>>718234564
>Wikipedia
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/MechWarrior_5:_Mercenaries
The game starts durint the third succession war, yes. However it also covers up to (and soon including) the clan invasion.

>>715252820
Objectively speaking, the correct way to play 'Mechwarrior is with a full HOTAS set up.
>Stick controls arms/torso
>Throttle is self explanatory
>Pedals rotate the legs
>Buttons across the stick and throttle control all the gubbins (weapon groups, arm lock toggle, counter rotation toggle, etc.)