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Chromehounds

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7.1 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 60 critic reviews
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Based on 56 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Sega

Developer: From Software

Genre(s): Action, Third-Person Shooter

Players: 12

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: July 11, 2006

Summary

This squad-based action title puts gamers in control of giant mechanized military weapons of war. Chromehounds offers an intense, photorealistic look at war from the cockpits of colossal metal vehicles. These heavily-armed weapons of war, called HOUNDSs, dominate ground battles during warfare in the near-future. Squads of HOUNDs take to the field in international factions, cooperating with and complementing each other in terms of firepower, range of movement, and abilities. Domination of the world is the prize for the mightiest army on the field. Strategic planning, snap reflexes and communication are key to winning the day in this battle-hardened action title. Players take the role of either a Squad Member or a Tactics Commander, who is responsible for strategically guiding the team to victory with verbal commands on Xbox Live. In addition to supporting both cooperative and competitive online modes, the game offers thousands of upgrade options, which effect both the look and performance of player mechs. Strategic gameplay puts the player in the role of 'tactics commander'; manage your squad while testing your reflexes on the battlefield. Xbox LIVE support offers cooperative and competitive campaigns for up to 12 players at once. [Sega]

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Computer Games Magazine

Chromehounds isn't just the most exciting giant robot game since MechWarrior 2 opened with that famous Digital Domain cutscene; it's absolutely a reason to buy a 360 and a Live subscription. [Oct. 2006, p.81]

My Gamer

Chromehounds delivers on almost every level and is one of the better titles to have been released on the Xbox 360 this year.

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Yahoo! Games

For those of you looking for a giant robot game that's distinct, exciting, deep, and eminently customizable, as long as you're willing to play with others, Chromehounds is what you've been waiting for.

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Team Xbox

HOUND building is borderline therapeutic. Slow in areas, but never for trivial reasons.

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Xbox Solution

The fact that up to 20 players can compete against each other at one time with no lag is impressive.

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Kombo

While Chromehounds delivers on the multiplayer aspect of the game, it is lacking a great single player to go with it.

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eToychest

Hearing your squad yelling in victory at a hard-earned tactical win or laughing at an unlucky shot in battle is a great feeling, and the best battles can create a story that people will be talking about days later.

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Cheat Code Central

Operating the hounds is a breeze. They are even easier to operate than the mechs in Mech Assault, although they don't move as quick. Speed is sacrificed for ease of control.

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Gaming Age

It is a slower methodically paced title that demands patience and the ability to command squad units to be successful.

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Pelit (Finland)

A lot of fun when played online, but the single player mode feels lacking. The impressive multiplayer Neroimus War could still use some play balancing, and the game is needlessly trying to please both the sim and the arcade crowds at the same time. [Sept 2006]

Game Almighty

Overall, Chromehounds is a coin-flip because gamers will either love it or hate it due to its weak single player campaign and its robust multiplayer mode, which are both wedged in between inconsistent graphics and boring level design.

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Game Over Online

The best multiplayer experience on the Xbox since "Steel Battalion: Line of Contact," and so far, minus the awesome controller, it puts that game to shame.

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GamingExcellence

Chromehounds is truly built as a multiplayer game where team strategy, roles, responsibilities and cooperation will prevail at the end of the day. Played in this fashion, the depth and longevity of Chromehounds, not to mention its customization aspect, will last any gamer with Xbox Live a long time.

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GamingTrend

You need to be aware that this is not the high-speed game like Virtual-On, or Armored Core tends to be, but more of a giant robot chess match. If you are up for that sort of war, we’ll keep a spot open for you on the GT Goonsquad.

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NTSC-uk

Chrome Hounds makes no apologies for what it is and it isn’t looking for your appreciation. It just wants you to fight in its war. Pretenders need not apply. But if the lure of war is tempting you, then sign up.

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DarkStation

Mech games are pretty scarce on the consoles, and this one fills the void nicely with plenty of customization options, fun multiplayer mode and spectacular visuals.

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MS Xbox World

Once you get over the initial speed of the game and focus on the more tactical element then players will have a better time. However I fear that many players will lack the patience, especially if they are used to fast paced first person shooters.

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Gaming Target

More than any other game, it’s the online multiplayer that really tips the scales and saves Chromehounds from being a forgettable B-grade title.

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Deeko

A very niche, very focused and polished experience that will reward you if you and your friends are willing to put time into it.

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1UP

An innovative take on how shooters and mech games can play, with a very nice addition of "collect-'em-all" gameplay from the variety of parts available.

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Boomtown

I'm actually having more fun online with this game than "GRAW" thanks to the even greater emphasis on team play, role types and big robot things exploding.

