Difference between revisions of "BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge"
Sarna News
m (moved Crescent Hawks Revenge to BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge: Real title) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | '''BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge''' (full title) is a 1990 computer game by Infocom/Westwood Associates set in the [[BattleTech]] universe | + | {{ApocryphalProduct}} |
| + | {{InfoBoxProduct | ||
| + | |image=CHRCover.jpg | ||
| + | |name=The Crescent Hawks' Revenge | ||
| + | |publisher=[[Infocom]] | ||
| + | |year=1990 | ||
| + | |production code= | ||
| + | |MSRP= | ||
| + | |type=Computer game | ||
| + | |primary writing= | ||
| + | |product development=[[Westwood Associated]] | ||
| + | }}'''BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge''' (full title) is a 1990 computer game by Infocom/Westwood Associates set in the [[BattleTech]] universe. | ||
| − | Although it is a sequel to ''[[ | + | Although it is a sequel to ''[[BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception]]'' and continues the storyline, the gamplay is decidedly different. Roleplaying elements have largely been removed. The storyline is more or less linear, and essentially told through a series of combat missions with intermediate briefings. The player occasionally gets to chose among several alternatives how to proceed, creating branches in the storyline, but is generally more limited in his choices than in the previous game. |
| + | |||
| + | The player again assumes the role of [[Jason Youngblood]], commander of the [[Crescent Hawks]]. He gets to fight a series of scenarios, which can differ slightly depending on the outcome of previous scenarios, or because of decisions made by the player. For example, enemy 'Mechs that fled in a previous battle may augment the enemy forces of a successive battle; in other instances, the player can chose which part of a multi-pronged mission he wants to take part in (and which units he gets to control). | ||
==Plot synopsis== | ==Plot synopsis== | ||
| − | The game picks up the storyline immediately after the events of the previous game: In October [[3028]], [[Katrina Steiner]] has given command of her elite Lance, the [[Crescent Hawks]], to Jason Youngblood in order to find his father who is missing after the recent [[Kurita]] attack on Pacifica | + | The game picks up the storyline immediately after the events of the previous game: In October [[3028]], [[Katrina Steiner]] has given command of her elite Lance, the [[Crescent Hawks]], to Jason Youngblood in order to find [[Jeremiah Youngblood|his father]] who is missing after the recent [[Kurita]] attack on [[Chara|Pacifica]]. |
| − | For this mission the Crescent Hawks receive new [[BattleMech]]s to start with, and the player gets to assign 'Mechs to the four MechWarriors at the beginning of the game. 'Mechs available are: ''[[Griffin]]'', ''[[Enforcer]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Commando]]'' and ''[[Wasp]]''. | + | For this mission the Crescent Hawks receive new [[BattleMech]]s to start with, and the player gets to assign 'Mechs to the four [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] at the beginning of the game. 'Mechs available for selection are: ''[[Griffin]]'', ''[[Enforcer]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Commando]]'' and ''[[Wasp]]''. The game's opening screen depicts a ''Griffin'', a ''[[Shadow Hawk]], an ''Enforcer'' and a ''Wasp''; this may be the supposed real composition of the unit although a ''Shadow Hawk'' is not among the 'Mechs that can be picked; it could be argued that this was the 'Mech from the initial unit which, over the course of the storyline, could not be salvaged (whatever 'Mech the player choses on slot 4 is lost before the game truly starts, although the player may not know this at the onset of the game). |
===Lyons: Defending the Kell Hounds=== | ===Lyons: Defending the Kell Hounds=== | ||
| − | Having learned that House Kurita pursues a vendetta against the [[Kell Hounds]], the Crescent Hawks set out to the Kell Hounds garrison base on | + | Having learned that House Kurita pursues a vendetta against the [[Kell Hounds]], the Crescent Hawks set out to the Kell Hounds garrison base on [[Lyons]] to warn them. They arrive in April [[3029]] in the middle of a Kurita attack and their ''[[Leopard]]''-class [[DropShip]] is shot down by [[Aerospace Fighter]]s. The subsequent crash landing in a lake kills the Hawks' DropShip pilot and fourth MechWarrior, Captain Victor Stewart. Before long, a Kurita ''[[Locust]]'' approaches the crash site to finish off the survivors, but a friendly ''[[Jenner]]'' piloted by [[Rick Anderson|Rick "Grease" Anderson]] responds to defend the remaining Crescent Hawks. |
