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{{distinguish|text=the sequel of MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, ]}}
{{Unreferenced|date=February 2009}}
{{Short description|2002 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries
| image = mwmercsbox.jpg
| developer = ]
]<br>Studio MekTek
| publisher = ]<br>Studio MekTek
| producer = Jon Clark
| designer = David Fifield
| programmer = Chris Tohline
| artist = Seth Spaulding<br>Heinz Schuller
| composer = Heinz Schuller<br>Mark Duncan
| engine =
| series = '']''
| platforms = ]
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|November 8, 2002<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-11-08 |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Invades Stores |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/08/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries-invades-stores |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>|EU|November 15, 2002<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-11-15 |title=What's New? |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46991 |access-date=2023-05-22 |archive-date=2023-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325011730/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46991 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ], ]
}}


'''''MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries''''' is a ] ] for ], released in 2002. It is a ] of '']'', based on the '']/]'' game universe.<ref>{{cite web |title=MechWarrior To Be Distributed Free On BattleTech.com |url=http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2009/07/09/mechwarrior-to-be-distributed-free-on-battletech-com/ |publisher=Battletech |date=July 9, 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224032634/http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2009/07/09/mechwarrior-to-be-distributed-free-on-battletech-com/ |archivedate=February 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jeff Haynes |date=July 9, 2009 |title=MechWarrior 4 To Be Re-Released |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/09/mechwarrior-4-to-be-re-released |website=] |accessdate=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511155024/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/09/mechwarrior-4-to-be-re-released |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Free MW4 "Very Shortly" |url=http://www.bluesnews.com/s/101913/free-mw4-very-shortly |publisher=Blue's News |date=September 4, 2009 |accessdate=June 7, 2011 |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610163850/http://www.bluesnews.com/s/101913/free-mw4-very-shortly |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was developed by ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mechwarrior 4: MERCENARIES |url=http://www.cyberlore.com/mw4mercs/mw4mercs.html |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=www.cyberlore.com}}</ref> in tandem with ]. This studio would also be responsible for MechWarrior 4's previous expansion, ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mechwarrior 4 Expansion: Black Knight |url=http://www.cyberlore.com/mw4x.html |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=www.cyberlore.com}}</ref> - as well as both the ''InnerSphere'' and ''Clan'' Mech Packs.
{{Infobox VG
|title = Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries
|image = ]
|developer = ]
|publisher = ] (])
|engine = Mechwarrior 4
|version = 3.0
|released = November 7, 2002 (US)<br/>November 15, 2002 (EU)
|genre = ]
|modes = ], ]
|ratings = ]: Teen (13+)<br />]: 12+<br />]: 11+<br />]: M15+
|platforms = ]
|media = 2 ]s
|requirements = 700 ] ], 128 ] ], 16 MB ] RAM, 8X CD-ROM drive, ] 8.1, 1.0 ] available ] space, ] ] ] ] works but is not supported.
|input = ], ], or ]
}}


''Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries'' and ''Clan and Inner Sphere'' expansions were re-released for free. By April 22, 2010 Microsoft had cleared its free release<ref>{{cite web |author=Richard Mitchell |date=April 22, 2010 |title=Mechwarrior 4 free release cleared by Microsoft |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/mechwarrior-4-free-release-cleared-by-microsoft/ |publisher=] (]) |accessdate=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=November 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102075841/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/mechwarrior-4-free-release-cleared-by-microsoft/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and on April 30, ''MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries'' was released to the general public by MekTek as a free download.<ref>{{cite web |author=Vince McMullin |date=April 30, 2010|title=Mechwarrior4 Free, the long awaited moment |url=http://www.mektekdev.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=101&Itemid=91 |publisher=Studio MekTek |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714070216/http://www.mektekdev.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=101&Itemid=91 |archivedate=July 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 30, 2017}}</ref> However, due to the massive influx of 100,000 downloads and web site accesses, MekTek.net and related services crashed.<ref>{{cite web |title=MechWarrior Is Back! |url=http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2010/05/01/mechwarrior-is-back/ |publisher=Battletech |date=May 1, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224044305/http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2010/05/01/mechwarrior-is-back/ |archivedate=February 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 30, 2017}}</ref> MekTek recovered the MekMatch match making service on May 1 and the forum was restored the next day.<ref>{{cite web |title=Battletech Free Update |url=http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2010/05/01/mechwarrior-4-free-update/ |publisher=Battletech |date=May 1, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426040336/http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2010/05/01/mechwarrior-4-free-update/ |archivedate=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 30, 2017}}</ref>
'''''Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries''''' is a ] ] for the ] released in 2002. It is a standalone expansion of '']'', based on the '']'' '']'' game universe.

