Steel Battalion Reviews

• The most immersive, entertaining game ever; bar none.

  
  By A6DVLN7LPVSKD on 2003-03-22
  Steel Battalion is not a game.
  It is an experience.

  No simple review could possibly explain the intangible thrill there is in simply starting up the massive VTs that you will spend the next great many hours of your life driving. It's the sort of sheer adrenaline-laced high you got the first time you drove a car on a freeway at just a -little- over the speed limit. It is, put simply, incredible.

  So, enough of that, let's get to the review.

  Gameplay:
  Steel Battalion is, in every manner of the word, a simulator. Do not expect mechassault, armored core or even mechwarrior. This is MS Combat Flight Simulator on legs, with much bigger guns. This is really what it would probably feel like to pilot one of the first mechs. VT's (Vertical Tanks, as the game calls mechs) are not nimble, agile or even speedy. They are tanks with legs. They are slow, heavy and plodding. And you'll love every step they take. Of course, the most obvious gameplay factor is the controller. Basically, the controller is three panels and footpedals. The left panel houses a gear shift (similiar to a car, but it only goes straight up and down), a few toggle switches (used during, and only during, startup), and a horizontal joystick (that is, a joystick with only an X axis). This joystick controls the direction your VT moves in, and also is topped by an analog stick (which is almost identical to the XBox controller's) which controls the independently moving camera. The center panel of the controller houses mostly buttons (all of which light up green or red, by the way), along with a radio dial that's used to communicate with your wingmen and call supply choppers. The right panel houses the second joystick, which moves along both axis, a few buttons and the eject switch (complete with plastic flip-up safety cover). The joystick controls you weapon aiming and firing. Lastly, the foot pedals connect by a wire to the controller base. There are three pedals: accelerator, brakes and strafe. Strafe basically allows you to dash forward, backward, left or right. This is used to evade weapons fire as well as rebalance your VT if you start tipping.

  So, what does this all mean? Basically, it means some major mech a$$ whupping action. VTs control like tanks, with manual gear-shifting and independent weapons aiming. In terms of missions, most are either "clear the area", "destroy a target" or "infiltrate a city". The small number of defensive missions is legitimized by the fact that this game takes place during an offensive invasion of a rebellious island, a situation with little need for defensive maneuvers. The whole game has a WWII-like atmosphere, with most battles involving almost exclusively heavy-armor battles.

  Graphics:
  Steel Battalion's graphics are bizarrely beautiful. Basically, the game gives up extreme levels of polygons for overall atmosphere. However, this is hardly a problem. The entire game takes place either in briefings or in gritty, dark combat. Briefings are handled very militarily, using topographical tactical maps, satellite photos, symbols and arrows to lay out mission objectives. Dry, sure, but very realistic and moody. During battles, however, things get even more dramatic. Basically, the whole game has a sort of Saving Private Ryan-esque grain to it. Colors are washed out, explosions spray dirt and smoke encompasses the vast battlefields. However, under all this grit and grime there's a sort of grim beauty to the world of Steel Battalion. All VTs self-shadow, and animation is dead-on. Weapons fire gives off flares, explosions are dramatic and glorious, and models, both animate and inanimate, are detailed and extremely well textured. This is truly and XBox-worthy game. By far the most impressive moments take place in cities. It is in these townscapes that you truly realize the sheer size of your VTs. Most buildings, which are extremely detailed, only go up to your waist. Light glares off windows and rooftops just as in real life. In a port, huge gas tanks explode when shot, spewing flames and debris and hurling nearby tanks an trucks. Basically, this is a gorgeous game. The only real graphical problem is some popup during a few missions, most noticably the second one, when a cityscape snaps into view in the background. However, this never really hurts gameplay, and the aesthetic loss is by far balanced away by the rock steady frame rate.

  Audio:
  There's no music in this game unless you buy a boombox (in game), which gives off [bad] tinny music. Other than that, the sound is unbelievable. Hearing this game in 5.1 is nothing short of amazing. Booming, bass-filled thunderclaps erupt from every step of the huge metal monsters that are VTs. Weapons fire starts with the sound of mortar shells and ends somewhere near the hounds of hell themselves. Your VT gives off engine noises like three tanks strapped together and rolling at full speed. Every hit you take gives off creaking and groaning effects from the bending of metal and shattering of armor. You will hear every single noise, from the ejecting of huge shells from your machine gun the the crumbling of tremendous skyskrapers, and it all sounds real. Very, very real.