| − | After | + | After Anderson eliminates the threat from the ''Locust'', Jason Youngblood and his second-in-command [[Rex Pearce]] manage to retrieve their 'Mechs from the wrecked DropShip, which then sinks to the bottom of the lake. Anderson informs them that the Kurita raid is led by a [[Draconis Combine]] commander named [[Chiun]], who claims to be honoring a vendetta. They caught the Kell Hounds by surprise; even damaged units like his ''Jenner'' are now in the field, piloted by anyone who can pilot a 'Mech. The nearby bridge across the lake must be held, or the invaders can overrun the Kell Hound base. While Anderson receives medical treatment, [[Kurt Graham]], the third Crescent Hawks MechWarrior, tries to repair the ''Jenner''. Two more Kurita 'Mechs (a ''[[Panther]]'' and an ''[[Ostscout]]'') approach, and are defeated by Jason and Rex in their 'Mechs. Finally, the Kurita scout Lance's command 'Mech, a ''[[Whitworth]]'', arrives (along with any enemy 'Mechs that were not destroyed in the previous missions). The Crescent Hawks are reinforced by Kurt Graham in this fight, who is now piloting the ''Jenner''. A last Kurita assault by two ''[[Rommel]]'' heavy tanks and an APC must be repulsed before the Crescent Hawks can finally withdraw to the Kell Hounds base. |
| − | Upon arriving at the base, the Crescent Hawks learn from Kell | + | Upon arriving at the base, the Crescent Hawks learn from Kell Hounds Captain Kaitlin Shaw that the base defenses have been breached and infantry squads are entering the base. Sergeant Krall is sent to retrieve valuable [[Listen-Kill Missile]]s in a hovertruck to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. Jason Youngblood assumes command from the truck and Rex Pearce and Kurt Graham receive a pair of ''[[UrbanMech]]s'' to guard the hovertruck against infantry attacks while it collects the L-K ammo (first SRMs, then LRMs). Near the end of the mission, they have to fight their way past an enemy ''[[Assassin]]''. |
After the exhaustive fighting, night falls and both sides pull back to repair and rearm. | After the exhaustive fighting, night falls and both sides pull back to repair and rearm. | ||
| − | The Crescent Hawks are guests of honor at the dinner table in the Kell Hounds base. [[Morgan Kell]] personally congratulates them on their performance, which may have saved the base. He also reveals that "Grease" Anderson is a tech, and not yet a qualified MechWarrior. During the night, the remaining Crescent Hawk 'Mechs are salvaged from the sunken DropShip. On the next day, plans are made to penetrate the enemy frontlines and attack their HQ to sever their communications and hopefully disrupt their operation enough to force a retreat. Captain Shaw devises a plan by which two light 'Mechs (''[[Javelin]]s'') should flank the enemy frontlines while the Crescent Hawks run the gauntlet to break through to the HQ. These two forces would meet at the enemy HQ and attack it (and the ''[[Dragon]]'' guarding it) from two sides. For this mission, all units are equipped with the Listen-Kill Missiles retrieved in the previous mission. Jason Youngblood can choose in which part of the two-fold mission he participates: | + | The Crescent Hawks are guests of honor at the dinner table in the Kell Hounds base. [[Morgan Kell]] personally congratulates them on their performance, which may have saved the base. He also reveals that "Grease" Anderson is a tech, and not yet a qualified MechWarrior. During the night, the remaining Crescent Hawk 'Mechs are salvaged from the sunken DropShip. On the next day, plans are made to penetrate the enemy frontlines and attack their HQ to sever their communications and hopefully disrupt their operation enough to force a retreat. Captain Shaw devises a plan by which two light 'Mechs (''[[Javelin]]s'') should flank the enemy frontlines while the Crescent Hawks run the gauntlet to break through to the HQ. These two forces would then meet at the enemy HQ and attack it (and the ''[[Dragon]]'' guarding it) from two sides. For this mission, all units are equipped with the Listen-Kill Missiles retrieved in the previous mission. Jason Youngblood can choose in which part of the two-fold mission he participates: |
====A) The Gauntlet==== | ====A) The Gauntlet==== | ||
While "Grease" Anderson and Kell Hounds volunteer Jessica Riley flank the enemy, the three Crescent Hawks 'Mechs move out to run the gauntlet. | While "Grease" Anderson and Kell Hounds volunteer Jessica Riley flank the enemy, the three Crescent Hawks 'Mechs move out to run the gauntlet. | ||
| − | *In the first part of their mission, they are to assist a lance of Kell Hounds 'Mechs (elite pilot Casey in a ''[[Hunchback]]'', veteran pilot Corrigan in an ''[[Enforcer]]'' and regular pilot Hall in a ''[[Vindicator]]'') | + | *In the first part of their mission, they are to assist a lance of Kell Hounds 'Mechs (elite pilot Casey in a ''[[Hunchback]]'', veteran pilot Corrigan in an ''[[Enforcer]]'' and regular pilot Hall in a ''[[Vindicator]]'') against a ''[[Rifleman]]'', a ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', a ''[[Dervish]]'' and a ''[[Blackjack]]''. |
