MechWarrior 5: Clans ushers in a new era for the beloved MechWarrior series, placing players in the boots of a Clan Smoke Jaguar pilot at the height of the Clan Invasion. This latest installment offers a much more narrative-driven experience compared to previous entries, with significant attention paid to storytelling, environment, and character development. Built on the Unreal Engine, the game offers stunning visuals and a robust combat system, all while retaining the depth of customization and strategy that fans of the series expect. But is it worth your time? Let’s break down what makes MechWarrior 5: Clans stand out in both the MechWarrior universe and the broader world of tactical gaming.
A Story-Driven Adventure in the MechWarrior Universe
The standout feature of MechWarrior 5: Clans is its focus on narrative. Set during the infamous Clan Invasion, players take on the role of a newly graduated cadet from the Smoke Jaguar Clan. The campaign throws you into a series of missions where you lead a five-mech “Star” squad across various planets, each with its own unique terrain and environmental challenges. This story-driven approach is a welcome change for veterans of the series, delivering a structured narrative that keeps you invested in the broader lore of the MechWarrior universe.
The world feels more alive than ever before. Cinematic cutscenes and mission briefings are woven together with detailed environments and believable characters, drawing you into the personal and political stakes of the Clan Invasion. This level of storytelling, a bit linear but engaging, is a rarity in modern mech games, making MechWarrior 5: Clans a refreshing return to narrative-focused gameplay.
Immersive Combat and Tactical Depth
One of the game’s strongest points is its smooth, natural-feeling combat. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, MechWarrior 5: Clans nails the sensation of controlling massive war machines in large-scale battles. Each mech feels weighty, yet responsive, allowing for engaging tactical gameplay that rewards both quick thinking and long-term strategy. Players can choose between first-person cockpit view or a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective, providing flexibility based on personal preference.
Customization is at the heart of MechWarrior 5: Clans. The new MechLab system, combined with Hardpoints and OmniPods, offers a deeper level of mech customization than ever before. You can tailor your BattleMechs to suit your tactical preferences, whether that means outfitting a Viper with missile systems or loading up on laser weapons. This is a significant shift from previous entries, where customization felt limited and less adaptable to mission requirements. However, some veteran players might find the complexity of the new mech systems a bit overwhelming at first, especially if they’re used to simpler loadout configurations in older games.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears
Visually, MechWarrior 5: Clans is a treat. Leveraging the power of the Unreal Engine, the game delivers stunning landscapes, detailed destruction, and impressive mech designs. Each planet in the game feels distinct, ranging from icy tundras to desert wastelands, ensuring that no two battles look or feel alike. Mechs trample over terrain, leaving tracks, and buildings crumble under heavy fire, making each battle a visceral experience.
Complementing the game’s visuals is an outstanding sound design. The booming thunder of mech footfalls, the crackling of laser fire, and the explosive destruction of enemy machines all come together to create a fully immersive audio experience. The game’s soundtrack ramps up the tension during intense battles and provides a fitting backdrop to quieter moments of planning and strategy.
However, character designs fall into the “uncanny valley” at times, with strange proportions and facial animations that can break immersion during cutscenes. The voice acting, while mostly solid, suffers from inconsistent accents, which detracts from the otherwise strong presentation.
A Learning Curve with Some Rough Edges
While veterans of the series will feel right at home in the cockpit, newcomers may struggle with the game’s steep learning curve. The game doesn’t do a great job of guiding players through its more complex systems, especially when it comes to mech customization and repairs after battles. After a brief introduction, players are left to figure out many of the mechanics on their own, which can be frustrating for those unfamiliar with the series.
Performance issues also plague the experience, with framerate dips during intense firefights and an annoying “shake” during close-up character interactions. These technical hiccups detract from an otherwise polished game, and the lack of optimization may leave some players waiting for future patches.
A Game of Choices and Consequences
One of the game’s strengths is its moral and strategic decision-making. As you progress through the campaign, you’ll face tough choices that impact both your squad and the broader conflict. This is particularly rewarding for players who enjoy the narrative weight behind their actions. However, the game’s structured, on-the-rails narrative may leave some wishing for more freedom in how missions unfold.
A Clan-Based Experience Like No Other
What sets MechWarrior 5: Clans apart from its predecessor, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, is its focus on a specific faction. Rather than playing as a mercenary trying to make ends meet, you’re a proud member of Clan Smoke Jaguar with access to top-tier mech technology. This shift not only alters the gameplay but also immerses you deeper into the lore, with everything from mech customization to mission structure reflecting this change.
However, some long-time fans might miss the sense of scrappiness that came from salvaging parts and constantly upgrading your mech, a hallmark of previous games. Here, you have access to high-quality mechs right off the production line, which may feel less rewarding for those who loved the mercenary struggle.
Mech Combat Bliss (Pros)
- Narrative-Driven Gameplay: A refreshing return to story-driven missions with a compelling narrative.
- Smooth Combat: Natural, satisfying controls that reward tactical thinking.
- Immersive Customization: The new MechLab and OmniPod system allows for deep customization.
- Stunning Visuals and Sound: Beautiful environments, epic mech battles, and top-notch audio.
Needs Refinement (Cons)
- Steep Learning Curve: The game offers little guidance, especially for newcomers.
- Optimization Issues: Framerate drops and performance hiccups break immersion.
- Character Design: Strange, uncanny character models that feel out of place.
MechWarrior 5: Clans: MechWarrior 5: Clans is a must-play for any fan of the MechWarrior series, delivering a rich narrative and deep tactical gameplay. However, new players may struggle with the steep learning curve, and some technical issues hold the game back from perfection. – Obsidian