ON The Insider:
Jessica Simpson Gets Booed
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Publisher: Activision Developer: Activision Release: Winter 1998 The original Heavy Gear was all set to prove that Activision could continue making excellent giant robot sims even without the MechWarrior license, but it didn't turn out to be quite so successful. Indeed, it was widely criticized because it looked, felt, and played more like MechWarrior 2 than an all-new game. According to Heavy Gear's source pen-and-paper RPG, Gears are supposed to be different from the clunky BattleMechs in that they are smaller and more agile and capable of humanlike movement. Activision has since learned from its experience with the original, listened intently to fans' comments and suggestions, and has gone back to the drawing board to produce a sequel that looks far superior to the original. Namely, Heavy Gear 2 does a much better job of staying true to its origins, as the action is faster paced and the Gears are indeed capable of effectively strafing, crouching, jumping, lying flat, and more. The Gears move much quicker and more gracefully than before, control is smoother, and weapons are more realistic in appearance and effect. Enemy AI is also greatly enhanced, as the enemy will use group tactics like flanking and patrolling in squads, rather than simply wait for you to approach. The enemy will likewise use all the weapons in its arsenal when fighting against you and settle on those that you have a particularly hard time avoiding. But the most obvious improvement in the sequel to Activision's Heavy Gear is its impressive new 3D engine, designed to function exclusively under the influence of a 3D accelerator card. It renders incredibly detailed terrain and special effects at a very smooth frame rate. Meanwhile the Gears themselves are more dynamic and humanoid looking, unlike in the original where they appeared rather blocky. Best of all, you are granted a huge field of vision with no evident pop-up on the horizon. All this adds up to a look that far exceeds the original Heavy Gear's, let alone most other games available or soon to be released on the market. Ultimately, it appears that Activision has carefully considered fans' expectations for a sequel and looks to meet and exceed them with Heavy Gear 2.
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