*In the second part they must then proceed towards the enemy HQ six kilometers beyond the base and try to avoid enemy units underway, which include a ''[[Dervish]]'', a ''[[Hatchetman]]'', a ''[[Clint]]'', a ''[[Whitworth]]'', a ''[[Hermes II]]'', a ''[[Vulcan]]'' and an ''[[Ostscout]]''. | *In the second part they must then proceed towards the enemy HQ six kilometers beyond the base and try to avoid enemy units underway, which include a ''[[Dervish]]'', a ''[[Hatchetman]]'', a ''[[Clint]]'', a ''[[Whitworth]]'', a ''[[Hermes II]]'', a ''[[Vulcan]]'' and an ''[[Ostscout]]''. | ||
| + | |||
====B) The Road Run==== | ====B) The Road Run==== | ||
Alternatively, Jason Youngblood can elect to swap places with Anderson and pilot one of the two ''Javelins'' in the flanking maneuver. | Alternatively, Jason Youngblood can elect to swap places with Anderson and pilot one of the two ''Javelins'' in the flanking maneuver. | ||
| − | *In the first part of this mission they must sneak past (or fight) enemy forces that include a ''[[Whitworth]]'', a ''[[Cicada]]'', a ''[[Spider]]'', a ''[[Stinger]]'', a ''[[Locust]]'' and a [[Rommel]] tank. | + | *In the first part of this mission they must sneak past (or fight) enemy forces that include a ''[[Whitworth]]'', a ''[[Cicada]]'', a ''[[Spider]]'', a ''[[Stinger]]'', a ''[[Locust]]'' and a ''[[Rommel]]'' tank. |
*The second part begins with the Crescent Hawks lance approaching the ''Dragon'' guarding the HQ from the opposite side; the ''Javelins'' can join the fight at any point to ambush the ''Dragon'' from the rear. | *The second part begins with the Crescent Hawks lance approaching the ''Dragon'' guarding the HQ from the opposite side; the ''Javelins'' can join the fight at any point to ambush the ''Dragon'' from the rear. | ||
| − | Regardless of which part Jason partakes in, the primary mission objective is to destroy the '' | + | |
| + | Regardless of which part Jason partakes in, the primary mission objective is to destroy the ''Dragon'' that guards the enemy [[Mobile HQ]]. Following the defeat of the ''Dragon'', Kurita commander [[Tai-sa]] Chiun challenges Jason to a duel, implying he had done the same with Jason's father. The (very fast) Mobile HQ then retreats towards the Kurita DropShip, supported by a ''[[Panther]]'' and an ''[[Ostscout]]'', with the combined friendly units that survived the previous mission in pursuit. After the destruction of the Mobile HQ, Chiun's forces retreat for good. | ||
===Dieron: Operation Liberty=== | ===Dieron: Operation Liberty=== | ||
| − | During the debriefing, Chiun's claim that he killed Jason's father is discarded by Morgan Kell as a trick to provoke Jason and to impair his judgment on the battlefield. Morgan rather believes that if Jeremiah is still alive, he will be interrogated on the Kurita prefecture capitol of [[Dieron]] because of his knowledge about the [[Star League]] bunker on | + | During the debriefing, Chiun's claim that he killed Jason's father is discarded by Morgan Kell as a trick to provoke Jason and to impair his judgment on the battlefield. Morgan rather believes that if Jeremiah is still alive, he will be interrogated on the Kurita prefecture capitol of [[Dieron]] because of his knowledge about the [[Star League]] bunker on Pacifica, and about the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] military in general. With the [[Fourth Succession War]] raging, a full assault on Dieron is out of the question but a small extraction raid can be done. The Kell Hounds provide the Crescent Hawks with vehicles and troops, and even allow for Rick Anderson to become a regular Crescent Hawks member. |
| − | Jason gets to decide decide whether he would prefer three lances of standard vehicles or two lances of vehicles with better armor and firepower for the upcoming missions. The forces come out as 1 APC escorted by some [[Pegasus]] hovertanks, [[Skulker]] vehicles and | + | Jason gets to decide decide whether he would prefer three lances of standard vehicles or two lances of vehicles with better armor and firepower for the upcoming missions. The forces come out as 1 APC escorted by some ''[[Pegasus]]'' hovertanks, ''[[Skulker]]'' vehicles and ''Rommel'' tanks. Surprisingly, they are not Lyran or [[mercenary]] forces, but [[Federated Suns]] cavalry troops. Jason must also decide on one of two possible approaches, going through either a mountain pass (longer distance, lighter defenses) or the forest path (shorter distance, heavier defenses). Beyond the mountains the raiders encounter hovertanks (''[[Drillson]]'' and ''Pegasus''), as well as a ''[[Spider]]'' and a ''[[Panther]]''. Outside the city, Jason's unit can break into a BattleMech depot and hijack four ''[[Crusader]]s'' to augment his forces; this is not a necessity however. The raiders must then fight their way into and through the city and blast open the prison, then withdraw to their DropShip with the rescued prisoners within a certain timeframe. On the way back, Chiun (piloting an ''[[Archer]]'') challenges Jason again, supported by a ''[[Dragon]]'' and two ''[[Marauder]]s''. |
