AirMech Wastelands

AirMech Wastelands is an action-RPG set in a post-apocalyptic, alternate future America following the collapse of modern civilization. Players operate customizable AirMechs—powerful mecha units—rising from scavenger to leader by building armies, engaging in mission-driven campaigns against the hostile faction The Iron Hand, and upgrading their pilot and mech through skill points earned in battle across escalating difficulty levels.

AirMech Wastelands: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

In the vast landscape of mecha-driven action RPGs, AirMech Wastelands stands as a unique and ambitious title that blends real-time strategy, action, and role-playing elements into a cohesive, if somewhat flawed, experience. Developed by Carbon Games, this spin-off from the AirMech series offers a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic mecha genre, set against the backdrop of a war-torn America. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its reception and legacy in the gaming community.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Carbon Games, founded in 2011, is a small but ambitious studio based in Bellevue, Washington. The studio is known for its work on the AirMech series, which began as a spiritual successor to the cult classic Herzog Zwei. AirMech Wastelands was conceived as a standalone expansion to the AirMech universe, focusing on a single-player campaign-driven experience. The game was initially released in Early Access on November 24, 2017, and later launched officially on July 6, 2018.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

At the time of its release, AirMech Wastelands faced the challenge of standing out in a crowded market of mecha and strategy games. The gaming landscape in 2017 was dominated by titles like MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries and Warframe, which offered similar mecha action but with more polished graphics and established fanbases. Carbon Games aimed to differentiate Wastelands by focusing on a unique blend of genres, combining the fast-paced action of AirMech with the progression and storytelling of an RPG.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

AirMech Wastelands is set in an alternate future America following a global collapse of modern civilization. The player takes on the role of a scavenger who stumbles upon an abandoned AirMech and is recruited into the resistance against the Iron Hand, a faction of sentient robots. The narrative follows the player’s journey from a simple scavenger to a leader, uncovering the mysteries behind the Iron Hand’s attacks on humanity.

The story is told through a series of missions, each contributing to the overarching plot. The player’s actions and choices have minimal impact on the story, but the narrative is engaging enough to keep players invested. The dialogue and character interactions are serviceable, though not particularly memorable.

Themes and World-Building

The game explores themes of survival, leadership, and the struggle between humanity and technology. The post-apocalyptic setting is rich with detail, from the ruined cities to the scattered remnants of civilization. The world is divided into different regions, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. The Iron Hand serves as a formidable and enigmatic antagonist, adding a sense of urgency and danger to the player’s journey.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

AirMech Wastelands combines elements of real-time strategy, action, and RPG mechanics. Players control an AirMech, a powerful mecha that can transform between ground and air modes. The game features a variety of missions, including standard combat, survival, and stealth missions.

The core gameplay loop involves completing missions to earn experience points, which are used to level up the player’s Pilot and AirMech. Players can customize their AirMech with different parts and weapons, each offering unique abilities and stats. The game also features a base-building system, allowing players to upgrade their headquarters and recruit additional pilots.

Combat and Progression

Combat in AirMech Wastelands is fast-paced and strategic. Players must manage their resources, including health, energy, and ammunition, while coordinating their units and AirMech. The game offers four difficulty levels, each increasing the strength of enemies and the rewards for completing missions.

Progression is tied to the player’s level, which unlocks new skills and abilities. The game also features a loot system, with rare parts and items dropping from defeated enemies. These items can be sold for currency or used to upgrade the player’s AirMech.

User Interface and Innovative Systems

The user interface in AirMech Wastelands is functional but somewhat clunky. The inventory system, in particular, can be confusing and difficult to navigate. The game also features a player market, where players can buy and sell rare cosmetic items. This system adds a layer of depth to the game but is primarily of interest to players of AirMech Strike.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a post-apocalyptic America, with ruined cities and scattered survivors. The world is divided into different regions, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, with the constant threat of the Iron Hand looming over the player.

Visual Direction

The visual style of AirMech Wastelands is reminiscent of classic isometric RPGs like Diablo. The game features detailed environments and character models, though the graphics are not particularly groundbreaking for the time. The art direction is consistent and fitting for the post-apocalyptic setting.

Sound Design

The sound design in AirMech Wastelands is solid, with a mix of ambient sounds and action-packed music. The game features a new soundtrack from Front Line Assembly, which adds to the overall atmosphere. The voice acting is serviceable, though not particularly memorable.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

AirMech Wastelands received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s unique blend of genres and engaging gameplay, but criticized its clunky UI and lack of depth in certain areas. The game’s Steam page shows a mixed rating, with 69% of the 269 user reviews being positive.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

While AirMech Wastelands did not achieve widespread commercial success, it has left a lasting impact on the gaming community. The game’s unique blend of genres and engaging gameplay has inspired other developers to experiment with similar mechanics. The AirMech series, in general, has been influential in the mecha and strategy genres, and Wastelands continues to be a favorite among fans of the series.

Conclusion

Final Verdict

AirMech Wastelands is a unique and ambitious title that successfully blends real-time strategy, action, and RPG elements. While it has its flaws, particularly in its user interface and lack of depth in certain areas, the game offers a compelling and engaging experience for fans of mecha and strategy games. Its legacy lies in its innovative gameplay and the impact it has had on the gaming community. For those looking for a fresh take on the mecha genre, AirMech Wastelands is definitely worth a try.