You get to join up with teams and friends (try the Comstar Teamspeak Server or House Davion Teamspeak) and run around in robots.

    It's not perfect, but if you're new to the game and or never played since Mechwarrior 2,3,4 and or never played Mechwarrior, you're in for a treat it sounds great, looks great and probably like me, when I first loaded this game up, are going to be impressed.

    It's not perfect and there's a lot of development to go but a lot of criticism is coming from players like me who have been with the game for the past year and more and expect more from the title. I feel that this is unfair, because the game was in Beta and thus, the game should be evaluated for what it is now.

    Again, not perfect, but there's a lot to come and it's "fun". I have a lot of experience with this game and have been with since day -1 of open beta. When I look back at the past year, I have had more fun playing this game since I first joined WoW and discovered a great atmosphere of teamwork and eventually raiding.

    I am looking forward to the future of MWO it's bright. I wish it could come quicker.    … Expand
  27. LordASH80
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    Fun game!!! Driving a big stomping mech and destroying other mechs, is just awesome. MWO has a great community. Lots of things in development, Excited!!!
  28. Splinter714
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    I haven't enjoyed a game this much in a long time. Granted, there are a lot of disappointed players, and I do understand some of their complaints. However, I have enjoyed myself all along and plan on continuing to support this game. At least they are progressing!
  29. liquid50
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    i have enjoyed the game for the almost year i have been playing it. i have never liked a free to play game before and while it is not without its issues, i can say that i thoroughly enjoy playing the game. the development team is taking their time delivering on some content, but i am patiently optimistic.
  30. JacobSSmith
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I chose to look beyond the here and now. Yes at launch there are some things missing and there is more than a few issues that need to be fixed or simply replaced. The game was to be finished just before the Clan invasion then 6 months or so Clan expansion as playable factions, at least that was it felt like that is why I say the game is behind. But on to my review most people look at FTP games as PTW but this game is not like that, the PPC of a free player does the same damage at the same range as a paid sub unlike other FTP games. The only difference between free and sub, is how many C-bills and XP you can get per match. The Mech selection is good although there a few chassis that should be in and a few that shouldn't form a cannon point of view Highlander to begin one of them Love the Mech but in 3050 unless you had a very old one or belonged to Comstar you just didn't see it But it is a fan favorite and one of mine I wont complain about it. As for the weapon systems the biggest gripe I have is with the Ultra Autocannon 5 it is seems just when you get used to the jam rate they change the rules about it but after today patch that might have been worked out, we will see.

    Now to the warfare this is the first time I feel that all the weight classes matter. In the past it was an arms race to the bigger and better chassis. Now it's like I am not a good Assault pilot but I can do awesome things in a light to medium chassis, you aren't forced to change chassis you can get a Spider or Hunchback and never pilot anything else or have a full lance of light Mechs and make a difference. I have found I not the best pilot of any weight class but I am getting better and the Quickdraw is my chassis that I seem to do the best in. The game allows you to be a scout, fire support indirect or direct brawler, I seen builds that allowed the pilot to take on 2 or more roles in combat. The game does take skill and smarts you will have your mech shot out from under you more than once.

    In closing is Mech Warrior online worth playing YES is it worth spending money on Maybe is it a finished Game No and wont be for a few more months. I enjoy the game I play it every day I plan to keep playing the game till the servers are closed down. I know it will be more than it is now and it will be a great trip getting to the finished product.    … Expand
  31. Zarakynel
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    The game itself has some issues, but they are being actively worked on. Making at least one new chassis a month and a map every two? I'll take it for a F2P game. It delivers exactly what you'd expect: a giant, stomp-y robot armed to the teeth shooting other big, stomp-y robots.
  32. SmurfOff
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    While it is the most modern mechwarrior title, it still has a long way to go to be the best. The most disappointing point is that the developers have moved almost entirely away from the core battletech rules and have gone off implementing random "nerfs" and fixes for problems.

    This leads to a very inconsistent gameplay, and factoring in that movement and hit detection are "still a work    While it is the most modern mechwarrior title, it still has a long way to go to be the best. The most disappointing point is that the developers have moved almost entirely away from the core battletech rules and have gone off implementing random "nerfs" and fixes for problems.

    This leads to a very inconsistent gameplay, and factoring in that movement and hit detection are "still a work in progress" there are some very aggravating situations that just should not exist in a game that has had over 18 months in beta with hundreds of thousands of players.    … Expand
  33. whyaskwhy
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    This has literally been the worst experience I have ever had with a game in development or during launch. The game is not complete and the developers disrespect the community. The game was kind of fun and challenging for a while, but the state of the game has steadily gone down hill since march
  34. eblackthorn
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    The game play is fun action packed and addicting. The Mech customization is extremely well done and the graphics look great.

    The game at release has fewer features then expected but over all it is a very fun well designed intelligent shooter. Looking forward for the features to come.
  35. ArchAngel09
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    This is great game and IP that I love I would actually rate it about an 7.5/10 but I want to give a 10 to counter some of the unfair reviews it has been getting from some people whom don't see eye to eye with the developer. The game is fairly balanced at this point but needs more content and seems launched a little prematurely with some of the main features coming in the next month orThis is great game and IP that I love I would actually rate it about an 7.5/10 but I want to give a 10 to counter some of the unfair reviews it has been getting from some people whom don't see eye to eye with the developer. The game is fairly balanced at this point but needs more content and seems launched a little prematurely with some of the main features coming in the next month or two. I have been playing since closed beta and PGI has constantly been at work balancing and tweaking the game and continue to patch bi-weekly to improve the game. Upcoming features include community warfare and a major overhaul to the UI with UI 2.0 which they show screens in the forums and it looks to be a huge upgrade to the current UI with many improvements but they wanted to debug it further before rushing it into the launch. Now most of the negativity surrounding this game comes from the inclusion of a 3PV camera angle which is a departure from the 1PV camera only model they had originally gone with. This upset some people as they think it is an advantage over a person in 1PV in regards to field of view. I personally always play in 1PV and have yet to see a person in 3PV get the better of me as it has been balanced to have some disadvantages as well and 3pv is mainly a tool to help new players with their movement as they can view their legs and torso as the same time. The game in its current state is not without its flaws but is generally a good gaming experience if you love running around in giant mechs blowing other giant mechs up. There is a steep learning curve for new comers to the series but if you stick with it you will have a blast once you get a handle on your mechs controls. I see so much potential in this game and hope PGI continues to improve and expand on its current build. Stay frosty MechWarriors and I will see you on the battlefield!… Expand
  36. Shockwave2
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    for you veteran mech pilots this is a must to play. Excellent game play, awesome graphics. i would recommend anyone to try it out. for the ones that complained about this game go back to your x-boxes and play halo.
  37. Ninja_DEN
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Mechwarrior: Online is a far better game than the negative reviews say. The reviews that have no real arguments and are made of baseless accusations are to be ignored because they were purposely made to lower the score.

    The game is fun. That is the entire point of MWO and the dream of its Dev team. They made the game in the mindset that it would appeal to more than just    Mechwarrior: Online is a far better game than the negative reviews say. The reviews that have no real arguments and are made of baseless accusations are to be ignored because they were purposely made to lower the score.

    The game is fun. That is the entire point of MWO and the dream of its Dev team. They made the game in the mindset that it would appeal to more than just Mechwarrior/Battletech fans but all fans of Mech/Robot fighting.

    I am a Founder and player since closed beta.

    The game succeeds at being a good mech and robot action game. Compared to the alternatives and its predecessors it is far easier for newcomers and fans but also retains its difficulty at the higher tier. This is disputed because the meta is always changing and seen as imbalanced but every game starts out like this. Akin to Starcraft: Brood War which when first released has very poor balance and was not properly balanced until years later. The Dev team puts things on rotation for examination and is monitoring trends to see what is the new flavor of the month and meta. I can see that they can and will bring balance to the game.

    The game itself runs off the CryEngine 3.4 and started its development in 2011 and has only had just 2 years of work into it. At closed beta it hand a small selection of mechs and one game mode. The game did not include most of the current infrastructure and features such HSR, Conquest, and etc. There were only placeholder systems in play for collision, speed balancing, and matchmaking.

    The majority of the reasons for the lack of features is because of issues with CryEngine 3.4. which PGI themselves had to take upon themselves to fix essentially modifying CryEngine to their needs. They continue to improve their core game with such dedication.

    Within a rough year they have fixed most of this and have stated their intent for more. We already have seen the new UI being worked on. There is going to be 1 more map and 7 more mechs.

    The community outcry at PGI stems from the miscommunication of PGI to its fan base. Statements detailing things like Third Person View and Coolant Flush were said as a nonfeature as would not be put into the game. The truth is that while some devs did not see the need others did. When the time came to make and design these features the fans and testers were not told until it was to be implemented.

    Complaints about PGI not making their deadlines was the fault of PGI and their optimistic views of completion, coupled with the fact that ANY development of a game has its shares of technical problems that will delay development. Despite this 'experts' state that they know far better than PGI saying that it would not be hard to implement Server code and make it from scratch. Their arrogance appears in some of these reviews too.

    Anyways, play the game and see it for yourself. The game is good. It is fun and can be competitive where it counts. There is a huge rush in piloting a mech that is a walking death machine. There is a niche for any kind of player and the initial grind is lessened by the new player experience that PGI offers. There is only one movement tutorial at the moment but will be rectified as PGI puts more into the game.

