MechWarrior 5: Clans offers a fresh standalone perspective on the long-running MechWarrior series by putting players in the cockpit of the Clan Smoke Jaguar, right in the middle of the Clan Invasion of the Inner Sphere. As a newly graduated pilot, you command a five-Mech “Star” squad in a story-driven campaign. While the MechWarrior universe is already rich in lore, Clans presents an opportunity to explore a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history, with a narrative that successfully blends large-scale battles with character-driven drama – much more so than the previous MechWarrior 5 release did. We played it on a PlayStation 5.
The story thrusts players into the role of a Smoke Jaguar cadet, with missions that balance between large-scale mech warfare and personal stakes, offering a mix of strategy and moral dilemmas. The focus on the Clan Invasion provides a refreshing narrative shift for the series, and the game’s lore-heavy storyline will appeal to die-hard MechWarrior fans. For newcomers, the deep narrative can feel a bit overwhelming, especially without a strong knowledge of the series’ backstory – but the story-driven approach will also lure people in who don’t have a natural affinity for mechs.
The gameplay in MechWarrior 5: Clans stays true to the tactical mech combat that the series is known for, but introduces several streamlined systems to make controlling and managing your mech squad more accessible. The revamped MechLab, which features Hardpoint and OmniPod systems, offers customization options, allowing players to tailor their BattleMechs for different missions. Whether it’s optimizing weapons, armor, or mech speed, this new level of customization is a highlight of the game, offering near-endless ways to approach (and replay) each battle. The addition of the new Battle Grid and Command Wheel systems also allows for easier squad management, though the learning curve can still feel steep at times for less experienced players.
Combat is intense and satisfying, thanks in part to the detail provided by the Unreal Engine-powered visuals. Battles unfold in diverse biomes across multiple planets, with each environment feeling distinct. From bone-dry deserts to lush forests, the game makes excellent use of the engine’s capabilities, with destructible environments adding to the sense of scale and immersion. However, while the visuals of the mechs themselves are impressive, some of the environments can feel a little empty, and occasionally lack the finer details to truly bring the world to life.
One of the standout features of the game is the destruction mechanics, which make battles feel visceral and impactful. Watching buildings crumble as your Mech barges through or seeing enemy mechs explode into pieces provides an undeniable thrill. The sheer scale of destruction is both a visual and tactical element, as terrain and structures play a significant role in the flow of combat and the amount of cover you have. That said, the destruction mechanics, while satisfying, occasionally feel repetitive after extended play, especially when missions start to follow similar patterns.
In terms of audio, MechWarrior 5: Clans excels at immersing the player in the cockpit experience. The roar of mech engines, the sound of heavy artillery fire, and the tension of a quiet battlefield just before combat are all brought to life with excellent sound design. The music, while fitting for the game’s atmosphere, doesn’t stand out as much as the sound effects, sometimes blending into the background during more intense combat sequences.
On the PlayStation 5, the game runs smoothly. The controls, while improved, still carry the weighty, deliberate movement that fans of the series will be familiar with, which works well for the giant mechs but can feel cumbersome for newcomers. The command system for your AI-controlled squadmates is straightforward enough, but the complexity of coordinating attacks or defensive maneuvers can sometimes be frustrating, especially in larger-scale battles where quick decisions are needed.
Overall, MechWarrior 5: Clans successfully brings the franchise’s tactical mech combat to life on PlayStation 5, with a solid mix of deep customization, engaging combat, and an intriguing storyline centered around the Clan Invasion. While the steep learning curve and occasional repetition may limit its appeal to casual players, it’s attractive to newcomers and a must-play for long-time fans of the series who will appreciate the narrative depth and strategic complexity the game has to offer.
Score: 8.0/10
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