In the following years, ''MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries'' was no longer available free. MekTek expressed their intent to move away from the ''BattleTech'' franchise,<ref name="MekTekForums">{{cite web |title=Before posting on MechWarrior4 |url=http://www.mektek.net/forums/topic/208502-before-posting-on-mechwarrior4/ |publisher=Studio MekTek |date=January 22, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027154119/http://www.mektek.net/forums/topic/208502-before-posting-on-mechwarrior4/ |archivedate=October 27, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and a new group interested in maintaining free versions appeared but encountered difficulties securing permission to continue offering the game as a free download.<ref name="MekTekForums"/>


==Plot== ==Plot==
In the game, the player takes the role of Spectre, a mercenary ] pilot travelling inside the fictional interstellar region of the ''BattleTech'' universe called the Inner Sphere during the FedCom Civil War (specifically during the time period from January 1, 3066 to late July 3067).


The player's mercenary company initially takes on localized threats in certain planets far from the civil war. As the player's team takes on more missions, the assignments get tougher; at one point, Spectre may challenge a Jade Falcon group led by Aisa Thastus, The Star Colonel, to a duel. Aisa Thastus will join the player's team as a bondsman if the Falcons are defeated in this mission. It is a beach-side battle that pits eight of Spectre's best against ten of hers. That mission can be substituted for a mission to attack the Falcons in a sneak attack where the battle is just as difficult. This direction leads to the death of Aisa instead of her joining the team.
In the game, the player takes the role of Spectre, a male mercenary ] pilot travelling inside the fictional interstellar region of the ] universe called the Chaos March during the ] (specifically during the time period from January 1, 3066 to late July 3067). The player makes a living earning cash and useful salvage from completing mission contracts for various factions. With these resources, the player can purchase new weapons and BattleMechs, pay for 'Mech repairs, and hire additional MechWarriors for his or her company.


Depending on how the player handled allegiance between House Steiner and House Davion, they would end up with one of two mission paths, with three different endings.
The player has some control over which missions to accept and in what order. In addition, how each mission is performed has an impact on the timeline. For example, killing civilians and neutral targets results in infamy points, which in high numbers can limit the player to brutal and "unethical" missions. Competing in the various Solaris tournaments (a ]-styled combat arena sport) can boost the player's reputation and increase the likelihood of gaining various mission contracts. Also, the player must choose how to balance his or her allegiance to the different sides of the war (Steiner vs. Davion). This is important as allegiance will eventually affect available contracts and even influence the ending of the game.


'''Davion Ending:''' Spectre and three lancemates must run a gauntlet of multiple mechs, turrets and aircraft before a final battle with Nondi Steiner. The final battle consists of a courtyard containing three Longbow, and three Awesome fighting Peter's Victor-mech forces. Spectre must aid Peter in defeating these mechs (up to six depending on how fast Spectre's lance arrives and how well Peter does) before fighting Nondi. She rides a low-key Hauptmann and has four potent Daishi bodyguards. Instead of fashioning his position as leader, Spectre becomes Peter's personal guard for years to come.
In general, Spectre's company walks a fine line between the two factions. During the course of gameplay, several characters, including the tactical officer, reveal backstory about the events leading up to their work as a mercenary, and these events often recount the fighting preceding and during the Clan invasion. In addition, depending on the sponsor regiment, the player gets additional history and background on the "current events" of the unit during the course of the game.


'''#1 Steiner Ending:''' The first option is on the planet Carse, where Spectre has the opportunity to fight Clan Wolf for a Trial of Position. The Trial is a 1-on-5 (one at a time) with the best warriors Wolf's Clan offers - Vulture, Thor, Mad Cat, Masakari, and Daishi. In winning, the Spectre will present the Khan with the location of Steiner and become part of Clan Wolf - where he would grow to be an elite Trial fighter.
===Alternate endings===
Depending on how the player handled allegiance between the two main factions of ] and ], the player would end up with one of three mission paths, each with their own ending. All of them are interspersed with a small epilogue that hints at the ] ], the opening stages of which began a few months after the events of the game.


