Graphics and Sound

Pretty in Camo

One of my co-workers (Kenn) who will remain nameless (Kenn) complained about the original Heavy Gear having poor graphics. This same unnamed person (Kenn) looked over my shoulder at Heavy Gear 2's graphics and commented that they looked spiffy. Actually, he (Kenn) was looking at my gear explode in swampwater and told me to "take more screenshots of that." Judge from the screenshots yourself, but the consensus here at the Firing Squad office (motto: Ramen is a food group) is that the game looks good enough to eat. Not only is it designed prettily, but attention is paid to detail. For example, changing your gear's weapon configuration results in a (sometimes radically) different looking onscreen robot.

But warm in the gear

Lock on and fire

As mentioned above, some of the more impressive graphics are displayed when in water or when things are blowing up. Thankfully, one or the other is usually happening. The rest of the game is well designed, for the most part. The only part where Activision really cheaped out on is buildings that have been destroyed. A structure that was once a huge communications array will, after taking a few anti-tank missiles, become an unimpressive looking pile of random jagged polygons. It's unfortunate, because, as we all know, destroying buildings is more fun if you get to survey your handiwork afterwards.

Nice ass

Your team

Sounds Like Gear Spirit

As Heavy Gear 2 is a simulation (albeit one focused heavily on action and strategy), there is no background music. This is actually quite nice, as the sounds of battle are important to listen to, and throwing in some generic tune would have distracted from them. What is there is the sound of everything you encounter, from your tactical support guy giving you information to the sound of rain hitting your gear.

Scouting the enemy base

We're gone

Most notable and impressive were the voices you hear during your missions. You'll get voice instructions and feedback from your command ship, intercepted radio chatter of the enemy, and in team missions, the chatter of your mates. All of the people you can choose to fight with have different personalities which are reflected in their speech. They let you know what they're up to, provide you with info about your mission, and sometimes just make smartass remarks.