  Finale:
  Basically, but this game. ...People will tell you that you're a fool for spending enough for a console on a single game. Ignore them. This is worth it. Even if no other game ever uses this controller (which is unlikely, as a XBox Live-enabled sequel is confirmed in the works), it's still worth it. Trust me. The only thing preventing you from buying this game right now should be figuring out where to put it.

  ...
  
  

• Ground Breaking Game!!! - Will revolutionize gaming!!

  
  By A3NQCF7FCJYJGC on 2002-10-21
  Yes, you may say "...???", but just listen to me...I have played the import version of this game, and it is mind boggling... its well worth the [$], plus in the future, many games will support this same hardware that ships with this game. You get a 40+ button joystick btw with this... and next years version will be on XBOX LIVE!
  Im waiting for Enders game for xbox to use this joystick...=)
  
  

• Innovative and Challenging, Well Worth the Price

  
  By AGEEXB89TC8XI on 2002-12-09
  Steel Battalion is truly an innovation in gaming. Not since the days of the BattleTech Centers (originally Virtual World) has a game like this existed. The controller is the bulk of the cost, and with more games "in development" using it, you will definately get more than your money's worth.

  Steel Battalion itself takes time to get the hang of. It has been compared to "driving a manual transmission car...while juggling." However, the difficulty only adds to the realism. Your mech moves very realistically, with varying acceleration and even the ability to fall over if you move too quickly. The controller has an eject button, and if you don't use it, there are consequences for dying. You'll have to discover those for yourself. Once you get the hang of the game, it is very enjoyably and truly challenging.
  
  

• SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!

  
  By A3SNFTSLGHH2GT on 2003-02-07
  This game is a must for the Xbox. Some people say that its not worth it or the controller is hard to get used to, oh hell dont give people that ... people!!! Its not hard to get used to at all. Most of that stuff you dont use until like the end of the game. In case of accidents, theres a fire-extinguisher, a windsheild waterer thing, an eject button and i think theres something else. I havent played it in a while but you really cant get bored with this game but you can get mad. Heres a tip if you get this game, dont buy everything you can buy. Youll waste your supply points. And dont eject for the fun of it cause youll lose combat points and once youre out of combat points, game over. This game is worth the $.... Its a very fun game and its hard on some levels but still youll love it.
  
  

• A new extreme in gaming, and this time, a good one...

  
  By A254RNAY2TP297 on 2004-03-08
  Very rarely, these days, does a new game from a major publisher challenge and excite the player on the same level, or with the same intensity of Steel Battalion. In this day in age, when videogames have become a mass-produced commodity of a billion-dollar industry, the target consumer is not the same person he was ten or twenty years ago. With videogames having thoroughly been established as a mainstream entertainment medium long before now, the marketing focus as with prime time television and pop radio, is on the mainstream consumer - Mr. Average.

  And so it is greatly surprising to the hardcore gamer when he is sniped so forcefully by a publishing giant like Capcom.

  One cannot even begin to describe Steel Battalion without first mentioning the hulking controller. With 33 buttons, five toggle switches, three pedals, two joysticks, one thumbstick, one throttle and a rotary dial, it is one of, if not the most complex controllers ever produced for a videogame on any platform, ever. Even more amazing than this impressive array of toys is that they all have a function in Steel Battalion. And boy will you need them. The vehicles one pilots in Steel Battalion are known in the game-world lingo as VTs, or Vertical Tanks, and they behave exactly as their name suggests; they are ponderous, immense, and very complex. If you are too aggressive, you will run out of fuel, if you get distracted, you might fall over, and if you're too slow, you'll get killed.

  The graphics and audio are highly stylized and atmospheric; this game really shines on a large-screen HDTV with surround-sound. Enemy AI is challenging, especially when equipped with newer VTs, and the missions are never dull. The campaign is disappointingly short, however, so if you're a Live subscriber, consider picking up Line of Contact as well.

  The complexity of the controller coupled with the depth of the gameplay add up to one thing: Intense, jaw-clenching battles of epic ferocity which tax the player's mind and his senses to the limit. Those who excell at Steel Battalion are truly the elite.

  Note: If you are the lowest common denominator, this game is not for you. But if you're tired of having successive editions of Medal of Honor and Tony Hawk jammed down your throat repeatedly, this just might be the ticket, and with one (Live only) sequel already out the door and the possibility for more to come, this will only get better.

  Steel Battalion is a kick in the head, and that's just what we need.
  