'''#2 Steiner Ending:''' This is the second option and is available at the same time as the Trial of possession. Steiner is in exile and Spectre can gain control of a full base worth millions of credits. As the two missions become available, Spectre's tactical officer, Castle, pleads the case for abandoning Katrina Steiner and the losing side of the war. Instead of undergoing the Trial of Position, Spectre elects to take a contract on New Canton to defend a base under attack by the ]. After repelling some 25 mechs and General Woo Kang Kwo, Spectre's unit takes the base for themselves.
'''Davion Ending:''' The player ends up assisting ] in defeating the Lyran loyalists. The final mission sees Spectre taking part in the final assault on the ] palace where ] awaits with her bodyguard lance. The backdrop of this ending is ].


==Gameplay==
'''Steiner Ending:''' By siding with Steiner, Spectre must assist an agent from the Rabid Foxes special operations unit in obtaining information on ]'s whereabouts. Ultimately, Spectre must deliver this information to Khan ] of ]. Doing this requires Spectre to undergo a ] where he must defeat five consecutive Clan Mechwarriors in the planet Carse. This ending has partial canonity as ] was indeed handed over to ] in exchange for his promise not to attack the ].
The player is a pilot of a BattleMech or 'Mech, the iconic war machines in the ''BattleTech'' universe. ''Mercenaries'' has the player piloting a 'Mech and running a mercenary company at the same time. The company is sponsored by one of four mercenary outfits in the ''BattleTech'' universe—the Kell Hounds, Gray Death Legion, Northwind Highlanders, and Wolf's Dragoons. Each faction has their own special attributes, such as the Wolf's Dragoons being equipped with 'Mechs that have Clan technology.


In the campaign, the player controls up to two full four-man squads called lances. The other squad members can be issued commands such as attack or power down. The larger squad sizes allowed for larger battles, a unique addition to this iteration of the classic videogame franchise.
'''Rogue Ending:''' This ending is actually an offshoot of the Steiner ending. Prior to the final mission, Spectre's tactical officer, Castle, pleads the case for abandoning ] and the losing side of the war. On her recommendation, an alternative opens up. Instead of undergoing the ], Spectre elects to take a contract on New Canton to defend a base under attack by the ]. Success results in Spectre and his mercenary unit taking the base for themselves.


Missions are played in various environments, from deserts to urban areas. Completing them plus special objectives helps the player earn more money to buy weapons and 'Mechs for his unit. The resource management extends to maintaining the 'Mechs and hiring new pilots with the requisite salaries. The game time will be measured in weeks.
== Features ==
] elements are shown in green.]]
For game modes, there is a main campaign, and access to most missions for 'instant action' play. Instant action can be mission-based, or wave-based. ''Mercenaries'' also has sophisticated online play options. The single-player game includes 19 different maps.


The player has some control over which missions to accept and in what order. In addition, how each mission is performed affects the timeline, and the player's reputation is measured in terms of Nobility or Infamy points. For example, killing civilians and neutral targets results in infamy points, which in high numbers can limit the player to brutal and "unethical" missions. Also, the player must choose between loyalty to House Steiner or House Davion. This is important as allegiance will eventually affect available contracts and even influence the ending of the game.
Servers host up to 24 players and bots at a time. ''MW4'' has a built in chat function. Originally the 'Zonestats' online ranking system recorded the victories and other statistics of other players, but it is now defunct.


