Chromehounds

 

Being firmly convinced that there are two types of gamers in the world, those who enjoy simulations and those who like arcade-style games, I would have to say that Chromehounds is definitely for those who enjoy the former of the two categories. Set in a fictionalized world where HOUNDs are basically customizable 'Mechs, you take on the role of a mercenary fighting for one of the three regions in the Neroimus Region. 
 
The story mode is straightforwardly divided into the six playable Hound classes available in the game. Taking on the role as a Soldier, Sniper, Defender, Scout, Heavy Gunner or Tactical Commander, you fulfill the job in each of the seven missions available to each class for a total of forty-two missions. While they can be long and arduous to playthrough at times, the ability to customize between missions easily pushes aside any reservations the missions left me with as a player. Simply said, as with just about all class based games, the storyline is preparing you to take on multiplayer. And while the single-player is difficult enough at times to leave a player seething, it does it's job of prepping you for online.
 
When played for the fun of it, with a group of friends who actually enjoy the overall spirit of the game, you'll have an awesome multiplayer experience participating in the Neroimus War. However, there are two ways to play multiplayer. The first is against an AI controlled team where you can fire, maneuver and repeat. The second, when facing off against a human team means that you have to armor the hell out of your cockpit and hope to God that they don't have multiple sniper cannons that can destroy your cockpit and kill you in one fell swoop. I understand that there are times when a simulation can suck the fun out of any game experience, but this is probably the singular flaw that ruins multiplayer for me. 
 
Overall, Chormehounds is not a bad experience if you're looking for a change of pace from Mechwarrior, Armored Core or have enjoyed any games in that genre. I'm really yet to see a follow-up to the title and would actually really enjoy it as this was by no means a poorly made game. The controls are tight, the sound is succinct with radio chatter along with the din of battle, but ultimately there is something ultimately about the title that could definitely be expanded upon in a sequel. For the time being though, the game sits idly on my shelf as the Neroimus War has long since ended multiple times, but every so often, it's nice to remember what a 'Mech simulator is supposed to feel like when Steel Battalion is too much of a chore. Gritty, fun, but doubtlessly imperfect. 
 
UPDATE: Per an article on Kotaku dated for today (01.06.2010), the Chromehounds servers will officially go dark as Sega pulls the plug, 
 "Sometime today, Sega and Microsoft will pull the plug on one of the early cult favourites of the Xbox 360. It may seem hard to remember now, but back in 2006 - when the game was released - 360 releases were staggered, so there was always a "half decent" game to play every month or two."