Software:MechAssault

From HandWiki

MechAssault is a 2002 video game released for the Xbox. Developed by Day 1 Studios and FASA Studio and published by Microsoft, MechAssault was initiated when Denny Thorley of Day 1 Studios approached Jon Kimmich of Microsoft about developing an original BattleTech game built from the ground up to support console play.[1] notable for being one of the first games to support Xbox Live online multiplayer. A sequel, Software:MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf, was released on December 28, 2004. Both games are set in the BattleTech fictional universe.

Plot

MechAssault takes place in the BattleTech universe, a science-fiction universe that often revolves around pitched battles between human-piloted walking, heavily armed and armored machines, called BattleMechs. The plot of the game centers on an inhabited planet called Helios in the dominion of the Inner Sphere, a powerful coalition of feuding factions in control of large areas of space. The player is a BattleMech pilot (referred to throughout the game as simply "Captain" or, "MechWarrior") in the employment of an elite mercenary organization called Wolf's Dragoons. The player's ship is hired to investigate the cessation of communications from the planet Helios. The Dragoons' ship, the Icarus arrives at the planet and is shot down upon entering the atmosphere, causing the ship to crash-land on the surface of Helios. It is later discovered by the player that a rogue technology-worshipping cult known as the Word of Blake has invaded and conquered Helios, and is under the rule of an iron-fisted fanatic called Commander Strader. The game follows the player as, commanded by elite officer Major Natalia and assisted by inept techie Lieutenant Foster, they fight the military forces of the cult, assist in the liberation of the planet from Word of Blake rule, and assassinate Commander Strader.

Multiplayer

MechAssault was one of the first games on the Xbox to feature the ability to be played on the Xbox Live service. "MechAssault" included many of the basic Live services that are now considered standard on any Live-enabled video game. These features included options for finding and creating online matches, such as the common "Quick Match", which enables a player to find an online match quickly regardless of qualifications. For players who wanted to join a specific type of online session of MechAssault hosted by another player, "Optimatch" allowed the player to specify the criteria for the session they want to join. The player could also create and host an online session of MechAssault. Once the player defined all the characteristics of a game, they could invite other players from their friends list or leave slots open for any online player to join the battle. Online modes were available via Xbox Live until April 15, 2010. Mechassault is now playable online again on the replacement Xbox Live servers called Insignia.[2][3]

MechAssault had several modes of combat in which players could engage, often based around by-now-common forms of online competitive gaming. In Grinder mode (local play only), the player tries to survive as more and more 'Mechs are spawned into the battle. This mode can be played with one or two players. In Destruction mode, the player can choose a 'Mech and fight to the death in deathmatch or team deathmatch. The player or team with the most kills wins. Last Man Standing is a free-for-all with no respawning as a mech. Once a player dies, they respawn as an unarmed infantryman. Gameplay can be either deathmatch or team deathmatch. Capture the flag is a team based game where the opposing team spawn on opposite ends of the map and try to "Capture" the enemy flag without giving up their own.

A fairly common metagame during the height of online popularity was known as "Elemental". A Last Man Standing match, "Elemental" saw only one player choose a Mech while all others chose the Elemental mobile armor, a much smaller and weaker playable class. This was decided by players in voice chat prior to the start of the game. It was later released as an official game type known as "Giant Killers".

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic87/100[4]
Review scores
PublicationScore
AllGameStarStarStarStar[5]
Edge(XBL) 5/10[6]
4/10[7]
EGM8.5/10[8][lower-alpha 1]
Eurogamer9/10[10]
Famitsu28/40[11]
Game Informer8.75/10[12]
GameRevolutionB+[13]
GameSpot9/10[14]
GameSpyStarStarStarStar[15]
GameZone9.6/10[16]
IGN9.2/10[17]
OXM (US)9.3/10[18]
X-PlayStarStarStarStar[19]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[20]
MaximStarStarStarStarStar[21]

The game received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[4] Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot said, "If you're going to buy one game with your Xbox Live starter kit, MechAssault is the one to get."[14] In Japan, where the game was ported for release on June 12, 2003, Famitsu gave it a score of all four sevens for a total of 28 out of 40.[11] GamePro called it "a blitzkrieg of metal-mauling combat and strategy, purely for stick jockeys. It's no sim, but it's not simple either."[22][lower-alpha 2]

GameSpot named it the best Xbox game of November 2002,[23] and later presented it with the annual awards for "Best Online Game on Xbox",[24] "Best Shooter on Xbox",[25] and overall "Game of the Year on Xbox".[26] It was a runner-up in the publication's "Best Sound" and "Best Graphics (Technical)" categories.[27][28] The game won the awards for "Best Online Xbox Game" and "Best Online Console Game" at The Electric Playground's 2002 Blister Awards, and was nominated for "Best Graphics in a Console Game", "Best Console Shooter" and "Xbox Game of the Year", but lost to Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Graphics, Xbox Game of the Year) and Metroid Prime, respectively.[29][30][31]

By July 2006, the game had sold 750,000 units and earned $26 million in the U.S. NextGen ranked it as the 85th highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube between October 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of the MechAssault series reached 1.1 million units.[32]

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game each a score of 9/10, 8/10, and 8.5/10.
  2. ↑ GamePro gave the game 5/5 for graphics, two 4.5/5 scores for sound and fun factor, and 4/5 for control.

