Everyone loves mechs, right? The gigantic beasts have roamed films and video games alike for longer than anyone can remember now. Their physical domination is only matched by the sheer egotistical men that commandeer them in the video game sense. FROM Software is arguably the veteran of this cumbersome, mass destruction-type world, with numerous titles already under their belt, and with that they have brought along a wealth of experience in this particular genre. Their franchise, Armored Core (which also has a next-generation offering in development,) went on to become one of the most successful series of mech titles to be released, spanning the entire lifespan of both Playstation consoles, as well as the more recent PSP. Now, FROM Software is trying its luck and have thrown Chromehounds into the next-gen foray. How does it fare?
The story, while unique in a variety of ways, follows the same post-apocalyptic Earth scenario that has been done in games for many years now. After a proverbial WWIII has broken out, most of the lush green scattered throughout the land has been wiped out, and in its place now lays a combined force of molten rock and mud. Likewise, the human race has been demoralized and destroyed, with only the largest superpowers in the world still existing in this tarnished land. America, Russia and Aisa lead the foray, and are undoubtedly to blame for the self-obliteration of the human race. But, from the ashes, the land known as Neroimus has become the prized possession between the countries who are trying to take the fight to one another. The story will track the tale of the fight, whilst putting you at the very forefront of the battlefield.
Heat of the battle...
Battles that take place are no longer comprised of standard human infantry. They have been replaced by the huge mechanized walkers known only as the HOUNDS. These lumbering giants have unmatched firepower and presence, and are practically incomprehensible in terms of strength and stability, allowing for a fight like never before. Your role in the game comes at a time when armies now revolve around armored fighters, and ones that are all individual and unique in their way.
Controls in the game are good, although sometimes they can be slow to react. In the middle of a raging battle, this isn’t the easiest thing to endure. The controls are as follows:
X: Zoom Map
Y: Open/Close Map
RT: Fire
RB: Switch Weapons
Right Thumbstick: Rotate Hound/Move Camera/Weapon Cam
Left Thumbstick: Move Hound
D-Pad: Message Commands
Destruction in Chromehounds is enjoyable to the highest degree. Whether it’s picking off a HOUND from miles away, or getting in the face of one and obliterating it with an oversized shotgun, the action comes in copious amounts and never lets up. By using the sheer amount of varied weapons, you can guarantee that every battle is different. Aiming-wise, the game is very different from your typical mech shooter. There is no evident crosshair. Instead, the game provides a camera in the top right corner of the screen which can give you an idea of how exactly you lineup when it comes to marking your target. The real aiming is done with the innovative weapon cam, which in a sense is a glorified weapon zoom. However, FROM has really made precision so easy when using it, and even for the most casual gamer the shooting is easy to learn. Movement is also a joy to experience, with the mechs being very easy to maneuver around. The only complaint I would have is that while interacting with pieces of the environment (trees, buildings, etc,) the HOUNDS can rub off certain objects, causing it to jitter and shake. While this seems minor, it can be annoying and frustrating, as well as lead to difficulties navigating well built areas.
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