MechWarrior 1 BattleMechs

MechWarrior is a mech-simulator developed by Dynamix in 1989. MechWarrior is based on FASA's BattleTech wargame.

In MechWarrior BattleMechs are represented by 2D diagrams and 3D flat-shaded graphics. Most impressively, the 3D mechs feature animated walk-cycles.

In assuming the role of Blazing Ace mercenary and MechWarrior, Gideon Braver, players pilot one mech in first-person perspective while also directing the general actions of up to three lancemates via a separate command screen.

Players undertake contract-missions the object which is to immobilize hostile mechs and capture or defend bases.

The eight mechs on offer vary in durability, mobility and firepower. Some mechs are fast but weak, some are hulking tanks and yet others come equipped with jumpjets that allow them to take to the skies, propel over battlefields and land on hilltops or base installations.

Mech armaments include laser, machine-gun, Particle Projection Cannon (PPC) and missile launcher (SRM, LRM).

The name and appearance of the mech is indicative of its combat role.

Locust
Jenner
Phoenix Hawk
Shadow Hawk
Rifleman
Warhammer
Marauder
BattleMaster

Rate of fire and jumpjet duration are governed by heatsinks: an in-cockpit heat meter indicates the build-up and dissipation of heat during battle. If the mech overheats its fusion reactor shuts down and the mech is immobilized (a sitting duck).

In addition to heat levels the mech cockpit displays a forward/reverse thrust meter, radar-map, topographical map, weapon status and locked-on target status.

Locational damage is indicated on the targeting display as well as in a separate damage screen display. Hits to the head or legs have logical consequences. Naturally, it is often more efficient to target mech heads and limbs rather than their heavily-armored torsos.

As can be seen in the middle screencap, mech sensors, gyros and actuators can be damaged (but repaired post-battle):

The real-time 3D viewport is overlaid by a HUD (heads-up display) that displays crosshairs and indicates the locked-on target with a bounding box. The HUD also features a compass that indicates heading and torso direction (rotation).

Helpful in identifying hostile mechs and bases from afar, the first-person viewport is zoomable by up to 3x magnification.

BattleMechs are bought, sold, repaired and reloaded at Mech Complexes that are located on the various planets of the Successor States. The cost and availability of mechs varies depending on planet-type; RNG factors heavily as well.

Players have five years to assemble a quality crew and acquire strong mechs for crewmen to pilot. Since mech-weight contributes to jumpship costs between planetary systems, it can be a good idea to hold off on unit purchases until significant plot-progression has been made (travel lightly).

MechWarrior plays similarly to MPS Labs' M1 Tank Platoon (1989), but of course the M1 simulation is much more complex and sophisticated.

MechWarrior supports AdLib or Roland audio, but only 16 color EGA or Tandy 1000 graphics (whereas M1 displayed in 256 color VGA in the same year).

That said, MechWarrior is still one of the most technically advanced computer games of the late 80s. And truth be told, I had a lot of fun revisiting MechWarrior in 2024.