Steel Battalion (with 40 button controller)

Well, I was one of the fortunate ones (my friend runs a indy Game store. He was allocated just one - and it was mine). But was it all worth the hassle, and of course, the mortgage inducing price?

It took me about half-an-hour to unpack it from the hefty carton, and you're immediately presented with building the 3 foot long controller from 3 seperate pieces. The controller and pedals are actually less "robust" than I expected, but they'll take the hammer, no worries. If that wasn't enough, you're then faced with TWO manuals to digest (the game booklet and an A4 sized "Haynes" manual with in-depth information). Please be aware that you really should read the majority of these manual before even thinking about cracking the game on. If you're like me, you'll want it on immediately; but believe me, I had to sit down and read the manuals (especially the big one) before I even got past the tutorial!!!

But what about the game? Well the first thing you notice is the graphical style. It is presented in Widescreen and with 60hz as well. But the perspective is a 'video feed' cockpit view. To be fair, it can work well, but generally, it is "sepia" filtered a bit too much for it's own good, and looks like a soft/blurry CCTV picture. Yeah, it recreates a grim, gritty, war-torn world, but a bit of real colour and some sharp images would break the monotony. However, you then notice the terrible draw distance, and the horrendous "pop-up" that plagues, more or less, every mission. This can even effect the actual game play at times, which is VERY frustrating. Without doubt, this is the weakest part of S.B.

But on a plus point, the 5.1 audio is awesome. The FX are incredibly realistic and submerge the player in the world created by the developers. From the ignition of your VT, to the thunder of your weapons, to the explosion of an enemy, you really are made to feel you're there (and with the addition of a very good subwoofer, you will literally feel it explode!). Very few games have offered so much in the sound department, which is a shame when the graphics are such a sore point.

Finally though, I'm sure you've all heard of the controversial game save feature? Only one thing to remember. You get killed, so do all your saves (for the particular player entry). Yep, ten missions in and you die - start it all again! Very frustrating, but please, don't even think about throwing this controller on the floor in anger!

All in all, when viewed as a whole, S.B. is an EXPERIENCE, not just a game. In fact calling it a game is an injustice. It's like you're own personal simulator. It is extremely immersive, unlike any game I have ever played. There's plenty of missions (23 of 'em) and each can last around 15-20mins, and I guarantee you'll have to play each one several times before mastering it. And once you've completed the game on the first two difficulty settings ('rookie' and 'normal') there's 4 others to unlock. But, it ain't gonna be everybody's cup-of-tea. It ain't plug'n'play. It ain't amazing graphics, and it ain't a stroll in the park. At times, it ain't even fun (you will need to play the game on 'rookie' level to even think about completing it first time round). This is serious stuff. But if serious stuff is what you're after, and you've got some serious cash to offload on a copy of this truly unique game/experience, I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed.

I decided to dive head first into the game. Its quite overwhelming. Handily, the lights flash telling you which to press to start up the VT, then its down to you! The graphics fit the scene very well. I plugged this lot into my stereo and closed the curtains for maximum effect, and I wasnt dissapointed. The whole feel of the thing was, and still is, very satisying. It feels as though its worth the money.

The game itself is great. Its well balanced, and old school in a good way. The levels are heavily structured, but the ai improves as the missions get tougher (ie from Rookie to Veteran, the option at the start). Whilst some of the levels are tough, replaying them does not get tiring, because you can just [I] play [/I]. This game deletes your save if you die, so dont forget the eject button!

I would highly reccomend this to anyone with an x-box. Especially as an online sequel is already being coded...

The graphics are Near PhotoRealistic and rendered at a SLICK framerate, everything from the VERY convincing Explosionas to the bullet tracers wizzing across the battlefield. Since you see the game from the cockpit through the eyes of OUT-bound camera's attached to the Mechs body, Every bump and Hit you take will cause flickering and Realitic camera interference while your screen is Rumbling from the impact of Tank or mech fire.

Gameplay: This is where the BIG sellign point of the game lies Because the Well crafted 40 Button Control station is packed full of detail, you need to Know what each button does to operate your mech to its fullest. you use Footpedals to control the Accelerator and Clutch for gears (much like a car) you use the Joysticks for Verticle and Horisontal Positioning etc.
One neat feature of the Controls is the BACK-lit buttons that light up when in use it imerses you in the game. The Physics have been very well crafted, one example is when Running to fast and Jamming the brakes on your Mech will fall flat to the ground and maybe slide 20-30 feet.
Specific aiming is required to take down other mechs eg, hitting a mechs Fuel cells will cause massive damage maybe even a HUGE explosion (Very Satisfying).

Sound: Crisp clear surround sound is utilized well in this game, The sound of wizzing bullets and exploding Buildings to the Ambient sound of the inner city's as you pound through them.
Crack up the BASS on your Systems to hear the Thundering of your Mech as each Step creates a tremor that can be felt in your room.

This game is truly one of THE best i have ever come across, The controller is a Unique feature for this game and makes the package WELL worth the purchase. You WONT regret it!