Steel Battalion

"Bigger is definitely better"

When I first heard about Steel Battalion, the only thing I could think of was, ''that'll really be stupid. It's just some stupid novelty game'' Well, I can safely say I was wrong. VERY wrong. For those who don't know, Steel Battalion (Tekki) is an ambitious little game from Capcom. It comes packaged with a 40 button controller specifically designed for it. At a pricetag of $200, and due to the rarity of it at the time of this review making it closer to $300, most people would pass it off as ''not worth it'' Weel, let me tell you, It IS worth it.

Gameplay - 10

You'd think that a controller this big would be WAY to unwieldy and cumbersome, but surprisingly enough, SB's controller actually functions very well. At the beggining of a given mission, you are first required to ''crank up'' your mech. This entaled flipping five start-up switches, and checking your system peramiters. Once you're powered up, it's time to start tearing up the battlefireld. but don't get too gungho about it just yet. Like a car, you can't just start out going fast. You'll need to slowly go through the different gears and pick up speed. If you attempt to go too fast at first, you'll end ypu stalling out or even flipping over. Also, keep in mind that your mech runs on gas, so you'll need to plan out your course of action for a given mission. This almost makes the game sort of like a strategy game. But plannig ahead may sometimes be a bit difficult too. You see, you can't just use trial-and-error tactics to figure out how to do a mission, as if you die, you have to start the whole game over. And don't even think about backing up your data to a memory card. It can't be done. Fortunately, Capcom DID place a ''free mission'' mode, which allowsyuo to practice missions you've already beaten (kind of defeats the purpose though I think).

Graphics - 10

When you first start playing, you'll likely think to yourself ''these graphics aren't so great'' But keep in mind, you begin with a crappy little mech with a poor viewscreen. As you gain better mechs, you'll find that the game looks quite good. SB has a real gritty look to it. Don't expect any bright colors or green pastures. This is war, so expect ravaged landscapes and lots of explosions.

Sound - 10

The game's sound definitely plays a vital role in the action. You'll often get messages from your fellow troops giving advice on what to do next. And having Dolby 5.1 helps, as you'll be able to know where incoming fire is coming from in a more realistic sense. There's no real music to be hear, but like I said, this is WAR, not some rock concert. Expect lots of explosions and gunfirre though.

Overall - 10

Some might say it's insane to buy this controller for one game, but worry not, a second game, Line of Conflict is already in the works, and it will allow online play. Also, thee are rumors to other games being compatible with the controller. When it all boils down, Steel Battalion is a game not to be missed. You really have to see it and feel it to believe it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/23/03