Not sure if anyone around here plays the games, but I saw a trailer for it quite a while ago, and it looks pretty awesome. Just found the release date, so figured I'd do a post for it. Aside from the US release date, some details have been revealed:
QUOTE
- Online co-op mode: "30 missions and eight-player online melees in 80 different arenas."
- Story mode: You play as a mercenary who can eventually choose which missions to take from different factions within the game. There are over 40 missions and the decisions you make can lead to multiple endings.
- Arms Forts, which are giant battle stations much larger than yourself, will be the featured enemies of the game.
- Control scheme: new control scheme for beginners, as well as an option for other players to join in via co-op mode to assist them with difficult missions.
- New customization options: 130 new mech parts, including "interesting" parts such as an "auxiliary boost jets that increase your mobility and are ideal for hit-and-run attacks."
- Voice chat will be supported, as well as cross-regional (North America, Japan, Europe) play.
- No trophy support for "the Western version."
From what I've seen in trailers, the series seems like it's come a long way since the first few titles. One of the greatest improvements I've seen so far (besides graphics, of course) is what was one of the series' major weaknesses in the past: mobility. Pretty much everything seems to be faster-paced now, and even simple walking/running (hell, dashing didn't even exist in the older titles, but it seems to be available in this) seems much better. As usual, I'm sure the game will offer tons of new gear for customization up the wazoo, and simply more destruction. Taking on these mobile fortresses as enemies seems pretty epic, too. And co-op play? Also awesome.
Although I doubt I'll get a chance to play the game anytime soon after release, I'd really like to see how it turns out.
Trailers:
Japanese Trailer: SD | HD
Japanese Trailer 2: SD | HD
Japanese Trailer 3: SD
Game Intro: SD | HD
Launch Trailer: SD | HD
Developer Diary - Customization: SD
Gameplay Footage:
Flying Japanese Gameplay: SD | HD
Dash 'n' Blast Gameplay: SD | HD