Chromehounds (Pre-E3 2006)
May 10, 2006
What comes to mind when you hear the words “chrome hound?” Is it one of those little robotic dogs that seem hell bent on replacing the furry little guys that’ve been around for generations? Yeah, me too. Well, expect all that to change come this July when From Software releases their mech combat game Chromehounds. The developers are no strangers to mech action, as you may recall they’ve put their wrenches to use on the robots in the Armored Core series which was adored by fans for its hard-hitting action and deep customization options.
The new game promises to not only retain this customization, but will even take it a step further. You can design your very own machine of death from the ground up. From guns, to tread,s to icons, you can choose and place things where you see fit. In past games, you always had to choose a mech category. For instance, you could pick a heavy machine for thicker armor, but less maneuverability or go for a small agile mech and go light on the weapons and armor. In Chromehounds your mech is thrust into a category only after you’ve created it. The game will take a look at your creation and decide where it best fits. The deep customization will allow you to balance a mech’s movement with firepower.
The single player campaign takes place in a war torn future where the US, Russia and Asia are all fighting for control of the world. You’ll play as a gun for hire and make your way through over forty missions before it’s all said and done. You’ll earn money as you progress that you can use to buy upgrades for your mech (or hound as they’re called in game). More upgrades mean more ass kicking and who doesn’t like to do that every now and again?
The game will also feature a robust online mode with a persistent world. The idea of a persistent world in a mech shooter may sound odd, but the things the developers have in mind sound really cool. You’ll pledge allegiance to a country and as you participate in online battles, your country will either gain or lose territory based on how often gamers representing you win and lose. Better keep the nubs offline in your hometown. The online battles allow up to six players per side for a total of twelve mechs in the action. A balanced team with a good commander will dominate in the online arena.
Visually speaking, Chromehounds is looking fantastic. The gritty color palette fits the game’s theme and makes it all a bit more of a visceral experience. The robots themselves look amazing and the explosions and tracer rounds fill the screen with glowing beauty. The level of detail in the game is awesome and mech fans will especially appreciate the lovely destruction folding out on screen.
The game is set to release on the Xbox 360 in July, so it’s not all that far from completion. We’ll be sure to jump in the cockpit at E3 and take the game for a spin. After a little recon, we’ll post whatever intelligence we’ve gathered. Mech pilots, stay tuned.
Chromehounds
Developer: From Software
Publisher: Sega
1+ Player Game
Genre: Action
Release Date: July, 2006
Platform: Xbox 360
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