Robotech: Battlecry

"A mech game different from the others..."

Intro:

If you don’t already know, this game is about the hit anime Robotech all the way back then. Basically this game is a run of the mill Mech/shooter, that has something that separates itself from the pack. So lets get done with this intro and to the review already!

Game play:

This game is a fast paced Mech shooter. So before you get the whole Mech Assault vision in your head, read this, this game is really fast paced, there could be 50 enemies on the screen at a time. So be prepared for a wild ass ride. First of all, you get three modes of combat, then each has 2 attacks then a special attack. Battleloid, which is your basic mech, it can shoot two type of guns, the primary one, which is a more powerful one than the secondary weapon, but slower, and can’t shoot missiles down. But the secondary weapon is much faster, and can shoot enemy missiles down. Then you have your Guardian mode, which is a mix between a jet and a regular mech. Its primary fire is a gun similar to Battleoid’s primary weapon, but is a tad slower. Its secondary weapon can shoot missiles. It is the second fastest. Then there is your fighter mode, which is basically a jet, it has same weapons as guardian, but the gun is faster, and the missiles are less agile. Now to get to the actual game play. The game is based around missions you are ordered to do. You can change to any mode in any mission at any time, which means more variety. Most objective are to protect or transporting something valuable, so prepare for a lot of shooting. The only thing that disappoints is the sometimes repetitive missions.

Graphics:

The graphics are cel shaded in a 3-D world. The graphics match the game perfectly. Since the game is centered around an anime, wouldn’t you expect a anime look? Well these guys did it right and hit the sopt with graphics. They don’t show off X-Boxes best graphic capabilities, but they give it a good run. Sure there are some jaggies here and there, but other than that, the graphics are solid. Not to mention they added anime cut scenes which makes the game even more cooler. Over all I would give it a 9 out of a 10.

Sound:

Also bang up job on the sounds. What surprised me is that they even added some music from Robotech, which adds more to the more Anime theme. The character voices are actually good. Which is surprising since most game’s voice acting stinks. Everything from the mechs to the guns sound top notch. Couldn’t have it better.

Control:

The X-BOX S-Controller couldn’t have better controls. Every button is placed where you want them. You basically have 2 shooting buttons, then your special attack button, then the boost button, which is all on the A-Y-X-B layout. then you have your 2 strafe buttons, which are your back buttons, then you have you auto lock on button, which is the white button. See? Everything is where you want them to be. No more scrambling over controllers just to shoot missile! : )

Difficulty:

This is wear the game can really piss you off. Although the difficulty can be adjusted, some missions can still be a ****. Although some people may like a challenge, this game can make you pull out your hair. But then again you may be a Game Master. But for those who are not, don’t forget, there are always codes : )

So should I buy?

Well, this is truly a game you shouldn’t miss. But then again, it may have some nice qualities to make it different from your other mech games, but with some repetitive missions, and some really hard missions, i suggest buying for 30 dollars and under, If above, search elsewhere. But then again, if your a hardcore Robotech fan then you’ll love this game. Oh and also, it comes with a free episode of the first Robotech episode.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/10/03, Updated 03/10/03