    Ignore the trolls and play the game yourself, it is free to play!    … Expand
  38. OccumsRazor
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    Great game, great community!! I hope the dev's will consider allowing players to design, build, and test mechs in the training grounds prior to making a rather expensive purchase. Also, the training grounds need to be dynamic, not static. Mechs should walk, jump, and shoot even in random directions on pre-programs tracks. This allows users to practice aiming, shooting, managing heat whileGreat game, great community!! I hope the dev's will consider allowing players to design, build, and test mechs in the training grounds prior to making a rather expensive purchase. Also, the training grounds need to be dynamic, not static. Mechs should walk, jump, and shoot even in random directions on pre-programs tracks. This allows users to practice aiming, shooting, managing heat while moving and allows practice of critical maneuvers like "circles of death," "jump turns," etc.… Expand
  39. Ryoma
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    Let's seee.....

    Forced to use a trial mech for about 5 hours to buy your own mech. Less than intuitive game play mechanics like ghost heat with few tutorials. Very little money made per match, so it takes forever to buy a mech, then another day to even outfit it. Only 2 gameplay modes. 3PV corner peaking. MC mechs costing too much. Rude devs/forum mods. 4/10 is the    Let's seee.....

    Forced to use a trial mech for about 5 hours to buy your own mech.

    Less than intuitive game play mechanics like ghost heat with few tutorials.

    Very little money made per match, so it takes forever to buy a mech, then another day to even outfit it.

    Only 2 gameplay modes.

    3PV corner peaking.

    MC mechs costing too much.

    Rude devs/forum mods.

    4/10 is the best I can give    … Expand
  40. Farpenoodle
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    If I were to give this game a score on a personal level, it'd probably be an 8. I've always been a "gameplay is king" kind of guy and in my opinion MWO delivers. It's buggy and rough around the edges while doing so but it delivers on that front. However, since I'm scoring it for most people, it's basically around a 5 or 6. I'm erring a bit on the positive side because I do think mostIf I were to give this game a score on a personal level, it'd probably be an 8. I've always been a "gameplay is king" kind of guy and in my opinion MWO delivers. It's buggy and rough around the edges while doing so but it delivers on that front. However, since I'm scoring it for most people, it's basically around a 5 or 6. I'm erring a bit on the positive side because I do think most people can find something to like if they can get past the steep learning curve.

    Lack of modes, a bad UI, no tutorial of substance and lack of any kind of endgame besides grinding for more mechs make this a spotty proposition for anyone looking for a complete gaming package at this time.

    However, if you're like me and care more about the core of the game rather than the things built around it, you can find a lot to like.

    A lot of the above issues are also being worked on. My advice for most people is to wait until most of those features are online before diving in. If you want to take a chance, there's no harm considering it's a F2P, but keep in mind unless you're like me and are content with just the core gameplay you probably will not walk away with a particularly positive impression.    … Expand
  41. Farix
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    There is a lot of room for improvement, but overall the game is fun. It can be a bit grindy at times and does have a steep learning curve. While it does have a 3PV option, it is not very usable and the UI can be a bit frustrating (though a new one is in development). However, despite all of its problems, this is one of the best versions of MechWarrior I have played. There is a lot of depthThere is a lot of room for improvement, but overall the game is fun. It can be a bit grindy at times and does have a steep learning curve. While it does have a 3PV option, it is not very usable and the UI can be a bit frustrating (though a new one is in development). However, despite all of its problems, this is one of the best versions of MechWarrior I have played. There is a lot of depth in configuring your 'mech to be just the way you want it and the weapons are reasonably balanced. So far, there are only two modes, a Capture-the-Flag like mode called Assault and Conquest, where teams fight over control of 5 resource points. It is best that you play with a group that uses some form of VoIP communications as it will greatly improve your game. This is not a run-and-gun game, that tactic will get you killed very quickly. You need to plan out your strategies along with your teammates and use your 'mech to the fullest abilities.… Expand
  42. Cyclicynic
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    9.2/10
    As a Battletech fan since tabletop's "launch", I have been awaiting this revival of the Mechwarrior franchise, and having played every IP available on computer, it's been quite a wait.
    Without a doubt, the wait has been worth it. The gameplay lives up to every expectation I've held. The levels of detail, customization, and control live up to every previous incarnation of    9.2/10
    As a Battletech fan since tabletop's "launch", I have been awaiting this revival of the Mechwarrior franchise, and having played every IP available on computer, it's been quite a wait.

    Without a doubt, the wait has been worth it.

    The gameplay lives up to every expectation I've held. The levels of detail, customization, and control live up to every previous incarnation of Mechwarrior. The game is damn, DAMN FUN, and every step of development has made it more so.

    Is there more to develop? Certainly, and always. Has the community imploded itself on a regular basis in response to not getting the pony their mom promised them for Christmas? Certainly, and always.
    Every time I play this game, it gets better.

    To those who are here to see if this game can be a true Mechwarrior phoenix, it will be. It is.
    To those of you here to unleash your foaming hyperbolic hounds of writhing disappointing and strife, please do so politely and with some respect for your fellow human beings... if you happen to be one yourself.    … Expand
  43. HC_Harlequin
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    For hardcore fans of the battletech universe this is the finest emulation of all the battletech titles. The problems exist with players who want to play a game instead of battletech. The game developers have had to continually take steps to minimize the consistant flavor of the month players who can really only be bothered with the current best gaming meta. During Alpha/Beta/Open Beta theFor hardcore fans of the battletech universe this is the finest emulation of all the battletech titles. The problems exist with players who want to play a game instead of battletech. The game developers have had to continually take steps to minimize the consistant flavor of the month players who can really only be bothered with the current best gaming meta. During Alpha/Beta/Open Beta the developers were forced by the abusive player community to make the necessary weapon/mech/engine/component fixes to bring the overall flavor as close as possible to the battletech universe as opposed to the elitest gaming meta demanded by players who vocally considered themselves above the casual player community. In reading the majority of the reviews contained in this article be reminded that all of the negative reviews have been submitted by members of the elitest/non casual/meta game who have had to have their playing style forceably changed by the game developers to bring the overall game play as close as possible to the battletech universe and away from the elitest game play styles demanded by flavor of the month/non casual/meta game players.… Expand
  44. firewolf
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    I love the game! A win for Mechwarrior/Battletech fans. A bit grindy to get additional 'Mech chassis's, but awesome overall. Up coming community warfare lets you fight for your favorite faction for control over the Inner Sphere. Download and try it out!
  45. GFierce
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    Been playing this game since closed beta. The game is in an incomplete state. The plans for the future sound promising. The current game is decently balanced but could use a few more tweaks. The graphics are quite good but some of the details are still missing. For a basic mech game this is not bad it just needs more.
  46. Laserkid
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    6/10, Functional but with better thing yet to come.

    Business Model: Free to Play, this game is one of the many adopting this method of monetization. The real money currency (MC) is used to purchase camo pattern, paint colors, premium mechs (cred boost, unique variant), Premium Account time (XP/cred boost), Mech Bays, and premium consumables. Pay to Win? No, the premium (Hero)    6/10, Functional but with better thing yet to come.

    Business Model: Free to Play, this game is one of the many adopting this method of monetization. The real money currency (MC) is used to purchase camo pattern, paint colors, premium mechs (cred boost, unique variant), Premium Account time (XP/cred boost), Mech Bays, and premium consumables.

    Pay to Win? No, the premium (Hero) mechs give one a credit boost while using them and are different, not better, then their normal counter parts. Premium consumables have normal equivalents one can attain through in game means. Premium Accounts only give enhanced credits and XP. Como, paint, items are only ascetic. The only pay wall element is mech bays, which allow you to own and customize additional mechs. While this will not affect new players or their competitiveness, once they get their own mech kitted out properly, it does become an issue later on. This likely will change with the new game modes require multiple mechs that the developers have in mind.

    Front end: At time of release Mechwarrior Online is still using its place holder UI while a newer more functional one is in the final stages of development. This is one of the main reasons for the low score. It is very basic. Community building elements are missing or difficult to use. Tutorials on how to use this UI are missing, likely because it will be changing soon.

    Graphics: Unfortunately another negative point. Cryengine 3 has the potential for more detail, lighting and environmental effects, but this eye candy has taken a back seat to game play. Scaling is a letdown because what you mostly see are indestructible buildings and other 10 meter tall mechs. Trees stand obstinately despite lasers and missiles passing threw them. The ground isn’t cratered after 12 mechs get don’t pounding on another 12. Building care not for your puny hyper velocity rail guns hitting them.
    Game play: Utterly solid, once one figures out how to customize their mech it becomes a simple drag and drop affair. This though is the one of the meatier parts of the game, balancing or unbalancing damage with heat generation, mobility and armor. Mechs once “on the ground” handle well and uniquely based on their chassis strengths and weaknesses, combining with weapons unique properties makes for a very complex and in depth experience. The primitive UI again mars the experience though, the in game chat is up at the top left and you definitely will not be reading it in the thick of combat. There is no single player campaign in Mechwarrior Online, this has been stated at a design decision by the developers. More games modes are planned but at time or release, its eather a capture the flag mode or point control mode. There is also a limited selection of maps, with a few being just night variants or minor tweaks like snow.

    Sound: There is no background music in Mechwarrior Online, again a mixed blessing. There is no in game voice communications, again a mixed blessing. Bain for new players, boon for one who have more organization. The boom of large caliber weapons, impacts of said weapons, hum of reactors, alarms, thumping footsteps tend get stepped over and frantic in high intensity fights. A good thing?

