MechWarrior 2: Arcade Combat Edition (Sniper)
Genre: Action
Developer: Quantum Factory, Inc
Publisher: Activision, Inc.

Graphics
This rendition of MechWarrior 2 features some coordinated art direction, from the sharp menus to the in-game worlds and enemy units and structures. There is some nice animation on display, and the high resolution presentation is backdropped by harmonic planetary color schemes. The environments do look a little sterile, but the engine probably couldn't handle many more polygons than what the developers made use of.

Sound
Disappointingly, Jeehun Hwang's original soundtrack goes out the window, replaced with some grating generic rock that is neither well composed or fitting for the action. Sound effects are mostly taken from the original title, and they, along with the female mech AI voice, are functional at best.

Gameplay
For this adaptation, Quantum Factory tweaked with balance, simplified the PC version's missions, and selectively stuck with some of the key defining mechanics of the original title, such as torso twist, the throttle control mechanism, and a targeting system. During play, it feels like a fairly mundane, generic shooter with just enough simulation mechanics to keep things at least moderately interesting.

Overall
The title states the goal clearly: take the seminal MechWarrior 2 formula and adapt it to suit the stereotypical console audience. To that end, Quantum Factory did a fantastic job, bolting on simulation mechanics to a simple shooter formula to create a title that is both fun and memorable. Taken from another vantage point however, one must ask whether this concept was such a good idea in the first place, as such an endeavor removes much of what made the original title so engaging.

Sniper's verdict: