Mech Platoon

"One of The More Excelling, Well-Designed Portables Ever"

Arriving as the GBA’s opening Real-Time Strategy cartridge, Mech Platoon, offers players to man gun-blazing, primed Mech forces and effectively crush the enemy WarCraft style. Playing as one of four significantly advanced nations, the other countries have unwillingly been pulled into fierce disarray to profess who is the legitimate beneficiary of every resource found on five various planets. Each side contends to gain control over what they reckon as their own system of fertile planets. Primarily, missions involve that each globe be secured planet at a time. Once settled on land, a fortified base must be erected and the salvage of three principal resources of rock, sand, and crystal should be underway immediately. With waves of technically rich resources stockpiled, it’s up to the player to immobilize and ruthlessly tear up challenging militaries. Based on the elementary, undemanding conduct of other RTS games on mining integral resources used to purchase a myriad of distinct units and establishing the indispensable building tree to unlock far more enhanced Mechs, Mech Platoon is a blast. Missions vary from defending helpless cargo, assailing specific enemy locations, and most commonly, annihilating all opposition. Veterans will undoubtedly soar through the game in lighting-fast velocity. But what singles out Mech Platoon apart from its PC counterparts is the “Recycle” feature. After creaming enemy Mechs, a Platoon commander is allowed to collect fragments of the adversary. Those parts are merged with other ones to construct a new arsenal of deadly weapons. Adding greatly to the placating level, Kemco’s piece of meat also includes click-drag action. Assorted Mechs can be ushered into groups and set for different purposes, such as main assault team or home defense. Lastly enclosed in the game is an in-game tutorial for greenhorns. Equipped with serviceable information, beginners will lunge right into the engaging fray.

Graphically, Mech Platoon is brightly polished and manages to keep a brisk pace. However, there are a few moments when a nasty, mucky pixelation replaces some of the units. Other than that, the game hosts true to the standards left behind PC greats. With a touch of old-time nostalgia from antique RTS games, many strategy buffs will savor each enemy downfall not over the Orcs, the Zerg, or Soviets but for their one, great nation. Applying the fundamental “retrieve the resources then organize an army to wipe out everything” gameplay and enabling a linked four-player mode, Mech Platoon captures the spirit of a valid RTS jewel. If you loved Advance Wars, Mech Platoon is heartily recommended.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/11/02, Updated 01/11/02