    Meta Game: As of release, there is none. Players cannot even form their own units due to the primitive UI, leaving those with a mind to group up and cooperate to outside of game means. The planned meta game seeks to outright replace the current game play

    Community and Communication: As stated above the lack of a suitable UI is the major hindrance. The community itself that patched itself together despite it run the gambit of extremely dedicated livestreamers, Mechwarrior lore fanatics, casual gamers, redditers, and forum goers, a great many care very deeply for the game. The developers, fair or foul, are actually quite engaged with their customer’s compared to other online games.    … Expand
  47. Vanguard319
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    Here is my review Of Mechwarrior Online, based on my experience playing the game since closed beta. I am going to leave out my opinion about the controversy surrounding PGI, in an attempt to maintain a neutral bias, and share what I feel they got right, and where they went wrong. The following is my personal opinion, and if you don't have the maturity to respect that, then that's yourHere is my review Of Mechwarrior Online, based on my experience playing the game since closed beta. I am going to leave out my opinion about the controversy surrounding PGI, in an attempt to maintain a neutral bias, and share what I feel they got right, and where they went wrong. The following is my personal opinion, and if you don't have the maturity to respect that, then that's your problem.

    First the good: Mechwarrior Online runs on CryEngine 3 and graphic wise is a gorgeous game. Environments range from abandoned cities buried in glaciers, to alien deserts, filled with sand blasted wreckage of dropships and mechs, to hellish lava worlds where even the air is filled with ash. As of this review, there are 21 different battlemechs in the game, each one having at least three different variants with differing hard point locations and even handling quirks, so you are bound to find a mech that suits your piloting preferences. All can be fully customized, provided you have the tonnage, hardpoints, critical space, and C-bills. In addition, you can not only customize the weapons and equipment on your mech, but you may also add modules that improve your sensors, targeting, support capabilities, and optics. There are even consumables that allow you to bleed off heat faster, call in artillery, or launch a reconnaissance UAV. Some of these consumable are bought with real money, but have have versions that can be purchased with C-bills, and these may be improved to real money quality through experience trees. You may further enhance your mech through the use of perks paid for via experience points, improving the efficiency of your mech's heat sinks, increasing your heat threshold, or your mech's handling.

    Core mechanics are good, and require you to work with your team mates. Running off on your own, or refusing to cooperate with your team will just get you killed over and over again. Weaponry is for the most part balanced, with each weapon having pros and cons: energy weapons are lightweight and don't require ammo, but they do generate more heat, which can be a problem on hotter maps, and is magnified with extended range versions. Autocannons do high damage, but are heavy, bulky, lose range as caliber increases, and are ammo dependent. Long range Missiles can be indirectly fired if you have a spotter, but are useless at ranges under 190m, while short range missiles come in both dumbfire and guided versions. You also have equipment like AMS (a point-defense system for incoming missiles), active probes that improve lock on times, and ECM, which can jam enemy sensors and provide addition protection from missile fire for your nearby team mates.

    Now for the bad. This game can be very unforgiving to new players, and there is a steep learning curve. You can aim your weapons independently of the direction of your legs, much like a tank, and learning to track and fire while on the move is paramount. There is a tutorial mode and training ground for new players however, as well as a highly controversial third person mode to help them learn torso twisting. As of this review, the highly anticipated Community Warfare has yet to be implemented, and game modes are limited to Assault, where you win by either wiping out the other team, or capturing their base, and Conquest, where you win by wiping out the other team, or collect more resources. Teams can be unbalanced, but this is more due to the quality of the players themselves than any failures on the part of the game itself, an ELO system does reduce the likelyhood your first games will be against a team of hardened vets, but pickup groups will be at a disadvantage against experienced and organized merc units. Die hard Clanners will be disappointed to find that Clan tech and Omnimechs are currently not among the available weapons and mechs, though these will likely be added in future updates.

    In summary: Whether or not you enjoy MWO will greatly depend on what you are looking for in a mech-combat game. If if you are a long time Battletech fan who lives by tabletop rules alone, you will probably not enjoy this game, more open minded fans will probably be able to play the game and find some satisfaction, and non-fans looking for something a little different from the usual FPS fare may want to give the game a try, as the game is free to play. As for myself, I've enjoyed my time playing the game, and while it is not what I would call perfect, I do not feel it is the doomed train wreck that others are proclaiming it to be either.    … Expand
  48. Hydramatic
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    Oh MWO, where to begin....after having the Mechwarrior Living Legends community ripped from my fingers by this shoddy excuse for a mechwarrior game, I decided to join the bandwagon with my friends and play MWO. It is (other than a few new mechs and a pair of maps) almost no different from the game I started playing last year in 2012.

    I didn't like this game at first, mostly because it    Oh MWO, where to begin....after having the Mechwarrior Living Legends community ripped from my fingers by this shoddy excuse for a mechwarrior game, I decided to join the bandwagon with my friends and play MWO. It is (other than a few new mechs and a pair of maps) almost no different from the game I started playing last year in 2012.

    I didn't like this game at first, mostly because it seemed to lack ANY of the typical depth that one expects in a quality Battletech product. As much as the devs/pubs want to seemingly believe, this community overwhelmingly comes from an RPG and tabletop background that wants ALL the fluff, and ALL the content, even if mainstream gamers see it as boring or worthless. There is NO immersion other than the startup sequence. You heard me. NO IMMERSION in a game that is supposed to be a VIRTUAL IMMERSION SIMULATOR of a tabletop game. You don't feel like you are in the universe AT ALL. There is no music, no real feel of the universe, no feel of making an impact, no CULTURE to the game. It feels like an FPS with hitboxes slowed way down. THIS ISN'T MECHWARRIOR.

    This game is very much like a multiplayer mode gutted from a single player game, minus any sort of matchmaker or clan/group based online play. This isn't what we were promised, or what was advertised. That would all be fine if this was JUST a multiplayer mode from a singleplayer game. But it's not. It is ONLY multiplayer, and doesn't have the strength, content or flavor that it needs to survive in its current form. The Devs promised some cool stuff, and we've seen none of it to date. I would love to see this stuff.

    The game thrives off of grind. I hate grind, so this is painful to me, but I keep playing, as its pretty much the only MW game out now and I've been playing since MW2 in the 90's, and I love the franchise.

    The gameplay itself is fun, though it gets very repetitive and feels less and less fun as you play, as the rewards are paltry, almost nonexistent. Once again, I'm playing for my love of the franchise.

    Developer PR is AWFUL. Don't even get me started. They operate in a bubble, ignored their beta testers who PAY them to make the game WE wanted. On top of that they put out press releases and videos and blogs that are borderline criminal in their optimism.

    You might be asking, "Well all that said, you still play it, right?" The answer is yes, but I'm certainly NOT in love with it and would play it a whole lot more if it had the content and features it was originally advertised and touted to have. That's the honest answer, really. This is a case of a small developer biting off more than they can chew, and NOT EXPANDING THEIR TEAM to meet the demands of their own deadlines. If you can't put out content on your OWN deadlines, hire some more people, seriously.

    All in all, I really wish I could give a more positive review for this game, but at the moment it sits here, half-baked pretending it's fully cooked. I hope people play it, but it really isn't even close to what I would call "launch ready."

    Half a game gets half a score, minus some for infuriating developer "communication."
    4/10

    (Score subject to change as content is released. This is as of "launch.")    … Expand
  49. OrbMonky
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    Ultimately, MWO aspires to be much more than it is. However, after 2 years of development, it is tragically short of an enjoyable experience. How long PGI and IGP can keep this game breathing remains to be seen, however they have already reversed course on multiple design pillars and other promises that they used in order to sell the game to their customer base. It seems to be a classicUltimately, MWO aspires to be much more than it is. However, after 2 years of development, it is tragically short of an enjoyable experience. How long PGI and IGP can keep this game breathing remains to be seen, however they have already reversed course on multiple design pillars and other promises that they used in order to sell the game to their customer base. It seems to be a classic case of changing horses mid stream current rumors point to a potential XBONE port which may have greased the palms required to accomplish such a consumer unfriendly change in course.

    The game itself is marginally satisfying, if you're all about deathmatch in robots with counterstrike like rounds (no respawns), but for many, this will likely wear thin very quickly for all but the die-hard.

    Hope remains that this franchise will eventually be rebooted with a realistic and honestly presented set of goals and implementations.    … Expand
  50. digicaf
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    The game has potential, but so far has been completely underdeveloped and horrendously mismanaged.

    Current issues: 1. The game struggles with constant and absurd balancing issues, which PGI exacerbates by introducing mechanics that haven't been thought out in the least. Obvious and game-breaking issues have gone unaddressed for over half a year, and even simple changes take months and    The game has potential, but so far has been completely underdeveloped and horrendously mismanaged.

    Current issues:
    1. The game struggles with constant and absurd balancing issues, which PGI exacerbates by introducing mechanics that haven't been thought out in the least. Obvious and game-breaking issues have gone unaddressed for over half a year, and even simple changes take months and are often mis-implemented.

    2. The grind is entirely too long. PGI has recently decreased the earning rate of in-game currency to the point where it takes close to 20 hours of gameplay to buy and equip a single medium mech. Assault mechs can take 30 to 40 hours.

    3. Content is extremely lacking and PGI shows no sign of speeding up development. There are only a handful of maps in the game, and they are released at around 1 new map every 3 months or so.

    4. There are only two game modes, and they're both effectively deathmatch.

    5. PGI has routinely missed deadlines pertaining to core game elements. Community warfare is more than 8 months behind deadline with no release in sight. Private matches, Lobbies, DX11, UI 2.0, and other game features have been promised time after time and then failed to materialize with no real comment from PGI.

    6. The game has changed directions whimsically, with no notice, and despite promises and statements made to people who contribute monetarily to the game.