  

• Over Priced and Over Hyped
  By on 2002-11-24
  Don't be fooled by the hype for this game. It is severely overrated and boring. Once you realized how much you spent on ONE game you'll be kicking yourself like I did. Mech games are fun, especcially mechassault because you can actually see what's going on in the game. By trying to make the game as realistic as possible you hardly see anything in Steel Battalion. The screen is cluttered with every single readout that you need and don't need. It decreases your field of view and there is no way around it. The entire premise of the game is see mech, shoot mech, dash sideways to avoide incoming missiles, shoot mech. It got old real fast and there is no way they're coming out with an online version considering this one will sell poorly. 4% of Xbox owners MIGHT buy this game because when you think about it you could get four other games for the price of this one. Or at least wait a bit for some of the other hyped games coming out. Microsoft knew that only the truly hard core gamers would buy it which makes no sense. Why not design a game that everyone can enjoy and easily buy? Don't blow $200 on this game like I did, save your money and buy four other games.
  
  
• Worth The Money...for hard core players
  By A1A8WCXFKWLOTP on 2002-11-26
  This game is hands down fun. I have been a fan of mech simulations for years, starting with the original Mech Warrior and the BattleTech Universe. This game is just plain crazy. the controller adds so much to it. and alot of bass from your TV cant hurt either :-). But for the casual gamer, this is a rental (if you can). For anyone who wishes to have the most fun they can with a 40 foot tall walking tank, buy it! AND THE SEQUAL WILL BE OUT SOON AND "X-BOX LIVE!" COMPATABLE!!!
  
  
• Gaming Chutzpa
  By A3R8XE8R8K976G on 2004-03-14
  This game is not for those looking for something to sit next to the latest madden or Tekken iteration. It is certainly not a "flawless" game in the mold of Halo or Metal Gear Solid.

  The title is uniquely demanding in resources and skill, and therefore it is uniquely rewarding. I would characterize it as a cross between an arcade game and a sim-- however odd that may seem.

  Don't think of it as an expensive XBOX game; think of it as an inexpensive arcade game, with a very unique control system. I love it. Steel Battalion has been providing me with the kind of gaming bliss I have not experienced since Halo. Bring on Line of Contact.
  
  

• You'll be sorry you didn't get this game before Christmas
  By A1VCMHHL98CU3E on 2002-11-25
  This game ROCKS! (.) <-- period. I played this game over at Microsoft on a big Capcom setup and it blew my mind away. I couldn't believe the details in the explosions and the incredible depth of field this game has. Come Christmastime it will be hard to find this game, as most hardcore mech players will have bought them up. So if you like mech games at all I suggest you invest in this one and if it turns out you dont like it, just sell it on Ebay for more then you paid for it. Someone will buy it for Christmas.
  
  
• Ready for some playing time?
  By on 2003-06-11
  The game controller is cool, and not as complicated to use as one might think...most of the buttons are used only at certain times or even to just start the machine and most of them light up when you need to use them. The start up sequence, while cool starts to get a little tedious at times. The levels at least the early ones don't last nearly long enough and you have to do the start up again and again. You can't just take a look around and fiddle with the controller always time limits. I don't really think that the foot pedals would have been necessary, but to each his own. There is too much clutter on the screen for me, it isn't as enjoyable as it could be, just because there are too many gauges showing that you really don't need. Graphics?...who has time to notice them? Maybe that's the point they keep you busy with time limits, little maps, and things shooting at you to notice the graphics. I don't like the way the game saves...nuff said. I would dearly love to lose the time limits and just go around and do it right and blow up everything. One last thing, if the technology exsists to make VTs (vertical tanks), I think that they could devise a way to keep them from falling over. Overall, a fun game with a cool controller, but maybe several other games could be even better for the same money. Customer service by the distributers in Illinois was EXCELLANT... I bought a used game that had the connector plates missing, called them and had new ones the Next Day! at NO cost! Hats off to them for that.
  
