MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Critic Reviews

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is a great introduction to the MechWarrior series and is primarily a PvE game. Players can expect to be rocking to an awesome soundtrack as they destroy their enemies on the battlefields.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is a return to form. As a fan of the series, it’s been a very long wait, but PGI managed to deliver in a big way on nearly every front. While there are certain things that could be improved, what’s here is an excellent four player mech-stomping good time.

MechWarrior 5 is a symphony of stuff thrown at you all at once. You are a business running a mercenary outfit. Leading that outfit in every decision that must be made and going out on missions to help. At the same time digging for answers on who killed your Father, why, and most importantly, how to claim vengeance. While this isn’t the most original story, getting there get more and more fun the farther you get. If you have been itching for a new MechWarrior game, don’t pass this one by.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries checks most of the boxes I would have asked for out of a modern revival of the series.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is a big, brash, bulky return to the spotlight for the mainline MechWarrior franchise that delivers on its promise of a more sim-like experience than many of its contemporaries. While it can be frustrating to get caught up in economic repair micromanagement, most of your enmity will be blown away when the robots start to rumble.

It takes time to really get into MechWarrior 5.

But I always returned, wanting and eager. Always under the prospect of "just one more mission." And then a mission after that, and a mission following that. Always "just one more." It's in this mantra that MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries excels. It's not the prettiest, most polished, or robust of games available, but - damn me - do I want to keep playing it.

But MechWarrior 5 is a game that will get a pass on its narrative woes because, I must concede, the narrative is so thin the gameplay completely trumps it. MW5 is unmistakably a game about being a sandbox mech jockey, and the stories are just a low-quality veneer over some superb robot combat. If you're here for a mech smashing simulator, this is the best new mech smashing simulator around. Here's hoping for more and better from a MechWarrior 6.

Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries brings back most of the combat and management the series is known for. Your mileage may vary on just how satisfying that is, but in objective terms there are a number of small issues—from AI to graphics—that add up and keep this game from its full potential.

A highly successful return for the long dormant sci-fi simulation series, and what it lacks in accessibility it makes up for in terms of satisfyingly tactical action.

Many of the game’s features are limping like a maimed BattleMech but it doesn’t let down in the most important aspect – the one Piranha Games apparently feels the best in – dynamic, satisfying ‘Mech combat.

An excellent mech simulation, sophisticated management and a return to the old days in a modern form. Only the graphics could be better.

Mechwarrior 5 looks really good - but apart from the nice brute mech battles, it's just too bloodless.

The story is less important than stomping around in a giant ‘mech and that’s okay. It’s fun and engaging, though after awhile can get repetitive.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is a shooter with a considerable degree of customization, set in an alluring but static universe, with combat being its central and redeeming feature. The action tends to be generally fun and satisfying, although framed around repetitive missions. The missed opportunities are obvious - such as greater depth to your company’s management, or having a tangible impact on the game world.

The biggest issue with MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is that it hits you with all of its shortcomings at once. Keep playing, though, and the game establishes itself as a fun title that's worthy of the MechWarrior moniker. Play it with friends, and it becomes even more entertaining. Dated aspects of its presentation aside, the combat remains fun mission after mission, and it continues to test you as you become more powerful. Start blowing apart enemy mechs with a small array of PPC cannons and make a few big pay days, and you'll appreciate the game for what it is.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is an authentic experience consistent with the franchise, but is more reminiscent of times past than an innovation.

Like your Grandpa’s rusty old Blackjack, Mechwarrior 5 is a great machine that could use a lot of polish.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries offers a lot of content, but not all of it is interesting, accessible or fun and much feels like its in need of some streamlining in the cause of playability. There are moments of intense and impressive action to be found, but they are bundled with obtuse mechanics and bland storytelling. Playing Mercenaries can feel both like a chore and slow-mo thrill ride.

Mercenaries 5 needed six more months of testing and refinement before seeing the light of day. The game’s mech combat is great for enthusiasts of the genre, but the lack of polish may leave newcomers cold. I recommend it for hardcore fans, but casual players may want to wait for the bugs to be ironed out.