Chrome Hounds was, and still is, an xbox 360 mech game by From Software, same developers as the Armored Core series. However, Chrome Hounds is far more in the vein of Mechwarrior than Armored Core.

The game has an emphasis on multiplayer over singleplayer. The singleplayer is essentially a training/practice system tied together by a basic storyline. Playing the singleplayer is strongly recommended to learn the game and gain parts to take into online play when you first start.

The game is relatively intuitive to play. 'Hound design is simpler than Armored Core or Mechwarrior but is still highly customizable with a good deal of parts to mix and match, of which you can place the pieces however you want, hardpoints are hardly limited.

Online play consists of three nations fighting over territory. The world is perpetual until one nation is victorious or the war goes on for too long. Your allegiance lasts only as long as you wish, you are a mercenary of Rafzakael. Your equipment, repairs, ammunition, and any other expenses must be paid for with the currency you make from battle. New equipment can be bought from the nation you are currently affiliated with or from a captured or experimental parts lottery. Access to certain unique parts can be purchased through the xbox live marketplace.

Online play also includes deathmatch style and team deathmatch style fights purely for fun. A few other game types are included of which I don't remember. The majority of online play is the war however. I don't know the exact specifics of how you win a battleground, but it essentially consists of which ever faction wins battles there more than the other. Battles are fought by a few members of a squad versus a few members of another squad from an opposing national allegiance. You win a battle by either annihilating the enemy (destroying all enemy Hounds) or destroying their head quarters.

I've got a squad I'm currently with but I haven't played in the past week or so, they're not that interesting. If anyone else is interested in playing it with me, I'd love to start up a BA squad (equivalent of a clan). Just contact me. Tag: SionSheevok

Updated Information

I bought it when I first got my 360 and played through the training missions. I never understood the multiplayer and nobody I knew was playing it, so I got rid of the game long ago.

The multiplayer matches that I participated in were usually duals between "I-bought-these-weapons-with-MS-points" mechs and base spikers... Wasn't fun.

How are things these days? have they changed / patched any of the mechanics?

Good I suppose, don't know how long ago you've played but they've purtportedly rebalanced *alot* of things since release. Usually I've seen it be more of a competition of who can armor their cockpit more and who can more accurately get a powerful, precise sniper round or splashy grenade/howitzer damage inside of the armor plates. Makes for a lot of funny looking 'Hounds with spacers all over the place.

I already started a BA squad with just my self for now, trying to get renown up quickly as best I can on my own.