Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. After playing this game you’ll understand exactly why, short of a crate of opium-laced Snickers bars, nothing is more satisfying than leveling city blocks by the dozen with a 50-ton robot.
  2. I cannot stress to how awesome this game is... It is just breath taking, and a great game to demonstrate the power of Microsoft's console, and their new online service.
  3. The main point of MechAssault is to blow sh*t up, straightforward. So everyone who is reading this please take my advice and go pick up this classic shooter.
  4. Official Xbox Magazine
    93
    Control deserves special mention, as it is especially top-notch. Despite the fast-paced nature of the game, it still feels like you're controlling a hulking, four-story robot. [Jan 2003, p.72]
  5. A work of art that surpasses any mech game that I've ever played despite the lack of customization options.
  6. 92
    An action fan's dream game...Every night I play MechAssault and every day I'm thinking about getting home so I can get in my mech again.
  7. Despite some gameplay options I felt were missing and a more expanded Live setup screen, MechAssault is a boatload, no pun intended to missile boat fans, of fun for both hardcore and casual mech fans.
  8. The controls of MechAssault are its biggest asset. I could not believe how responsive the controls are and how easy they are to master.
  9. Just pick up a copy of MechAssault, along with an Xbox Live starter kit, and the wonders of online gaming on the powerful Xbox await you.
  10. A great, easy to pick up action game that will feature numerous hours of play online.
  11. Unlike "Steel Batalion" which could take months to learn how to play, you can learn how to play MechAssault in just a matter of minutes.
  12. A beautiful, addictive, mechanised feast of destruction, ideally suited to online gamers both new and old.
  13. Delivers the best of what BattleTech's brand of giant robot combat has to offer in a highly accessible game that's especially fun when played against others online.
  14. 90
    A blitzkrieg of metal-mauling combat and strategy, purely for stick jockeys. It’s no sim, but it’s not simple either.
  15. It's a drastic departure from the "MechWarrior" games, but MechAssault works perfectly as a console homage to the rich BattleTech tradition.
  16. 90
    Its FPS-like controls and gameplay mean you'll take to it easily, and the slow-moving 'mechs and long reload times add satisfying tactical elements.
  17. Play Magazine
    90
    MechAssault delivers and looks absolutely brilliant doing it. [Dec 2002, p.75]
  18. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Considering how good this game is, you will get your money's worth regardless if you take in online or not.
  19. 89
    It's the online component of the game that places you down in front of your TV, and refuses to let you leave for days at a time.
  20. Game Informer
    88
    The damage modeling in this game is second to none. [Dec 2002, p.136]
  21. It's graphically superior, and you'll feel like you've lost a few pounds after some of the more rigorous battles.
  22. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    85
    In direct contrast to "Steel Battalion," MechAssault is flashy, fast, and instantly gratifying. [Jan 2003, p.198]
  23. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The controls are simple (just point and shoot), but the single-player carpet-bomb mentality is a bit much. [10 Jan 2003, p.77]
  24. What it lacks in depth and customization it pays back in spades with intense action sequences and a breathtaking level of destruction and interactivity.
  25. The control and missions revolve around simply blowing things up, but after the novelty of reducing everything to a cinder fades, what players are left with is an average shooter.
  26. 80
    Its only real flaw is that it becomes repetitious so quickly in multiplayer. Individual players' mileage may vary, but you can get just so much out of plain vanilla deathmatch before you crave something more.
  27. After a few minutes swaggering around with these mechanical monstrosities, players can’t help but be floored by the intense pyrotechnics and raw power found within this game.
  28. netjak
    76
    Fans of the MechWarrior universe might have the hardest time adjusting to MechAssault’s gameplay. It’s hard to give up complexity of control and the long-standing weapon roles just to allow newer players into the fold.
  29. Xbox Nation Magazine
    70
    It won't blow your mind, but it's a solid showcase for online console gaming. [Winter 2002, p.93]
  30. We’d like to have seen a lot more from this game in single player – not everyone wants to play multiplayer ALL the time and I think it’s important that the developers take note of this. Still, a stunningly addictive game in multiplayer.
  31. Other mech shooters like "Steel Battalion," "Phantom Crash," "Gun Metal" and even "Robotech" featured a new approach to the genre. Sadly, this isnít the case here. But if you're after some mindless action then this is the place to come.
  32. And the compelling nature of the online game is thanks to the same simplicity that makes the single-player game utterly forgettable. Simple to pick up and understand, the game mechanics allow the player to concentrate on the strategies of the various online games and immerse themselves in an action-based flow.

Awards & Rankings

14
5
#5 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002
8
#8 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2002
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 49
  2. Negative: 3 out of 49
  1. Jul 24, 2017
    9
    Very fun mech combat game. Love the music andVery fun mech combat game. Love the music and gunsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Full Review »
  2. IT.
    Jan 13, 2005
    7
    This game has a poor story line to it. however, the action makes up for it.
  3. LizardKing
    Dec 13, 2002
    10
    Awesome!!!!!