Editing MechCommander (section)

==Gameplay==
Players assume the role of the commander of Zulu company from the Federated Commonwealth's First Davion Guards, a member of the [[BattleTech#Inner Sphere|Inner Sphere (IS)]].<ref>{{cite web |last=House |first=Michael L. |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=12046 |title=MechCommander - Overview |website=[[AllGame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=October 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114160803/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=12046 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The planet Port Arthur must be taken back from the [[BattleTech#Clans|Clan Smoke Jaguar]].<ref name="publicopinion">{{cite news |last=Easley |first=Joel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24833055/mechcommander-puts-you-in-control-of/ |title=MechCommander puts you in control of universe |newspaper=[[Public Opinion (Chambersburg)|Public Opinion]] |publisher=[[Gannett Company]] |issue=5 |date=July 25, 1998 |page=1C |access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref> The game's campaign progresses through 30 different missions broken into 5 operations with 6 missions apiece.<ref name="tampatribune">{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Jim |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24833009/mechs-go-real-time-by-jim-reed/ |title=Mechs go real-time |newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]] |publisher=Tampa Media Group, Inc. |issue=194 |date=August 14, 1998 |page=38 |access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref> Each mission consists of a number of objectives which may include destroying enemy units, capturing or defending enemy units, protecting friendly units, and capturing and defending bases. Some missions must be completed within a certain time limit.<ref name="sydneymorning">{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Stuart |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24832470/battle-stations-by-stuart-clarke/ |title=Battle Stations |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] |issue=50201 |date=July 25, 1998 |page=14 |access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref>
[[File:MechCommander screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|Battle scene]]
In each mission, players controls a limited number of units which are either mechs or support vehicles.<ref name="cgsp-review"/> This control is through a simulated aerial viewscreen above the battlefield.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Alderman |first=John |date=July 21, 1998 |url=https://www.wired.com/1998/07/mechcommander-on-the-move/ |title=MechCommander on the Move |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |access-date=October 25, 2018}}</ref> Each mission restricts both the combined tonnage and the number of units allowed. Briefings are supplied prior to the start of the mission which lists the objectives and other relevant information. A wide range of strategies and tactics may be used on any given mission, and players can customize their forces for each one.<ref name="sydneymorning"/>

In between missions players can repair and refit mechs, assign mechwarriors to each mech and purchase mechs, vehicles, mechwarriors, and components.<ref name="tampatribune"/> These items are purchased with Resource Points which are awarded for completing previous mission objectives.<ref name="cgw-review"/> Few mechs, vehicles, mech pilots, and components can be purchased at the beginning of the campaign, but more become available as the game progresses. However, only IS technology can be purchased. Clan technology such as weaponry and new mechs must be salvaged from the battlefield.<ref name="gamerev-review"/> Salvaging equipment is an important feature of the game.<ref name="publicopinion"/>

Each mech is piloted by a mechwarrior. Pilots increase in skill as they use them during missions.<ref name="sydneymorning"/> The more missions and kills a particular pilot has, the more experienced and valuable he or she becomes.<ref name="gamerev-review"/> If a pilot gains enough experience, he or she will increase in rank. The four ranks from least to greatest are "green", "regular", "veteran", and "elite". Rank determines how effective a pilot is in a certain class of mechs (light, medium, heavy, or assault).<ref name="gamespot-review"/>