Piranha Games is set to release MechWarrior 5: Clans, a standalone mech action game that centers around a rich story campaign later this year. At GDC, Piranha Games provided details about its narrative approach and new gameplay elements.
MechWarrior 5: Clans is a different game than its sandbox predecessor, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, with a completely new style. The game is entirely story-focused and features a linear gameplay design that can be played solo or with up to five-player co-op. The game’s controls have been modified to play more like a third-person action game, making it accessible on both PC and console. Players can use a new quick command radial menu and a top-down battle grid view, or opt for a classic control mode.
The story campaign is a spiritual successor to MechWarrior 2, tapping into the pen-and-paper Battletech lore. The storyline follows five pilots, or “Star”, from the Smoke Jaguar Clan as they begin a full-scale invasion of the Inner Sphere. The Clans campaign is a well-known storyline in the MechWarrior franchise, so Piranha Games hopes it will be an entry point for newcomers while also catering to long-time fans who will recognize the character names and backgrounds.
During the hands-off presentation, Piranha Games showcased the level design, which featured the player squadron and how they engage with mission objectives. The desert terrain had cinematic spoken dialogue throughout, and the environments were destructible. The level culminated in a mech dogfight that required tactical and strategic gameplay. The Clan Mechs are customizable with loadouts for weapons, equipment, and upgrades. MechWarrior 5: Clans promises a variety of options to choose from before heading into each mission, emphasizing the importance of preparation in achieving victory.
MechWarrior 5: Clans marks a new breaking ground for Piranha Games, as the studio hired a team of artists, animators, and producers to create the story campaign. The project has been in the works for nearly two years at its Vancouver headquarters, and the team is currently working on fine-tuning the balance between gameplay and story as they proceed toward the finish line. More details on MechWarrior 5: Clans are expected in June, but for now, the game is planned for release in 2024 on Steam for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