    7. PGI holds it's own user community in contempt and even the top executives of the company have resorted to trolling paying members on twitter and in the forums.    … Expand
  51. Psilos9
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    Pros: Great graphics, sound, and Mech simulation. Tons of mechs and many more coming out all the time. Lots of weapons to choose from some less viable then others in my opinion and some of the recent nerfs went way to far.) Cool upgrade progression for your mech takes a long time though to get a mech totally upgraded and at the start you are at a small disadvantage.) They arePros: Great graphics, sound, and Mech simulation. Tons of mechs and many more coming out all the time. Lots of weapons to choose from some less viable then others in my opinion and some of the recent nerfs went way to far.) Cool upgrade progression for your mech takes a long time though to get a mech totally upgraded and at the start you are at a small disadvantage.) They are collecting tons of data on weapon use and damage so I have faith they will eventually get it right. Blows world of tanks out of the water, Mech Warrior is not pay to win you are limited to 4 mech bays so 4 mechs in less you want to pay for more). But if you play tell you collect 4 fully mastered mechs then you wont be sorry at that limit.

    Cons: Some weapon balance needed you get to out fit your mech w/ the weapons you want though so its not so bad if you don't like some). Sharp learning curve; It doesn't take to long, but controlling a biped tank with torso twist and arms takes some time to learn and most weapons have a unique fire rate and speed so also takes time to learn and even more to master( but after a frustrating start I found this to be a pro its fun that a Mechs control and weapons takes skill). At the moment only 2 game types and i only like one of them, but its tons of fun and they will be releasing lots of new types soon. It takes a really long time to elite your mech (max out its little bonuses) and they charge you in game currency for silly things like changing back and forth between armor types.

    I only gave the game a 7/10 for its current state, but I assure you it easily has the potential for a 10/10. There are Tons of negatives because people have really strong feeling about the franchise and for a lot of people it doesn't fit their view at the moment. Please give this game a try its FREE TO PLAY, if you can get past the initial grind and learning curve you wont be sorry.    … Expand
  52. Miekael
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    Game is stale, still missing core features, and proper balance. Not worth playing anymore, so many other F2P titles offer more then this game. I would rate the game somewhere along a 4/10 for art direction (not graphics those are still dated) and for basic playability, but since the community is taking the 10 or 0 approach, I will take my side of the line in the sand with a 0.
  53. bearless75
    Sep 17, 2013
    5
    This is a game with potential, however only the basic combat sim exists at this time. It should have been given another 6 months to complete basic community warfare features, though it should be acknowledged the developers have been unable to implement this so far despite it being on the timetabled for release at the start of the year.
    Graphics are good, combat is fun rather than fast,    This is a game with potential, however only the basic combat sim exists at this time. It should have been given another 6 months to complete basic community warfare features, though it should be acknowledged the developers have been unable to implement this so far despite it being on the timetabled for release at the start of the year.
    Graphics are good, combat is fun rather than fast, evoking the feel of big stompy robots! Weapon balancing is badly off though this is a recurring theme when trying to apply a tabletop model to a first person game, with some truly bizarre methods chosen to try to balance direct fire weapons.
    Expect a steep learning curve. Starting equipment is decidedly sub-par due to the balancing issues mentioned, but this makes the rewards for sticking with the game significant once you can afford to buy and customise your first mech you will quickly notice the difference it makes.
    Hopefully we soon have more than just a combat simulation to give us all something to fight for!    … Expand
  54. pantherrr0
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    heh my review got cut in half.

    Bugs that have existed since close beta. This non-event launch the only 'deadline' they have met in over a year the out right lies of the dev team concerning features they sold the game on re coolant and 3pv the taunts to people pointing out the lies and bait and switch tactics. the horrible new player experience with a broken clunky unwanted 3pv    heh my review got cut in half.

    Bugs that have existed since close beta.
    This non-event launch the only 'deadline' they have met in over a year
    the out right lies of the dev team concerning features they sold the game on re coolant and 3pv
    the taunts to people pointing out the lies and bait and switch tactics.
    the horrible new player experience with a broken clunky unwanted 3pv forced into the game ahead of much needed in game voice coms a decent text chat, lobbies, a robust tutorial.
    slow development with months passing with broken unbalanced weapon builds due to incompetent internal testing and the devs not willing to give up on a failed idea ecm ghost heat convergence 3pv)
    tacking increasingly more complex counters onto said failed ideas to try and balance them despite said features being 'working as intended'
    (for the issue of 3pv being introduced youtube first versus third person view arma by dslyecxi )

    imo this game is about ready to enter open beta, it is not feature complete nor is there any time table as to when it would be even near so. a lot of the decisions made have alienated the people they put their hat out to for funding of their 'game' and imo if they go the way of eve and actually back track on the broken promises and apologise they may be able to right this derailed train wreck that has got steadily worse since closed beta

    TL DR
    game is buggy unbalance and is being dumbed down to try and reach more of the lowest common denominator. the development is slow the dev team has the worse community management I have ever come across. If your a BT MechWarrior fan or looking for a first person thinking mans game avoid this game.
    im writing off 140 spent as wasted money.    … Expand
  55. Crais
    Sep 17, 2013
    5
    MWO is fun for a while then it becomes a tedious grindfest. There are only 2 types of matches available at launch and a handful of maps. Numerous features are missing (DX 11 support, UI2.0, net code optimization) and community warfare, a large scale battle galaxy wide type that was sold as a core feature of the game, has no set deadline for being added.

    The developers of the game also    MWO is fun for a while then it becomes a tedious grindfest. There are only 2 types of matches available at launch and a handful of maps. Numerous features are missing (DX 11 support, UI2.0, net code optimization) and community warfare, a large scale battle galaxy wide type that was sold as a core feature of the game, has no set deadline for being added.

    The developers of the game also have a very poor track record of communication with the community and are often arrogant and rude to players who question balance issues or proposed features, such as the inclusion of the 3rd person camera mode (that was originally promised to not be included in the game).    … Expand
  56. CozmikR5
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    DO NOT believe for a second the 5.1 score (as of this writing). MWO is far better than that. It is everything that made the Battletech/Mechwarrior universe famous!
  57. Astrolux
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    Hit registration still does not work after a very extended beta period. Too many unbalanced weapons that go both ways, either completely worthless or absolutely mandatory. The devs are slow to make any positive changes, 7 months of PPC Gauss lameness. Convoluted game systems being implemented to counter overpowered systems in the game. See Ghost heat and Gauss desync. Uninteresting pilotHit registration still does not work after a very extended beta period. Too many unbalanced weapons that go both ways, either completely worthless or absolutely mandatory. The devs are slow to make any positive changes, 7 months of PPC Gauss lameness. Convoluted game systems being implemented to counter overpowered systems in the game. See Ghost heat and Gauss desync. Uninteresting pilot skill trees that are the same for every mech with one of the skills not actually functioning (convergence one). There is no content just a few maps and TDM. The devs soul focus is selling packages of mechs right now. That is all they care about. They've had so much time to fix the little things but they have not even got those down yet. It's an embarrassment of game development where it feels like our money is being used to send the developers to Devry University to learn how to code and build games. The optimization for the game is terrible, with so little going on in a match the game runs like molasses for a large part of the community. I could keep going but you get the idea.… Expand
  58. Valdimar
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    Allow me to preface this by saying this game is a far cry from what it could have been.

    Currently it is lacking in several core features promised to be the game 'within 90 days' of open beta. These features include DX11 support, new game modes, inclusion of community warfare, a revamped user interface, and announcements for clan tech. With the continual pushing back of much anticipated    Allow me to preface this by saying this game is a far cry from what it could have been.

    Currently it is lacking in several core features promised to be the game 'within 90 days' of open beta. These features include DX11 support, new game modes, inclusion of community warfare, a revamped user interface, and announcements for clan tech. With the continual pushing back of much anticipated features the game itself just drags on with little to look forward to.

    Game play wise there are only two game modes: assault and conquest. Assault features two opposing teams fighting each other with a base capture mechanic as a side goal while Conquest features a resource point mechanic in which you fight for five different resource points. However with only eleven maps (three of which are alt versions of other maps) these modes to get bland after a while.

    The other driving point is the customization of your battlemechs. With 21 mech chassis and a total of 92 variants to choose from (including the paid only variants) there is quite a bit available here to chose from and what I consider to be this games strongest suit currently. The downside to this however is that some mechs play very similar to each other or with minute differences. Even worse is that after a recent patch in which earnings were nerfed (personally I saw a 1/3 reduction on average) it can take a long time to save up for a new mech after your first 25 matches; during which you receive a significant boost to income. After this patch the grind has become unbearable and effectively killing what I looked forward to.

    In the end it is my opinion that MWO is the promise of a great game that was ruined by it's own developers. I will continue playing it in the hopes that it will one day become the game it should be but for now I can only give this game a 4/10.    … Expand
  59. SilverlightPony
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    Fairly good, but still needs a lot of work to be what it *should* be. Tempted to rate lower due to broken promises and missed goals, but I do legitimately have fun with it most of the time..
  60. EirikrSim
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    This game is not of launch quality, yet the IGP/PGI decided to launch the product them despite the community's concerns. A lot features which are not completed and are unpolished.

    Lots of promises, including a promise that "Community Warfare", a major feature of the game would be in the game 90 days from Open Beta, yet the community have seen the shadow of it, 1 year from Open Beta.    This game is not of launch quality, yet the IGP/PGI decided to launch the product them despite the community's concerns. A lot features which are not completed and are unpolished.

    Lots of promises, including a promise that "Community Warfare", a major feature of the game would be in the game 90 days from Open Beta, yet the community have seen the shadow of it, 1 year from Open Beta.