| − | If the friendly DropShip can be reached | + | If the friendly DropShip can be reached in the relatively short timeframe the rescue operation is a success, and Jason is reunited with his father who really was among the rescued prisoners. For his heroic actions Katrina Steiner promotes him to [[Captain]] although he is barely 20 years old, and officially gives him command of the Crescent Hawks with leave to act as an independent group within the Kell Hounds. |
===Narrative=== | ===Narrative=== | ||
| − | The next two decades are covered in one long narrative: In February [[3030]] | + | The next two decades are covered in one long narrative: In February [[3030]] Kurt Graham leaves the Crescent Hawks to form his own mercenary unit (although the name of that unit it is not mentioned). Starting April [[3039]] the narrative has the Crescent Hawks being used in the [[War of 3039]] in many attempts by [[Hanse Davion]] to reclaim worlds that [[House Kurita]] invaded years before. Following the war, Rex Pearce retires from military service. In October [[3042]] the [[NAIS]] has finally found a way to mass-produce [[Listen-Kill Missile]]s but their advantages are negated by counter-ECM technology. |
Then, in [[3049]], the [[Clans]] invade. | Then, in [[3049]], the [[Clans]] invade. | ||
===Arc-Royal: Training course=== | ===Arc-Royal: Training course=== | ||
| − | In the wake of the renewed [[Clan invasion]], the Crescent Hawks are recalled to [[Arc-Royal]] in November [[3051]] to receive training in newly produced 'Mech and weapon technology. Rex's daughter [[Jen Pearce]] joins the Hawks as Lieutenant of the Scout Lance. The Crescent Hawks are now a Company in strength, and receive upgraded 'Mechs. | + | In the wake of the renewed [[Clan invasion]], the Crescent Hawks are recalled to [[Arc-Royal]] in November [[3051]] to receive training in newly produced 'Mech and weapon technology. Rex's daughter [[Jen Pearce]] joins the Hawks as Lieutenant of the Scout Lance. The Crescent Hawks are now a [[Company]] in strength, and receive upgraded 'Mechs. |
| − | The training course consists of six separate missions that must be completed, although in no particular order. Due to the simulated nature of the engagements, damage to 'Mechs or deaths of | + | The training course consists of six separate missions that must be completed, although in no particular order. Due to the simulated nature of the engagements, damage to 'Mechs or deaths of MechWarriors is not carried over to subsequent missions. The missions are: Attack town, Defend town, Enemy advance, Advance fast, Hold ground, and Seize position. Besides the upgraded 'Mechs, satellite maps, artillery barrages and strafing runs from Aerospace Fighters are available in the training missions. |
| − | Upon completing the training missions, | + | Upon completing the training missions, the entire Kell Hounds including the Crescent Hawks are immediately dispatched to help in the defense of [[Luthien]] from the Clan onslaught. |
===Kaesong: The end of Gideon Braver=== | ===Kaesong: The end of Gideon Braver=== | ||
| − | En-route to Luthien, while the [[JumpShip]] has to recharge its jump drive in the [[Kaesong]] system in December 3051, they receive a distress call from the planet: [[Gideon Braver]] and his [[Blazing Aces]] | + | En-route to Luthien, while the [[JumpShip]] has to recharge its jump drive in the [[Kaesong]] system in December 3051, they receive a distress call from the planet: [[Gideon Braver]] and his [[Blazing Aces]] are under attack from second-line Clan units. The Crescent Hawks respond to the call in a [[Union]]-class [[DropShip]], but arrive too late to save the Aces. When they arrive in orbit, the sensors pick up a lone 'Mech beset by five enemies and Jason has the choice of either swiftly dispatching his Command Lance by means of a dangerous combat drop, or to land the DropShip and disembark the whole company. |
====A) Combat drop==== | ====A) Combat drop==== | ||
| − | The Hawks' Command Lance scatters in the area of the battle, where they witness Gideon Braver in a ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'' fighting four ''[[Griffin]]s'' and a ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', all upgraded and sporting the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] crest. | + | The Hawks' Command Lance scatters in the area of the battle, where they witness Gideon Braver in a ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'' fighting four ''[[Griffin]]s'' and a ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', all upgraded with new technology and sporting the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] crest. His 'Mech is inevitably vanquished by the attackers. |