The game offers options to toggle unlimited ammunition and no heat buildup. In the 'Mech customization menu, the mercenary company's available Mechs can be upgraded with new weapons or equipment such as antimissile systems, extra armor, heatsinks, or ] pods. The configurations of each 'Mech can limit what weapons can be equipped, with penalties on weight by the ton and heat levels. Since 'Mechs tend to overheat (mostly from using large and powerful weapons while equipped with too few heat sinks, or by being hit with a few specialized heat-inducing weapons), the player has to equip a combination of high-heat energy weapons and low-heat-but-high-weight ballistic and missile weapons, which use up ammo, unlike energy weapons. It is possible for entire limbs to be blown off a 'Mech, resulting in loss of weapons or reduced movement. Destruction of the center torso or cockpit of a 'Mech, or of both legs, will result in the instant destruction of that 'Mech.
== External links ==

*
The Arena matches, which take place in the gaming planet of Solaris, has the player-character competing with a variety of enemy 'Mech pilots in "last-man standing" combat. If all other enemy 'Mechs are destroyed, the player wins the match and is rewarded money. Many of the opposing pilots have names and backstories, which are revealed by the arena announcer who provides constant real-time commentary on the matches. Arena battles are divided into four weight classes and take place in several different arenas. After winning all of the matches in each weight class, the player advances to the championship round, which is open to all weight classes. Competing in them can boost the player's reputation.
*

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 83/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |website=] |accessdate=June 14, 2016 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817050752/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries |url-status=live }}</ref>
| CGW = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |author=George Jones |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_223.pdf |magazine=] |issue=223 |date=February 2003 |page=86 |accessdate=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=June 18, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040618182555/http://www.computergaming.com/article2/0,2053,1520755,00.asp |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GI = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries |magazine=] |issue=117 |date=January 2003 |page=119}}</ref>
| GSpot = 7.8/10<ref>{{cite web |author=Bruce Grey |date=November 18, 2002 |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries/1900-2897849/ |website=] |accessdate=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=April 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413213139/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries/1900-2897849/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |author=Bernard Dy |date=December 2, 2002 |title=GameSpy: MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries/565591p1.html |publisher=] |accessdate=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310141651/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries/565591p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameZone = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |author=Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi |date=November 12, 2002 |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries - PC - Review |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/mechwarrior_4_mercenaries_pc_review/ |publisher=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003003505/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20489.htm |archivedate=October 3, 2008 |url-status=live |accessdate=December 30, 2017}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.1/10<ref>{{cite web |author=Ivan Sulic |date=November 8, 2002 |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/08/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries-review |website=IGN |accessdate=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=June 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619035810/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/08/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PCGUK = 83%<ref>{{cite magazine |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries |magazine=] |date=January 2003}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 85%<ref>{{cite magazine |title=MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries |magazine=] |date=January 2003 |page=80}}</ref>
| PCZone = 82%<ref>{{cite magazine |title=PC Review: MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries |magazine=] |year=2003}}</ref>
| XPlay = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web |author=Andrew S. Bub |date=December 13, 2002 |title='MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries' (PC) Review |url=http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3410434,00.html |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021217024344/http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3410434,00.html |archivedate=December 17, 2002 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 30, 2017}}</ref>
}}

''Mercenaries'' received "favorable" reviews according to the ] website ].<ref name="MC"/> ''GameSpot'' nominated the game for its annual "Best Sci-Fi Simulation Game on PC" award, which went to '']''.<ref name=bestworst2002>{{cite web | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207155400/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst of 2002 | author=''GameSpot'' Staff | date=December 30, 2002 | work=] | archivedate=February 7, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> During the ], ''Mercenaries'' received a nomination for "]" by the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGame=466 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

{{clear}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20021029135555/http://www.microsoft.com/games/mw4mercs/}} (archived)
* {{MobyGames|id=/windows/mechwarrior-4-mercenaries}}
* at ]


{{Cyberlore}}
{{MechWarrior series}} {{MechWarrior series}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
] ]
]
]
] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 17:10, 7 December 2024

Not to be confused with the sequel of MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries. 2002 video game 2002 video game
Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries
Developer(s)Cyberlore FASA Studio
Studio MekTek
Publisher(s)Microsoft Game Studios
Studio MekTek
Producer(s)Jon Clark
Designer(s)David Fifield
Programmer(s)Chris Tohline
Artist(s)Seth Spaulding
Heinz Schuller
Composer(s)Heinz Schuller
Mark Duncan
SeriesMechWarrior
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release
  • NA: November 8, 2002
  • EU: November 15, 2002
Genre(s)Vehicle simulation
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries is a vehicle simulation video game for Microsoft Windows, released in 2002. It is a standalone expansion of MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, based on the BattleTech/MechWarrior game universe. The game was developed by Cyberlore in tandem with FASA Studio. This studio would also be responsible for MechWarrior 4's previous expansion, Black Knight - as well as both the InnerSphere and Clan Mech Packs.

Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries and Clan and Inner Sphere expansions were re-released for free. By April 22, 2010 Microsoft had cleared its free release and on April 30, MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries was released to the general public by MekTek as a free download. However, due to the massive influx of 100,000 downloads and web site accesses, MekTek.net and related services crashed. MekTek recovered the MekMatch match making service on May 1 and the forum was restored the next day.

In the following years, MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries was no longer available free. MekTek expressed their intent to move away from the BattleTech franchise, and a new group interested in maintaining free versions appeared but encountered difficulties securing permission to continue offering the game as a free download.

Plot

In the game, the player takes the role of Spectre, a mercenary BattleMech pilot travelling inside the fictional interstellar region of the BattleTech universe called the Inner Sphere during the FedCom Civil War (specifically during the time period from January 1, 3066 to late July 3067).

The player's mercenary company initially takes on localized threats in certain planets far from the civil war. As the player's team takes on more missions, the assignments get tougher; at one point, Spectre may challenge a Jade Falcon group led by Aisa Thastus, The Star Colonel, to a duel. Aisa Thastus will join the player's team as a bondsman if the Falcons are defeated in this mission. It is a beach-side battle that pits eight of Spectre's best against ten of hers. That mission can be substituted for a mission to attack the Falcons in a sneak attack where the battle is just as difficult. This direction leads to the death of Aisa instead of her joining the team.

Depending on how the player handled allegiance between House Steiner and House Davion, they would end up with one of two mission paths, with three different endings.

Davion Ending: Spectre and three lancemates must run a gauntlet of multiple mechs, turrets and aircraft before a final battle with Nondi Steiner. The final battle consists of a courtyard containing three Longbow, and three Awesome fighting Peter's Victor-mech forces. Spectre must aid Peter in defeating these mechs (up to six depending on how fast Spectre's lance arrives and how well Peter does) before fighting Nondi. She rides a low-key Hauptmann and has four potent Daishi bodyguards. Instead of fashioning his position as leader, Spectre becomes Peter's personal guard for years to come.

#1 Steiner Ending: The first option is on the planet Carse, where Spectre has the opportunity to fight Clan Wolf for a Trial of Position. The Trial is a 1-on-5 (one at a time) with the best warriors Wolf's Clan offers - Vulture, Thor, Mad Cat, Masakari, and Daishi. In winning, the Spectre will present the Khan with the location of Steiner and become part of Clan Wolf - where he would grow to be an elite Trial fighter.

#2 Steiner Ending: This is the second option and is available at the same time as the Trial of possession. Steiner is in exile and Spectre can gain control of a full base worth millions of credits. As the two missions become available, Spectre's tactical officer, Castle, pleads the case for abandoning Katrina Steiner and the losing side of the war. Instead of undergoing the Trial of Position, Spectre elects to take a contract on New Canton to defend a base under attack by the Capellan Confederation. After repelling some 25 mechs and General Woo Kang Kwo, Spectre's unit takes the base for themselves.

Gameplay

The player is a pilot of a BattleMech or 'Mech, the iconic war machines in the BattleTech universe. Mercenaries has the player piloting a 'Mech and running a mercenary company at the same time. The company is sponsored by one of four mercenary outfits in the BattleTech universe—the Kell Hounds, Gray Death Legion, Northwind Highlanders, and Wolf's Dragoons. Each faction has their own special attributes, such as the Wolf's Dragoons being equipped with 'Mechs that have Clan technology.

In the campaign, the player controls up to two full four-man squads called lances. The other squad members can be issued commands such as attack or power down. The larger squad sizes allowed for larger battles, a unique addition to this iteration of the classic videogame franchise.

Missions are played in various environments, from deserts to urban areas. Completing them plus special objectives helps the player earn more money to buy weapons and 'Mechs for his unit. The resource management extends to maintaining the 'Mechs and hiring new pilots with the requisite salaries. The game time will be measured in weeks.