    Never mind that, lots of broken promises, promises made to the community in order to get their money, and yet, they changed their mind later down the road.    … Expand
  61. brewskiletta
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    I'm not sure the cause of all the hate. Frankly, it's an excellent game, especially for a FTP one. The "leveling" system of earning credits works well, and if you'd like to sink a bit of money in for options/unique mechs, that's cool too. You buy options (and a quicker path to mechs) but not wins, as the game is pretty well balanced. I've been playing for several months, and have paidI'm not sure the cause of all the hate. Frankly, it's an excellent game, especially for a FTP one. The "leveling" system of earning credits works well, and if you'd like to sink a bit of money in for options/unique mechs, that's cool too. You buy options (and a quicker path to mechs) but not wins, as the game is pretty well balanced. I've been playing for several months, and have paid for a number of items, and am fully satisfied.… Expand
  62. Fishhawk
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    As a long-time Battletech fan, this game is a lot of fun. However, there are quite a few things missing at the moment. No Community Warfare hurts badly. Right now you just play for mech XP and Cbills to buy more mechs. No other reason. Hopefully this game will be a 10/10 by this time next year.
  63. Fernsie
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    Overall a great game. It has a few issues, namely missing features but it's a lot of fun. Much more tactical than Hawken and your COD style shooters. Looking forward to when its feature complete.
  64. PleaseTryAgain
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    This game is a sinking ship. The game lacks content, and the devs are some of the most morally corrupt I have ever seen. This game has little chance of making past another year. Save your money and enjoy the ride to the bottom.
  65. Cimarb
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    This game, while progressing far slower than anyone would like, is immensely fun. Balance, while always in flux like every MMO, is extremely well done, even between weight classes. PGI has made several communication flubs, some pretty bad, but the game is well worth the time and investment, if you chose to do so. The f2p is well done, since you only need to pay for extra slots (mechbays)This game, while progressing far slower than anyone would like, is immensely fun. Balance, while always in flux like every MMO, is extremely well done, even between weight classes. PGI has made several communication flubs, some pretty bad, but the game is well worth the time and investment, if you chose to do so. The f2p is well done, since you only need to pay for extra slots (mechbays) or alternate color/camo and similar fluff.

    There has been a concerted effort by a very vocal minority to make the worst pub of the communication issues from PGI. While I can understand some of it, their interest in sabotaging the success of the game is sad. If a game can keep my interest for a year or longer, especially one that I voluntarily pay extra just for fluff, it is definitely a good game. Why have people invested so heavily in this game while it was in Beta? Because it is amazing! Requesting your money back a year later because they put 3PV (3rd point of view)? Very lame.    … Expand
  66. Kiddian
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Been playing since closed beta and still love the game. Love the feel of the 'mechs. Combat is engaging. There are things still to come that I am so super excited about its a little crazy. Definitely worth downloading and giving it a go. Good hunting!
  67. JackGallows
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    Mechwarrior: Online is a prime example of a game with extreme potential that falls far short of what it could truly achieve. Shoddy weapons balancing, a gleaming example of how not to handle your community, a dire lack of communication, and horrible design decisions mire what could have been a really great forward step not just for Free 2 Play games but for competitive online gaming asMechwarrior: Online is a prime example of a game with extreme potential that falls far short of what it could truly achieve. Shoddy weapons balancing, a gleaming example of how not to handle your community, a dire lack of communication, and horrible design decisions mire what could have been a really great forward step not just for Free 2 Play games but for competitive online gaming as well.

    During it's early beta phases the game showed great promise, many faults and bugs as well but it was to be expected of something so early shown to the public. Multiple steps backwards with very few forward were made and MW:O has become a game not worth your time nor your money. Early Founder's package money (a then record of 5 million,) was shunted away to other games made by MW:O's publisher, leading to long delays for multiple promoted game modules. Mechwarrior Credit (paid money credit) to real world cash ratio is prohibitive and their cash shop is rather lacking as it gives you no real reason to buy anything.

    Customer feedback is largely ignored even when they ask for direct feedback in the forms of polls or constructive posts about planned or already implemented features. Multiple unpopular features are added without consideration to what it does to the game at large and helps to only alienate their player base and ruin the overall game experience. Many core design features aren't finished and have no clear launch in site as Community Warfare and other key features which were slated for release over half a year to a year ago remain empty promises.

    The best part of Mechwarrior: Online is it's art direction, but amazing looks for the 'mechs themselves and well textured maps don't make for a fun game. Convoluted weapon balancing, bad netcode, and incredibly lacking information warfare systems bring down what would otherwise be a mostly enjoyable game if other core features weren't missing.

    Adding to all it's issues is their reversal on promised game vision and direction as multiple features that were promised to NEVER be placed in game and many features being pushed farther and farther off into the horizon and Mechwarrior: Online is a horrible game that really should have been far more profitable for PGI and a better game for many years to come.    … Expand
  68. Vas79
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    After spending over a year playing MechWarrior I can say that I still feel drawn to the game. The learning curve is steep however it allows for a sense of accomplishment once you figure it out. The game play will keep you coming back for more especially if you branch out and find a dedicated group to play with.
  69. deanatglobe
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    This is a fun game. Running around in giant robots! Customizing my loadout. I really wonder if I am playing the same game as some of the complainers. But hey, don't take my word for it, it is free. Download it and see if you have fun.
  70. Jerimiah
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    Their launch should really be open beta:

    - No collision detection light mechs run rampant into larger mechs with no consequences for bump and grind - Poor heat system and weapons balancing. Instead of small changes, they paint with broad strokes and introduce multiple changes at once making it hard to discern the actual impact of said changes - Maps have numerous bugs and catches    Their launch should really be open beta:

    - No collision detection light mechs run rampant into larger mechs with no consequences for bump and grind
    - Poor heat system and weapons balancing. Instead of small changes, they paint with broad strokes and introduce multiple changes at once making it hard to discern the actual impact of said changes
    - Maps have numerous bugs and catches where you get hung up on the smallest of obstacles
    - Weapon mechanics for various weapons render them for the most part useless resulting in FOTM builds
    - 3PV mechanic destroys pillar of recon role of light mechs
    - Minimal map selection
    - Matchmaker and grouping requirements not small group friendly 5-10 man teams
    - Clunky Interface although UI 2.0 is promised...someday
    - No lobby or means to host unit player events
    - Prolonged development cycle for core main features of community warfare missing for launch day

    All in all a stunning visually beautiful game executed in a craptastic development cycle. Todays launch should be open beta as it seems somewhere in the order of 3-6 months development for basic core functionality to be released around its community elements.    … Expand
  71. Weeble00
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    Little to no content other than 'mech paint and patterns for real money.
    Developers promised a game true to the BT franchise and were supported with financial backing of "founders". They have since reneged or failed to implement any of these (lack of any progress on Clan Warfare over the last year).
  72. Thatdamngamer
    Sep 17, 2013
    5
    Ok lets see where to begin.
    Promises of no 3PV..Lies
    Promises of no Coolant Flushes...Lies
    Community Warfare (unless you count actual warfare on your community)
    Horrible Hit Detection
    Ghost Heat
    UI 2.0
    Russ's half assed apology
    Unkillable Spiders
    2 game modes
  73. jay135
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    Bottom line: If you like Battletech, MechWarrior, or mech combat in general, give this game a try. The actual combat and gameplay is quite enjoyable and you might find you enjoy it. The only way you'll know is if you give it a try.

    Yes, the game has its issues, but they're for the most part not central to the core gameplay experience and their content slate has a number of significant    Bottom line: If you like Battletech, MechWarrior, or mech combat in general, give this game a try. The actual combat and gameplay is quite enjoyable and you might find you enjoy it. The only way you'll know is if you give it a try.

    Yes, the game has its issues, but they're for the most part not central to the core gameplay experience and their content slate has a number of significant additions prepared to release in the coming weeks that may address a number of the biggest complaints such as the UI.

    Yes, the grind is a bit intimidating. Yes, the official forums are both over-moderated and assailed by whiners. Yes, the developer isn't great at community interaction or listening to feedback, and has suffered from what feels like might be a few bouts of mismanagement.

    But the game is free to try, there is a lot of content yet to come, and if you try it and happen to like it, you'll be glad you started sooner rather than later as there's already a boatload of battlemechs to unlock, configure, and pilot.

    I've put over 300 hours into it this year and despite only two game modes and around ten maps, the combat itself still hasn't gotten old.

    I feel for the people that are coming here to slam the game because of the way the developer has treated them. I've experienced it too, but this really isn't the appropriate way to handle the matter.

    Anyone who's considering MWO should give it a try and find out for themselves if it's something they'll enjoy.
    Since it's free to play, there's really nothing to lose by doing so.    … Expand
  74. awoodby
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Been addicted to this game for a few months now. In the beginning it was difficult to adjust from my usual FPS online gaming. For instance, you cannot just go charging in, sprinting for the enemy. Concentrated fire will chew through you, and you won't do much. You really have to work with your team, whittling away at the enemy's armor, use cover and exploit weaknesses. You see a lotBeen addicted to this game for a few months now. In the beginning it was difficult to adjust from my usual FPS online gaming. For instance, you cannot just go charging in, sprinting for the enemy. Concentrated fire will chew through you, and you won't do much. You really have to work with your team, whittling away at the enemy's armor, use cover and exploit weaknesses. You see a lot of people complaining all of the time about this or that weapon being too powerful, things being unfair, but if that were true, couldn't they just do the same and dominate?

    Another addictive part of the game, as you get used to the game you start thinking "what if I had more lasers instead of this large laser" and get into customizing your mech. You'll get something very effective, then tear it down to try another build. It's fun to mess with closer range brawling, then a build with long range but hot weapons, and so on.

    All in all, if you want a more tactical FPS, where it's not the fastest shot wins, but the survivor survives, it's free, give it a shot. If you really like it, you can pay a fee to give yourself a boost (30%) in money, or purchase mechs, but almost everything can be had just by building up money playing.    … Expand
  75. Tyzh
    Sep 17, 2013
    4
    The game has been chronically poorly balanced and buggy. Progress during closed beta was mostly spent going backwards. The real issue is that the game is now "launching" out of closed beta when it is neither stable nor feature complete. Core aspects of the game concept and design remain not simply incomplete, but excluded from the game entirely.