====B) Landing the DropShip==== | ====B) Landing the DropShip==== | ||
| Line 58: | Line 73: | ||
In either case, after destroying the last Clan 'Mech Gideon Braver is found mortally wounded in his ''Phoenix Hawk''. His dying words to Jason Youngblood are: ''"You're too late. The Aces... destroyed. I've taken precautions, hidden the 'Mechs. Tell Maria... rebuild the Aces. She'll know what to do."'' | In either case, after destroying the last Clan 'Mech Gideon Braver is found mortally wounded in his ''Phoenix Hawk''. His dying words to Jason Youngblood are: ''"You're too late. The Aces... destroyed. I've taken precautions, hidden the 'Mechs. Tell Maria... rebuild the Aces. She'll know what to do."'' | ||
| − | After this, the Crescent Hawks receive another distress | + | After this, the Crescent Hawks receive another distress call from a nearby town who are under attack from the Clans, but the Kell Hounds officer in charge orders the Hawks to return to the JumpShip. Jason must again decide what to do. If he opts for defending the city then his entire company must fight off a ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', a ''[[Griffin]]'', two ''[[Blackjack]]s'' and three ''[[Commando]]s'', all massively upgraded, and a regular ''[[Marauder]]''. As a reward, the city's repair facilities completely repair the Crescent Hawks' BattleMechs. If the city is not defended, then the Hawks retain all combat damage from the first mission. |
===Luthien: Repelling the Clans=== | ===Luthien: Repelling the Clans=== | ||
| − | Upon arrival at Luthien in January [[3052]], the Crescent Hawks are placed under Kurita command | + | Upon arrival at Luthien in January [[3052]], the Crescent Hawks are placed under Kurita command. The Kell Hounds and [[Wolf's Dragoons]] are deployed elsewhere. The Kurita officer in charge turns out to be none other than [[Chiun]], Jason's nemesis from more than two decades earlier. |
| − | The first mission is to safeguard a munitions convoy routed for Imperial City. For this, Jason takes command of his Scout Lance and receives a similar light Kurita Lance to be manned by his Command Lance's pilots. The convoy (four Ammo Carriers manned by Sword of Light personnel) soon comes under attack from | + | The first mission is to safeguard a munitions convoy routed for Imperial City. For this, Jason takes command of his Scout Lance and receives a similar light Kurita Lance to be manned by his Command Lance's pilots. The convoy (four Ammo Carriers manned by [[Sword of Light]] personnel) soon comes under attack from large numbers of [[Elemental]]s and eventually, ''[[Puma]]'' 'Mechs. |
| − | At the conclusion of the first mission, regardless of whether or not the convoy could be | + | At the conclusion of the first mission, regardless of whether or not the convoy could be saved, Jason is informed by Chiun that his forces are cut off in the main Clan advance corridor. A Sword of Light Assault Lance is sent to relieve them, but the Crescent Hawks have to survive until then and have to fight off four more ''Pumas'' before they are evacuated by ''[[Planetlifter]]s''. |
| − | + | The Crescent Hawks' Command and Fire lances are deployed in support of the Kell Hounds to anchor the northern flank and guard a secondary route to Imperial City through a river valley against a possible flanking maneuver. They are supported by an Assault Lance with Chiun's son in it. | |
===Aftermath=== | ===Aftermath=== | ||
| Line 78: | Line 93: | ||
* [[/Mech Stats | 'Mech Stats]] | * [[/Mech Stats | 'Mech Stats]] | ||
* [[/Keyboard | Keyboard Commands]] | * [[/Keyboard | Keyboard Commands]] | ||
| + | * [http://sarna.net/files/index.php/programs/games/crescent_hawks_revenge/ All Downloads] (including the game proper) | ||
| − | == | + | ==External links== |
| − | * [http:// | + | * [http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/977/BattleTech+-+The+Crescent+Hawks+Revenge.html The Crescent Hawks' Revenge] for download at [http://www.abandonia.com/ Abandonia.com] |
| + | * [http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/battletech-the-crescent-hawks-revenge The Crescent Hawks' Revenge] at [http://www.mobygames.com/ MobyGames.com] | ||
[[Category:Video Games]] | [[Category:Video Games]] | ||
Revision as of 18:15, 13 December 2009
 | Apocryphal Product Although the subject of this article is an official BattleTech product, it does not meet the current criteria for Canon. Its content may or may not be canonical for the BattleTech universe, and for the purpose of the Sarna.net BattleTechWiki is considered apocryphal. |
| |
| The Crescent Hawks' Revenge | |
|---|---|
| Product information | |
| Type | Computer game |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Infocom |
| First published | 1990 |
| Content | |
BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge (full title) is a 1990 computer game by Infocom/Westwood Associates set in the BattleTech universe.
