None of this would be any fun if the controls weren't simple and intuitive. Newcomers will quickly orient themselves to a keyboard interface. Complex manoeuvres, torso twists and targeting cameras can be executed with an effortless flick of the wrist - the experience is even better with Microsoft's Force Feedback joystick which rumbles with every impact. Best of all, MechWarrior 4 is a total visual delight. The roving 3D landscapes light up with neon laser blasts that scorch through the air, with clusters of missiles that spiral poetically towards their mark.
Smoke billows from the damaged mechs while the fallen are scavenged for their parts.
This game requires some serious hardware to run at the highest specs. With a game that looks and plays this well, it's worth considering an upgrade. The definitive mech-blasting game. MechWarrior 4 is easy to get into but a depth that's very addictive. And, to add an extra dose of realism, we're throwing in a Microsoft Force Feedback 2 joystick.