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GameSpot

This unique mech combat sim looks great in action, but gets most of its mileage out of its persistent online campaign, which can be very fun for dedicated players.

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Game Chronicles

Chromehounds is probably one of the more inventive games of its time. It’s the first persistent online game on the 360 and it’s FREE to play (Live fees not withstanding). It has good graphics, challenging gameplay, and enough parts and upgrades to keep even the most diehard armchair mechanic glued to their TV for weeks and months to come.

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Talk Xbox

If you’re looking for a game with a solid single player or twitchy action shooting then you’re in the wrong place. Chromehounds is at its core a multiplayer experience with an emphasis on teamwork and tactics.

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Planet Xbox 360

While the first Mech title for the 360 isn’t exactly incredible, it does set a standard for online play that will only better with age.

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GameCritics

People willing to enlist for the full tour of duty are going to find a tactical experience unlike anything else out there—just make sure you know what you're getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

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Detroit Free Press

This game will suck you into its wartime world if you let it. And once you've adjusted to the game's quirks and interface, you'll find it very enjoyable.

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GameZone

The single-player game is sorely lacking in several key areas, and the online game, while fun, does require a lot more effort on the player than say ... (insert favorite game here).

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Digital Entertainment News

Its pretty, but like Chrome its mostly flash and little substance. At least you can show it off to your friends.

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Worth Playing

It's as if the game designers are saying, "Well, just imagine that you are fighting in a huge war." With that kind of attitude, I hope that they are able to imagine me still playing this in a month – because I certainly won't be.

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GameSpy

The online performance still has a lot of kinks, often making it tough to join games. It can be difficult to experience the game properly as a functional squad. Still, Chromehounds is a game that has a lot of potential.

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Games Radar (in-house)

This game is predominantly about next generation tank combat, which may strike some people as terribly boring, but for those just itching to join the new era of steel-clad, explosive-hurling champions, Chromehounds delivers the most satisfyingly complete experience available to date.

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PALGN

Like the idea of mech-battling or are a hardcore gamer? Got Live? Got time? Got capable friends online? Then Chromehounds has something to offer you in these slow times.

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Game Informer

Chromehounds wields tons of fire-power online, but its gameplay gears are rusty. [Aug 2006, p.87]

Play Magazine

The customization adds an additional layer of strategy to Chromehounds, one that's very much welcome. [Aug 2006, p.59]

Next Level Gaming

I was rather disappointed with the single player game. I was able to finish all of the single player missions with just a few hours of gameplay.

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Thunderbolt

Chromehounds is for all those who've ever wondered who exactly was backing them up when they faced armies of security bots, turrets, and other mechs.

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Gamestyle

Chromehounds is an excellent online game, but the single-player suffers because of it, making it no use for anyone without a Gold Live account.

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IGN

Even while using proper RT tactical maneuvers, playing Chromehounds only amounts to a point and shoot experience, despite its impressive customization complexities.

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GameShark

However, the technical issues that currently exist in the game in a connection-based capacity really are unacceptable, and it saddens me immensely that issues like this still exist after the widely-known tragedy that was Steel Battalion: Line of Contact, and given how much potential this game has.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

Even hardcore mech fans, who may well get their money’s worth in the multiplayer, would have benefited greatly had more time being spent making the combat more enjoyable.

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Official Xbox Magazine

Like the "Armored Core" games, Chromehounds feels like an amalgam of smart and goofy, and while it will appeal to fans of the former series, finicky casual types will probably be bored, frustrated, or both. [Sept 2006, p.82]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

A well-made, technically solid shooter, but its dedication to realism kills the fun. [Aug 2006, p.88]

Xbox World Australia

While tactics are required the crux of battle really comes down to brute force, which may diminish the longevity of the game's appeal.

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Gamer's Hell

Scant little more than a badly reared puppy that’s bound for the pound.

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Play.tm

Chromehounds offers nothing especially 'next-gen' to the mech genre and, apart from its in-depth customisation and online squad aspect, it really emerges as a distinct disappointment.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

It's nothing we haven't seen done before with more energy and enthusiasm in countless other mech games. [Aug 2006, p.91]

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GamePro

Unfortunately, with such drab presentation and predictable gameplay, there isn't enough to sustain interest for long.

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G4 TV

Certain of the mech types, such as the underpowered and, surprisingly, oftentimes sluggish-moving scouts are simply less fun to play than others.

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360 Gamer Magazine UK

The single-player isn't very good, it lacks pace, excitement, variety and feels like one giant training mission. [Issue #11]

GameBrink

Overall the gameplay is pretty forgettable and is only saved by the interesting ideas presented online. [JPN Import]

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Games Master UK

Too simple to be strategic, too slow to be a shooter, too basic to be next-generation. [Sept 2006, p.70]

VideoGamer

An ambitious failure that sounds great on paper but proves to be a tediously slow, uninvolving experience for anyone less than a hardcore giant robot fan.

