Day 1 Studios Returns to its Roots with Reign of Thunder

Mech games were once one of the finest genres our industry has ever created.  From MechWarrior to Shattered Steel, from BattleTech to Steel Battalion, it was an uncommon occurrence when a AAA mech title wasn't entertaining.  Mech games are making a comeback right now in the form of free-to-play PC games and right now it looks as if the 2012/2013 market for them will be jam-packed.  Somebody evidently didn't tell this to Day 1 Studios.

Announced yesterday, Day 1 Studios, the studio recently responsible for FEAR 3 and Fracture, will be releasing Reign of Thunder, a FTP online mech title.  If the terms 'Day 1' and 'mech' sound familiar together then you shouldn't be surprised to learn that Day 1 got its start with a little known Xbox 1 series called MechAssault.  Heard of it?  Yea, a few of you raised your hands.

Other than the announcement trailer above very little about the game is known at this time.  Nary a release date or even the specific distribution platform has been announced but I'm certain somebody among us will have to keep an eye out on it.  Personally though I'm a bit worried.  If it sticks to a 2012/13 release calendar it's in for some serious competition.  Think about it: MechWarrior Online, MechWarrior Tactics, Hawken, Armored Core 5 and Steel Battalion 3 are all happening in the next 12-18 months and while a shooter title can survive amongst such stiff competition the mech genre is quite a bit less forgiving.  I'm glad to see Day 1 get back to what they love (even if this game can't be legally called MechAssault 3) but I can only hope that they do it smart.