The player has some control over which missions to accept and in what order. In addition, how each mission is performed affects the timeline, and the player's reputation is measured in terms of Nobility or Infamy points. For example, killing civilians and neutral targets results in infamy points, which in high numbers can limit the player to brutal and "unethical" missions. Also, the player must choose between loyalty to House Steiner or House Davion. This is important as allegiance will eventually affect available contracts and even influence the ending of the game.

The game offers options to toggle unlimited ammunition and no heat buildup. In the 'Mech customization menu, the mercenary company's available Mechs can be upgraded with new weapons or equipment such as antimissile systems, extra armor, heatsinks, or ECM jammer pods. The configurations of each 'Mech can limit what weapons can be equipped, with penalties on weight by the ton and heat levels. Since 'Mechs tend to overheat (mostly from using large and powerful weapons while equipped with too few heat sinks, or by being hit with a few specialized heat-inducing weapons), the player has to equip a combination of high-heat energy weapons and low-heat-but-high-weight ballistic and missile weapons, which use up ammo, unlike energy weapons. It is possible for entire limbs to be blown off a 'Mech, resulting in loss of weapons or reduced movement. Destruction of the center torso or cockpit of a 'Mech, or of both legs, will result in the instant destruction of that 'Mech.

The Arena matches, which take place in the gaming planet of Solaris, has the player-character competing with a variety of enemy 'Mech pilots in "last-man standing" combat. If all other enemy 'Mechs are destroyed, the player wins the match and is rewarded money. Many of the opposing pilots have names and backstories, which are revealed by the arena announcer who provides constant real-time commentary on the matches. Arena battles are divided into four weight classes and take place in several different arenas. After winning all of the matches in each weight class, the player advances to the championship round, which is open to all weight classes. Competing in them can boost the player's reputation.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic83/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
Computer Gaming World
Game Informer9.5/10
GameSpot7.8/10
GameSpy
GameZone9/10
IGN9.1/10
PC Gamer (UK)83%
PC Gamer (US)85%
PC Zone82%
X-Play

Mercenaries received "favorable" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. GameSpot nominated the game for its annual "Best Sci-Fi Simulation Game on PC" award, which went to Star Trek: Bridge Commander. During the 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Mercenaries received a nomination for "Computer Simulation Game of the Year" by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.

References

  1. "What's New?". Eurogamer.net. 2002-11-15. Archived from the original on 2023-03-25. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  2. "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Invades Stores". IGN. 2002-11-08. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  3. "MechWarrior To Be Distributed Free On BattleTech.com". Battletech. July 9, 2009. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  4. Jeff Haynes (July 9, 2009). "MechWarrior 4 To Be Re-Released". IGN. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  5. "Free MW4 "Very Shortly"". Blue's News. September 4, 2009. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  6. "Mechwarrior 4: MERCENARIES". www.cyberlore.com. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  7. "Mechwarrior 4 Expansion: Black Knight". www.cyberlore.com. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  8. Richard Mitchell (April 22, 2010). "Mechwarrior 4 free release cleared by Microsoft". Engadget (Joystiq). Archived from the original on November 2, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  9. Vince McMullin (April 30, 2010). "Mechwarrior4 Free, the long awaited moment". Studio MekTek. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  10. "MechWarrior Is Back!". Battletech. May 1, 2010. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  11. "Battletech Free Update". Battletech. May 1, 2010. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  12. ^ "Before posting on MechWarrior4". Studio MekTek. January 22, 2013. Archived from the original on October 27, 2013.
  13. ^ "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  14. George Jones (February 2003). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 223. p. 86. Archived from the original on June 18, 2004. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  15. "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". Game Informer. No. 117. January 2003. p. 119.
  16. Bruce Grey (November 18, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  17. Bernard Dy (December 2, 2002). "GameSpy: MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". GameSpy. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  18. Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi (November 12, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries - PC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 3, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  19. Ivan Sulic (November 8, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Review". IGN. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  20. "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". PC Gamer UK. January 2003.
  21. "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". PC Gamer. January 2003. p. 80.
  22. "PC Review: MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". PC Zone. 2003.
  23. Andrew S. Bub (December 13, 2002). "'MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries' (PC) Review". X-Play. Archived from the original on December 17, 2002. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  24. GameSpot Staff (December 30, 2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 7, 2003.
  25. "D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 1 August 2023.

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