  
• Hardcore Gamer's R3jo1c3!!!
  By A1Z5GDNF1TF83F on 2005-01-09
  I recently purchased the Steel Battalion controller/game bundle and since then my brain has been fried. This is the most immmersive and realistic game I've ever played. Getting the behemoth of a controller setup takes a bit of mental effort as it's much easier to simply pop in Halo 2 and go than lug out the controller and foot pedals, but once it is set up, say goodbye to Halo 2!!! The game can be slightly slow paced at times, but only if your strategy is to make it that way, so play the game fast or slow, your choice! Sit back and snipe with the 315mm Smooth Bore rifle or run in at top speed (initial VT tops out at 115KM or so) with your plasma torch unsheathed and deliver a crushing blow! Be careful not to push the limits of your mech too much or you'll tip it over!! (Not a good thing when you have 3-4 converging lines of fire right where you land!) And with 24 missions the game has the longevity to keep you going! WARNING! - This game is not for casual gamers in search of a MechAssault experience! Make sure you are a fan of simulator games and can handle severe challenges!
  
  p.s. don't get killed!!! (Bad things happen)
  
  Ease of Use - 0/10
  Graphics - 7/10
  Controls - 10/10
  Simple, Plain Fun - 10/10
  
  
• Great way to take up space.
  By on 2003-02-19
  Great.....So now everyone can buy a joystick that costs well over 100 bucks with a game that's a duplicate of the Mech games except it's lacking graphics. Let's not forget the "FACT" that there is "NO" other game to use this garbage joystick with also. So what are all of you going to do with this giant hunk o' junk when they don't make a single game that works with it except for Steel Battalion?

  I give it one star because it might be useful as a coat hanger if you mount it to the wall.
  
  

• Big Mechs, Big Guns...need I say more?
  By A1LW8H962QD3YJ on 2002-12-06
  Basically it goes out to this... are you a Gundam fan? Are you a Armored Core fan? Are you a mech fan that wants to get one step closing to stepping on your 11th grade science teacher with a 100 ton mech?...well, uh that may be stepping out of bounds. Any though this game will rock the senses out of any mech fan, Gundam fans, Core fans, Mechwarrior fans will get a real adrenaline pump from this... it's like injects a mocha coffe straight into your veins after shooting up ten pounds of crack then jumping of a 100000 foot cliff, of course at first glance and play... sadly as all games the mega high (and I mean real mega high) does wear off, it gets tiring and boring. Depending on your dedication, like I said hard core mech fans should buy this without a thought, others... well i can't help you there. Bascially If you have time, patience espcially and the money grab it before it lights on fire this Xmas, I give it a 10 out of 10 on first apperence, I give it 10 out 10 on graphics, 10 out of 10 on sound, 10 out of ten for controls (how couldn't you?) 10 out of 10 for gameplay and finally 9 out of 10 for reply value, it does get boring... er. This game I think will always blow your mind when you play it, only problem is the size of the damn controller, hard to maintain in a small house like mine.
  
  
• HAHAHA....CAPITALISM
  By on 2003-12-03
  All those jokers trying to cash in asking ridiculous amounts of money...YOU CAN BUY THIS AT EB GAMES FOR $199.00 BRAND NEW ALL DAY EVERY DAY!
  
  
• Worth every penny!
  By A3SI0EU15B9T5L on 2004-03-05
  I know what you are thinking...200 bucks for ONE GAME?!
  Believe me, with the addition of Line of Contact (the XBOX LIVE disc) this is a game that you will be playing for a very long time. I am convinced that these huge walking metal tanks must truly exist somewhere for this level of detail to be realized. Pass on the next Tomb Raider you were going to buy and treat yourself to some dirty warfare instead!
  
  
• Online play is the only reason to buy this yet it's flawed
  By on 2004-03-06
  Seriously this game costs more than the console you should really think long and hard before buying it. The graphics aren't that great and it's an extremely annoying game to play. Online play is terrible right now. There are games to connect to yet you get dropped or can't connect from 99% of them. It's a terrible waste of money and the best thing to do is to not buy it and send them a emssage.
  
  
• BEST GAME EVER
  By A1EP8TBXQVFJED on 2005-07-16
  I play this game all the time. Everyone says its over priced, let me see you go buy 2 joysticks, shifter, and 3 pedals for less then $200. This game is most exciteing game i have ever played. And if you buy the online version it is great. There is a small comunity of people that play there all really nice and will give you money for free if you ask. People will give you lessons on how to play everyone very nice. There is a huge learning curve tho it takes a couple weeks to get to know the BIG controller. But once you do its so much fun.
  
  BEST GAME EVER MADE
  
  
  
• amazing!!!
  By A1PS7XNQ7R6YJ on 2002-11-22
  this game is absolutely incredible. the amount of detail they used on the controller, game, box, manuals, etc. really adds to the game value.

  and, instead of making a crap game and relying on the controller as a gimmick to boost sales, the gameplay is great!