    It's not all doom and gloom. The core    The game has been chronically poorly balanced and buggy. Progress during closed beta was mostly spent going backwards. The real issue is that the game is now "launching" out of closed beta when it is neither stable nor feature complete. Core aspects of the game concept and design remain not simply incomplete, but excluded from the game entirely.

    It's not all doom and gloom. The core function of the game, shooting at other 'mechs, is really fun. The basics of combat have been right from the start. There is hope for the game to eventually be one of the best games for PC, but evaluating this launch as a complete game I cannot review it favorably.    … Expand
  76. horsewearshats
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    This is a fun game. When I first started to play, there was some balance issues. Most of those concerns have been address. The game looks stunning and has for the most part performed pretty well. There has been minor problems, but they have been fixed for the most part as well. Overall it is very enjoyable. The community on the major forums are most good, just a rather vocal minority ofThis is a fun game. When I first started to play, there was some balance issues. Most of those concerns have been address. The game looks stunning and has for the most part performed pretty well. There has been minor problems, but they have been fixed for the most part as well. Overall it is very enjoyable. The community on the major forums are most good, just a rather vocal minority of immature children.

    There are some issues with the game. The lack of more game types and a better UI are the biggest. While people are creating a big issue over it, they only have a wait a while longer. New content is on the way and the amount of it will be awesome. There are some minor issues with certain weapons and mechs, but PGI has had a pretty decent track recording of correcting those issues.

    TL:DR Ignore all the reviews, try the game yourself. Its free and pretty fun.    … Expand
  77. WynnTTr
    Sep 17, 2013
    2
    The game itself is average. No gamemodes, no diversity, limited maps, no lobby, no built in voice coms, can't choose maps. It's just DM over and over and it's been like this for the past TWO years.
    The devs have taken money and done almost nothing with it. It's been stale and stagnant gameplay for two years. They like making promises BUT NEVER DELIVER.
    The game had potential but the    The game itself is average. No gamemodes, no diversity, limited maps, no lobby, no built in voice coms, can't choose maps. It's just DM over and over and it's been like this for the past TWO years.
    The devs have taken money and done almost nothing with it. It's been stale and stagnant gameplay for two years. They like making promises BUT NEVER DELIVER.
    The game had potential but the devs (PGI) have it up. There is rage on the forums but justified rage in that PGI made promises and pitched the game a certain way, made sure they got everyone's money THEN BROKE ALL PROMISES. The rage is not about the game mostly but about the developer having no integrity, no credibility. You cannot trust them to hold to anything as they're willing to drop a promise even if there's a whiff of a penny on the ground. Sure every company is like that but think about giving money to a company that has no regard to it's clientele they'll drop you if it suited them.
    Yes the official forums are a cesspit but guess who made them that way? We all didn't start as haters. PGI converted us to them and they know it. They've segmented the forums as much as possible, getting rid of general chat to hide all the issues. Don't believe me go visit them yourself.
    Play the game, it is F2P after all, but be very, very cautious in giving them money or supporting them. The next change could affect you. THEY DO NOT DESERVE IT.    … Expand
  78. Rusty_S
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    As a casual player who is running with the lowest specs possible at 30FPS, I thoroughly enjoy the game. Having been introduced to the universe since the days of MechWarrior 2 Mercenaries, I was overwhelmed to hear that MWO was coming to fruition 3 years ago. Although, I was wary that there was no single-player component, as my internet connection is rather slow, I found myself enjoyingAs a casual player who is running with the lowest specs possible at 30FPS, I thoroughly enjoy the game. Having been introduced to the universe since the days of MechWarrior 2 Mercenaries, I was overwhelmed to hear that MWO was coming to fruition 3 years ago. Although, I was wary that there was no single-player component, as my internet connection is rather slow, I found myself enjoying this new iteration.

    As of now, my current gripes are primarily for the major content releases such as UI 2.0, Community Warfare, game modes, and a lobby. These features will give the game more depth than what I and many other are use to considering we have been in the closed beta.

    However, while I await the coming of these features, what brings me back to the battlefield is the gameplay. I primarily play in public matches with random players and continue to drop for the intensity of battles. Battles are usually drawn out. Making that crucial shot disabling or downing an enemy mech is always rewarding. The ability to customize your mech keeps the player challenged and changes playstyle to keep everything interesting.    … Expand
  79. kna5041
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    Game is just garbage, no balance, filled with bugs, real money transaction adverts all over the place, games are shallow, client can't even go full screen unless in a match. Customising is basically a way to make your mech competitive and to do that you either need to grind out 30 games in a garbage class mech or pay. Game still freezes and crashes. This is below the cookie cutter gamesGame is just garbage, no balance, filled with bugs, real money transaction adverts all over the place, games are shallow, client can't even go full screen unless in a match. Customising is basically a way to make your mech competitive and to do that you either need to grind out 30 games in a garbage class mech or pay. Game still freezes and crashes. This is below the cookie cutter games and is a nice art style slapped sloppily on a game that seems to be designed by people with the most rudimentary of skills. If you are a fan of the series and blind enough to look past the the plethora of issues you might enjoy this game for a week or two. If you have played any other game before in your life, you are best off avoiding this shiny turd.… Expand
  80. soarra
    Sep 17, 2013
    5
    PGi has had trouble balancing this game since CB, with major adjustments instead of small tweaks.
    The game is lacking substance, all you have is team deathmatch with a square box for base capture.
    Many promised features have not been introduced yet, like community warfare, UI 2.0, lobbies, private matches. Most maps are rather boring, with some being way too small for 12v12. Game was a    PGi has had trouble balancing this game since CB, with major adjustments instead of small tweaks.
    The game is lacking substance, all you have is team deathmatch with a square box for base capture.
    Many promised features have not been introduced yet, like community warfare, UI 2.0, lobbies, private matches.
    Most maps are rather boring, with some being way too small for 12v12.
    Game was a lot more fun back in CB, since then PGI has stopped listening to their beta testers and added things that were not needed and wanted by its playerbase, like 3pv.
    Developers going back on their word on a few items like, 3PV and coolant flush.
    PGI's lack of communication is a major problem, unless you go digging through 4 different twitters, reddit and facebook, instead of posting on their forums.    … Expand
  81. ChihayaKisaragi
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    Well, I wanted to like Mechwarrior Online. Even with all the glaring issues, problems, bugs, passive aggressive developers, severe lack of modern features, I enjoyed it. But then they went and decided to make the game as punitive as possible for both NEW and EXISTING players by increasing the grind to ridiculous levels and trying to make you pay 60$ for a standard mech, THAT DOES NOTWell, I wanted to like Mechwarrior Online. Even with all the glaring issues, problems, bugs, passive aggressive developers, severe lack of modern features, I enjoyed it. But then they went and decided to make the game as punitive as possible for both NEW and EXISTING players by increasing the grind to ridiculous levels and trying to make you pay 60$ for a standard mech, THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE UPGRADES YOU WILL HAVE TO GRIND FOR FOR IT TO EVEN BE PLAYABLE AT ALL IN MATCHES. And that's PER MECH.

    Avoid Mechwarrior Online at all cost, what little fun there is is not worth the multitude and multitude of problems, trust me.

    Don't believe me? Try it yourself, it is f2p after all, but good luck, the game is extremely unfriendly toward new players and severely lacking in any sort of information or documentation to explain anything to you other than very basic controls, good luck figuring out what weapons are good and DHS, FF, Heat Eff, Double Basics, and a million other acronyms and systems names mean! And that's only if they don't arbitrary decide to change up everything on a whim based on year old feedback.

    Again, I wanted to love this game, I did, I still do, but it's all but a lost cause now that it's been "released" without as much as a single change in over a year other than more things to buy.

    Overall

    Pro's
    - Ok immersion, not great but better than any other mech game out today
    - Good sound effects for weapons, they really feel powerful
    - Great mech art and design, Alex Inglesias really modernized Battletech mechs beautifully
    - Combat is fun, when you can find it.
    - Lots of customization, both cosmetic and to the mechs themselves in terms of weapons

    Cons
    - Bugs, lots and lots of bugs
    - Horrible optimization (the game has actually gotten WORSE graphically since launch, don't believe me? Compare videos from 2012 to 2013 on youtube of this game and see for yourself)
    - Horrible game balance
    - Absolutely no documentation for new players
    - INACCURATE IN-GAME DESCRIPTIONS FOR ITEMS (HALF OF WHICH ARE NON-FUNCTIONAL PLACE HOLDERS, IN A RELEASED GAME!)
    - Terrible cash items that are of poor value (Premium time practically does nothing for 14$ a month, 7$ items that YOU CANT EVEN SEE BY DEFAULT UNLESS YOU EDIT THE GAMES FILES TO INCREASE YOUR HORRIBLE FOV)
    - Extremely unfriendly to new players in terms of default settings (you start off by default in a horrible camera view, with your mechs arms "locked" putting you at an extreme disadvantage, the game does NOT explain this to you as a new player)

    You know what? I could go on and on but I'm just going to stop there, it isn't worth my time bothering, avoid this game.    … Expand
  82. eta508
    Sep 17, 2013
    5
    If you're an old timer, who doesn't remember the beloved PC Mechwarrior Games? While this game has been in development for almost a year and a half, and taking people's money during that whole time in beta, it's borderline criminal the state the game is in and how the developers have consistently missed deadlines, overstated intentions, and straight gone back on their word they promised toIf you're an old timer, who doesn't remember the beloved PC Mechwarrior Games? While this game has been in development for almost a year and a half, and taking people's money during that whole time in beta, it's borderline criminal the state the game is in and how the developers have consistently missed deadlines, overstated intentions, and straight gone back on their word they promised to the community.

