8.0 for value. Free, highly playable, decent graphics, low system requirements, lacks depth, worth a try if you're bored
Sys Requirements: 800mhz, 64MB Card, 256RAM
For a free game, the quality is very good. You will probably enjoy it for a bit, but the gameplay is not varied or good enough to keep you enchanted. Still, it's worth a look if you have some time on your hands.
This is a massively multiplayer third person shooter. You buy and equip parts for your mech and go into battle against other people.
There are only a few stats to look at and there aren't too many parts.
You basically have your melee weapons, short to medium range one handed guns, and powerful two handed weapons. There are also shields and healing guns.All have their uses, and you can bring two load outs into battle with you. There is no ammo, but weapons overheat after firing several rounds. This is simple and works fine.
The most powerful shotgun maybe twice as good as the least powerful version. Same for other weapons. There is less of a difference in overall power when it comes to mech parts, but you can specialize for speed or hit points, etc.
Capture the flag is the most popular mode, as well as my favorite. There's some basic teamplay involved and a half dozen maps. Each match lasts 10 minutes, win, lose or draw.
You will slowly improve stats by leveling up. In game currency is very limited, and buying new equipment gives a much more noticeable boost than leveling. The game also uses a micro payment system where you can use real money to purchase gear. This makes the biggest difference early on, as it takes a long time to save up for new equipment. The purchase only items are comparable to top level "free" gear, so you don't need them to compete. You'll just have to spend a lot of time earning money.
Money and experience points are awarded at the end of each match. The main factor in determining how much you receive is time played. I suppose this prevents people from simply kill farming, but its disappointing when you put up 20 kills and 3 caps in 7 minutes as the useless guy who was there the whole time has 5 kills and gets a better reward.
You'll have to play a lot to improve your character. There really isn't much else to do. No plot, just FPS style action.
The combat system in the game was a bit frustrating for me. It doesn't use real projectile physics, but rather a "lock on" target system. If you shoot a guy point blank in the face with a long range weapon, he won't take damage. Likewise, most weapons instantly hit even if you could have dodged them. Movement is standard FPS movement with speed burst boosting in any direction. Boosting, jumping and switch weapons takes up energy.
The end result is a dumbed down MMORPG and a dumbed down first person shooter molded into one. For me, the gameplay isn't enough to keep me interested for very long. Most people were friendly and there weren't too many real elites. You can do well with skill alone, but if you want to be a top player you'll have to spend time or money powering up your character. It would probably take about 100 hours or $20 to get an optimal build.
Set up voice communication with some friends to get the most out of this game, as teamwork is important and friends are fun. :)