Microsoft’s Phil Spencer is currently giving players hope, as he would like to see a mech game on the Xbox Series X. Is a new MechAssault coming?
What did Phil Spencer say? In the Unlocked Podcast, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer stated that he would love to see a game featuring mechs for the new console Xbox Series X. When asked which game he would like to make, he mentioned:
Mechs. That’s simple. “Mech” is a bit messy from a legal standpoint, as other people are working on such games. But when I think of MechAssault and the IP that Jordan [Weisman] created with FASA, like Crimson Skies, Shadowrun, “Mech”, and more, there are really deep and rich stories and characters to play with. I think it would be really cool if we could do something with mechs at some point.
Microsoft’s Phil Spencer in the Unlocked Podcast
Mech Combat on the Xbox Series X
Why specifically MechAssault? There are plenty of franchises that Microsoft could bring back. This includes Fable, Perfect Dark, or Killer Instinct. However, Phil Spencer apparently wants to herald the return of MechAssault. According to the interview, this seems to be more of a personal preference.
Nonetheless, BattleTech has a very large fanbase, and MechAssault is among the better video game variants of the brand with a Metacritic score of 87.
What is MechAssault? The multiplayer action game was released in 2002 for the original Xbox. It was based on the BattleTech license. BattleTech was originally developed by the publisher FASA, but now belongs to Catalyst Game Labs.
In the game, you were part of the mercenary unit Wolf’s Dragoons, sent to the planet Helios. Contact with this world had been lost some time ago, and you found out that a religious cult of technology worshippers from the Word of Blake had taken over the planet. With your mechs, you had to defeat the group and their leader, Commander Strader, and liberate the planet.
In addition to a single-player campaign, MechAssault offered several multiplayer modes like deathmatch, team deathmatch, and last man standing for up to 16 players.
What are the chances of a return? Phil Spencer already mentioned that the legal situation is chaotic. That’s likely to be the sticking point. If Microsoft can secure the rights or license them, then we could really see a new MechAssault for the Xbox Series X.
The Xbox Series X is not yet on the market. However, Microsoft is still planning a launch by the end of the year. Phil Spencer even explained that he has a plan for how to lead the new console to victory against Sony’s PlayStation 5 this time.
