The multiplayer demo build we played was already well polished, and after only two rounds we could tell that MechAssault 2 would be an even bigger hit than the first. When the game starts and you spawn inside the base, right off you notice the biggest change to the gameplay: the ability to get out of the mech and walk around. This means that unlike the first game where once you picked a mech at the beginning, you had to stick with it for the entire round, you can now switch between mechs and the other vehicles any time you want. You respawn as an ordinary human being, pretty much utterly defenseless. Sure, you have the ability to lay down mines, but everybody's first course of action should be to climb into one of the plentiful vehicles littering the base.

Aside from the traditional assortment of mechs that should be familiar from the first game, there are several new options at your disposal. First is the VTOL aircraft (vertical take-off and landing). This is without a doubt the fastest way to jet across a map and becomes very handy for reconnaissance. It's also fun to harass enemy mechs from above and distract them from incoming reinforcements. A tank is also available to pilot and launches artillery fire. It is very cool to steamroll through the countryside and knock down entire forests.

However, the biggest addition to the sequel is the BattleArmor, which is a very agile suit of armor just slightly bigger than a person. It has some basic weaponry, but its most powerful tool is the claw. Using this, players can climb up walls and buildings as well as hang onto VTOL aircraft for quick transportation.

The coolest feature of the BattleArmor is the ability to jack enemy mechs. If you can sneak behind an enemy mech, with one push of a button you attach yourself to its back. Then both you and the enemy will begin a race to enter a series of button combinations. If you win, you'll steal the mech for your own use while killing the enemy pilot. Otherwise, the mech throws you off its back and you lose half your health. This new feature completely spices up the gameplay, and you'll have to constantly watch your back if you don't want to get "clawed". It's such a thrill to steal someone else's ride, and just imagine taunting the enemy while he's being jacked on Xbox Live!

The last new addition "vehicle" is a turret mounted at the base with which you can defend the base against incoming vehicles. Speaking of which, the bases in the demo build served only as launching pads for their respective teams in team deathmatch mode. Perhaps a mode will be included where the goal is the destruction of the other base, but that is still unconfirmed.

The original MechAssault looked great, but everything looks even better in the sequel. While building destruction was a big feature in the first, Lone Wolf offers multiple levels of destruction, so now you can take chunks out of buildings before they completely collapse. Weapon special effects have also been greatly improved. Power-ups for weapons can be found scattered throughout the map or near an enemy who has just died. Upgraded weaponry rewards you with not only bigger punches but also intensely dazzling effects. From missile trails to charged up electricity bolts, each shot looks fantastic, and at any given moment in the round, the sky will be full of stray shots from intense firefights. Needless to say, MechAssault 2 looks absolutely stunning.

As with the first, a full campaign mode will be available for some lone action, but unfortunately we didn't get the chance to play test that. Expect the same level of action though, backed up with an intriguing storyline. But while the single player is appreciated, the bulk of the appeal comes from the fantastic multiplayer. From what we've played, it certainly won't disappoint. Set for a January 2005 release, MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf is set to be yet another highlight in the Xbox library.