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Undoubtedly, one of the most anticipated games scheduled to be shown at E3 is Microsoft's MechCommander 2, the sequel to MicroProse's isometric tactical strategy game. MechCommander 2 is being built from the ground up and boasts a brand-new 3D engine that displays buildings, mechs, and the surrounding environments in exceptional detail. Accompanying the graphics changes will be several new gameplay additions, including true line of sight, the ability to call for reinforcements in the middle of missions, and a dynamic campaign structure.

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MechCommander 2 was shown in playable form at Microsoft's Gamestock event earlier this year, but the publisher has been very tight-lipped about its progress since then. We recently sat down with the game's producer, Mitch Gitelman, to uncover more details behind MechCommander 2 and give you an updated look at the game before it is shown to the public at E3.

GameSpot: When we last saw MechCommander 2 at Gamestock, the demonstration being shown featured a number of Mechs and several complete levels. How far along is the game and how much has it changed since Gamestock?

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Mitch Gitelman: Most of our main features are in and we're evaluating them using groups of gamers from the Seattle area. We take their feedback very seriously and we are currently revising our interface functionality.

As for changes since Gamestock - I’d have to say “lots.” Part of this is due to feedback from gamers in person, some from feedback on the fansites, but most is due to the team trying pushing the game in new ways.

GS: How does the plot of this game tie into the original MechCommander?

MG: It doesn't. In MechCommander, the player was part of an invasion force attempting to retake a planet on behalf of the Federated Commonwealth. The story was very straightforward - shoot the Clanners, win back the planet.

In MechCommander 2, we want to take the players' role in a new direction to give them a bigger look at the BattleTech Universe. As a mercenary MechCommander, you are caught in a power struggle between three noble houses vying for territory in the Chaos March, a highly disputed area of the Inner Sphere.

Next: The plot and campaign