Although it is a sequel to BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception and continues the storyline, the gamplay is decidedly different. Roleplaying elements have largely been removed. The storyline is more or less linear, and essentially told through a series of combat missions with intermediate briefings. The player occasionally gets to chose among several alternatives how to proceed, creating branches in the storyline, but is generally more limited in his choices than in the previous game.
The player again assumes the role of Jason Youngblood, commander of the Crescent Hawks. He gets to fight a series of scenarios, which can differ slightly depending on the outcome of previous scenarios, or because of decisions made by the player. For example, enemy 'Mechs that fled in a previous battle may augment the enemy forces of a successive battle; in other instances, the player can chose which part of a multi-pronged mission he wants to take part in (and which units he gets to control).
Contents
Plot synopsis
The game picks up the storyline immediately after the events of the previous game: In October 3028, Katrina Steiner has given command of her elite Lance, the Crescent Hawks, to Jason Youngblood in order to find his father who is missing after the recent Kurita attack on Pacifica.
For this mission the Crescent Hawks receive new BattleMechs to start with, and the player gets to assign 'Mechs to the four MechWarriors at the beginning of the game. 'Mechs available for selection are: Griffin, Enforcer, Phoenix Hawk, Hermes II, Commando and Wasp. The game's opening screen depicts a Griffin, a Shadow Hawk, an Enforcer and a Wasp; this may be the supposed real composition of the unit although a Shadow Hawk is not among the 'Mechs that can be picked; it could be argued that this was the 'Mech from the initial unit which, over the course of the storyline, could not be salvaged (whatever 'Mech the player choses on slot 4 is lost before the game truly starts, although the player may not know this at the onset of the game).
Lyons: Defending the Kell Hounds
Having learned that House Kurita pursues a vendetta against the Kell Hounds, the Crescent Hawks set out to the Kell Hounds garrison base on Lyons to warn them. They arrive in April 3029 in the middle of a Kurita attack and their Leopard-class DropShip is shot down by Aerospace Fighters. The subsequent crash landing in a lake kills the Hawks' DropShip pilot and fourth MechWarrior, Captain Victor Stewart. Before long, a Kurita Locust approaches the crash site to finish off the survivors, but a friendly Jenner piloted by Rick "Grease" Anderson responds to defend the remaining Crescent Hawks.
After Anderson eliminates the threat from the Locust, Jason Youngblood and his second-in-command Rex Pearce manage to retrieve their 'Mechs from the wrecked DropShip, which then sinks to the bottom of the lake. Anderson informs them that the Kurita raid is led by a Draconis Combine commander named Chiun, who claims to be honoring a vendetta. They caught the Kell Hounds by surprise; even damaged units like his Jenner are now in the field, piloted by anyone who can pilot a 'Mech. The nearby bridge across the lake must be held, or the invaders can overrun the Kell Hound base. While Anderson receives medical treatment, Kurt Graham, the third Crescent Hawks MechWarrior, tries to repair the Jenner. Two more Kurita 'Mechs (a Panther and an Ostscout) approach, and are defeated by Jason and Rex in their 'Mechs. Finally, the Kurita scout Lance's command 'Mech, a Whitworth, arrives (along with any enemy 'Mechs that were not destroyed in the previous missions). The Crescent Hawks are reinforced by Kurt Graham in this fight, who is now piloting the Jenner. A last Kurita assault by two Rommel heavy tanks and an APC must be repulsed before the Crescent Hawks can finally withdraw to the Kell Hounds base.
Upon arriving at the base, the Crescent Hawks learn from Kell Hounds Captain Kaitlin Shaw that the base defenses have been breached and infantry squads are entering the base. Sergeant Krall is sent to retrieve valuable Listen-Kill Missiles in a hovertruck to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. Jason Youngblood assumes command from the truck and Rex Pearce and Kurt Graham receive a pair of UrbanMechs to guard the hovertruck against infantry attacks while it collects the L-K ammo (first SRMs, then LRMs). Near the end of the mission, they have to fight their way past an enemy Assassin.
After the exhaustive fighting, night falls and both sides pull back to repair and rearm.