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games(TM)

Even if Xbox Live does prove Chromehounds’ saviour, there’s no denying that the single-player mode will be relegated to little more than a tactical playground to warm up for the online battle because it’s just a little too one-note, a little too slow, a little too lifeless to truly engage. [Aug 2006, p.112]

Xbox Evolved

The game is hardcore in the sense that, only a gamer with far too much time on his or her hands would take the punishment of completing the dry campaign. The hardcore gamers out there are the only ones that could stand the drab visuals, and boringly done sound.

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Game Revolution

It stumbles in its lame single-player and brutally slow pacing, but offers a nice amount of customization for would-be mech mechanics, leading to a game perfect for the chop shop and lousy for the road.

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Sydney Morning Herald

As long as you don't fall asleep at the wheel, Chrome Hounds offers a smattering of explosive action.

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X360 Magazine UK

Much slower and less action-packed than we'd hoped - plus, it doesn't even look that much like a next-gen game. The online mode needs to be awesome if there's any hope for this one. [Issue 9, p.80]

Eurogamer

Chromehounds is really, really, really boring to play...Not one that I can imagine Xbox 360 players sticking with for more than a handful of hours tops, no matter how starved they are for new releases at the moment.

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GamerFeed

The potential behind the game is unmatched, but an extremely poor online interface coupled with lackluster servers and a relatively boring single player experience makes Chromehounds a chrome donkey.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.1 (out of 10) based on 56 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

CoffinSandman gave it an8:
I agree that the single player isn't that great, but it still manages to be reasonably fun. Sure it gets kind of boring, but it focuses on realistic missions from a military perspective, which make things pretty interesting. I haven't tried the multiplayer yet, but I can imagine that it'll make this game completely worth it. ( I'll admit, I only bought this game because I found a new copy for only $20.) Other than that, this is pretty much the best mech game I've ever played. The graphix are some of the best I've seen on 360. The gameplay and controls are great and the customization system is awsome. Apart from the single player, Chromehounds is everything MechAssault should have been.

Max gave it a7:
For those who don't have Xbox Live, this game is a waste of money. But online it's a different story. It is fun to customize your own hound and give it your own color pattern and emblems for everyone else to see. Every hound is different. The achievements are fun to unlock and the graphics are good. It's not the fastest game though. The mechs are incredibly slow and the fights usually come down to aiming at far distances and whoever wins probably just built a better hound than you.

Jacob B. gave it a9:
I personally love this game to death. The thing with this game is purely based on the player. You have to have a passion for mech games and team play to truly enjoy this game. Most people who shoot this game down point out slow game play and mediocre graphics, this is true, but does not bring down the game. To me graphics are about 5% important to me in a game, and I thought chromhounds delivered an very good online expierence which (believe it or not) got me a few new real life friends, the community with your squad (if they arnt your friends at first) is very strong and alot of time is spent with intelligent conversations and ideas. The campaign is nmo doubt boring, but i played it for only training and parts, the majority of time spent on Chromhounds was online. its the best online game i've ever played and truly a great game for all lovers of mech games. an easy 9.

Ricky C. gave it a10:
Story mode pretty freakin good, mutiplayer is awesome, may be better than armored core... no, DEFIANTLY better.

James A. gave it a9:
This game is better than Halo2. The reviewers were looking for the nest Mech Warrior. This games is more like the Ghost Recon of giant robots. If giants robots were real, this is what they would be. This game has no lasers, sheild generator or flame throwers. But those don't exist now (except the flame thrower) or will be in the near future. This game is all modern-day weapon ramped up into a giant-robot-usuable form. Online in this game is a blast if you can find a squad (the Chromehounds version of Halo 2 clans) which is easy if you have any friends. I have to say the single player is not the greatest but you can get a better gamerscore; who can complain. The achievments probably look the coolest out of any 360 game right now; they are medals that you would see on a military person. This game is a must have for Live sence you can have 6 vs. 6. The online can fail if you have too many people or somebody is talking while the game goes into the next load screen. THIS GAME IS NOT MECHWARRIOR it is Ghost Recon and team work is necessary.

Jacob V. gave it a7:
Doesn't seem like a "pick up and play" game. I rented this and didn't have the patience. It takes forever to get anywhere. I think my problem was that I wanted to build my own mech, but I couldn't get my hands on enough parts. I'll stick to the fast paced MechAssault games.

Mike gave it a9:
Great game if you have patience and your good at making friends online.

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Chromehounds

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