From the first time players open the box, they will surely be impressed by the size of the controller. Their friends will be impressed by the size of the price tag.
Capcom released Steel Battalion last week for the Xbox console. The game comes with a $200 price tag and a huge controller containing two joysticks, 40 buttons, and three pedals.
“It is totally and completely unnecessary, but it’s really, really cool,” said Jeff Janies, a computer science senior.
The game is based on standard battle-mech games where players go on missions to get more toys for their battle-mech. Players go in to stop a riot on an island ruled by a military dictatorship.
The game contains 23 missions for players to complete either using their VTs or commanding a squad of VTs. The game is heavily strategy-driven and requires thinking on the part of the players.
Players can customize their battle-mechs, or VTs (Vertical Tanks), to fit each mission. From changing weapons to changing the size and maneuverability of the VT, the game offers a lot of choices.
The controller contains a multitude of buttons that are used for anything from changing weapons to wiping the windshield to ejecting the pilot. That’s one problem with the game; if players don’t eject their pilot at the right time, they will lose their save file and be forced to start the game from the beginning.
The monstrous controller, including foot pedals, allows players to get more realism packed into an already realistic game. The battle-mechs themselves even require an ignition sequence to start up.
“It’s monstrous. I can’t believe that anyone would need something that big just to play one video game,” said Josh Roberts, a biological sciences senior. “I remember the days of the Atari with a single button and a single joystick.”
The game’s graphics are very detailed and realistic. This causes a bit of a problem because sometimes it is hard for players to tell what is happening on the screen. The game makes up for this with a number of sensors and monitors located in the cockpit.
The sound rewards people with a surround sound system as each bullet, rotor and explosion can be heard from its own direction. Much of the beauty of the sound for the game is lost when heard through TV speakers.
The controller and the game make a good match. The graphic and auditory realism of the game complements the controller’s detail well.
Right now, the controller only can be used with Steel Battalion, which will not accept a standard Xbox controller.
This game and its controller are only for players who like simulators. This game will not be enjoyed by all. Many people will find it too complicated or become frustrated by losing their save file.
The controller and the tailored design of the VTs make the game pretty complicated. Players will have a very hard time getting used to the controls and game system. For those who enjoy that kind of thing, it’s an excellent game.