MechCommander 2 looked very impressive at E3. Like almost every game in every genre, the engine driving MechCommander 2 is moving to true 3D. Microsoft says obstacles on the battlefield will thus have both form and function, usable as cover in combat, and as deformable objects that can be destroyed. Mechs will be able to hide behind or crash through walls and trees. The essence of the game changes little though; the player is still watching and commanding squad action from an overhead view in a mission-based campaign.

There are a few other enhancements planned for the battlefield such as improved communications and team AI, and the ability to call in air dropped reinforcements. Microsoft says players will also be able to salvage an enemy's mechs and use them as their own. The game franchise, despite its new affiliation with Microsoft, will continue to uphold Battletech history, and MechCommander 2 will feature story elements to link it to the Battletech universe.

Genre: Strategy
Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Web: www.microsoft.com/games
ETA: Q1 2001