I loved the other MechWarrior games; you control a giant robot and go around destroying stuff ad infinitum; what more else could you want? MW3 may be a flawed game, but it's also very fun and works well as a standalone effort that will please more discerning casual gamers and hardcore fans of the series alike.

Notoriously, the MechWarrior games have had a pretty steep learning curve, and this is really no different. The controls in particular take a LOT of getting used to, but soon enough they do become operational, even if still a tad clunky. Even once you get used to the controls, though, this is a pretty challenging game; however, it isn't anything that takes more than a few tries, and so as long as you sufficiently practice with the controls, then this doesn't get infuriatingly difficult. Also, once you've finally finished the single player, there is a decent multiplayer offering even if it is a little glitchy sometimes.

Visually, it is a good attempt, although hardly indicative of the truly best games of its time. What's a bit odd is that the mechs themselves look very good, but some of the explosive and bullet effects look really minimal. In a game that's all about comic book-style bombast and mayhem, it's odd that they would choose to tone down the explosive effects, unless this was for graphical optimisation reasons (which isn't a good enough excuse anyway). Generally, from an aural perspective, it is pretty good: there are intense tunes that are fun to destroy stuff to, although they do get repetitive quite quickly. Still, the explosion sounds and mech effects are unique sounding.

It isn't an easy one to beat, and will deter casual players through its control scheme, it is nevertheless fun for fans of the series and those willing to put the time in.