From ClassicBattleTech.com (May 1st, 2010)
The release of MechWarrior 4 Free is a testament to the re-ignited, world wide interest in the BattleTech/MechWarrior computer games. Within 4 hours of the launch MekTek.net had received more than a 100,000 unique hits from around the globe. As the demand reached 10,000 simultaneously downloads, even the heavy-duty server couldn’t stand up to the demand and it, along with the website, have crashed. Through several reboots the server continues to crash as the demand still remains in the stratosphere.
Everyone is working as fast as possible to fix the problem. However, despite our continued dedication and confidence in this revival, even we were taken by surprise at the enthusiastic embracing of one of the most successful computer game franchises in history by the global community. Please have patience while we diligently work to resolve the issues with the web server to meet this incredible demand.
Thanks to all of you for this brilliant show of support and enthusiasm!
The link to download the game is at mektek.net (I don’t suggest using the MTX client, find an alternative if available).
I really do miss the old BattleTech. I have very fond memories playing that game for hours (DAYS!) on end with my friends in High School and College.
Update: It looks like their proprietary MTX client is CRAP. They are aware of it, and they’re working on a classic download/installer style executable instead of their (appears to be) peer to peer spyware.