MechRunner

MechRunner for PSV, PS4 and PC is a mech-themed endless runner game created by Spark Plug Games – an independent American developer popular mainly for an MMO game Firefly: Online.

Plot

MechRunner is set in an alternative reality of the twentieth century. On the scene of the Tunguska event, Russian scientists discovered a wreck of an alien spacecraft in the 1940s, from which they obtained incredibly advanced technology. Obviously, the scientists decided to examine what they had found. As a result, a completely new source of energy is created, along with a new weapon for the KGB. The game begins in 1949, when a general by the name of Yuri Petrakoff initiates the invasion on Europe, since the power he happens to be in possession of goes to his head. An engineer called Jesper Teterev withdraws from KGB's program and constructs their very own mech "just in case", soon becoming the only one who can face the general's forces.

Mechanics

The plot in MechRunner for PSV, PS4 and PC however, is merely an excuse for letting the players go wild with the relatively simplistic mechanics that are focused on delivering blissful mayhem. The player assumes control over said machine and destroys everything that comes from the opposite side of the screen – both from the ground and air. When out of combat, the player speeds through tunnel-like levels, avoiding obstacles and collecting different objects, as in a typical endless runner game. Interestingly, the player-controlled machine can land on the ground (in the default mode, the mech levitates thanks to its jet engines) at any time, transforming into a tank.

The two forms differ both in the method of moving and in the speed of the movement, apart from the available weaponry. The tank form makes use primarily of its powerful cannon; when using the mech form on the other hand, the player uses less powerful, but more diverse weaponry, such as rifles or small rocket launchers. In this form, the player can also use melee weapons – for instance, swords. Apart from that, MechRunner offers a relatively complex system of upgrading the machine; also, different power-ups and skins were included for the player to unlock. One improves the mech's capabilities between missions here. The player encounters different enemies on their way, including powerful bosses at the end of a level.

Technical aspects

MechRunner for PSV, PS4 and PC utilizes the Unity engine. Although the graphics are not of very high-quality, the creators deserve recognition for the mech designs – they were created by Josh Nizzi, who co-created such cinema classics as Transformers, Iron Man or The Avengers. The game's soundtrack was created by David Joseph Wesley.

Last updated on 16 April 2014