The return of MechWarrior is highly evident with Mechwarrior 5: Clans.

The traditional mech pilot simulation welcomes you to an updated experience with a greatly improved storyline.

After a 15-year period without rain, the floodgates of BattleTech were opened once more and mechs started to appear in the late 2010s. A fresh wave of iconic 1980s mechs is on its way to PC through MechWarrior 5: Clans, placing us back in the role of a genetically modified warrior inside a 25-100 ton war machine, prepared to dominate the planets of humanity. This is more than just a small addition, it is its own separate game. Clans takes a bold step forward from MechWarrior 5 in 2019, offering a more intricate storyline and a newfound emphasis on storytelling cutscenes, all while maintaining its focus on the immersive experience of piloting a mech in intense battles.

The subtitle carries much deeper significance than it may imply. In the realm of MechWarrior, the Clans are aggressive outsiders with advanced technology and a stringent, almost alien social hierarchy. Genetic engineering is used to produce soldiers instead of allowing them to be born naturally as “freebirths,” a group of individuals that the dominant military class typically views with disdain. They perceive themselves as more than just a superior culture, but as the authentic heirs of human civilization and rightful owners of Earth (and all other human planets).

The most significant improvement in Mechwarrior 5: Clans by Piranha Games is the increased focus on storytelling compared to earlier games. In my critical review of the original Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries, I stated that the characters lack depth and are forgettable stereotypes, while the plot is a predictable revenge narrative. That, and the fact that the characters never confronted or discussed the awful tasks they were required to perform as soldiers.

I am pleased to report that in the initial hours of Clans, this studio is actively working on addressing their weaknesses and making improvements. To clarify, I would be delusional to assume I influenced the decision – this is simply the typical approach most reputable game developers would take with extra time and money. The individuals I have come across display some personality and show development, not only among the main characters but also some of the supporting roles. A tough and mean-spirited instructor, for instance, is eventually compelled to reluctantly admire and ultimately acknowledge a trainee as his superior. Is it a cliché? Perhaps, but it is, at the very least, a unique narrative to witness in this world from this particular viewpoint.

What a point of view that is, by the way. The Clans, like most warmongers, are considered as bad individuals, and their social structure encourages people to engage in negative behaviors. This game allows you to play as the villains in various ways. Additionally, you belong to a culture that is extremely different from modern humans, possessing unique communication styles, ideas of honor, and perspectives on morality. I believe it may seem confusing to some players, but I see it as a unique sci-fi element similar to the unusual religious beliefs of the characters in the recently launched Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.

While the characters were certainly influenced by their upbringing, the writing I read effectively acknowledged that they have underlying quirks and aspirations that reflect their humanity beyond their upbringing.

The group of bioengineered soldiers you were raised with and battle alongside, your Sibko, is the closest thing you have to a family. They remained present throughout my entire preview, which lasted roughly seven hours and included around twelve missions, battling using the identical five-mech Star formation. Next to your direct bosses, they are the main characters who speak different lines throughout and in between assignments. It’s great that your characters accumulate experience which they can use to enhance specific pilot skills tailored to each character. For example, Mia is trained as a specialist in ballistic weapons. All of these characters are distinct and unique, adding depth to the squad reminiscent of a BattleTech novel rather than the MechWarrior games.

Accompanying the new storytelling emphasis are numerous cinematic scenes depicting your characters’ experiences. Occasionally simply chatting with one another outside of work, too. Being fully committed to not only keeping these people alive but also battling by their side greatly enhances the game’s enjoyment level. I also watched a significant cinematic in BattleTech’s history where important figures acted out a pivotal event: Leo Showers, the ilKhan of the Clans, announcing the Clan Invasion of the Inner Sphere to the assembled council of Clan Khans. Perhaps you had to experience it firsthand, but trust me: This is high-quality BattleTech geek desire fulfillment material.

A significant departure from previous MechWarrior games is that instead of acquiring new technology through salvage or purchases, you have other means to obtain cool new gear. The Clans employ authentic scientists and engineers to genuinely enhance and adjust your gear. Your team of fighters has a group of scientists and technicians who are responsible for fixing and upgrading their mechs, as well as enhancing their performance to unlock new upgrades and perks for all mechs, such as better heat capacity or cooling.

Clan technology was an exhilarating aspect of my gameplay as these are some of the most well-known mechs to those unfamiliar with BattleTech… and they have not been featured in a game for two decades. The iconic box cover featuring the Timber Wolf / Mad Cat from MechWarrior 2 is well-known, however, many video game fans from a specific era have only witnessed Inner Sphere mechs in BattleTech (2018) and Mechwarrior 5. It’s great to be back in these mechs, feeling the satisfaction of piloting one of the most advanced pieces of equipment on whatever barbarian world we’re conquering this week.

With that goal in mind, I believed that the gameplay in Clans represented a slow advancement from the previous MechWarrior 5 games. The visuals and physics of stompy robots are greatly benefiting from the new Unreal 5 engine. The audio cues and effects for lasers and similar elements in the series are also excellent. I am full of optimism and eagerly anticipating the release of this one on October 16.