    However, the real problem lies in that they are completely out of their league and element in designing a well-rounded game. A big portion of online games is weapon balance. They have failed miserably time and time again by instituting bandaid solutions to the problem instead of fixing the issues directly. They are completely guessing at balance by the HUGE swings in nerf/buff in weapons that go on constantly. If they are not incompetent in their balancing decisions then the only other answer lies in them wanting to spend your hardearned CBills (or real money MechWarrior Credits) on constantly revising the loadouts your mechs use (armor+engine+weapons+heatsink mix).

    There is simply no future in this game and will be die within a year.

    HOWEVER, the good news is the game is actually FUN and SATISFYING on a superficial level. While the graphics aren't great, they're passable. While the team play function is hit or miss, there are GEMS of games that are amazing.

    You'll think this is a great and fun game for a few months, but after a while, it's literally the same game then as it was one year ago. Make no mistake, it's worth playing, and you'll enjoy yourself for a time, but don't drop so much money it thinking you'll be playing forever. Support them for the month or two you play and consider yourself lucky.    … Expand
  83. Axesci
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    The game lacks most features yet, but they are coming:D
    The game has kept me playing for over half a year.
    It is sadly released prematurely.
    Try it out, People. judge it for yourself and do not listen to these people, which wants the game to fail, just because they have a beef With the Developer/producer.
  84. molaram
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    This is a really fun game, with plenty of action, atmospheric graphics and environments (which will only get better with dx11), and a nice selection of mechs and weapons. My main concern at present is that there are not many maps at launch. There is a schedule of one new map every couple months, so this should gradually improve.

    Unfortunately: * gamers on forums in general seem to have    This is a really fun game, with plenty of action, atmospheric graphics and environments (which will only get better with dx11), and a nice selection of mechs and weapons. My main concern at present is that there are not many maps at launch. There is a schedule of one new map every couple months, so this should gradually improve.

    Unfortunately:
    * gamers on forums in general seem to have become an entitled, melodramatic, tedious bunch
    * this is a free to play to game (which means that it naturally has disparate communities of paying players and non-paying players, where often it is the non-paying players who put the most time and energy into the game, and it is hard for developers to balance the wishes of all while still making money)
    * the developers seem to be completely inept at marketing,communications and PR. Completely. Seriously. They are terrible at this. If they have a PR/comms person (i doubt they could) then they should immediately let them go and replace them.

    These three things together are the cause of the majority of low review scores. The kinds of issues I've seen as gripes for this game (e.g. people whining like jilted lovers about bad dev communication, alleged broken promises, 3pv, clan wars etc) are not insigificant, but definitely not primary concerns for enjoying the game. Sure the devs can get 0 out of 10 for PR, but the game itself does not honestly deserve any lower than a 7.

    Its a fun game to play now, the grind for non-paying players is definitely there (as it should be!!!!) but it is different and I think lesser compared to the gargantuan grind in a game like world of tanks (which I also really like).

    Anyone reading this, try the game out for free, trust me it is fun. Don't be afraid to be positive. The negative carping, whinging, over-entitled wailing that the gaming community is becoming infamous for should be ignored, because it detracts from everyone's experience. Just play the game and ignore the forums which are more heat than light.    … Expand
  85. KnightmareX13
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Its F2P and compared to other free to play games it is rather well balanced and has a growing player base that has the ear of the game developers. Content per patch is varied and sometimes is sparse but the game is very enjoyable.
  86. Toner
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    The game in it's current state is passable. There are no objectives, nothing more than drop in shoot at things for a bit and repeat. Until more meat is added, you'll play for a while and then get bored.
    That isn't why it scores so low.
    The reason for the pathetic score is the developers. They outright promised the gaming community certain features, and then when the community called    The game in it's current state is passable. There are no objectives, nothing more than drop in shoot at things for a bit and repeat. Until more meat is added, you'll play for a while and then get bored.
    That isn't why it scores so low.

    The reason for the pathetic score is the developers. They outright promised the gaming community certain features, and then when the community called them out for lying after the exact opposite of what was promised was put into the game the devs said it was the communities fault for ever having believed them in the first place.

    I will not be lied to, and then be told I am in the wrong for being upset about it.

    My advice is play for free for two weeks, then walk away and never come back. You'll get everything good, without any of the pain those of us who put lots of real money into it received for our support. I say this as an elite founder, the highest tier of closed beta supporter.    … Expand
  87. papermoonboy
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Really captures the Mechwarrior feel, gotta love them stompy-bots. I have been playing since closed beta and the game progress has been steady and overall the games direction has been really good. can't wait for Clan Warfare to drop!
  88. Ninjamoose234
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    This game is awesome. People here are whining about the developers rather than the game, and nine times out of ten are wrong as is. The game itself can get a little bit stale since it's two game modes, but the HUGE amount of mechs and playstyles can keep the game fresh for you. Granted it does have issues, but very few are with the game. The Developers though, they have some issues whichThis game is awesome. People here are whining about the developers rather than the game, and nine times out of ten are wrong as is. The game itself can get a little bit stale since it's two game modes, but the HUGE amount of mechs and playstyles can keep the game fresh for you. Granted it does have issues, but very few are with the game. The Developers though, they have some issues which can be addressed, like communicating with its community more clearly, and making balance changes less drastic, which actually hasn't been an issue with the last three patches.

    All in all, I think this is a great game, with some good but overloaded developers, that everyone should try for themselves.    … Expand
  89. DruelTheGamer
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    The game is great. I have been playing throughout the beta and have seen it grow. They are continuously adding new modes and new mechs. With the addition of the 3rd person view and 12 mechs per side, the game is a lot of fun to play. I am excited to see what is in store for its future. I would recommend it highly. It is free, so give it a try.
  90. kwelz
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    Game still needs a few tweaks to be sure. However an extremely fun game with ever expanding content. Most of the complaints I have seen are from people who don't like the Devs for one reason or another.
  91. MyCatTequila
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    Great Game, Still Work in progress (as with most F2P) so there is still more to come.

    This game is the future of the Battletech universe and will grow better with age
  92. SJRDoyle
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    The game is still not a finished product and needs work, but I enjoy playing it all the same and for now I'm happy to stick with PGI until they get it right. The balance of the game is in a better place than it has been for a while and although I think PGI sometimes over nerfs weapons, they do keep trying to fix things as they go. In an ideal world all the things PGI promised would be doneThe game is still not a finished product and needs work, but I enjoy playing it all the same and for now I'm happy to stick with PGI until they get it right. The balance of the game is in a better place than it has been for a while and although I think PGI sometimes over nerfs weapons, they do keep trying to fix things as they go. In an ideal world all the things PGI promised would be done faster and ready for launch but who really lives in an ideal world? More support for the competitive community would be nice but aside from that I think things are going as fast as can be expected for a company their size.… Expand
  93. Kielrandor
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    Hands down the BEST Mechwarrior title ever. The guys at PGI worked very hard to brung us not just any old Mechwarrior game. But struggled constantly to balance the mechanics of the canon Battletech system the game is based on, with the reality of a real time action packed title. It's not perfect. It is filled with flaws and imperfections. But like all great things, true beauty lies withinHands down the BEST Mechwarrior title ever. The guys at PGI worked very hard to brung us not just any old Mechwarrior game. But struggled constantly to balance the mechanics of the canon Battletech system the game is based on, with the reality of a real time action packed title. It's not perfect. It is filled with flaws and imperfections. But like all great things, true beauty lies within the flaws. In this case, the cracks are the power that will push PGI to continue to improve this title.

    And that will be why everyone who loves Mechwarrior, will love Mechwarrior Online. This game isn't finished yet. PGI has invited you to join them on the quest for perfection. As they continue to improve the gameplay, release new features, new content, new mechs, new maps, new gameplay modes more people will have the opportunity to play MWO and come to love it as much as PGI does.    … Expand
  94. ZsoSahal
    Sep 17, 2013
    1
    The original vision for this game as promised by the Dev's sounded amazing. I bought the founders pack, and felt good helping a new developer make a new Mechwarrior game for the first time in a decade. That was my mistake.

    Closed beta was fun, and some new quirks kept me interested for a while. Then I realized that I hadn't played the game in 6 months, and hadn't missed it in the    The original vision for this game as promised by the Dev's sounded amazing. I bought the founders pack, and felt good helping a new developer make a new Mechwarrior game for the first time in a decade. That was my mistake.

    Closed beta was fun, and some new quirks kept me interested for a while. Then I realized that I hadn't played the game in 6 months, and hadn't missed it in the least. That was my first warning sign.

    The gameplay gets stale quickly, and the customer support, specifically their knock off online billing system is abysmal. The new user experience is not, as some reviews have claimed, completely non-existent. It exists, and could be accurately compared to using a cheese grater to shave your b@lls.

    New content, in the form of new maps, generally high heat to tempt you to buy consumables with real money, comes at a piddling rate. New mechs generally appear every month, however actual balance of said mechs, and god forbid weapons, is glacially slow. When it does happen, balance is not the term for it, rather a scorched earth policy to nerf into oblivion.

    Finally, the community interaction is awful. Banhammer happy mods, devs and even the President of the company insult their core audience, and the list of broken promises and lies stretches for many, many pages on the forums.

