MECHWARRIOR 2 (PSX)
Type: Mech warfare
Developer: Quantum Factory
Publisher:  Activision
Number of players: 1
Rating: K-A (realistic violence)

Mechwarrior 2 (MW2) is a descendant of FASA's incredibly popular Battletech
boardgame series.  Battletech fanatics were thrilled when the boardgame made
its way to the PC.  A series of PC games followed and the rest is history.
Finally and thankfully MW2 has made its way to the Playstation.  So how does
the PSX version stack up against the PC version?  Read on and you will be
pleasantly surprised.

MW2 has 4 play options: Instant Action, Training, Clan Wolf and Clan
Jade-Falcon.

The recommended starting point for MW2 is the Training option.  There are 6
Training missions which prepare you for the carnage that awaits in the
Campaigns and Instant Action.  Just about everything you need to know is
covered i.e. Mech piloting, using weapons, inspection etc.  If you're used to
getting yelled at by a parent, teacher or boss then you'll feel right at home
with your instructor in the Training missions.

Instant Action has 12 different and unique planets for some fast paced
action.  There are 12 Mech chassis available starting with the lightweight
Firemoth up to the heavyweight and awesome Dire Wolf.  There's also several
weapons variants available for each Mech.  After you select your Mech and
weapons variant the weapons can be configured in groups.  You can mix and
match missile systems and energy weapons.  If you put too many energy weapons
in one group your Mech will overheat and shutdown during combat.  Not a good
thing.

Clan Wolf includes 3 campaigns: Trial of Refusal (16 missions), Wolf's Dragon
(4 missions) and Freebirth Trials (4 missions).  The Wolf's Dragon and
Freebirth Trials are BONUS mini-campaigns created exclusively for the MW2 PSX
version.

Clan Jade-Falcon also has 3 campaigns: Trial of Refusal (16 missions),
Crusader Trials (4 missions) and Inner Sphere Trials (4 missions).  The
Crusader Trials and Inner Sphere Trials are also BONUS mini-campaigns created
exclusively for the MW2 PSX version.

Gameplay is conducted strictly from inside your Mech.  The Heads-Up-Display
has the following displays: radar, weapons, targeting, heat tracking
indicator, damage, forward/reverse throttle gauge, targeting reticle, target
bracket and a mission objectives reminder.  The damage to your Mech and the
enemy Mech is shown in 4 different colors depending on the amount of damage
inflicted.  Hint: Black is NOT a good color for your Mech.

Missions vary with objectives such as attack, defend or even inspection.
 This is not a shoot-em-up bloodfest.  Some missions have a weight
restriction which limits the Mech you can select for that mission.  Selecting
a Mech with Jump Jets (when available) can help prolong your life.

The Options screen includes 8 different controller configurations.  These
range from simple to complex.  Carefully study the different configurations
before making a selection.  The simpler configurations are not always the
best for several reasons.  For example, Configuration #1 and #6 do not allow
you to turn your torso.  Turning your torso or turret, allows you to move in
one direction while firing at enemies to the side.  If you want to progress
from the rank of Mechwarrior to Khan you better learn how to twist your torso
when engaged in combat.

MW2 claims it's "Analog Joystick Compatible".  However, the manual informs
you, "When using an analog controller, if the switch on the controller is set
to Analog, the buttons will NOT map correctly to the Control Setup in the
Game Options screen."  Translation, the joystick must be set to digital and
used in a controller mode.  Real bummer!  The analog joystick does however
make Mech handling a little easier but has no major advantages over the
standard controller.

Even with the difficulty level set to "Easy" this ain't no walk in the park.
 There are 8 different Power-Ups which can help when you're swarmed by enemy
Mechs.  These include the standard fare of reloads and health but there's
also a very useful Stealth Power-Up.  This allows you to become invisible for
a limited time.  Don't you wish this was available in real-life?

If you're under the impression that MW2 for the PSX is strictly an arcade
game - you are WRONG.  This is a challenging game that requires strategy and
good Mech piloting skills.

How are the graphics?  Very very good!  Especially when compared to the PC
version.  PC snobs might argue the computer graphics are better and they
would be partially correct.  That is, if you own a $3,000 Pentium 150 or
better with all the latest gizmos.  At 20 times the cost of a $149 PSX the PC
graphics darn well oughta be better!  If however, you played MW2 on the
average PC with the resolution cranked up, the frame rate would look like a
slide show.  In comparison, the PSX frame rate was smooth and graphics
beautifully rendered.  The animated cinematics are a visual treat.

The sound is everything you'd expect or want in an action packed game.  The
voices are clear and easy to understand. Your Mech's on-board computer has a
sexy female voice that tells you when targets are locked, warns you of
danger, mission failure and more.  The music is enjoyable and compliments the
31st century setting.

Bottom Line:  One of the BEST robot games ever released for the PSX.
Exciting and addictive action.  Outstanding fun.  A classic!  If you don't
have MW2 for PSX, why not?

Password:  Yes

Memory Card:  1 Block

Supports:  Analog Joystick Compatible (?)

Graphics:  88

Sound:  90

Learning Curve:  Becoming a Master Mech pilot takes practice, practice,
practice!

Difficulty:  Deadly if you select "Hard".

Controller Options:  8

Manual:  Very Good.  Includes weapons data and Mech specs.

Replay Value:  Extremely High.

Codes:  CRUISE CONTROL:  Go to the password screen and enter  #AXO/A4TTA  
            There are 10 other codes including INVINCIBILITY and UNLIMITED
AMMO
            Check this site often for additional codes.

FINAL SCORE:  A "solid" 90


=*=A Voltranic Syndicated Review=*=