The Crescent Hawks are guests of honor at the dinner table in the Kell Hounds base. Morgan Kell personally congratulates them on their performance, which may have saved the base. He also reveals that "Grease" Anderson is a tech, and not yet a qualified MechWarrior. During the night, the remaining Crescent Hawk 'Mechs are salvaged from the sunken DropShip. On the next day, plans are made to penetrate the enemy frontlines and attack their HQ to sever their communications and hopefully disrupt their operation enough to force a retreat. Captain Shaw devises a plan by which two light 'Mechs (Javelins) should flank the enemy frontlines while the Crescent Hawks run the gauntlet to break through to the HQ. These two forces would then meet at the enemy HQ and attack it (and the Dragon guarding it) from two sides. For this mission, all units are equipped with the Listen-Kill Missiles retrieved in the previous mission. Jason Youngblood can choose in which part of the two-fold mission he participates:
A) The Gauntlet
While "Grease" Anderson and Kell Hounds volunteer Jessica Riley flank the enemy, the three Crescent Hawks 'Mechs move out to run the gauntlet.
- In the first part of their mission, they are to assist a lance of Kell Hounds 'Mechs (elite pilot Casey in a Hunchback, veteran pilot Corrigan in an Enforcer and regular pilot Hall in a Vindicator) against a Rifleman, a Shadow Hawk, a Dervish and a Blackjack.
- In the second part they must then proceed towards the enemy HQ six kilometers beyond the base and try to avoid enemy units underway, which include a Dervish, a Hatchetman, a Clint, a Whitworth, a Hermes II, a Vulcan and an Ostscout.
B) The Road Run
Alternatively, Jason Youngblood can elect to swap places with Anderson and pilot one of the two Javelins in the flanking maneuver.
- In the first part of this mission they must sneak past (or fight) enemy forces that include a Whitworth, a Cicada, a Spider, a Stinger, a Locust and a Rommel tank.
- The second part begins with the Crescent Hawks lance approaching the Dragon guarding the HQ from the opposite side; the Javelins can join the fight at any point to ambush the Dragon from the rear.
Regardless of which part Jason partakes in, the primary mission objective is to destroy the Dragon that guards the enemy Mobile HQ. Following the defeat of the Dragon, Kurita commander Tai-sa Chiun challenges Jason to a duel, implying he had done the same with Jason's father. The (very fast) Mobile HQ then retreats towards the Kurita DropShip, supported by a Panther and an Ostscout, with the combined friendly units that survived the previous mission in pursuit. After the destruction of the Mobile HQ, Chiun's forces retreat for good.
Dieron: Operation Liberty
During the debriefing, Chiun's claim that he killed Jason's father is discarded by Morgan Kell as a trick to provoke Jason and to impair his judgment on the battlefield. Morgan rather believes that if Jeremiah is still alive, he will be interrogated on the Kurita prefecture capitol of Dieron because of his knowledge about the Star League bunker on Pacifica, and about the Lyran Commonwealth military in general. With the Fourth Succession War raging, a full assault on Dieron is out of the question but a small extraction raid can be done. The Kell Hounds provide the Crescent Hawks with vehicles and troops, and even allow for Rick Anderson to become a regular Crescent Hawks member.
Jason gets to decide decide whether he would prefer three lances of standard vehicles or two lances of vehicles with better armor and firepower for the upcoming missions. The forces come out as 1 APC escorted by some Pegasus hovertanks, Skulker vehicles and Rommel tanks. Surprisingly, they are not Lyran or mercenary forces, but Federated Suns cavalry troops. Jason must also decide on one of two possible approaches, going through either a mountain pass (longer distance, lighter defenses) or the forest path (shorter distance, heavier defenses). Beyond the mountains the raiders encounter hovertanks (Drillson and Pegasus), as well as a Spider and a Panther. Outside the city, Jason's unit can break into a BattleMech depot and hijack four Crusaders to augment his forces; this is not a necessity however. The raiders must then fight their way into and through the city and blast open the prison, then withdraw to their DropShip with the rescued prisoners within a certain timeframe. On the way back, Chiun (piloting an Archer) challenges Jason again, supported by a Dragon and two Marauders.
If the friendly DropShip can be reached in the relatively short timeframe the rescue operation is a success, and Jason is reunited with his father who really was among the rescued prisoners. For his heroic actions Katrina Steiner promotes him to Captain although he is barely 20 years old, and officially gives him command of the Crescent Hawks with leave to act as an independent group within the Kell Hounds.
Narrative
The next two decades are covered in one long narrative: In February 3030 Kurt Graham leaves the Crescent Hawks to form his own mercenary unit (although the name of that unit it is not mentioned). Starting April 3039 the narrative has the Crescent Hawks being used in the War of 3039 in many attempts by Hanse Davion to reclaim worlds that House Kurita invaded years before. Following the war, Rex Pearce retires from military service. In October 3042 the NAIS has finally found a way to mass-produce Listen-Kill Missiles but their advantages are negated by counter-ECM technology.