References

  1. ↑ Goldstein, Hilary (October 21, 2002). "MechAssaultin': The Interview". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/21/mechassaultin-the-interview. 
  2. ↑ "MechAssault". https://insignia.live/games/4d530017. 
  3. ↑ Gilbert, Fraser (November 16, 2023). "Xbox Live 1.0 Replacement 'Insignia' Now Supports 150 Games". Hookshot Media. https://www.purexbox.com/news/2023/11/xbox-live-1-0-replacement-insignia-now-supports-150-games. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "MechAssault". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/mechassault/. 
  5. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "MechAssault - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=38622&tab=review. 
  6. ↑ Edge staff (February 2003). "MechAssault (Xbox Live)". Edge (Future Publishing) (120). 
  7. ↑ Edge staff (Christmas 2002). "MechAssault". Edge (Future Publishing) (118). 
  8. ↑ EGM staff (January 2003). "MechAssault". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (162): 198. http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,4364,1488351,00.asp. Retrieved February 3, 2022. 
  9. ↑ MacIsaac, Jason (November 18, 2002). "MechAssault". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=10061&full=1. 
  10. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (November 22, 2002). MechAssault. Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-mechassault-x. Retrieved February 23, 2025. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "メックアサルト" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1993&redirect=no. Retrieved February 23, 2025. 
  12. ↑ Brogger, Kristian (December 2002). "MechAssault". Game Informer (GameStop) (116): 136. https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-116-december-2002/page/136/mode/2up. Retrieved February 23, 2025. 
  13. ↑ Sanders, Shawn (November 2002). "MechAssault Review". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/34297-mechassault-review. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Gerstmann, Jeff (November 8, 2002). "MechAssault Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mechassault-review/1900-2897126/. 
  15. ↑ Hodgson, David (November 8, 2002). "GameSpy: MechAssault". IGN Entertainment. http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/mechassault/542471p1.html. 
  16. ↑ Knutson, Michael (November 18, 2002). "MechAssault - XB - Review". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/mechassault_xb_review/. 
  17. ↑ Goldstein, Hilary (November 6, 2002). "MechAssault". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/06/mechassault. 
  18. ↑ "MechAssault". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US): 72. January 2003. 
  19. ↑ Keil, Matt (November 29, 2002). "'MechAssault' (Xbox) Review". TechTV. http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0%2C24330%2C3409396%2C00.html. 
  20. ↑ Keighley, Geoff (January 10, 2003). "Mechassault [sic"]. Entertainment Weekly (Time Inc.) (690): 77. https://ew.com/article/2003/01/10/mechassault/. Retrieved February 23, 2025. 
  21. ↑ Boyce, Ryan (November 13, 2002). "MechAssault". Maxim (MaximNet, Inc.). http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_4386.html. Retrieved February 3, 2022. 
  22. ↑ Atomic Dawg (January 2003). "MechAssault". GamePro (IDG) (172): 122. https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e3/GamePro_US_172.pdf. Retrieved February 23, 2025. 
  23. ↑ GameSpot staff (December 7, 2002). "GameSpot's Game of the Month, November 2002 (Xbox)". CNET. http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/120702/p3_01.html. 
  24. ↑ GameSpot staff (2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 (Best Online Game on Xbox)". CNET. http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/xbox6.html. 
  25. ↑ GameSpot staff (2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 (Best Shooter on Xbox)". CNET. http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/xbox11.html. 
  26. ↑ GameSpot staff (2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 (Game of the Year on Xbox)". CNET. http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/xbox25.html. 
  27. ↑ GameSpot staff (2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 (Best Sound on Xbox)". CNET. http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/xbox2.html. 
  28. ↑ GameSpot staff (2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 (Best Graphics (Technical) on Xbox)". CNET. http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/xbox4.html. 
  29. ↑ EP staff (2003). "Blister Awards 2002 (Console Awards)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=10626&page=4. 
  30. ↑ EP staff (2003). "Blister Awards 2002 (More Console Awards)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=10626&page=5. 
  31. ↑ EP staff (2003). "Blister Awards 2002 (Even More Console Awards)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=10626&page=6. 
  32. ↑ Campbell, Colin; Keiser, Joe (July 29, 2006). "Top 100 Games of the 21st Century". NextGen (Future US). http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1. 
  • Official website (archived)
  • MechAssault at FASA Studio (archived)
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



Template:Wargaming Chicago-Baltimore

Warning: Default sort key "Mechassault" overrides earlier default sort key "Mobygames".



Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software:MechAssault&oldid=3966200"