Summary
Chromehounds, a 2006 mech title developed byFromSoftwarefor the Xbox 360, is making a comeback as a dedicated fan recently found a way to bring its servers back online 15 years after they went dark. For fans of the genre, it’s a rare opportunity to revisit a unique piece ofFromSoftwarehistory and hop back into their mechas over a decade after they were sunset.
Chromehoundsfirst launched in 2006 on the Xbox 360 as a tactical mech combat game with a heavy emphasis on customization and team-based multiplayer. Players built their own mechs, called HOUNDs, and either explored the solo campaign or took part in squad-based multiplayer missions. Every player had a specific role inChromehounds, with squads needing to communicate effectively if they hoped to win against opponents. Sega shut downChromehounds’servers in 2010, leaving its player base with no other option than to seek out othergames featuring mech-building mechanics, such as theArmored Coreseries.
A dedicated modder known as ImagineBeingAtComputers found a way to bring FromSoftware’sChromehoundsback online, and players are already hoping back into their mechas. The project relies on Adrian Cassar’s Xenia Canary Netplay, a modified version of the Xbox 360 emulator that supports online multiplayer. In aninterview with Read Only Memo, ImagineBeingAtComputers revealed that they spent over a year trying to figure out a way to restoreChromehounds’multiplayer service, and they finally found a way to do so. While still early in development, the revived servers currently support 6v6 “free” battles. Voice chat is not yet available, but for many fans, simply getting back intotheir favorite Xbox 360 gameis a milestone years in the making.
FromSoftware’s Mecha Game Revives Xbox 360 Nostalgia
While some dedicated fans are bringingChromehoundsback from the grave,FromSoftware is turning its attention to multiplayer games. The studio is preparing to launchElden Ring: Nightreignon May 30, a spin-off to its award-winning open-world RPG. Additionally, a new title,The Duskbloods, is in development and scheduled to arrive sometime in 2026. FromSoftware has not confirmed any new single-player games currently in development, but fans hope for more news in the months to come.
Players who don’t feel like returning to 2006-era mech battles won’t have to wait long before they get their hands on FromSoftware’s next game.Elden Ring: Nightreignis just around the corner, and this upcoming multiplayer title will finally let players enjoy the mayhem of the Lands Between together. Director Junya Ishizaki revealed thatthe concept ofNightreigndates back to the development ofDark Souls 3, which should guarantee that players will be facing the dark atmosphere and tough battles that FromSoftware is known for.
