Top 10 Mech Based Video Games

Sometimes, regular old firepower just isn’t enough, and you have to dip into that high-powered futuristic technology to get the job done. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be counting down the Top 10 Mech-Based Video Games.

For this list, we’ve picked the top 10 best games where you have the ability to control a mech – though some of the games feature on-foot components as well.

As probably the best entry in one of Square’s more niche long-running franchises, “Front Mission 4” and the series at large’s bread and butter is its insanely deep character customization and intricate, heavily strategic battle system. Any mech title worth its salt provides some customization, but “Front Mission 4” really takes things to the next level. The battles themselves are epic – sometimes lasting up to 100 turns, so this game really isn’t for the faint of heart. Still, if you can get best the mediocre graphics and presentation, this is an insanely deep and rewarding experience.

From Software, most known for the “Dark Souls” series, loves creating unforgiving experiences, and the “Armored Core” series is no different. The mechcustomization options are pretty much limitless, the graphics are pretty great, and it’s just so rewarding when you finally put together that perfect combination of parts and slap on a custom paint job and emblem. “Armored Core V” was especially cool due to its online ‘Conquest’ mode, which places you on a giant team of mechs, slowly trying to obtain worldwide dominance, one mission at a time. Think of it as a giant, futuristic game of “Risk.”

Mech games and animes have always been extremely popular in Japan, and it pretty much boils down to the long-running mega franchise, “Mobile Suit Gundam.” The “Extreme Vs.” series is basically a dream come true for fans of the series. Originally an arcade exclusive arena fighter, the game boasts a huge selectable roster of mechs to choose from, and awesome graphics that do the source material justice. The gameplay itself is frantic, fast-paced and exhilarating, with all of the over-the-top anime trappings you would expect.

Employing a free to play model, at of writing Hawken is still technically in open beta, but that’s not to say it isn’t a smashing good time. Mech enthusiasts around the world are hoping that day will come, because “Hawken” fills a specific mech niche comparable to games like “Titanfall.” This is fast-paced team-oriented gameplay at its finest, combining visceral and exciting combat with cool multiplayer game modes. The graphics are also super beautiful, really creating a sense of sci-fi immersion. Let’s hope “Hawken’s” new owners, Reloaded Games, do the final product justice.

When Xbox Live first launched in 2002, this game was seen as the first online console “killer app.” “Halo 2” was still over a year away from launch, but luckily, gamers had another awesome futuristic action game to spend their time with. By today’s standards, “MechAssault” is fairly simplistic – and yet, it was never meant to be a deep, strategic simulation like some other entries on this list. This is a pure, visceral shoot-em-up deathmatch game, with fast-paced combat, a handful of mechs to choose from, and non-stop robot and building-destroying action.

The 1990s saw a huge influx of first-person-shooters, most of them being fairly crappy knock-offs trying to cash in on the success of “Doom” and “Quake.” Amongst the legions of clones were a few gems, however, like “SHOGO” which infused a tired genre with awesome anime style and cool mech-basedcombat and missions. The game jumps between on-foot and mech-based levels, but every stage is bloody, violent, action-packed, and a hell of a lot of fun to play.

Most remembered for its insane bundled controller, featuring a whopping 30-plus buttons and levers, “Steel Battalion” is definitely the most realistic and immersive mech game ever created. This is hardcore simulation to the extreme – the game cost 200$ upon release, but you were paying for the most accurate depiction of being an actual mech pilot in video game history. The game itself is a relatively straightforward mission-based action-game, but it’s the small touches and immersion that make this a must-play for mech aficionados – nothing puts you in the cockpit quite like “Steel Battalion.”

The only JRPG to make the list, this Squaresoft classic deftly mixed an intricate storyline exploring existential themes like religion and human purpose with high-octane mech warfare. When a conflict between rivaling nations destroys his hometown, Fei accidentally takes control of a mech, Weltall, with which is face is forever entwined. With one of the most interesting stories ever conceived in a video game and a deep, combo-based fighting system, “Xenogears” stands the test of time as one of the best Japanese RPGs ever made.

Mech-based combat is only half the fun in “Titanfall,” an intense first-person multiplayer shooter AND one of the strongest titles for the Xbox One it it’s earliest months. This game flawlessly combines on-foot, parkour-style wall jumping and double jumping with kick-ass mech piloting gameplay. Being on-foot or in a mech both have their advantages and disadvantages, creating a really compelling dynamic in online matches. The atmosphere, graphics and sound are all top-notch, but like most online games, Titanfall’s fun factor depends entirely on the population of its servers.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Slave Zero” (1999)
“Supreme Commander” (2007)
“MechWarrior 4: Vengeance” (2000)
“Strike Suit Zero” (2013)
“Heavy Gears 2” (1999)

The first two “MechWarrior” games were basically the first titles to tackle mech-based simulations, and were extremely popular in their own right, but its “Mercenaries,” an expansion pack for “MechWarrior 2,” that really blew the doors off the genre. By combining the relatively straightforward mech action of its predecessors with a complicated resource-management involving choosing contracts, hiring personnel, buying and upgrading mechs, and more, Activision created a really unforgettable experience and a highpoint for PC gaming in the 90s.

Agree with our list? Did we forget any awesome mech simulation games? For more colossally cool top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.