Then, in 3049, the Clans invade.
Arc-Royal: Training course
In the wake of the renewed Clan invasion, the Crescent Hawks are recalled to Arc-Royal in November 3051 to receive training in newly produced 'Mech and weapon technology. Rex's daughter Jen Pearce joins the Hawks as Lieutenant of the Scout Lance. The Crescent Hawks are now a Company in strength, and receive upgraded 'Mechs.
The training course consists of six separate missions that must be completed, although in no particular order. Due to the simulated nature of the engagements, damage to 'Mechs or deaths of MechWarriors is not carried over to subsequent missions. The missions are: Attack town, Defend town, Enemy advance, Advance fast, Hold ground, and Seize position. Besides the upgraded 'Mechs, satellite maps, artillery barrages and strafing runs from Aerospace Fighters are available in the training missions.
Upon completing the training missions, the entire Kell Hounds including the Crescent Hawks are immediately dispatched to help in the defense of Luthien from the Clan onslaught.
Kaesong: The end of Gideon Braver
En-route to Luthien, while the JumpShip has to recharge its jump drive in the Kaesong system in December 3051, they receive a distress call from the planet: Gideon Braver and his Blazing Aces are under attack from second-line Clan units. The Crescent Hawks respond to the call in a Union-class DropShip, but arrive too late to save the Aces. When they arrive in orbit, the sensors pick up a lone 'Mech beset by five enemies and Jason has the choice of either swiftly dispatching his Command Lance by means of a dangerous combat drop, or to land the DropShip and disembark the whole company.
A) Combat drop
The Hawks' Command Lance scatters in the area of the battle, where they witness Gideon Braver in a Phoenix Hawk fighting four Griffins and a Phoenix Hawk, all upgraded with new technology and sporting the Clan Smoke Jaguar crest. His 'Mech is inevitably vanquished by the attackers.
B) Landing the DropShip
If this option was chosen, then Gideon Braver's fight is over before the Crescent Hawks arrive on the scene. Their company encounters and engages a strong Clan force in the area (altogether eight upgraded Griffins and four upgraded Phoenix Hawks with artillery support).
In either case, after destroying the last Clan 'Mech Gideon Braver is found mortally wounded in his Phoenix Hawk. His dying words to Jason Youngblood are: "You're too late. The Aces... destroyed. I've taken precautions, hidden the 'Mechs. Tell Maria... rebuild the Aces. She'll know what to do."
After this, the Crescent Hawks receive another distress call from a nearby town who are under attack from the Clans, but the Kell Hounds officer in charge orders the Hawks to return to the JumpShip. Jason must again decide what to do. If he opts for defending the city then his entire company must fight off a Shadow Hawk, a Griffin, two Blackjacks and three Commandos, all massively upgraded, and a regular Marauder. As a reward, the city's repair facilities completely repair the Crescent Hawks' BattleMechs. If the city is not defended, then the Hawks retain all combat damage from the first mission.
Luthien: Repelling the Clans
Upon arrival at Luthien in January 3052, the Crescent Hawks are placed under Kurita command. The Kell Hounds and Wolf's Dragoons are deployed elsewhere. The Kurita officer in charge turns out to be none other than Chiun, Jason's nemesis from more than two decades earlier.
The first mission is to safeguard a munitions convoy routed for Imperial City. For this, Jason takes command of his Scout Lance and receives a similar light Kurita Lance to be manned by his Command Lance's pilots. The convoy (four Ammo Carriers manned by Sword of Light personnel) soon comes under attack from large numbers of Elementals and eventually, Puma 'Mechs.
At the conclusion of the first mission, regardless of whether or not the convoy could be saved, Jason is informed by Chiun that his forces are cut off in the main Clan advance corridor. A Sword of Light Assault Lance is sent to relieve them, but the Crescent Hawks have to survive until then and have to fight off four more Pumas before they are evacuated by Planetlifters.
The Crescent Hawks' Command and Fire lances are deployed in support of the Kell Hounds to anchor the northern flank and guard a secondary route to Imperial City through a river valley against a possible flanking maneuver. They are supported by an Assault Lance with Chiun's son in it.
Aftermath
Following the successful defense of Luthien, the Crescent Hawks returned to Arc-Royal for training.
From this point onwards the storyline is finished and the player can only run randomized training battles on the training grounds.
Resources
- Strategy Guide
- 'Mech Stats
- Keyboard Commands
- All Downloads (including the game proper)
External links
- The Crescent Hawks' Revenge for download at Abandonia.com
- The Crescent Hawks' Revenge at MobyGames.com