Earthsiege was the first giant robot simulation from the now defunct Dynamix release in 1994. Earthsiege didn't only spin off a sequel, it spun off a whole universe (generally known as the Tribes universe now) due to the amazing back-story the company had created for the game.
Earthsiege uses VGA graphics and displays at 320×200 resolution with 256 colors. Due to technical limitations of the time, the terrain is mostly flat and featureless, other than occasional jutting rocks and small hills. Vehicle models and some buildings feature textures, however.
The very basic idea of the storyline was inspired by the Terminator movies (as the Dev teams would later discuss) and revolves around the idea of machines that are self-producing and self-sustaining and are hell-bent on wiping on their human creators who they do not see fit to control them.
Twenty years later, your story begins. Only a small pocket of humans are left, and you're one of their only hopes for survival. Using old, yet functional HERCULEANS (Humaniform-Emulation Roboticized Combat Unit with Leg-Articulated Navigation), you will begin your assault on the machines that have wiped your people out.
Throughout missions, players will salvage scrap metal from the enemies they destroy. By using efficient destructive methods, such as destroying legs and not cockpits, players will be awarded more salvage
material in which to create bigger, more powerful machines.
Players can equip their HERCs the way they see fit using the "hardpoints" on the machine. Players are able to equip as many weapons as HERC has hardpoints, each with unique capabilities. Ballistic and missile-based weapons will run out of ammo while energy-based lasers will drain the systems. Through balance, players are able to stay in the fight longer.
You won't be fighting alone, however. Throughout your campaign you will be able to pilot with up to three computer-controlled wingmen of your choosing (as you progress through the game, you will gain access to more options). Each wingman is allowed one of the HERCs you have created. Thus, to properly maintain your squad, you must keep four working vehicles in order at all times.
For more of the Earthsiege (Metaltech) series, check out Battledrome, one of the many spin-offs this game has produced.
