Steel Battalion (Xbox, 2002)

While it may be an older game, (2002), Steel Battalion is still the ultimate in Mech genre of games. If you are the type of gamer who thrives on highly complex, technical, and realistic(as realistic as running around in a 60' tall robot goes) this simulator is for you. I know that it may seem somewhat insane to create a huge 40 button, 2 joystick , 3 foot pedal controller for a single game, but, after having owned mine for the last 4 months I found that it hasn't lost it's magic ! The graphics are top notch, the play value is excellent, and if you are the type that loves the complex type of simulator ( falcon 4.0) you will enjoy it as much as I have . If you decide you need to own Steel Battalion , be warned , there are TWO variants out there. The North American version , will have artwork depicting a VT ( Vertical Tank )on the cover of the disc case. The Japanese version has a Ideogram on a red background on it's disc cover. The basic premise of this game is this. You are a rookie pilot attached to the 7th Special Panzer Division , 34th Battalion, 6th panzer troop. (see what I mean about detail) You are thrust into a military campaign, in the Hai Shi Dao region and embark upon a 10 mission campaign to quell the stem of rebellion. Throughout the campaign , you amass both combat points which allow for your promotions ( some of the more advanced vt's require you to be a certain rank) and supply points, which allows you to replace destroyed vt's, and request resupply helos in the field during the course of a mission. If you think that after 10 missions that the game is over, WRONG!!. completing the first campaign opens up the next one, with another 10 missions as well as 2 seperate paths! As stated before, the replay value of this game is great! Not only do you have multiple campaigns, you can continue playing to amass combat points , to be able to pilot ALL VT's . As well , Capcom decided to add a touch of realism to this simulator. You will notice that the controller has an eject button. Guess What? you will be using it a lot if you do not use you head in this game. If you do not punch out of your soon to detonate mech during the mission, You wind up having your character profile completely erased! and will have to start again at the first mission with a new profile( ain't no comin' back from dead in this game).One other note about Steel Battalion. When originally shipped the game came with what amounts to a VT' operators manualwhich is separate from the booklet found on the inside cover of the disc box. It is ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE that this manual is included with the game as it contains ALL the information you need to be able to decipher all the minute workings of the VT. If you are able to find one , Brady Games came out with a strategy guide as well. I have a copy, and have found it's technical data to be of great help in enjoying this simulator. If this is the type of game for you , I cannot recommend it enough

Well this game is not for the average Gamer! It's a SIM! You are drawn into the world of the future were warfare now includes three story tall Battle Tanks called VT's (vertical tanks). Once you become a pilot and sucessfully manage your training, it's off to war! The learning curve of this game is very steep. The game is only available for Xbox and includes a 40 buton twin joystick, 3 peddle controller. The game can only be used with the Controller. You can network several Xboxes and have Multiplayer battles with each other if you also have the Multiplayer CD. So a Complete Steel Battalion system includes 2 CD's, a VT Manual, and the Controller. It comes in a camou looking Ammo Box. The average price is around $200.00, but can be found on Ebay for less.

this game... i've wanted it since i've first seen a tiny picture of the controller in a gaming magazine. back then it cost more than an XBOX! but now i own one of the most unique console games in history... its just too bad they shut down the online servers for the second installation. this game RULES if you're big into simulation gaming (like me) the ONLY 40-button dual joystick controller AND 3 foot-pedal peripheral make this game one-of-a-kind!!

the learning curve with this game is pretty steep and the missions get more difficult as you go, but closing the hatch and starting up that mech make me giggle everytime, and theres about 10 different machines you can pilot.

FIVE STARS

This game is very entertaining to me. It is also one of those games where either you love it completely, or hate it completely. The first few times you play the game, you will probably spend hours upon hours cursing at the game. ;) Either because you are trying to memorize all those tiny little buttons on that huge controller, or because you are trying to get used to the physics of the game. Later on, after playing for a while, you will be cursing because you just barely missed a targeted time or a power up.

Either way, this game is fun, and honestly takes a step towards the ultimate improvement of simulation style video games. This game could be compared to the Armored Core series for Playstation and Playstation 2. I can only drool over the thought of what those games might have been like if they had a controller like this one built for them.

The only problem that i have seen with this game is the very steep learning curve. I would say that this game is recommended for fairly advanced, and VERY patient players. However, patience and a will to learn the game will prevail, and may even be preferred, over any previous experience with this type of game.

All in all, a very good game, but not quite excellent, due to the high ($100) initial price tag and steep learning curve.

I had read reviews of this game before, and decided to check it out. The game is brilliant! Graphics are amazing, and the controller is a must. I ahve played many games, and quite a few were mech games, but this beats them all out. It is one of the few games I have ever played played that I could not beat in a week, on EASY mode! Obviously the difficulty is sure to challenge players of all ages. I would recommend this game to all who love giant, high-powered walking tanks and simulator games/rides.