    1/10, would not recommend. Stay away from this for another year and hopefully, once a few people are fired, the game can improve.    … Expand
  95. Montavious
    Sep 17, 2013
    0
    Bad and buggy game. And Ruther is right, they HEAVILY mod there forums so that you can not bash the game at all. Its pretty sad. Certain words you can not say, even non harassing words. This game was and is a big let down. Dont let these new people who just started today fool you. They promised us a lot of things and never came through. Even today, there was to be something about clan warsBad and buggy game. And Ruther is right, they HEAVILY mod there forums so that you can not bash the game at all. Its pretty sad. Certain words you can not say, even non harassing words. This game was and is a big let down. Dont let these new people who just started today fool you. They promised us a lot of things and never came through. Even today, there was to be something about clan wars released, lied to again.… Expand
  96. PsycoApocalipse
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    Personally I've been playing MWO since the beginning of open beta. Now as this is a "MMO" it is constantly updated so objectively this review is only valid of the state of the game at the "launch" date. Now, my first mech game was MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, since then I've been a fan of the Battle-tech (henceforth BT) universe and all it involves. Basically you get to pilot big stompyPersonally I've been playing MWO since the beginning of open beta. Now as this is a "MMO" it is constantly updated so objectively this review is only valid of the state of the game at the "launch" date. Now, my first mech game was MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, since then I've been a fan of the Battle-tech (henceforth BT) universe and all it involves. Basically you get to pilot big stompy robots with guns that shoot other big stompy robots with guns. It has a STEEP learning curve and I knock it a bit for that for people that do not know a thing about the BT universe. This is in the process of being rectified however by the developers so I won't take points off for it. All of the mechs are customizable with weapon, engine, armor, and modifications (structure, armor type and add ons). You can even paint your mechs with colors that available for CBills which is the in game currency, or buy premium colors for MC, all color purchases are one time and can be applied any time.

    There are four weight classes that range from light 25-35tons, medium 40-55t, heavy 60-75t and assault 80-100t. Each has specific characteristics in speed, armor and weapons they're able to carry but the hard-point system does not limit weapons by size or weight so theoretically you could mount the largest weapon on the smallest mech, not that its practical...

    There are three weapon types, energy, ballistic, and missile. Energy weapons come in three forms and each form has two or three types. You have small, medium and large sized lasers, each size also comes in a heavier weighing pulse variant which has a shorter duration, higher damage and higher heat generation. Some lasers have an ER (extended range) variant, clan tech will introduce more ER lasers but for now large is the only size that has ER versions. The third energy type is the PPC (particle projection cannon). This is basically the energy version of an auto cannon and it generates the most heat of any weapon. The standard PPC has a minimum range of 90 meters, inside that it does zero damage, the ER version has a longer range, no minimum range, but has the drawback of greatly increased heat.

    Ballistics come in the form of multiple sized cannons that fire ever slower as they go up in size and damage. You have the Machine Gun, AC/2, AC/5, UAC/5, AC/10, LBX-10 and AC/20. The AC 2, 5, 10 and 20 fire a single round that does the indicated amount of damage, small versions fire rounds extremely fast, larger ones pack a huge punch but have a long cool down. The UAC/5 has the ability to fire two shots in rapid succession with the drawback of a possibility to jam if the weapon hasn't fully cycled before the next shot is fired. The LBX-10 is a shotgun with an enhanced ability to do critical hits to internal components (read weapons and equipment) once the armor covering them is punched through. Machine guns do little damage but can tear apart internal components once the armor is stripped off.

    Last you have missiles in three flavors, Streak Short Range Missiles (SSRM), Short Range Missiles (SRM) and Long Range Missiles (LRM). Streak and Long range missiles both require a lock and the lock must be maintained from firing to impact for them to track to the target. THEY ARE NOT FIRE AND FORGET!! Streaks have a maximum range of 270 meters, long range have a MINIMUM range of 180 meters (below that they do no damage) and a maximum of 1000 (honestly 950 due to mechs moving around and the missiles tracking). SSRM come in one size only until clan tech is introduced, two missiles are fired per volley that track the target. SRM come in two, four and six, have a maximum range of 270 meters and are dumb fire, you point, shoot and hope they hit. LRM come in five, 10, 15 and 20 per volley.

    There are also modules that can add to the functionality of a mech and there are several with more on the way, too many for me to really go into so I'll leave them out since they're near the endgame so to speak of content.

    TL;DR

    I really like MWO, the developer and publisher need some self polish but for now I believe MWO is headed in the right direction. Time will tell however how it does in the long road.    … Expand
  97. potapal
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    Mechwarrior online isn't a game with a cash shop so much as a cash shop with a minimum-effort game attached. PGI-management becomes angered when they have to actually work and develop content it seems due to their allergy. They launched on 9/17 with massive censorship campaigns on their forums in what I imagine was an attempt to suppress game reviewers from browsing their forum in it'sMechwarrior online isn't a game with a cash shop so much as a cash shop with a minimum-effort game attached. PGI-management becomes angered when they have to actually work and develop content it seems due to their allergy. They launched on 9/17 with massive censorship campaigns on their forums in what I imagine was an attempt to suppress game reviewers from browsing their forum in it's honest state. It is completely possible to be banned from the game and lose all your real-money investments into MWO's content for posting a negative review on a website such as this or elsewhere IE reddit. That should tell you what kind of development mentality has gone into this game. It's aweful, they made a terrible attempt at intentionally imbalancing the meta-game for the past year by allowing certain weapons to be overpowered and selling special super-mechs that can use those weapons to maximum effect for the last year. This however lasted a year and alienated the playerbase. The mechwarrior-concept itself is amazingly solid and great, it's just dead from greed at this point. PGI isn't developing the game past the point of ever being a dry-bare-bones arena shooter and are already trying to port it onto xbox to.. and I quote... "get the call of duty audience" Yeah, spend your money and time elsewhere, let this brutalized victim of a franchise die with some dignity for what it once was. Incompetent developers that add more bugs than they fix with every patch, barely know the engine they code in, let alone knowing code at all, and a greedy cash-grab mentality around minimal effort and maximizing the amount of money people give them will really leave a sour taste in your mouth. Any strength the game has can be found in previous releases and in much stronger experiences for a significantly smaller investment of money and time. This is a dead boat.… Expand
  98. DrLemonsquare
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    The game play is great! Do not be discouraged by the negative reviews based on the developer. The game may be a little difficult to learn right out of the gate, but that makes it so much more rewarding when things start to make sense. The MechWaarrior Online community is what is bringing this great game down, not the developers or the actual game itself. Its free to play (not pay toThe game play is great! Do not be discouraged by the negative reviews based on the developer. The game may be a little difficult to learn right out of the gate, but that makes it so much more rewarding when things start to make sense. The MechWaarrior Online community is what is bringing this great game down, not the developers or the actual game itself. Its free to play (not pay to win) so come check it out for yourself!… Expand
  99. Zathabar
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    Been playing since about a year ago. A good fun shoot 'em up, but in my opinion has been released with too little content. If this was released now as a Beta it'd be great. As a final product it is mystifying.
    Game is well put together but is terrifically difficult to pick up if your new to the Genre. Will appeal to any fan of the Battle Tech IP and so all fans MUST try this out! But the    Been playing since about a year ago. A good fun shoot 'em up, but in my opinion has been released with too little content. If this was released now as a Beta it'd be great. As a final product it is mystifying.
    Game is well put together but is terrifically difficult to pick up if your new to the Genre. Will appeal to any fan of the Battle Tech IP and so all fans MUST try this out! But the whole feels very unfinished to me.

    The Mechs themselves are nicely detailed and in many ways feel like the big stompy robots they are, however a few visual glitches still exists. For example certain Mechs are disproportionately hard to hit under some circumstances while others notably the "starter" Mechs are too weak to compete with those that have received player customizations.

    The first 25 Matches grant a one off "Cadet Bonus" to the new players, which is great however the better and most efficient ways of spending this largess are not mentioned in game but have to be ferreted out of the Labyrinthine forums from helpful player generated threads. Official threads on the tutorials don't give the depth of info some of the home-brewed ones the ardent players have made.

    Overall worth a look especially as it is F2P but can be difficult to master. If the Developers come through with the promised features in a timely fashion it may even become great. But as of now? Play it, persevere with it but do NOT spend money on it unless you really have lots to spare!    … Expand
  100. Wolfsdragoon
    Sep 17, 2013
    3
    My main issue with PGI is the lack of credibility. Censorship of negative comments abound. Concerns are frequently ignored, even when backed by logical arguments and data. PGI routinely filters out what they do not want to hear, or spins things after the facts.
    As an Example: There was a vote about 3rd Person and 90% of people said they didnt want it like 3500+ people majority against    My main issue with PGI is the lack of credibility. Censorship of negative comments abound. Concerns are frequently ignored, even when backed by logical arguments and data. PGI routinely filters out what they do not want to hear, or spins things after the facts.
    As an Example: There was a vote about 3rd Person and 90% of people said they didnt want it like 3500+ people majority against and this was their response:

    'The analysis on those who voted, showed that the majority of votes came from a very narrow demographic of our player base. And while they represent some of core players, they did not necessarily represent the opinion of the general user base. The majority of our players never visit, post, or read the forum content, so the poll could be considered weighted in favour of a specific demographic.'

    They talk about this mythical 'silent majority' a lot when justifying decisions the players don't agree with.

    Balancing is frequently not based on precedence BattleTech and Mechwarrior) but on appeasing the lowest common denominator, mechanics are invented, and balancing based on nerfing whatever that lowest common denominator is upset about that day.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
96
#96 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. IGN Italia
    Sep 14, 2014
    85
    Nice gameplay and deep strategy for the latest incarnation of Mechwarrior. Too bad it lacks any kind of Single Player content.
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  2. PC Gamer
    Nov 4, 2013
    83
    Slightly overpriced, but a more than worthy successor to one of PC gaming’s greatest franchises that nails the important part: combat.
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  3. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 22, 2013
    65
    MechWarrior Online does a pretty good job in balancing out the gameplay and gives you lots of BattleMechs, weapons and items to buy, but it's got only two game modes and it's definitely not that fun.
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