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Virtuoso
05-07-2002, 01:02 PM
Nothing totally new here but.............for those a little behind on this one here's a chance to get up to speed on this one.

Steel Battalion (Tekki)

Sometimes I wonder if there is some sort of unwritten law in video game land which states that all consoles must have at least three giant robots games available for them within a year of the system initially being released. The Dreamcast had Gundam 0079, Virtual On: Oratorio Tangrum, and Slave Zero in short order, the Playstation 2 had GunGriffin Blaze, Run=Dim, and Armored Core 2 among such monster mecha related titles to hit its library early on, and the XBox has Phantom Crash as well as Murakumo headed its way. Now Capcom is clocking in with their own giant robot title for Microsoft’s console called Steel Battalion (Tekki in Japan).

http://www.armchairempire.com/images/previews/xbox/steel-battalion/steel-battalion-1.jpg


Like any self-respecting developer, Capcom is staying largely tight-lipped on all the nitty-gritty details in regards to the game. We know there’s a little insurrection in the works in the game world of Steel Battalion and it’s up to players to fight off those that would like to take over. Outside of this, the plot is anyone’s guess. However, what players will be required to do should be quite evident: wreck havoc, but it's in a just sort of way, so don't sweat the ethics. You'll be told where there's trouble and you'll need to respond as the missions come at you, allowing you to fight enemy mecha and any other war machine they can throw at you. All the action takes place from an in-****pit viewpoint bringing a sense of "realism" to the game, as opposed to the over the shoulder camera view usually embraced by similar titles.

http://www.armchairempire.com/images/previews/xbox/steel-battalion/steel-battalion-7.jpg


In terms of gameplay approach, though, Steel Battalion is looking like quite the mecha sim, and yes, I do mean simulation. Up to this point nearly all mecha-based titles to hit console gaming have been arcade-like action affairs with fast, twitchy gameplay. This game looks like it will have a lot more in common with the MechWarrior games on the PC where everything from heat, to balance, to very hands-on weapons control will need to be considered and mastered in order to do well in the game.

Looking at the control this really isn’t too hard to fathom. The unit is absolutely gigantic, with over 40 buttons, 2 joysticks, throttle, and being divided up into three subdivided panels, the controller looks just like something you might find in an actual mecha ****pit. Hopefully there will be some especially good tutorials and training missions in the game to get properly accustomed to this enormous peripheral. It’s just amazing how large the thing looks.

http://www.armchairempire.com/images/previews/xbox/steel-battalion/steel-battalion-2.jpg


At this point the real hard details on Steel Battalion are sketchy at best. It’s nice to see a developer going for a slightly different vibe with their approach to the world of giant robots. We expect to have a lot of things cleared up regarding this game come E3.

- Mr. Nash

May 6, 2002

LINK:
http://www.armchairempire.com/Previews/Xbox/steel-battalion-tekki.htm


http://www.armchairempire.com/images/previews/xbox/steel-battalion/steel-battalion-3.jpg

http://www.armchairempire.com/images/previews/xbox/steel-battalion/steel-battalion-8.jpg




:cool:

Virtuoso
05-07-2002, 01:17 PM
And while I am in the mech game mood here is another promising mech game................Nothing new but good to keep in mind.............

http://www.eurogamer.net/pics/screenshots/mechassault_x/mar03b.jpg

MechAssault,” a futuristic sci-fi third-person shooter game, will allow gamers to command a huge walking tank known as a BattleMech. Players will battle foes and take out enemy structures while manoeuvring a huge BattleMech, or ’Mech, through a variety of environments. A dozen powerful BattleMechs are available in “MechAssault,” each with massive firepower. “MechAssault” features complete destruction on a level never seen before – everything in the world can be destroyed bit by bit. Gamers can play a variety of missions with multiple objectives that require tactics and skill. “MechAssault” on Xbox also will include online features.

http://www.eurogamer.net/pics/screenshots/mechassault_x/mar05b.jpg


Massive Destruction on a whole new level — Every structure, bridge, tower, or bus is fully destructible. Blow away everything in the world bit by bit. Blast the side of a building to expose rebar, hanging insulation, and even enemy snipers. Use the environment against your foes. Running low on ammo? Just drop that 20-story building on the infantry and save the firepower for the big guys.

Pilot one of a dozen devastating walking tanks — Gamers control the most awesome piece of military machinery ever created. Choose from a dozen unique and formidable BattleMechs each with enough firepower to level a city—literally!

Online and Split-screen multiplay — Battle your friends or enemies over the internet! Taunt your competition or strategize with your teammate with full voice communication. MechAssault will ship with complete Xbox online capability and split screen multiplay.

Upgrade your ’Mech mid-mission — Pre-mission BattleMech configuration and weapon upgrades within a mission allows players to customize the ’Mech chassis to suit style or mood. Swap out weapons, outfit your ’Mech with Jump Jets, or maximize your armor—the choice is yours.

Amazing special effects — Intense, jaw-dropping weapon and damage effects all but demand that the player fire a weapon just to see the effect on the environment. Lasers light up the sky, Particle Projection Cannons electrocute opponents, and magnetically accelerated slugs from the Gauss Rifle are a sight to behold.

http://www.eurogamer.net/pics/screenshots/mechassault_x/mar02b.jpg


Dynamic mission-based gameplay — Gamers will be given their military objectives by operatives on the ground and must figure out the best way to accomplish them. The fun starts once you hit the ground running as unexpected events turn routine missions into chaotic all-out frag fests.

Epic BattleTech storyline — Engaging heroic characters and stories draw upon the rich 15 year BattleTech history. Play as a member of the fierce WolfDragoon mercenaries and lay the smack down on some poor unsuspecting pirates.

Cinematic storytelling — A mission-based storyline punctuated with cinematic scenes provide key information and clues, as well as heighten the drama and importance of the events.

Awesome audio — Extensive voice messaging and themed interactive music changes to reflect and drive the pace of the current in-game situation; and audio that reflects the current and constantly changing state of the world are all featured. The experience is heightened using Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.


http://www.eurogamer.net/pics/screenshots/mechassault_x/mar04b.jpg

Unreal
05-07-2002, 02:13 PM
Guess who is here. Hello Virtuoso and yes your right it is a little old but one can never have enough info on Steel Battalion. :)