MechWarrior Online

MechWarrior Online is a multiplayer action game with BattleMechs (basically walking tanks). Each player takes control over one mech and tries to bring the team closer to winning the match in the two playing modes: Assault (conquering the enemy base) and Conquest (holding certain locations gives points over time and the first team to reach a certain number wins).

The major point of the battles are the customizable mechs. Those are divided into four classes which serve different roles in the team, e.g. assault mechs make much damage and are slow while light mechs are better maneuverable and are good scouts. In addition, each part of the mech can be upgraded with weapons and other equipment which change statistics like damage, available ammo and armor - the combinations make a big difference for the mech's performance. One of the most important things to take notice of is heat development - when a mech overheats, it becomes useless. Besides equipment, the ambient temperature of the map also effects heat generation.

When starting with the game, the player can choose one of the periodically changing trial mechs which are available for free. However, playing with those only grants in-game money (used to buy equipment and new mechs) and no experience points (used to unlock skills which are not bound to a specific mech). To improve team-play, one member can become Lance Commander which unlocks more functions on the battlegrid (an overhead view of the map), e.g. assigning waypoints. The game can be played in both first-person or third-person.

The game is free-to-play and supports itself with an item shop. Here players can buy mechs, optical mech improvements (e.g. stuff for the cockpit or colored armor) and boosters (which improve earned experience or in-game money per match) with real money.