MechCommander features you as a commander in the BattleTech universe during a strong counterinvasion against the Clans. Instead of being coached inside the cockpit of your 'mech, you'll be in a command post, directing the battle remotely. The battles will take place in realistic 3D terrain and, unlike many real-time strategy games, your 'mechs will not be throwaway units. Pilots improve their skill over time; dead 'mechs are salvageable; and you have limited, but replenishable ammunition.