I have been anxiously waiting to see what will be the first Mech game for the next gen console – Xbox 360 and that time is nearly over with the soon to be released Chromehounds. The game has been delevloped by From Software and published by SEGA exclusively to the Xbox 360 and heralds a new era for Mech combat
‘Chromehounds’ attributes its name to the giant metal war machines called ‘Hounds’ that are used on the battlefield in a future war fought by three superpower nations, all of them wanting world domination. There are six different types of vehicles to choose from before you can fully customise them with a vast array of weaponry, armour, parts, skins and other delightful accessories, which can then be taken into battle either in first or third person perspectives. There is enough customisation here to ensure that it will be highly unlikely to ever see another gamer in an identical hound (unless of course, you built it). Each type of vehicle whether they are on treads, legs, wheels or hover have certain aspects that they excel in during battle and it would be wise to make sure that you are in a balanced team consisting of Scouts, Soldiers, Snipers, Defenders, Heavy Gunners and Tactics Commanders especially when playing multiplayer. There are even more parts to be unlocked via the offline missions which means that this section of the game is not just a formality but an essential part to how you play. An example would be if you want to be a Tactics Commander, you would need to customise your hound with a shed load of radar equipment whereas a Heavy Gunner speaks for itself. Each part you attach to your hound has its positive and negative attributes, for example a Lightweight Howitzer has a high HVG (Heavy Machine Gun) rating but a low SCT (Scout) rating plus I presume the heavier the item the slower your Hound will move.
Once you have created your Hound, it is time to take it out and see how much damage you can inflict upon your enemy and the environment. The game can be played in first and third person perspective with a fantastic display of power by the 360 when you are in first person view with a constant mini display in the corner showing you what is happening around you. (A bit like Ghost Recon Advance Warrior when looking thru another soldiers camera). From what I have seen so far from in-play screen shots and video, the maps look superb with a great deal of attention to detail and destructive scenery (which is a must for Mech games). The Hounds look bizarre but what do you expect if you are able to customise them to your specifications with every nut, bolt and gun emplacement defined.
Just like all Mech games, the life of the party can be found online. According to the press release, there will be a Persistent Online War Zone that means even when you are not logged on, the war will continue. You will also be able to build squads of up to 20 players, ideal for clans but will only be allowed up to six players to go head to head with an opposing clan. The usual collection of arcade game play such as Deathmatch should be available (but not confirmed).
In my opinion this game is shaping up to be a must have for all Mech Warriors out there and even if you are not, it’s about time you became one. Chromehounds is scheduled for release at the end of June 2006 in Japan and towards the middle of July for Europe and the US.
Preview By: Joe
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