Developer: From Software
Publisher: Sega
Composer: Kota Hoshino
Release Date: July 7, 2006
First of all let me just say that I got into this game as a huge fan of the Armored Core series and I thought this game would make a fun filler inbetween Armored Core games since they only get released in this country once in a blue moon.
StoryThe overall story of Chromehounds is that three nations: The Democratic Republic of Tarakia, the Republic of Morskoj and the Kingdom of Sal Kar all reside in the area known as Neroimus. (Already you can see the political instability that will erupt).
The single player takes place just prior to the what is known as the Neroimus War, you play the role of a Mercenary named Rafzekael as the events leading up to the Neroimus War unfold.
The multiplayer allowed people to join one of the three factions online and contribute to battles so that your faction could prove the most dominant, this took place after the events of the single player as it is during the Neroimus War.
Rating: 4/5
(Overall story is impressive. Single-player lacks depth)
GameplayThe game itself consists of using different parts to build a HOUND (The general name of the mechs used in the game) suitable for both your style of play and the mission. A wide variety of weapons opts for different situations,as you would expect. Examples of weapons are: Shotguns, Machine Guns, Artillery etc. Weight is the factor which determines how much can be placed on your HOUND. So in terms of customisation there is certainly alot that can be done, aswell as changing the camoflauge and colour of your HOUND.
The controls as fairly easy to use but the main fault I find with Chromehounds is that your HOUND moves as fast as custard being propelled across the floor with a desk fan, i.e. not very fast.
Rating: 3/5
(Customisation is fantastic. HOUND moves exhaustingly slow)
MultiplayerAs I previously mentioned the Multiplayer delivered an exciting sense of contribution yet still managed to make you feel insignificant (in a good way). The only problem with the multiplayer and mind you this is a big one... is that the server closed on January 2010.
Rating: 0/5
(Due to server closure)
GraphicsObviously playing the game now you would probably think the graphics are quite bad but I remember playing it back when the game was released and graphically it was fantastic.
Rating 3/5
(Good for the time but not impressive now)
Sounds/MusicThe music was pretty snazzy for Chromehounds, it had that techno feel that comes with any sort of Mech game. Frankly I would be dissapointed if that wasn't the case. As for sound, it was very satisfying to hear the slow-walked clunk of your HOUND as it swaggered across deserts and artic tundra. The zoom of your weapon and the 'clink' of an artillery round being fired. In terms of Audio, I could not fault it.
Rating: 5/5
(Couldn't find a fault)
Recommended PricePrior to the multiplayer server closure I would have said anywhere between £15-£20 but for single player alone I would say around £5.
ConclusionOverall Chromehounds operates like Armored Core's slow cousin. THe multiplayer was the most appealing aspect of the game but the single-player is alright and the customisation is fairly in-depth. So it is a game that I would recommend purchasing, provided its a cheap purchase.
Overall Rating:
3.0