ChromeHounds Xbox 360 Review - Best Online Mech Game?

Chromehounds Xbox 360 Review Even before video games evolved to the level they are at now, people have had a fascination with machines. From novels to movies the storylines of humans versus machines have grown. Of course, Japanese gamers have the edge since more Mech games have been introduced there, thanks mainly to anime. Now Sega and From Software bring the latest Mech game, Chromehounds, to the 360. Is it the best Mech game out there or just another attempt? Read the full review to find out why if you have Xbox Live and a love for Mech games, this one is the best one yet!

Gameplay

Chromehounds is divided into two separate games yet both are connected. The single-player mode is really just a training mission to learn each class and how to use the Mechs effectively. However, it is important to play through this mode since not only does it score your achievements, but more importantly it opens vital bonus parts for the online modes. I have read on the ChromeHounds boards and other places that some think the game is boring and dull. Let me say, this title is nothing short of brilliant and certainly a great one if you plan on playing online. Yes, the single-player mode gets a bit old and at times the instructors try too hard to sound realistic. Then again, I would rather run out of ammo on the single-player mission than online and get blown to bits!

Underneath the training and story mode is more than a simple training mission and short story line. It teaches you offensive and defensive maneuvers vital to succeeding in the Neroimus War. For Mech jockeys they included every class you could want with the option of mixing classes. While the single-player mode does not require you to build or even go into the garage, you will want to visit this area before getting online. Mastering the classes is only a small part of the game. The real Mech warriors are the ones that can build or revamp their Mechs into the ultimate killing machine. If you do not have the desire to play online in any of the 13 different modes, Chromehounds will not appeal to you. I want to stress this since this really is the best online mech game and designed for that.

Now the online modes include the Neroimus War, Training and the death match modes found in other games. The war can last up to two months and, while this is part of the online area, since the game is designed with the two modes, I need to touch on it. For those who get stuck on the single-player mode, they can still enter the online mode including the war, get tips from their friends, and go back and finish it later. The time spent to make each Mech or Hound feel and react realistically must have took forever, but it really helps make this the ultimate Mech game. Combining tactical and the standard Mech styles help this title redefine the genre. No longer can you just shoot like crazy. The AI is very intelligent and then throw in the fact you will face other squads, the game has plenty of replay value as well as surprises.

Unlike Steel Battalion or Mech Assault, this is a true Mech game without being arcade like and not a simulation. You play in real time online, of course, and the game has plenty of safe guards. I tried to delete my save file then go back on the server. It has all the info saved which prevents cheating and other problems games like this have encountered in the past. Prima has a strategy guide and while I hardly ever promote buying a guide, this is like a companion and a very useful tool to succeed. The gameplay is a challenge but not too hard to learn even for those who may have never touched a mech title before.

Control / Playability

While the single-player mode can get a little old or stale, it helps learn the controls. Since at times you need to switch to four different weapons, it pays to play through and get an edge. While Chromehounds offers plenty of new features, the main controls will be familiar for anyone that enjoys other mech games. Learning for those new will take about an hour. However, the learning is on-going. While the controls are set up perfectly with the Xbox 360 controller, it won’t teach you how to build or change your Hound.

This is where a good squad or the guide will help and of course time. This is not the type of game where you can slap a Hound together in 5 minutes and expect it to perform great. Each Hound needs certain things like a generator, the base type, and controller devices. Thankfully, they added an assembly helper that will show if the part is installed properly or if you’re overweight, etc. Overall, Chromehounds has top-notch controls and a great user-friendly interface.

Xbox Live

You pick a nation and set out to conquer and destroy. The server keeps you updated with on the field reports in real time. At first glance of the war map, the game looks plain. Due to this fact, it has gotten some bad feedback and low scores in other reviews. You can’t judge or get a feel for Chromehounds in a few hours. It takes at least 20-30 hours to really learn and find the little extra in the game. Sega updates and maintains the servers every five days and for the most part there are no issues. Early on there where a few issues with a strange money glitch, but a simple call to Sega and they will get you online and fix it during work hours.

The war angle is great. Every one has wondered what it would be like if WW III broke out. ChromeHounds takes this idea and now machines and pilots decide the fate of the countries that survived. The Superpower nations are gone and it’s a brand new world. Taking this storyline one step further with the squad options and one-on-one battles, it’s easy to see why Mech fans are taking notice to this one. An important factor in the game is that you are not just playing for yourself but for the nation and your squad.

Sega took it one step further and randomly placed behemoth-sized Hounds in secret locations. Beat them and the reward is great. Decide to play hero and you will be reduced to a soldier about 2 inches tall watching the battles rage on. Each country has certain strengths. Some have a massive budget but their parts are average. Others have great weapons and new technology but limited resources. Your squad can also find weapons stashes. Donate 10 million each and be greatly rewarded. Lag is not an issue but at times the server gets very full and you may need to re-launch or log on again. Fans have said the best part of the design is that you don’t need to play non-stop to succeed. All around it offers the best online play of any game on the 360 right now and shows the potential for massive online games in the near future. Online Chromehounds sets the bar high and hopefully other companies will follow with the same type of system.

Graphics / Presentation

Chromehounds is a bit deceptive when it comes to the graphics. It looks pretty bland at times, then you will see shadowing and effects that look great. Overall, the graphics are very good and stand out during the battles. If you’re lucky enough to meet up with one of the Behemoths, you will see a great intro before the battle engages. While not perfect, the graphics are great and fit the theme of the game. Every weapon has its own certain look and effect. The one area that Sega nailed is the night vision. Having seen real military night vision first hand, I can say it’s near perfect and a real feat for Sega. Overall, they nailed the look and it helps set the realism factor which is important in a title like this.

Chromehounds Xbox 360 Screenshot

ChromeHounds Xbox 360 Screenshots

Audio

In the single-player the instructors sound okay, but as mentioned, they try a little too hard. The rest of the game is perfect as far as effects and having each weapon and Hound sounding unique. The massive size and amount of weapons, hounds and parts made this a real challenge. Sega and From Software nailed every aspect down pat.

Replay Value

ChromeHounds has plenty of replay value. The fact that up to 20 players can compete against each other at one time with no lag is impressive. Thirteen game modes offer a change from the war when you want to take a break and still earn money and rank. You need an Xbox Live account to get the most out of this game. If you do not play it online, you will feel disappointed. For those with Live, they will amazed at all that can be done and the options available.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 8.7/10 [not an average]

Additional Comments

I have always stuck up for a game that impressed me and ChromeHounds has impressed me! The game has started to get attention and rightfully so. While not perfect, it is hands down the best Mech game out there and possibly ever made!