Considering that I've had this game since it's release and am
_still_ playing it, I thought I'd better let everyone know what a
totally awesome game this is.  When I bought it, the Babbage's guy said
that it was going pretty unnoticed, and we just can't have that, now can
we? :)  Here's a review:

GRAPHICS:  9/10:  Everything is pretty much pure joy for the eyes, from
the smoke trails enemies leave after exploding, to the _smallest_
details of moving your mech. In fact, I was sometimes (and still am, at
times,) so mesmerized by the mech itself, I got whupped by some baddies
for not paying attention!  It's really cool to see shoulder-mounted
weapons swing up realistically when you select them... For some larger
weapons, you even have to crouch down to use them, so you don't get
blown over!  Missiles leave trails of smoke, explosions are quite
impressive, (especially on the level where you destroy fuel tanks!)  and
you even make a wake in the water of the sewer levels.  Of course,
that's just part of it.  For example, one level has you hunting down
AC's in a tunnel/highway setup, and even the cars move!  If you don't
watch your step, it's "oops!" (squish!) :)  It would be impossible to
list all the ways in which the graphics shine, but there are a _few_
pockmarks that bring the rating down to a 9.  The main problem I have is
that when backed up against the wall, you usually end up seeing your own
back, and have no idea where you're shooting.  (Also encountered in Tomb
Raider)  You can easily move out of this position, but it's frustrating
when a boss shoves you into a corner and pummels you, without being able
to see where the heck he's at.  The other thing, which my friend pointed
out, is that most of the levels seem too enclosed.  Granted, AC has a
"society has been forced underground" theme, but I do see where he
means.  However, many other levels are outside, from an offshore oil rig
to a desert, so it really never gets tedious.

SOUND:  10/10:  Honestly, when I first played the game, I didn't really
listen much to the sounds.  (I was too busy trying to keep from getting
killed. :)  On second listen though, I found everything to be really
well done.  Even the grating sound of doors opening lend to the
atmosphere, but I especially like the disembodied voice towards the end
of the game.  It's "resistance is futile" statement makes me want to
blow the crap outta any borg-like AC's I encounter. :)  From the
whooshing of rockets to the clanging of alarms, (which really make you
get moving, by the way,) the sounds are top notch.

GAMEPLAY/CONTROL:  9/10:  When I died twice in the first, (and only)
training mission, I figured that the controls were going to be _way_
hard to figure out.  However, after about 1/2 hour of play, I was
tearing through mech's like a pro.  A MAJOR plus to the gameplay is the
ability to totally alter your mech.  You want legs?  We're talkin'
humanoid, chicken-like, crab-like, and even tank treads. (The only
things that can hold an _extreme_ loadout)  And of course, there are
several variations on each style.  I can see I'll be playing for a long
time to come, just trying to get all the parts.  Yes, greed is good. :)

Overall, I'd have to say that this is the best mech game ever made.
I've played Mechwarrior 1&2 to death, along with Earthsiege 1&2, and
this totally blows them away.  No longer do you have slow, lumbering
beasts that have to attack from a distance-- feel free to build a speedy
little mech that can zip in with it's boosters and do some hand-to-hand
with your sword!

FINAL SCORE:  9.3/10