  TOO BAD IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE IT, YOU PROBABLY NEVER WILL!!!

  that's right, kids. because of the price, they made a severly limited quantity of this great title. some stores were only shipped the number of preorders +1, and most were only shipped the preorders. that's right, they aren't( and probably won't ever be} on the shelves.

  and sorry to those who got their hopes up from the first review, but the developers are saying it is likely that the controller will only be supporting steel batallion titles.

  but who cares! it's easily the best of the year, and it'll keep me busy for quite some time.
  
  

• great?
  By A1ZUZS1JELDMG9 on 2002-11-26
  This game got a pretty fair review from game website. As far as the presentation goes, it is the most impressive game I have ever seen. I always dream to be able to control a giant robot. And I think this is as close as it gets for now. The controller with 40 buttons adds realism to the game. It is a definite must have for all the hard core gamer. I believe that this game will soon go online in 2003. is way too expensive consider all the gamer out there aren't printing their money for living!
  
  
• Great Game
  By A1OYZ4I4E96OSR on 2003-01-21
  The controller takes a little getting used to and storing it is another nightmare. The thing is huge. Graphics are average with what you expext from xbox games, but the game itself is awesome. The missions take you step by step with new features on the controller so that you don't have to learn every function at once. Keep the cover up on the eject button and be quick to use it when the time comes or you will regret it.
  
  
• Worth every dollar
  By on 2004-03-03
  I can't say enough about the new Steel Battalion. The controller makes you feel like you are really piloting a VT (vertical tank) Everything is there, from the triggers, right down to windshield wipers. And with Line of Contact out, it is even better being able to play with other VT pilots over Live. Not that everyone has a spare [$$$] laying around, but if you can pull it toghether, you will not be disappointed
  
  
• WAY OVERATED
  By AS7S1G7UCSARO on 2004-11-17
  OK, this is a great game, very unique and revolutionary, but please dont be fooled, this game is way overpriced, especially when u can go buy 4 other games for the price of this one. I am a seasoned gamer, and i decided to buy this game. It was fantastic for the first 2 hours, than it got old, diffuculty was raised rapidly, toward driving me crazy.
  Also, the controller feel VERY cheap, i was expecting something great out of this 40-button controller, but it's just mad out of cheap bendable plastic.
  So please, save your money, rent one, or borrow one from a friend..... or better yet, BUY ONE (i need to sell the one i have and get halo 2 ;) !!! )
  
  
  
  
• Expensive but fun
  By A16MHDG3P4WL56 on 2005-04-08
  Steel Battalion is expensive but fun.
  
  It comes with controllers to play the game. The footpeddles are sturdy.
  
  In Steel Battalion, you pilot a VT(vertical tank) though missions. The mech controls well even though the controls are hard to get used to. You generally have allies in these mission that help you comple your objectives. For the most part, these missions are hard.
  
  A flaw in Steel Battalion is the fact that there are not enough missions. There are only a few missions and I would like more. Also, it can be hard to bring out the controller to play the game.
  
  If you have the money, I suggest that you get it just for the experience.
  
  
• ONLY A HARD CORE GAMER WILL SPEND [A LOT] FOR THIS
  By A16GCMI7EQHORE on 2002-11-20
  LOOK.....DID MICRO NOT LEARN ANYTHING FROM FROM THE FAILURE OF THOSE RIDICULOUS [EXPENSIVE] XBOX BUNDLES TRYING TO MAKE YOU BUY ABOUT FIVE GAMES WITH THE SYSTEM? COME ON.....I LIKE THE XBOX BUT I AM NOT GOING TO SPEND [A LOT] ON A CONTROLLER THAT LOOKS LIKE IT CAN A WHEEL BLOCK FOR A BULL DOZER. ITS ALSO A LOT BIGGER THAN THE XBOX TOO TAKING UP SO MUCH SPACE THAT I ALMOST HAVE TO GET A TABLE TO MAKE IT GET USED CORRECTLY. "IF THE XBOX IS SO POWERFUL WHY DON'T THEY MAKE A CONTROLLER THAT IS LESS EXPENSIVE LIKE SAY THE FORCE FEED BACK CONTROLLERS?????" I LIKE MECH GAMES BUT MICRO HAS TURNED ME OFF FROM THIS ONE. I'LL SAVE MY MONEY FOR "MECH ASSAULT".
  
  
• STEEL BATTALION
  By on 2002-12-08
  This game is so cool but a little over price.
  
  

• The Official Xbox Magazine [1-year]
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Steel Battalion: Line of Contact
• Xbox Core Console USM
• Eye of Judgment
• Fable II, Limited Collector's Edition
• Playstation 3 Soul Calibur IV Arcade Stick