New MechAssault content in Jan!

[IKEA_boy]

New MechAssault Content in January
New goodies coming for Xbox Live users early next year.
Wednesday December 4, 2002 | Prophet


Will it be a happy New Year?
Gamers who had the pleasure of unlocking the Ragnarok BattleMech in MechAssault will be happy to hear that that event didn't mark the end if "new" content for Microsoft Game Studios' mech fighting game - Starting in January, Microsoft Game Studios and Day 1 Studios will begin rolling out all new content for MechAssault via Microsoft's Xbox Live. Players with Xbox Live will be able to access the new content at no additional charge.

The first new content to come from the Xbox Live service will be a brand new multiplayer map will called Hell's Kitchen, which is described by Microsoft as a "dense industrial environment based in a fiery volcanic world." The map will support all five game types. In the weeks to follow, there will be several new BattleMechs released, additional multiplayer maps and even new game types, including Capture the Flag.

You can learn more about what's being planned for the MechAssault franchise at the game's official site. MechAssault for Xbox is available now for $49.99 (U.S.).

I'm really digging this game even though I've never played it. Maybe I'll meet you "Livers" sometime in January.

[sub780lime]

this has got to be the coolest feature of the xbox, has a hard drive, and it came with it, put that in your pipe and smoke it Sony


question-if you play online can you pick from all the mechs, or are some still locked

[mbowen]

There are only two mechs locked in the game, and you can't pick them online untill you unlock them by beating the campaign.

This is probably the best news I've heard in a while though. All I'm worried about now is how I'm going to be able to fully enjoy myself when I know that I could be playing CTF instead

[MooglePorn]

Can't wait for December to get online

[godmoney]

From IGN:

Content saved onto hard drive
Everything you download can be deleted from your hard drive at any time. You can also copy saves (if your memory card is big enough) and take them to a friend's house.


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You must download the content to enjoy it online
If you haven't downloaded a new map or game type, you will see games with the map and game type online but won't be able to enter. But, uh, why the hell wouldn't you download this stuff, it's free!


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Downloaded content can be used offline
You can download content through Xbox Live and use all of it in offline multiplayer. So you can download Capture the Flag, various maps, and new mechs and use them against your buddies in split-screen or system link.


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Those without Xbox Live won't be left behind
If you don't have Xbox Live, all of the online content will be made available to all gamers. The method for delivery hasn't been decided yet, but the content won't be offered until after it's available for download on Xbox Live.


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Are they gonna fix the interface?
Likely. Microsoft realizes the Xbox Live lobbies aren't perfect and could be better, but the MechAssault team must work with the Xbox Live team to help create a more suitable interface. It's not bad as it is, but it should get better in a few months.


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We also learned about much of the planned downloadable content. From January 1 to the end of March, gamers will enjoy a slew of downloadable MechAssault content. There may be even more planned than what's presented here, but Microsoft isn't saying what else may be in store for gamers beyond March.

New Years Day, the first of eight new maps will be released. Hell's Kitchen will be usable for all game types both on and offline. The plan is to follow each week or every other week with another piece of content. here's the order of all content as it's currently planned:

1. Hell's Kitchen map - Fiery map with electrical plants and large pools of lava

2. Raven mech - Fast mech with cloaking ability

3. Stone Cold map- Heavy industrial area covered in snow

4. Capture the Flag game type - Snag the enemies flag and return it to your base!

5. Two maps only for Capture the Flag - These will either be released with CTF or shortly afterwards

6. Loki mech - Heavy guns and armor

7. Hellbringer mech - Variant of the Loki

8. Objective Raid game type - Details to be released

9. Two maps only for use with Objective Raid - These will either be released with the new game type or shortly afterwards

10. Two additional maps - Details on these to be released

Can't wait!

[1138]

Those without Xbox Live won't be left behind
If you don't have Xbox Live, all of the online content will be made available to all gamers. The method for delivery hasn't been decided yet, but the content won't be offered until after it's available for download on Xbox Live.

Good to hear.

[mbowen]

That is even more great news!!!! I remember the Hellbringer from MechWarrior 2 being my favorite!!!

The other new game mode sounds like exactly what I wanted to. Basically an "assault" type mode. Anything they can do to help promote more teamwork and use of the headset is a-ok with me

[Damian]

Those without Xbox Live won't be left behind
If you don't have Xbox Live, all of the online content will be made available to all gamers. The method for delivery hasn't been decided yet, but the content won't be offered until after it's available for download on Xbox Live.

Originally posted by 1138
Good to hear.

Yeah here too. I was going to complain that those of us who aren't planning on signing up for Live would be left behind. I could wait a bit longer for my add-ons.
I know the disc you get with the Official X-Box Magazine had some updates to Dead or Alive III on it. Just costume updates but still kinda cool. Maybe this will be one of their delivery methods?