Mech Showcase: Part Three

　　This is the third in our four-part MechWarrior 4: Vengeance feature. In each weekly update we've been showcasing five mechs from Microsoft's upcoming game and have included detailed specifications, gameplay information, and screenshots of each. To date, we've profiled ten of the mechs in the game, including several of the ones that are brand-new to the Battletech universe. If you haven't read the 913962two previous installments already, be sure to do so. If you've been following this feature on a weekly basis, then read on to find out about the next five mechs.

Mad Cat

　　Mad Cat This classic mech was the first OmniMech encountered by the Inner Sphere during a conflict in the Oberon Confederation on August 13, 3049. First spotted by a member of the Kell Hounds mercenary units, the Mad Cat got its name because at the time its hunched-over torso was common only to the MArauDer and the CATapult mechs. Though an improved version of this mech has since been developed, the Mad Cat remains a favorite among clan members, thanks to its durability and versatility.

　　Tech Level: Clan OmniMech

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 75

　　Jump jet capable: No

　　Top speed: 85kph

　　Internal structure type: Endo steel

Mauler

　　Mauler The Mauler was originally designed by the Draconis Combine, and considering its youth, it has seen plenty of action on the battlefield since the signing of the Star League Constitution, and it has proved itself well against the clans. This mech is quite heavy and thus significantly slower than comparable designs, but it employs a light engine and double-heat-sink technology. While several prototypes have been spotted, a detailed study on the Mauler's design hasn't been conducted yet.

　　Tech level: Inner Sphere

　　Armor: Reactive

　　Max tonnage: 90

　　Jump jet capable: No

　　Top speed: 51kph

　　Internal structure type: Normal

Nova Cat

　　Nova Cat To raise his clan's morale after its defeat at Tukayyid, Khan Severen Leroux promptly ordered the design and construction of a new heavy OmniMech. The end result was the Nova Cat, which was given the same name as the defeated clan in hopes that it would protect them both militarily and spiritually. The Nova Cat has an incredibly powerful arsenal, making it deadly during long-range battles, but it suffers from quick heat buildups, which makes managing the weapon controls a chore for its pilots.

　　Tech level: Clan OmniMech

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 70

　　Jump jet capable: No

　　Top speed: 68kph

　　Internal structure type: Endo steel

Osiris

　　Osiris Another one of the seven new mechs to be found in MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, the Osiris is one of the fastest war machines in the game and is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 130kph. To do so, however, the Osiris sacrifices armor and weaponry in favor of speed. This characteristic makes it ideally suited for scouting and reconnaissance duty. The Osiris isn't completely defenseless, though. In fact, its standard loadout of SRM-6s, medium lasers, and a machine gun packs quite a punch and is enough to threaten any mech it might encounter.

　　Tech level: Inner Sphere

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 30

　　Jump jet capable: Yes

　　Top speed: 130kph

　　Internal structure type: Endo steel

Raven

　　Raven The Raven was originally an experimental mech designed to provide an electronic advantage on the field of battle. Its performance on the field was unsatisfactory, however, as it was too heavy and it lacked the technological sophistication to truly turn the tide of battle. Recently though, the Inner Sphere has recovered Star League technology, which it has integrated into the Raven to make it a viable battlemech. The Raven now bristles with advanced electronics, and it is considered an invaluable asset by Inner Sphere commanders.

　　Tech level: Inner Sphere

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 35

　　Jump jet capable: No

　　Top speed: 102kph

　　Internal structure type: Standard

　　Next week we'll be showcasing the last of the mechs in this promising game. While you wait, be sure to follow the links in the upper-right to read the in-depth preview and to check out the latest batch of screenshots we've dumped into the image gallery.