Robotech: Battlecry

"A very enjoyable and addicting game"

The majority of gamers should now be aware of the Robotech franchise, whether it was first from the original TV series in the 80’s or because of the announcement of the game from TDK Mediactive for next generation platforms. Well that highly anticipated game is here, and I bring you the review for Robotech: Battlecry on the Xbox.

Graphics:
Robotech: Battlecry is definitely exquisite with its cel shading appearance. Animations are amazing and detailed on all of the Veritech Fighters, as well as virtually everything else that moves. Things from it adjusting to how you move using thrust engines to bullet shells floating (instead of falling) in space.

There are some excellent lighting and shadowing effects on the Veritechs as well, but for some reason limited to just the Veritechs and not so much for the Zentraedi (they’re the bad guys).

Amazingly, with all of the action that goes on for the majority of the time, I did not notice any slowdowns at all. Everything runs smooth as silk, which is nice as if things did slow down a bit you would have problems fighting back for a second, which could be drastic on some missions.

The main enigma with the graphics would have to be the camera. While the game is fast paced with things always moving, the camera does have a problem keeping up with the action at times, causing you to always trying to adjust things so you can actually see the enemy enough to attack. But this doesn’t happen too often, thankfully.

Other small problems include the little humans running around that look like pink sticks with no faces and a few texture problems. These are done a little poorly, but only small problems.

Really the graphics compliment the old ’85 series very well, you will probably enjoy watching the graphical detail in here more than on the show.

Controls:
There is a bit of a learning curve but once you grasp it you’ll find the controls are done fairly well. I would have to recommend using the training before you start the Story Mode though, as you should know exactly what you are doing to complete all of the missions. And believe me, there is a fair bit to learn.

While playing the game there was one problem I noticed with the controls, the changing of your machine’s mode. By using the D-pad you can switch between Guardian Mode, Battloid Mode, and Fighter Mode. Unfortunately it’s hard to remember exactly what does what in the heat of the moment, and during almost every mission you have to use all three quite a lot. So I found myself spending a few seconds every now and then figuring out how to get to the mode I want. I guess it’s just that the controls may be too complex for its own good. While I only had problems a few times, the casual gamer will no doubt encounter even more difficulties.

Other than that problem, the controls are really enjoyable and done well. You are always moving and have to think fast, so it’s nice being able to know you have virtually full control over your character.

Gameplay:
Without a doubt, this game is addicting. And there are a number of factors that add to the cause. Okay, so maybe just a couple…but they are darn good ones.

Obviously the main one is the fact that Vicious Cycle has just done a smashing job at creating and immersing you into the Robotech franchise. All you really do is search and destroy in the game….err…okay, so it’s primarily destroy, but hey it’s fun.

Well, maybe that’s not true to its entirety, there are a few different types of missions you will encounter while playing through the game. The main styles of missions used are search and rescue, destroy/attack, and escort. They are pretty self-explanatory, but I’ll still define them for those who still aren’t completely sure:

- Search and Rescue: You will be given orders to go and find an object or person, you will have to go pick them up and bring them back to a specified location (marked in a big green box).
- Destroy/Attack: Okay, if there is one you should know without an explanation, it’s this one. You are basically told to go and blow the crap out of the enemy, really easy stuff.
- Escort: Sometimes you will be ordered to escort ships and ground vehicles to a specified location. Of course no mission comes without a challenge, you’ll obviously come across a large amount of foes flying around shooting at both you and the vehicle you are escorting (but mostly the latter). This means you have to shoot them all down fairly quick.

The storyline is interesting, especially considering the fact it does not have a happy ending, unlike the majority of video games, books, and movies these days. I’m of course not going to give it away, so this just gives you an excuse to play through all 46 missions…just so you can see the ending!

Oh and yes, I said 46...This game definitely has loads of missions to complete. The only probably with them are the lack of arrangement in their difficulty levels. Sometimes you will be playing a few easy levels that you will be able to accomplish without loosing a life, but then you will suddenly run into a brick wall and hit a level that is viciously difficult. The key is not to give up, obviously. It’ll probably take a few tries on these levels for most people until they completely get the hang of it. But it’s all worth it at the end, believe me.

The game isn’t terribly contrastive, as the major differences are listed above. But that doesn’t matter because as soon as you start playing you will find this game is addicting as heck. You will rarely want to put it down.

Sound:
Interestingly enough, all of the original cast members from the ’85 TV series did the voiceovers for this game. They are done really well and are very enjoyable, the only problem is sometimes the lead character (Jack Archer) might get annoying as he tends to get repetitive a lot. When you destroy enemies he’ll every now and then say a line such as “Next time, try aiming!” or “Time to take these guys to school!” only he says them very frequently. To be completely honest however, I really didn’t find it annoying that much. I mean, if you blew 40-foot robots to kingdom come, I’m sure you would probably shout a few words out too!

The sound effects are great in the game too, from things like the missiles and bullets being shot to the engines roaring. I couldn’t really find anything wrong with them at all.

The only thing that may be disappointing to some is the fact that game doesn’t support full surround sound. It’s only a basic four channel set up unfortunately.

Longevity:
Again, this game is packed full with 46 missions to complete, so without a doubt you will be putting a fairly large amount of hours into the game. Even after you play through the game once, you will actually feel like coming back. Most games don’t give you that urge to come back, and sure…it isn’t quite as enjoyable as the first time around, but it’s still very enjoyable.

Once you do complete the game there will be a new section available called “Extras.” In here you will actually be able to watch some amusing interviews with the voice actors for the game. Sure, it doesn’t really add to the Longevity aspect too much, but it will give you a few more things to do.

There is also a Versus mode that you can go head-to-head with a friend, this can definitely add to the length of the game for most people. But there isn’t loads of depth in the mode, which may cause some to get bored fast with it.

Overall:
Robotech: Battlecry is definitely a great game. Some people say that you will only enjoy this game if you have seen the old Animé TV series from the 1980’s. Well this is obviously not true, as I have never seen the show yet enjoyed this title very much. Sure, there are a few small problems with things such as the controls and the difficulty level for the missions, but in hindsight I think it is safe to say these are really minor overall.

Also, as I mentioned above, the story is a pretty cool one to follow, regardless of it being a happy ending or not.

If you get the opportunity, check out this title. It really is an enjoyable title that I’ll be spending time with for quite a while.

- Josh McConnell

Graphics – 9.5
Awesome cel shading graphics including character animations and lighting effects. A few texture and camera problems keep it from a ten however.

Controls – 8.5
Complex controls, perhaps too complex for it’s own good. Some people will no doubt have a couple of problems trying to master the controls, but once you get the hang of it you’ll love it.

Gameplay – 9.0
There isn’t a huge diversity in this category, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. It’s really addicting to say the least.

Sound – 9.0
Really great sound effects and music. Plus having the original cast from the old TV series just adds icing to the cake.

Longevity – 9.0
The 46 missions to complete will keep you hopping for quite some time. Once that is done you can check things out in the “Extra” section as well as play Versus Mode. As for Story Mode, well it’s one of the few games that you can actually go and play over again while having fun doing it.

Overall – 9.0
Without hesitation I recommend this game to you to check out. Rent it, buy it, do whatever you want…just at least play it to see if its your thing. It’s a strong title that is really fun to play.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/02, Updated 11/01/02