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Ruined · 12-13-2002, 02:25 AM

Damn, it's going to be a while before I can serve up a full review on this one

Anyway, initial impressions:

Graphics: 9.5
Sound: 10.0
Control: 10.0
Gameplay: 9.5
Overall: 9.7

This game is hard to describe. It really feels like you are in a war, piloting a giant war machine. Surround sound is incredible, the best yet on XBOX. Graphics are incredibly realistic, to the point where it becomes eerie, though I did see draw-in occasionally.

About the controller - The controller does not operate as smoothly as some other high-end controllers, such as the Thrustmaster F-16 FCLS/TQS combo. The joysticks and levers clunk around and are much more mechanical than that of the high-precesion Thrustmaster, plus the machinegun trigger on the right stick seems to be loose and does not depress very smoothly. On the other hand, the controller seems to be much more rugged than other high end controllers - it seems this controller could take some major abuse and still function without a problem. In essence, it reminds me of specialty arcade controllers - not as smooth or precise as specialty home controllers, but more durable. This makes sense as the company who made the controller (Sammy) also makes arcade hardware. The controller easily fits on your lap and does not require a desk like many think. The pedal unit is of very high build quality.

There's not much to say about this game except that it is real to the point where it can actually scare you. When you hear bullets whizzing at you in the surrounds, your TV's HUD flashing as you take damage, and all the lights on your controller rapidly flash on and off, it's kind of like sensory overload. At one point, I was running along at full speed, and turned as hard and fast as I could, and the mech tipped over, the whole screen going on it's side, then the HUD started flipping out, and I actually felt my anxiety level rise. I ejected, and I felt relieved. Which is messed up for a video game.

Anyway, I bet you want to know if the game is worth $200. Hell yeah it is, if you are the type of person who doesn't mind reading an in-depth manual, and spending a shitload of time just adapting to controls. Mastering Steel Battalion is about as difficult as mastering a Thrustmaster F-16 FLCS/TQS/RCS setup for the computer flightsim Falcon. If you just want a mech game where you jump in and blow stuff up, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. Buy MechAssault. Steel Battalion is a game you should buy if you want to experience what it would be like if these giant machines really did go to war. If you die in Steel Battalion, your pilot's savefile is erased and you have to start over from the beginning. It's war, and it's just as intense. Kind of dissettling, but in a good way.

12-13-2002, 02:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ruined It's Good to Play Together Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: NJ, USA	Steel Battalion impressions... Damn, it's going to be a while before I can serve up a full review on this one Anyway, initial impressions: Graphics: 9.5 Sound: 10.0 Control: 10.0 Gameplay: 9.5 Overall: 9.7 This game is hard to describe. It really feels like you are in a war, piloting a giant war machine. Surround sound is incredible, the best yet on XBOX. Graphics are incredibly realistic, to the point where it becomes eerie, though I did see draw-in occasionally. About the controller - The controller does not operate as smoothly as some other high-end controllers, such as the Thrustmaster F-16 FCLS/TQS combo. The joysticks and levers clunk around and are much more mechanical than that of the high-precesion Thrustmaster, plus the machinegun trigger on the right stick seems to be loose and does not depress very smoothly. On the other hand, the controller seems to be much more rugged than other high end controllers - it seems this controller could take some major abuse and still function without a problem. In essence, it reminds me of specialty arcade controllers - not as smooth or precise as specialty home controllers, but more durable. This makes sense as the company who made the controller (Sammy) also makes arcade hardware. The controller easily fits on your lap and does not require a desk like many think. The pedal unit is of very high build quality. There's not much to say about this game except that it is real to the point where it can actually scare you. When you hear bullets whizzing at you in the surrounds, your TV's HUD flashing as you take damage, and all the lights on your controller rapidly flash on and off, it's kind of like sensory overload. At one point, I was running along at full speed, and turned as hard and fast as I could, and the mech tipped over, the whole screen going on it's side, then the HUD started flipping out, and I actually felt my anxiety level rise. I ejected, and I felt relieved. Which is messed up for a video game. Anyway, I bet you want to know if the game is worth $200. Hell yeah it is, if you are the type of person who doesn't mind reading an in-depth manual, and spending a shitload of time just adapting to controls. Mastering Steel Battalion is about as difficult as mastering a Thrustmaster F-16 FLCS/TQS/RCS setup for the computer flightsim Falcon. If you just want a mech game where you jump in and blow stuff up, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. Buy MechAssault. Steel Battalion is a game you should buy if you want to experience what it would be like if these giant machines really did go to war. If you die in Steel Battalion, your pilot's savefile is erased and you have to start over from the beginning. It's war, and it's just as intense. Kind of dissettling, but in a good way. __________________ For every shadow, no matter how deep, is threatened by morning light.