MechWarrior 3

MechWarrior 3
Developer(s)	Zipper Interactive
Publisher(s)	Microprose
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows
Release date(s)	1999
Genre(s)	Shooter, Simulation
Mode(s)	Single player, Multiplayer
Rating(s)	RSAC: V1: Damage to Realistic Objects
Media/distribution	CD-ROM
System requirements Min System: Windows 95/98 Pentium 166 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 2X CD-ROM drive, Graphics 640x480x16 color - 2 MB Video RAM, Hard drive 240 MB free, Sound card Direct-X compatible Recommended System: Windows 95/98 Pentium +200 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM drive, Graphics 1024x768x16 color - Direct3D Accelerator, Hard drive 390 MB free, Sound card Direct-X Multiplayer Option: Modem Windows-compatible 28.8 k modem or faster, LAN with IPX or TCP/IP (Internet play requires TCP/IP)

MechWarrior 3 is an entry in the MechWarrior series. It featured a new 3D accelerated graphics engine at the time of its release. The game contains over 20 missions, with access to 18 different mechs.

Plot

The story opens with a short briefing of the Inner Sphere's Operation: Bulldog, a daring plan to eliminate the most hostile and vicious clan in the Inner Sphere: Clan Smoke Jaguar, led by Anastasius Focht and Victor Steiner-Davion. Operation Bulldog and Task Force Serpent have already completed their objectives, but there is one last operation left—the one with which the player is tasked—a final clean-up of the Smoke Jaguar forces remaining in the Inner Sphere, and the elimination of the last ranking Jaguar officer. This mission (codename: Damocles) is to destroy key Smoke Jaguar installations on the planet Tranquil, including a mech factory, a starport, a geothermal power plant, and finally to eliminate the Smoke Jaguar forces and leadership on the planet.

Two dropships are deployed to release the BattleMech force to destroy these installations. However, while in orbit above Tranquil, a dropship is attacked by massive naval laser fire. The Blackhammer is shot down and the remaining dropship, the Eclipse, retreats to safety. The player was already deployed from the dropship, which had been slightly off target before it was destroyed. The Mobile Field Bases (MFB), which were deployed at the same time as the player, land on target. The player's first mission is to rendezvous with the MFBs and secure the area from hostile forces.

Less than half of the total Mechs are deployed, with the rest either shot down during the drop or still onboard the Eclipse. Despite this setback, the player must continue with his objectives and hope to link up with the forces that survived, and eventually secure a landing zone so the dropship can return to evacuate them.

Gameplay

Mechwarrior 3 is first-person mecha simulation game, with the player piloting a Mech in each mission. Mechs are armored and fitted with various projectile and energy weapons, and engage in combat with other Mechs as well as traditional military vehicles such as tanks and helicopters, and occasional weapon emplacements. During combat, a Mech's weapons and critical components can be damaged, and it is even possible for entire limbs to be blown off a Mech.

Mech customization is a major aspect of gameplay. The player has near total control over the configuration of each of his or her Mechs, from the type and amount of armor used to various internal components, and all of the Mech's weaponry and ammunition. In the campaign, additional parts, weapons, and ammunition are acquired through the missions, from captured supplies and salvaged enemy Mechs.

In the campaign, the player controls up to three squadmates, with the ability to issue basic orders such as attack, move, and return to the Mobile Field Bases (MFBs) for repairs.

The Mobile Field Bases are a unique feature not seen in any other Mechwarrior game. The player starts the game with three MFBs, although these can be destroyed. The MFBs travel with the player throughout the missions, advancing when ordered to by the player. They carry all the player's supplies (which means there is a weight limit to the amount of supplies the player can keep). The MFBs can provide field repair and resupply, provided they are carrying suffient armor and ammunition. As Mechs do not have shields and are only protected by armor which is damaged in combat, the MFBs can become crucial in enabling the player to complete a mission.

Pirate's Moon (expansion pack)

In-game screenshot of Mechwarrior 3 with a 'Puma' Light Mech and a 'Thor' Heavy Mech

MechWarrior 3: Pirate's Moon is the only expansion pack for MechWarrior 3, with an all new storyline and 20 new missions, plus six new mech, brand new terrains, and a number of weapons. The player can select either Campaign Missions or Pirate Missions which contain respective stories.

Campaign

The Lance Leader from MechWarrior 3 is now given an official name known as 'Lieutenant Connor Sinclair' and returns as main protagonist of the campaign missions. Sinclair is assigned to protect the Federated Suns' control over the planet Vale and its resources against New Belt Pirates led by Susie Ryan. During the confrontation, Sinclair and his lancemates encounter overwhelming pirate forces unexpectedly and explore for the further plot to be unveiled.

Pirate Missions

The player controls 'Scourge', the New Belt Pirate working for Susie Ryan as the forces attempt to attack the Federated Suns' defense and claim control over the resources on Vale.

References

External links

• MechWarrior 3 at GameRankings
• MechWarrior 3: Pirate's Moon at GameRankings