The BattleTech universe on Xbox has somewhat faded into obscurity since the universally praised 2019 turn based tactical outing. However, there’s a promising shift on the horizon for budding MechWarriors out there, at least according to Xbox’s bigwig, Phil Spencer.
Speaking at the Tokyo Game Show, Phil Spencer, the man behind Xbox’s success, expressed his desire to bring back the MechAssault/MechWarrior IP, stating, “I always wanted us to go back and revisit MechAssault/MechWarrior space. There’s so much about that whole franchise that, in some way, was ahead of its time.”
However, in a classic Spencer move, he was quick to clarify that this isn’t a leak or an official announcement. So, while it’s not on Xbox’s immediate to-do list, it’s certainly on Spencer’s wish list – and ours, for that matter.
The MechAssault franchise is set in the BattleTech universe, which revolves around piloting large combat robots known as BattleMechs, or simply Mechs. These machines are heavily armed and armored, making them formidable opponents on the battlefield.
First released in 2002, MechAssault follows a group of MechWarriors from the Wolf’s Dragoons mercenary group as they embark on a mission to liberate the planet Helios from the control of the Word of Blake, a fanatical religious faction.
Players take on the role of a MechWarrior and engage in intense combat scenarios, battling against enemy Mechs, tanks, and other ground forces. The sequel, MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf, continues the story from the first game as players find themselves on the planet Dante, where they must confront a new threat posed by the Word of Blake.
The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to exit the Mech and battle on foot or hijack enemy vehicles. MechAssault games are known for their fast-paced action and destructible environments. Players can choose from a variety of Mechs, each with its own unique weapons and abilities.
MechAssault 2 also features multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other in team-based or free-for-all battles. Throughout the series, players can customize their Mechs, upgrading weapons and armor to suit their playstyle. MechAssault titles also offer a range of mission types, from straightforward combat scenarios to objective-based missions that require strategy and teamwork.
Spencer’s comments certainly come at an interesting time. Earlier this year, Russ Bullock, the president of Piranha Games, dropped a bombshell that a new MechWarrior title is in the works, revealing that it is going to be a single-player standalone game. However, Bullock emphasized that this would not be another online venture but a “single-player co-op type of pathway.”
While the MechAssault series is part of the broader MechWarrior franchise, which exists in the expansive BattleTech universe, the last MechAssault game was released way back in 2006. Since then, the IP has been LosTech, if you will.
Regardless, BattleTech titles still hold a special place in many gamers’ hearts, and considering the recent trend of remaking beloved titles like Silent Hill and Resident Evil 4, the prospect of a revival for MechAssault doesn’t appear entirely implausible.
In the meantime, if you got the itch to stomp around in BattleMechs, you can do so in MechWarrior Online, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries or BattleTech. Additionally, Mechwarrior 5: Clans was recently announced, making this a great time to be a BattleTech fan.
