Mechs, short for mecha or mechanical, are piloted robots that feature heavily armed armor and advanced weaponry. They are usually bipedal and tower over conventional military vehicles. Mech games allow players to experience the sheer destructive power these metal beasts wield up close.

The concept of mechs draws from anime like Mobile Suit Gundam. But Western developers have also created several iconic mech franchises over the years. The interplay between nimble movement despite the mech’s size and the ability to dish out heavy firepower is at the core of their huge appeal.

Key Characteristics

Some quintessential aspects that define quality mech games include:

●        In-depth and intuitive mech customization

●        Weighty and grounded mech movement

●        Diverse mission objectives beyond only combat

●        Environmental interaction and destruction

●        An engrossing storyline

The best mech games incorporate these elements seamlessly into fast-paced action-packed gameplay loops that keep you hooked.

Best Mech Games Of All Time

Now let’s look at some standout mech games every fan should play at least once.

1: Titanfall 2

This genre-defining shooter has some of the most fun and fluid mech action around. You pilot the 20-foot tall Titans across exhilarating multiplayer modes providing complete frenetic combat mayhem.

What makes Titanfall 2 stand out is the remarkable mobility thanks to double jumps, wall running, and general smooth movement. Calling down and embarking your Titan mech builds at this fast pace rather than slowing it down.

The way you seamlessly transition between controlling pilot and mech makes it feel like an extension of yourself. Overall with its arsenal of varied Titans and maps, no other game comes close to capturing mech combat perfection.

2: Armored Core Series

The seminal Armored Core series probably features the most detailed mech customization seen in any game. Players can customize armor, weapons, and abilities on every part of their mech giving millions of build options.

This vast customization paired with challenging missions makes mastering Armored Core an immensely satisfying experience because the AI opponents are unpredictable and the environments labyrinthine lending a high degree of replayability.

While early games have clunky controls, the latest entries have vastly improved handling and combat. Armored Core stands out for letting you create and pilot your very own customizable mech masterpiece.

3: Battletech

This excellent tactics game lets players command squadrons of mechs from an isometric perspective against formidable foes. Battletech features a mercenary storyline as your mech commando unit completes contracts to gather funds and upgrade your hardware.

The sheer attention to mech detail is staggering with myriad types of chassis, armor, heat management capability, and weapons to mix and match. RPG elements let pilots also gain experience over hundreds of unique missions offering tremendous depth.

With gameplay reminiscent of the classic Mech Commander series, Battletech nails tactical mech combat and customization for an unparalleled experience.

4: MechWarrior

This first-person mech sim throws players into the BattleTech universe during massive wars. MechWarrior 5 makes you feel the immense presence and destruction potential of piloting a 60-ft BattleMech.

5: Mercenaries

Missions can have you engaging enemy mechs, vehicles, bases, and more. You have to manage heat levels, weaponry, and maneuverability making combat super engaging because the landscape bears the marks of your payload making encounters feel genuinely destructive. With a fledgling mercenary narrative and co-op support, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries nails the fantasy of being a MechWarrior.

Conclusion

These mech classics capture different aspects of mech combat from pure action to detailed customization and tactics. Iconic franchises like MechWarrior, Armored Core, and Titanfall showcase how creative developers have leveraged mechs over the past few decades.

There is something for all tastes when it comes to quality mech games. So strap into a giant robot cockpit and rain down missiles, lasers, and metal fists on your hapless foes!

FAQs:

What was the first popular mech video game?

The very first mainstream mech game was MechWarrior released in 1989 which established the popular BattleTech mech universe in video games because It featured intense tactical battles between piloted mechs.

Are Gundam games considered mech games?

Yes. Gundam games based on the popular anime feature pilots controlling giant humanoid mechas and qualify as mech video games. The Gundam franchise helped define the mech genre.

Which mech game has the deepest customization?

The Armored Core series is renowned for its expansive mech customization spanning armor types, weapons as well as visual parts. Players can customize their mechs in thousands of unique ways.

What mech game has the most realistic graphics?

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries make you feel like you are actually sitting in the cockpit of a 60-foot BattleMech through immersive visuals and sounds. You see armor degradation, falling debris, and weapon effects up close.

Which mech game has the best multiplayer?

Titanfall 2 stands above other mech games with its sublime mix of silky smooth traversal and combat. Its maps and modes are crafted to perfection for catapulting multiplayer mech action to new heights. Wall-running and double-jumping as a pilot before hopping into your Titan mech builds on this frenetic pace rather than sacrificing it.